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The 2021 Escape is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.
The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2021 Ford Escape owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.
Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
""Front brake pads were 60% left, but rear brake pads were down to 20%""
Anonymous, ON (2021 Ford Escape SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.
""September of 2024 at approx. 80,000 mi transmission started slipping. Local shop said they found metal shavings and recommended replacement. They replaced it with a new transmission from a dealer for approx. $8500. Seems to be ok since.""
Anonymous A., MI (2021 Ford Escape SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)"April 2025 car started shifting hard. May 2025 took in to mechanic. Said the transmission is bad and cant drive it. July 2025 waiting on brand new transmission to be installed."
Anonymous, IL (2021 Ford Escape SE Unsure)Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.
""Car just started running rough and then quit running lll together. This happened within 15 minutes. Dealer said it was because of bad oilsaid we hadnt changed oil. But we had and had synthetic oil that was to last 10,000 miles. We only had 5000 miles on the oil. We still had to pay for new engine.""
Anonymous, MO (2021 Ford Escape Hybrid SE Unsure)Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.
"Would not stay connected to the phone. Would go back to home screen repeatedly."
Anonymous, CA (2021 Ford Escape SE 1.5-L 3 Cyl turbo)Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.
"The hood is loose and has been adjusted several times. It makes a plane noise at high speeds on windy days."
Anonymous, IL (2021 Ford Escape Unsure Unsure)Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.
Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.
Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.
AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.
Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.
Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.
Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.
Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.
Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.
Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.
Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.
Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.
""Rear calipers had to be replaced, plus new rotors, both front and rear replaced.Pricey!""
Anonymous, ON (2021 Ford Escape SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)