2021 Ford Escape Hybrid Recalls & Complaints

Incident: September 18, 2026 · Filed: October 6, 2026

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.

Incident: October 3, 2026 · Filed: October 6, 2026

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 conditions. I am worried in slippery conditions it gets worse.

Incident: September 5, 2026 · Filed: September 8, 2026

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 caused by a faulty engine sensor. Given the severe safety hazard this created and the existing recalls associated with this vehicle model, I am requesting that this matter be fully addressed. I am currently being told that I will be required to pay for these repairs out of pocket, which I do not believe is appropriate for a critical safety failure. Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter. I look forward to your response regarding how this issue will be resolved.

Incident: March 15, 2026 · Filed: August 15, 2026

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.

Incident: February 1, 2026 · Filed: July 30, 2026

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 available. The contact stated that after retrieving the vehicle, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and erroneously accelerated into an intersection. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.

Incident: July 12, 2026 · Filed: July 20, 2026

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.

Incident: July 16, 2026 · Filed: July 16, 2026

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 service bay to report the problem. A maintenance tech came out and asked to drive it. When the vehicle was returned, I was told they felt it was the rear differential but would need to schedule another appointment so they could listen to it more, at a cost of $130 to diagnose. I researched this issue and found out that a recall has been issued for a different lot of VINs for 2021 Ford Escapes for this same issue due to installation errors or incorrect lubrication.

Incident: July 7, 2026 · Filed: July 15, 2026

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, VIN: [XXX] and to formally request reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses caused directly by the dealership's failure to prepare for my scheduled appointment. I scheduled a service appointment in February 2026 to address two outstanding safety recalls: •Recall 23B56 – Inspect front door check-arm reinforcement spot welds •Recall 23S27 – Underhood fire risk After waiting nearly five months, I was given an appointment on July 7, 2026. I dropped off my 2021 Ford Escape on July 7, 2026 as scheduled. At drop-off, I was informed the repairs would take multiple days, and I was told no loaner vehicle would be provided. Based on that, I rented a vehicle at my own expense to cover my transportation needs. The following day, I received a call from the service department informing me: 1.Recall 23B56 (Door Reinforcement): The dealership was unable to perform the repair because they had never ordered the required replacement door — despite having five months' notice from my original February 2026 booking. They stated they would "order it now." This is entirely unacceptable and reflects a clear failure of basic service planning. 2.Recall 23S27 (Underhood Fire): The dealership refused to perform Supporting documents attached : McCombs Ford service reference document & rental car invoice ($43.92) Reference details /dealership : MCCOMBS. 7111 N.W. LOOP 410 SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78238 (210) 509-1000 VIN: [XXX] 23S27 UNDER HOOD FIRE 26S14 FRONT WIPER MOTOR REPAIR 23E09 REPROGRAM POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE 23B56 INSPECT FRONT DOOR CHECK-ARM REINFORCEMENT SPOT WELDS 23N06 LONG BLOCK REPLACEMENT INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)