2021 Ford Escape Hybrid recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. The engine crankshaft may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.
What could happen: Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the crankshaft and replace the engine, as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed March 2, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2021 ESCAPE HYBRID.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 22V109000 (manufacturer code 22S10).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-436-7332.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Escape Hybrid vehicles. The engine crankshaft may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.
Consequence: Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the crankshaft and replace the engine, as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed March 2, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S10.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Transmission / drivetrain (3), Vehicle Speed Control (2), Electrical system (2), Wheels / tires (1), Brakes (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
10/06/2026 · Vehicle Speed Control
The ABS system fails to engage If the vehicle is coming to a stop and there is even the slightest bump on the road. ABS disengages the brakes which follows with a rapid acceleration of the vehicle instead of slowing down. Issue occurs even If one of the rear tires feels a slight bump. This issue occurs even on dry and hot conditions unrelated to slippery co…
10/06/2026 · Transmission / drivetrain
within the first minute of engine start there is a high-voltage buzzing sound following with a minor smoke smell coming either from the engine bay or back of the car. You could hear this sound from outside, especially my neighbors witnessed the sound from the sidewalk. when it happens it suddenly loses power and control of the vehicle. I reported this issue…
09/08/2026 · Transmission / drivetrain
On Saturday at approximately 8:25 p.m., my 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid SEL abruptly entered limp mode while traveling on a major highway. The vehicle's speed rapidly dropped from approximately 60-65mph to 20 mph in heavy, high-speed (many driving over 70mph)traffic. I immediately activated my hazard lights and exited the highway at the first opportunity, narrow…
08/15/2026 · Electrical system
The fuel door actuator malfunctioned, rendering the emergency release ineffective. This necessitated a replacement at 30,000 miles or four years from the manufacturing date. We believe that an inoperable fuel door presents a significant safety concern.
07/30/2026 · Transmission / drivetrain
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated and failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was parked on the side of the road and was later towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was serviced by the dealer. No further information was…
07/20/2026 · Seat belts
Seatbelt locks in position on the passenger side. Must stop car let seatbelt retract all the way and reattach seatbelt. Dealer wanted $225 to diagnose problem if they could not find and/or duplicate issue.
07/16/2026 · Unknown Or Other
After picking my vehicle up from a day and a half of recall repairs, I immediately experienced a rubbing sound and a shuddering when I turned my wheels to the right and moved forward as I attempted to drive away from the parking space. There were no issues when turning the wheels to the left to back out of the parking space. I immediately pulled into the se…
07/15/2026 · Body / structure
Subject: Formal Complaint – Recall 23B56 & 23S27 + Rental Car Reimbursement Demand – McCombs Ford (7111 NW Loop 410) To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding the unacceptable service I experienced at McCombs Ford West, located at 7111 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX, concerning two open safety recalls on my 2021 Ford Escape, V…