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severe Owners of the 2021 Ford Escape have filed 26 NHTSA complaints about the electrical at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 Escape | 123 |
| 2018 Escape | 41 |
| 2019 Escape | 28 |
| 2020 Escape | 108 |
| 2021 Escape (this page) | 26 |
| 2022 Escape | 15 |
| 2023 Escape | 34 |
| 2024 Escape | 26 |
A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Various 2020-2026 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with blind spot information system (BLIS) may experience an inoperative blind spot monitoring with a "Blind Spot System Fault" message displayed in the instrument panel cluster (IPC). This may also be accompanied by diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B118C:11 and/or B118C:15 stored in the driver door module (DDM), and/or B118D:11 and/or B118D:15 stored in the passenger door module (PDM). This may be due to the wiring connector from the mirror to the BLIS module. If diagnostics lead to an internal mirror wiring harness fault, a new lower level BLIS light pigtail is now released for service. It is not necessary to replace the exterior mirror as
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2020-2026 Escape and 2021-2026 Corsair vehicles equipped with a 2.5L engine may exhibit a fuel door that won't open with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P04CA stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to an open circuit on circuit SBB05 and/or a damaged splice S133. Before performing the pinpoint test for P04CA in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 310-00, inspect circuit SBB05 and splice S133 for damage such as an open circuit. Repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Diagram, Cell 005. If no damage is found, refer to WSM, Section 310-00 for normal diagnostics. For claiming use causal 14290 and labor operations 12650D, 12650D45, and 12650D45WR.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2021 Escape vehicles built on or before 9-Feb-2021 may exhibit a "Tire Mobility" message in the message center. This may be due to the software in the instrument panel cluster (IPC). To correct the condition, download and run the "IPC Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Configuration" application in the Ford Diagnostic and Repair System (FDRS) scan tool. If asked if the original module is still installed, answer NO. For claiming, use causal part 10849 and labor operations 12651D and 12651D4.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The 2021 Ford Escape has generated 18 complaints centered on electrical and safety failures. The most critical issue is sudden complete shutdown during driving, with owners reporting loss of steering and braking control simultaneously. On plug-in hybrid models, this occurs during EV-to-hybrid mode transition, leaving drivers immobilized in traffic lanes for 1–5 minutes. Dealer attempts to fix the issue by replacing the charger have failed.
High-voltage battery failure causes total electrical shutdown at highway speeds with zero warning. Owners also report fuel gauge failure, wild MPG display fluctuations, and charging system problems that persist even after alternator and battery replacement. One owner's vehicle caught fire while parked with no warning.
The auto start/stop feature activates unintentionally at low speeds, disabling the engine when owners need braking. This has resulted in brake failure and accidents into property.
A dangerous design flaw exists with rear seat belt receptacles: the right-rear buckle can insert into the center receptacle without engaging, yet the buckle's angle holds it temporarily, creating a false sense of security for children who believe they're properly restrained.
Multiple electrical components fail: wiring harness shock hazard during A/C service, sunroof fabric derailing on tracks, door spot welds cracking with loss of window and lock function, and dashboard/infotainment power loss. Several owners report recalls with parts unavailable or manufacturers denying coverage despite campaign numbers cited.
Same Ford Escape electrical reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019 · 2020 · 2022 · 2023
Complete electrical shutdown while driving with no warning. High voltage battery fails in plug-in hybrid models, causing total power loss.
When: 59,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle shut off while driving at 65 MPH; complete loss of electrical power; no warning light
Codes mentioned: 25V789000
Repairs/costs cited: High voltage battery replacement required; recall repair not yet available at time of report
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 25V789000 (Electrical System); recall remedy unavailable per owner report
Complete vehicle shutdown during EV-to-hybrid mode transition with simultaneous loss of steering and braking capability. Vehicle becomes immobilized in traffic. Occurs repeatedly, often during high-traffic periods.
When: Multiple incidents February–May 2026
Symptoms owners cite: sudden complete shutdown during mode transition; brief air-escape sound before shutdown; steering wheel locks and cannot turn; brake pedal locks and cannot be depressed; gear selector locks in Drive; inability to steer or brake for 1-5 minutes; immobilization in active traffic lanes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced original Ford-supplied charger; defect persisted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 25SC4 (no remedy available per owner); Ford documentation contradicts owner's experience regarding steering and brake functionality during shutdown
Gateway module stops communicating, preventing vehicle inspection and maintenance testing. Module requires reprogramming.
When: 45,160 miles
Symptoms owners cite: gateway module not communicating; unable to pass state inspection
Codes mentioned: Ford Campaign 22N15
Repairs/costs cited: Gateway module reprogramming needed; dealer charged for repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle not covered under Campaign 22N15; manufacturer denied coverage
Auto Start/Stop feature activates and shuts down engine while driving at low speeds without driver command. Requires manual intervention to restart vehicle.
When: 7,000 miles; also reported in #5 at multiple instances in 2021–2022
Symptoms owners cite: auto stop shuts down engine during low-speed driving; no warning lights; vehicle stops unexpectedly while backing down driveway or entering freeway; inability to brake properly during shutdown
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic unable to determine cause; second incident (#5) involved accident into neighbor's porch and fence due to brake failure during auto-stop shutdown
Fuel tank gauge drops rapidly from quarter-tank to empty without actual fuel depletion. Gauge does not reflect true fuel level.
When: 21,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: fuel gauge drops from 1/4 tank to empty suddenly; no warning lights; discrepancy between gauge reading and actual fuel level
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel tank replacement required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but provided no assistance
Severe fuel economy degradation with erratic MPG display. Dashboard shows wildly fluctuating fuel consumption readings (6–99.9 MPG) that do not reflect actual consumption. Associated with ticking engine noise and multiple electrical faults.
When: 13,000 miles used, early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: rapid fluctuation of MPG display between extreme values; ticking noise in engine at times; actual fuel consumption much worse than indicated; heating element code; USB charging ports throwing codes and non-functional
Codes mentioned: heating element code, USB charging port codes
Repairs/costs cited: Customer reports high-pressure fuel injector recall exists for other 2021 Escapes but owner's VIN only covered under customer satisfaction program, not full recall
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: High-pressure fuel injector recall available for some 2021 Escapes; owner's vehicle only under customer satisfaction program
A/C service wiring harness poses electrical shock hazard. Technician was shocked and burned during A/C service. Vehicle deemed unsafe to drive.
When: 39,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: technician shocked and burned on wiring harness during A/C service; vehicle unsafe to drive per technician
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness replacement needed; part on backorder
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but offered no assistance
Vehicle fire originated in front of vehicle while parked under carport. No warning signs or indications prior. Fire spread to owner's house, causing total vehicle loss and significant house damage.
When: Parked during daytime
Symptoms owners cite: smoke detected from front of vehicle; fire ignition while parked; no prior warning indicators
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle total loss; house unlivable pending repairs
Dashboard and infotainment system lose power suddenly. Vehicle struggles to start. Emissions or evaporative fault code triggered. Associated with engine smell leaking into cabin. Complete steering and power loss reported during highway driving.
Symptoms owners cite: entire dashboard/infotainment interface loses power suddenly; struggling to start; emissions or evap code; engine smell leaking into cabin; poor cabin thermoregulation; complete steering loss on highway; complete power loss on highway; headlights popping or burning out frequently
Codes mentioned: emissions code, evap code
Headlights dim and brighten intermittently. Alternator and battery replaced but problem persists or worsens. Vehicle experiences complete power loss when approaching traffic lights.
Symptoms owners cite: headlights constantly dimming in and out; vehicle struggles to accelerate at running temperature; high engine revs without acceleration response; complete power loss after approaching red light; severe signs of power deficiency after restart
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator and battery replaced without resolving issue
Sunroof fabric lining falls off tracks when roof moves. Lining drops and nearly blinds driver while vehicle in motion on highway.
When: One week after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: sunroof lining falls off tracks when roof moves back; lining nearly covers driver's eyes and face; no prior warning or symptoms; complete inspection passed at dealership before purchase
Left driver door spot welds fail, causing popping sounds and mechanical failure. Door loses catch/latch position. Door electronics fail, including window and lock functions.
When: Out of warranty at time of report
Symptoms owners cite: popping sound from left driver door when opening/closing; door has no catch when opening until completely open; window up/down function inoperative; locking/unlocking function inoperative
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost $2,600; Ford contributed $900 as out-of-warranty goodwill
Rear seat belt receptacles are too narrow and tightly spaced. Right-rear buckle can be inserted into center receptacle without proper engagement. Buckle's angled metal allows it to hold temporarily despite not clicking into place. This creates false sense of security for child. Booster seat installation exerts excessive force on receptacles.
When: 1 hour into trip; installation of booster seat
Symptoms owners cite: right-rear buckle can insert into center receptacle without engagement; no click feedback to confirm proper attachment; metal buckle angle holds it in place temporarily despite improper insertion; child believes he is strapped in when he is not; dashboard warning indicates seat belt undone; insufficient space between receptacles to attach buckle when booster seat installed
Repairs/costs cited: Requires significant force to attach buckle with booster seat installed; design prevents proper buckle seating
Driver assistance features generate false warnings. Forward collision warning activates with no objects ahead. Vehicle attempts to steer driver off road. Speed limit sign recognition displays incorrect limits.
Symptoms owners cite: forward collision warning with nothing in front of vehicle; vehicle tries to pull driver off road; speed limit display shows 80 mph when actual limit is 45 mph; steering wheel prompts hand placement when both hands already on wheel
Engine cuts off completely when vehicle is stopped at red lights. Engine restart required to continue driving.
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle cuts off when stopped at traffic lights; requires manual restart to continue driving
Synthesized from 26 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
It's a meaningful issue. 26 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
Based on the 26 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 34,232 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover electrical issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.