Recall Register

2021 Ford Escape: recalls and complaints

NHTSA lists 19 recall campaigns for the 2021 Ford Escape. The newest campaign is 26V123000. NHTSA received the report on 3 Mar 2026. The NHTSA record gives the component Back Over Prevention / Software. NHTSA has no complaint on file for this model year. 2 NHTSA investigations name this model year.

The NHTSA recall file shows no do-not-drive advisory and no park-outside advisory on these campaigns.

This page cannot show if a recall applies to one vehicle. The NHTSA VIN lookup shows the unrepaired recalls of one vehicle.

Remedy of the newest campaign, 26V123000, in the NHTSA record

Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.

Complaint information entered into NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation vehicle owner's complaint database is used with other data sources to identify safety issues that warrant investigation and to determine if a safety-related defect trend exists.

NHTSA publishes these words. Source: NHTSA Datasets and APIs, section Complaints, read on . Complaint file through . Recall file through .

Since the last update

No tracked figure of this page changed in a data update. What the log tracks

All updates to the register

Recall campaigns

19 campaigns, newest first. 3,871,269 units in total.

  • 26V123000Back Over Prevention / Software
  • 26V117000Visibility / Windshield Wiper/Washer / Motor
  • 25V829000Structure / Body / Hatchback/Liftgate / Hinge and Attachments
  • 25V685000Equipment / Electrical / Engine Block Heater
  • 25V467000Fuel System, Gasoline / Fuel Injection System
  • 25V442000Back Over Prevention / Software
  • 25V345000Engine
  • 25V165000Fuel System, Gasoline / Fuel Injection System
  • 24V954000Electrical System / Propulsion System / Traction Battery / Management System/Energy Control Module (Bms/Becm)
  • 24V852000Equipment / Other / Labels
  • 24V330000Power Train / Automatic Transmission / Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
  • 23V380000Engine
  • 22V859000Fuel System, Gasoline / Fuel Injection System
  • 22V484000Structure / Body / Bumpers / Active Shutters/Grill
  • 22V191000Engine and Engine Cooling / Engine / Oil/Lubrication
  • 22V149000Hybrid Propulsion System
  • 21V922000Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Foundation Components / Disc / Caliper
  • 21V869000Electrical System / Propulsion System / Traction Battery
  • 21V625000Fuel System, Gasoline / Delivery / Fuel Pump / Control/Drive Module
  1. 26V123000Received . 889,950 units.

    Back Over Prevention / Software

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.

    Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 26C11. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  2. 26V117000Received . 604,533 units.

    Visibility / Windshield Wiper/Washer / Motor

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S14. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.

    Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 26S14.

  3. 25V829000Received . 108,762 units.

    Structure / Body / Hatchback/Liftgate / Hinge and Attachments

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2025 Escape vehicles. The liftgate hinge covers may not be properly secured and detach from the vehicle.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    A detached liftgate hinge cover can create a distraction or a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Dealers will inspect and reinstall, or replace any missing liftgate hinge covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD6. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 3, 2025.

    Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 25SD6. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  4. 25V685000Received . 59,006 units.

    Equipment / Electrical / Engine Block Heater

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.

    Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 25SA4.

  5. 25V467000Received . 694,271 units.

    Fuel System, Gasoline / Fuel Injection System

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Dealers will update the engine control software. In addition, dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel rail assembly and fuel injectors, free of charge. As an interim repair, dealers will update the engine control software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 29, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in July 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S76. This recall expands and replaces previous recall numbers 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165 will need to have the new final remedy performed once it is available.

    Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 25S76.

  6. 25V442000Received . 200,237 units.

    Back Over Prevention / Software

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

    Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 25S72. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  7. 25V345000Received . 1,809 units.

    Engine

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2021-2023 Corsair, and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines that were repaired incorrectly under recall 23V380. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S54.

    Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 25S54. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  8. 25V165000Received . 33,576 units.

    Fuel System, Gasoline / Fuel Injection System

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 22V-859 or 24V-187. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S21.

    Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 25S21. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  9. 24V954000Received . 20,484 units.

    Electrical System / Propulsion System / Traction Battery / Management System/Energy Control Module (Bms/Becm)

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ford Escape, and 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Owners are advised not to charge battery till the remedy has been completed. Dealers will perform a battery energy control module (BECM) software update, and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 30, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S79.

    Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 24S79. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  10. 24V852000Received . 27,678 units.

    Equipment / Other / Labels

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.

    Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 24C39. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  11. 24V330000Received . 9,312 units.

    Power Train / Automatic Transmission / Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2020-2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S33.

    Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 24S33. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  12. 23V380000Received . 125,322 units.

    Engine

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick, and 2021-2023 Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will replace the engine long-block in 2023 Escape and Corsair vehicles. For the other vehicles, dealers will update the powertrain control module software. If a connecting rod bearing failure is detected, dealers will replace the engine long-block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S27. This recall expands and replaces recall number 22V-484. Vehicles previously repaired under 22V-484 will need to have the new remedy completed.

    Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 23S27. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  13. 22V859000Received . 521,746 units.

    Fuel System, Gasoline / Fuel Injection System

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Dealers will update the engine control software to include fuel injector leak detection and install a drain tube, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed January 9, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 1st Quarter of 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S73. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 22V-191. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-191 will need to have the new remedy performed.

    Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 22S73. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  14. 22V484000Received . 100,689 units.

    Structure / Body / Bumpers / Active Shutters/Grill

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair, and 2022 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will modify the under engine shield and active grille shutter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S47.

    Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 22S47. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  15. 22V191000Received . 345,451 units.

    Engine and Engine Cooling / Engine / Oil/Lubrication

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. The engine oil separator housing may crack and develop an oil leak.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Dealers will inspect the oil separator for damage or oil leaks, and replace the oil separator and seals, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S21.

    Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 22S21. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  16. 22V149000Received . 3 units.

    Hybrid Propulsion System

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Corsair and 2021-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with a 2.5L Hybrid powertrain. The high voltage battery may fail, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Dealers will replace the high voltage battery, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S48.

    Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 21S48. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  17. 21V922000Received . 114,666 units.

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Foundation Components / Disc / Caliper

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles. The rear brake linings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can affect braking performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    During certain situations, the driver may have to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be extended, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Dealers will replace the front brake pads, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 17, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C31.

    Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 21C31. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  18. 21V869000Received . 1 unit.

    Electrical System / Propulsion System / Traction Battery

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling one 2021 Escape vehicle equipped with a 2.5L hybrid powertrain. The high voltage battery may fail, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    A dealer will replace the high voltage battery, free of charge. The owner notification letters were mailed December 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S48.

    Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 21S48. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  19. 21V625000Received . 13,773 units.

    Fuel System, Gasoline / Delivery / Fuel Pump / Control/Drive Module

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles. The fuel delivery module may leak inside the fuel tank, causing low fuel pressure which could result in an engine stall.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. Interim notification letters (remedy not available) were mailed on September 30, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 14, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S38.

    Report filed by Ford Motor Company. Manufacturer campaign number 21S38. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

The campaign number opens the NHTSA record. Each quotation is the text of the NHTSA recall file.

Recall campaign: One recall in the NHTSA recall file, with one campaign number. A campaign can name many makes, models and model years.

Units: The number of vehicles or products that a recall can include. The manufacturer or the firm reports the number to the agency.

Complaints by component

The NHTSA complaint file has no complaint for this model year.

Investigations

NHTSA investigations that name the 2021 Ford Escape
NumberTypeSubjectComponentOpenedClosedCampaign
PE23013Preliminary evaluationFailed Door Check Arm Attachment PointStructure / Body / Door7 Jul 202324 Jan 2024
AQ22002Audit queryHealey Brothers Ford / Open Recall SaleFuel System, Gasoline / Delivery / Fuel Pump / Control/Drive Module3 Jun 2022Open

Investigation: A study of a possible safety defect by the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. An investigation with no closing date in the NHTSA file is open.

Other model years

The number under each year is the number of recall campaigns.

Official channels

Cite this page

Recall Register. 2021 Ford Escape: recalls and complaints. https://recallregister.com/vehicle/ford/escape/2021/. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, recall, complaint and investigation files. Data through .

Sources

Source
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Licence
US government work, public domain
Recall file through
29 Sep 2026
Complaint file through
15 May 2019
First complaint in the file
1 Jan 1995
Manufacturer in the recall file
Ford Motor Company

The NHTSA record is the authority. A complaint count is the number of different complaint numbers for the make, the model and the model year. How the register is made. Report an error.

Questions

How many units are in the recall campaigns for the 2021 Ford Escape?
3,871,269 units in 19 campaigns. A campaign can name other models and model years, and its units include them.
How many recall campaigns does the Ford Escape have for all model years?
NHTSA lists 95 recall campaigns for the Ford Escape, model years 2000 to 2026. 19 of them name the 2021 model year.
Is an NHTSA investigation of the 2021 Ford Escape open?
1 investigation has no closing date in the NHTSA file, of 2 that name this model year.