2021 Ford Escape Hybrid engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

36 owners have reported engine problems with the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid, 29% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 14,500 mi.

Engine complaints
36
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
14,500 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine36

Engine complaints across Ford Escape Hybrid years

220086520203620213420223202312024
Engine complaints by model year. The 2021 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k110k–30k30k–60k60k–100k100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 22V109000Feb 24, 2022155 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

    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.

    Risk: 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.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 8, 2026NCEngineTransmission & 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, narrowly avoiding a serious fatal collision. Today, Crossroads Ford in Apex, North Carolina, informed me that the issue was…
    NHTSA complaint #11762910 · source
  2. 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
  3. Filed Mar 30, 2025TXEngine
    My engine failed while driving. Towed to Ford dealership, found out about recall 23S27. Symptoms were the EXACT same but ford is refusing to cover warranty repairs because they said it did not throw the proper code. However ford has offered to cover half of the engine replacement, leaving me with a $4000 bill. Do I have any options? Is there a system of checks and balances that assures that ford is doing everything correctly on their end?
    NHTSA complaint #11651570 · source
  4. Filed Dec 2, 2024INEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    I purchased my car in September and in October my check engine light came on and a wrench light. I think could not go above 30MPH.
    NHTSA complaint #11628436 · source
  5. Filed Sep 12, 2024AZEngine
    Had software update performed by dealer for 23S27 recall. Two weeks later sitting at a light amber box appeared that said check manual and had a picture of a wrench clicked ok to dismiss. Light changed and proceeded to make my left turn with no power. Looked back at dash and now MIL lamp (check engine) is lit. Pulled over, shut the car off and went to use rest room hoping car would reset itself. No joy car is in full blown limp mode 30 mph max. Called dealer and they said…
    NHTSA complaint #11614119 · source
  6. Filed May 27, 2024VAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
    Recall 23S27 (NHTSA 23V-380). I do not feel that Ford is offering owners a safe or effective repair, leaving serious risk of injury or death. 1.7/2022. Recall 22S47. “Engine oil and/or fuel vapor may leak and accumulate” which “may ignite resulting in an under hood fire, and increasing the risk of injury.” 2.8/8/22. Ford Media to UPI, “IN THE EVENT OF AN ENGINE FAILURE” above issues may occur. 3.5/26/23. Recall 23S27 acknowledges, “ENGINE COULD FAIL PREMATURELY,” leading to…
    NHTSA complaint #11590887 · source
  7. Filed May 7, 2024OKEngine
    Safety Recall Notice 23S27 - Engine Failure - How does UPDATING THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE fix an internal engine manufacturing problem? Does this correct the internal engine manufacturing issue with these vehicles? Or is this just a fire prevention issue? This fix seems similar to the previous fix of drilling holes in the pan under the engine to allow the leaking oil to drain out, thereby preventing a fire. This fix appears to be a band-aid to avoid correcting the…
    NHTSA complaint #11587486 · source
  8. Filed Apr 25, 2024MAEngine
    The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V380000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
    NHTSA complaint #11585256 · source
  9. Filed Apr 18, 2024WIElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    vehicle was recalled 11+ months ago, but no remedy as yet been found. If the issue was so serious, why no repair procedure has been determined?
    NHTSA complaint #11583767 · source
  10. Filed Apr 12, 2024MIEngine
    I formally request an investigation on the reason for delay and reporting of incidents occured. Recall notice 23S27 / 23V380 is going on ONE YEAR and STILL NO REMEDY! FordPass recall incomplete, remedy not yet available. If my engine catches on fire and I can't get my newborn out of the car seat in time and anyone is hurt or injured as a result of this incompetence then what? My vehicle is now leaking oil and it can be smelled in the passenger compartment.
    NHTSA complaint #11582564 · source
  11. Filed Apr 10, 2024CAEngine
    The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V380000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact…
    NHTSA complaint #11582227 · source
  12. Filed Mar 21, 2024CAEngine
    This repair fix was suppose to be available by October 2023. We are still waiting, and it seems that this could be a dangerous situation if the car stops running and oil is released and a fire starts. Our local Ford dealership seems to be in the dark about when a fix will be available. Maybe the NHTSA needs to urge Ford to hurry up and find the fix for this situation.
    NHTSA complaint #11578783 · source

Other 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid problem areas

  • Body & Structure (32)
  • Electrical System (23)
  • Other / Unknown (17)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (14)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (12)
  • Brakes (7)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (6)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (4)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (3)
  • Wheels & Tires (1)
  • Visibility & Wipers (1)
  • Airbags (1)

Back to all 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid problems →

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