Some 2021-2024 Edge/Nautilus, 2021-2025 Bronco/Bronco Sport/E-Series/Escape/Corsair/Expedition/Navigator/Explorer/Aviator/F-150/F-Super Duty/Mustang/Ranger, and 2022-2025 Maverick vehicles may require an A/C compressor clutch assembly replacement be performed for various concerns. Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 412-00 Removal and Installation has been updated to eliminate the need to remove and install the A/C compressor to change out the A/C Compressor clutch assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Ford Escape engine problems
severe Owners of the 2021 Ford Escape have filed 24 NHTSA complaints about the engine at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
24
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 Escape | 1,671 |
| 2018 Escape | 1,207 |
| 2019 Escape | 304 |
| 2020 Escape | 57 |
| 2021 Escape (this page) | 24 |
| 2022 Escape | 21 |
| 2023 Escape | 18 |
| 2024 Escape | 9 |
1crash
2fires
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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.
Some 2020 Continental, 2020-2024 Edge/Nautilus, 2020-2025 Explorer/Aviator/Escape/Corsair/F-150/F-Super Duty/Ranger/Transit/E-Series, 2021-2025 Bronco, and 2022-2025 Maverick vehicles may require an engine cooling system flush to be performed for various concerns. Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-03 has been updated to eliminate the need to remove and install the radiator assembly to perform a radiator flush.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗In some of the affected vehicles, after safety recall 23S27 has been performed, the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may illuminate and store Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P1061 and/or P032F. This could be due to a faulty connecting rod bearing that was detected by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Reason for supplement: labor allowances/program term updates
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2021-2022 Model Year Corsair, 2020-2022 Model Year Escape and 2022-2023 Model Year Maverick Vehicles Equipped With 2.5L HEV/PHEV Engine Long Block Replacement In some of the affected vehicles, after safety recall 23S27 has been performed, the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may illuminate and store Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P1061 and/or P032F. This could be due to a faulty connecting rod bearing that was detected by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods. Ford has evaluated turbochargers replaced for oil leak symptoms and although oil may collect on the external surface of a turbocharger, it is extremely rare for a turbocharger assembly to be the root cause of the oil leak. Careful inspection of the turbocharger oil feed and drain tubes should be performed along with the recommended WSM procedures as needed. Warranty claims for turbocharger replacement going forward will be assessed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2021 Ford Escape are reporting two critical fire-related defects: fuel injector cracks (NHTSA Recall 25V467, issued July 2025) and engine overheating (Recall 22S73, issued January 2023). Multiple owners describe under-hood fires preceded by coolant warning lights or sudden acceleration loss. As of March 2026, owners state fuel injector repair parts remain unavailable despite notification they were in stock—nearly eight months post-recall with no remedy available.
Coolant system failures stand out as a recurring thread: one vehicle caught fire with black smoke while the owner was driving; another lost all coolant without visible leaks at 19,500 miles; others experienced coolant explosions mid-drive. Engine overheating happens without prior temperature gauge warning in several cases.
Beyond fire risk, owners report engine hesitation and surging on acceleration, shuddering and abnormal noises at highway speeds, idle drop and RPM loss, and stalling at gas pumps tied to the evaporative system. One owner was told by a dealer there is "no remedy" for the vibration failure. Dealerships cite parts shortages and system unavailability, and in one case refused responsibility for missing exhaust bracket installation.
One fuel injector recall complaint filed nearly a year after recall issuance emphasizes the family safety risk from delayed repair parts availability.
Same Ford Escape engine reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019 · 2020 · 2022 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Engine Overheating / Coolant System Failure
Coolant warning light illumination, loss of coolant with no visible leaks, engine overheating without prior warning gauge indication, and in one case coolant explosion while driving. One vehicle caught fire after overheating.
When: Mileage 35,000 to 39,700; one incident at unknown mileage on highway
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant warning light illumination; Engine overheating; Loss of coolant with no visible leaks; Sudden coolant explosion; Black smoke from engine; Engine stall after overheating warning; Vehicle fire initiated from engine bay
Codes mentioned: P3402
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had oil pan replaced; overheating conditions themselves not repaired in most cases. One vehicle destroyed by fire.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 22S73 (NHTSA 22V859) issued January 2023 but corrective action delayed into Fall/Winter 2023. Owners report remedy unavailable or unknown.
Fuel System Defect / Fuel Injector Crack
Under-hood fire risk from cracked fuel injectors. NHTSA Recall 25V467 (Manufacturer Recall 25S76) issued July 2025, but repair parts remain unavailable months later despite owner notification of stock availability.
When: Defect noticed post-July 2025 recall issuance; one complaint at nearly 1 year post-recall issuance
Symptoms owners cite: Poor fuel economy (23–29 MPG); Engine stalling after refueling at gas pump; Prominent smell of gasoline; Risk of under-hood fire; Sudden engine fire with audible 'thud' before smoke
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel injector replacement required per recall; parts unavailable at dealerships as of March 2026, nearly 8 months post-recall issuance.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 25V467 / Manufacturer Recall 25S76 issued July 2025. Ford Customer Satisfaction Program referenced but dealers unable to locate recall in their systems. No buyback offered despite fire risk and warranty breach claims.
Engine Hesitation / Surge on Acceleration
Vehicle hesitates when accelerating from a complete stop, then lurches forward suddenly. Associated with poor fuel economy anomaly.
When: Noted on 2021 model with under 25,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation during acceleration from stop; Sudden lurch forward after hesitation; Tire squeal during surge; Poor fuel economy (23–29 MPG on same vehicle)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner indicated this is part of Ford Customer Satisfaction Program but issue remains unresolved.
Engine Shuddering / Vibration and Abnormal Noise
Vehicle shudders, jerks abnormally, and produces abnormal noises during highway driving. Unresolved by dealer diagnosis.
When: Mileage approximately 700 to 35,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal shuddering and jerking; Abnormal engine noise; Vibration while driving at highway speed (65 MPH)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer informed owner 'there was no remedy for the failure.' Vehicle pending repairs but not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in at least one case; no remedy provided.
Evaporative System Fault / Purge Valve
Engine stalls immediately after refueling due to evaporative system malfunction, creating potential fire hazard from gasoline smell and stall condition.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stall immediately after filling fuel tank; Prominent smell of gasoline in cabin and around vehicle; Safety concern for fire hazard
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Defect cited as 'fuel injector recall' but specific repair status unclear.
Oil Pan Leak / Stripped Oil Pan
Oil pan stripped or damaged, causing oil leak. Check engine light (P3402 Cylinder 1 Deactivation/Intake Valve fault) appeared concurrently.
When: Mileage not specified; issue emerged after traffic slowdown on highway
Symptoms owners cite: Maintenance warning light illumination; Speed limitation (unable to exceed 50 MPH); Check engine light (P3402)
Codes mentioned: P3402
Repairs/costs cited: Oil pan replacement required and completed at Pep Boys. Owner also advised to consult Ford dealer for P3402 code.
Idle Drop / RPM Loss
Engine idle deteriorates and RPM drops, initially in park and progressively while driving with foot on brake. Coincides with open fuel injector recall.
When: Gradual onset; complaint filed within fuel injector recall window (post-July 2025)
Symptoms owners cite: Gradual idle drop while in park; Idle drop expanding to drive mode with foot on brake; Reduced RPM stability
Repairs/costs cited: No repair options available due to open recall with no parts/remedy.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Fuel injector recall 07/2025 (likely 25V467) open with no repair remedy available nearly 1 year later.
Exhaust System Installation Defect
Support bracket omitted during catalytic converter replacement at dealer service, allowing exhaust to separate and leak fumes into cabin. Not technically an engine failure but engine-bay exhaust component.
When: Defect discovered 1 month post-service (September 5, 2024)
Symptoms owners cite: Loud exhaust noise; Exhaust fumes leaking into cabin; Missing support bracket discovered upon inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converter and support bracket replacement. Missing bracket was work-order omission by Lithia Ford Fresno.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer (Lithia Ford Fresno) refused to take responsibility for installation oversight.
Reverse Gear Engagement Issue
Difficulty shifting into reverse gear with accompanying studdering during engagement.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Hard-to-engage reverse gear; Studdering during reverse gear engagement
Synthesized from 24 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had engine trouble with your 2021 Ford Escape?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2021 Ford Escape?
It's a meaningful issue. 24 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 24 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 37,350 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.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Ford/Escape.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.