2021 Ford Escape Hybrid electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 6, 2026WIElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & 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 to Ford helpdesk but they mentioned there was no recall for my VIN. It almost feels like it would electrocute someone.

   NHTSA complaint #11769384 · source
2. Filed Aug 15, 2026NCElectrical 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.

   NHTSA complaint #11757082 · source
3. Filed Jul 7, 2026SCElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   While driving the vehicle it lost power and all the check lights came on. Had to have it towed to a dealership where they stated it needed a new motor and new high voltage battery. The car has only 116000 miles on it. There should be a total recall for this type of vehicle if I would have been at a higher speed I would have injured myself or others. This car is riddled with problems and has over 19 recalls as of date.

   NHTSA complaint #11748768 · source
4. Filed Jun 15, 2026UTDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise Control

   While vehicle is set on cruise control , set at 70 MPH , ( or set to any other speed) , anytime the speed limit changes to 80 MPH (or other change) Car accelerates and cruise control is set to 100 MPH . It also accelerates and resets to 90 -100 MPH at random . It is frightening and dangerous to have my car randomly accelerate. I have attempted to pass a vehicle, when my car randomly accelerates to 100 MPH . This is very dangerous and can happen at any random time . The lane…

   NHTSA complaint #11744318 · source
5. Filed Jul 24, 202536,702 miILElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being Emissions tested, the contact was informed that the OBD Port was inoperable, and the emissions test could to be performed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed OBD Port. The contact was informed that the OBD Port needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under an unknown recall or…

   NHTSA complaint #11676010 · source
6. Filed May 22, 2025ILElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact was informed at a State Inspection that the gateway module had failed and needed to be replaced to complete the State Inspection. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the gateway module was updated. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 22N15. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied reimbursement for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 14,300. A complaint was filed with…

   NHTSA complaint #11662542 · source
7. Filed May 13, 2025OHElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   I was leaving work and my 2021 Ford Escape hybrid started but then a triangle warning light came on, a "stop safely now" warning appeared and the car shut off. There were no problems prior to this event. I had the vehicle towed to a Ford dealership in February where they replaced the 12v battery and the machine needed to diagnose the electrical issue was down. Yesterday I finally got news that it was firing code P0DE6 and the hybrid battery needs replaced as well. There have…

   NHTSA complaint #11660628 · source
8. Filed Apr 24, 2025TXElectrical SystemVisibility & Wipers

   The contact owns 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side window failed to operate as designed and was stuck in the open position and failed to close. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who repaired the vehicle. No further information was available. The contact stated that the failure recently reoccurred with the rear driver’s side window. Additionally, the instrument cluster malfunctioned, and the contact was unable to view the speedometer…

   NHTSA complaint #11656584 · source
9. Filed Mar 3, 2025129,000 miKSElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the high-voltage battery had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the dealer reset the check engine warning light. The contact stated that the following day after the reset, the check engine warning light illuminated a second time. The contact…

   NHTSA complaint #11645966 · source
10. Filed Nov 21, 202446,000 miMAElectrical System

    The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact was informed at a State Inspection that the gateway module had failed and needed to be replaced to complete the State Inspection. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the module smart data link was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 22N15. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied reimbursement for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately…

    NHTSA complaint #11626665 · source
11. Filed Nov 15, 202446,000 miMAElectrical System

    The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was inspected, it failed the emissions inspection. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the communication module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact became aware of customer satisfaction 22n15 as a probable cause for the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,000.

    NHTSA complaint #11625566 · source
12. Filed Oct 8, 2024WAElectrical SystemOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

    Parked car in garage on saturday like normally done for 3+ years. Next thing, car is completely unresponsive. Will not start, honk doesnt work, no lights nothing. If this happened in the middle of the road (and it has happened to other drivers), its a safety issue. Tried jump starting, nothing works.

    NHTSA complaint #11618658 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology