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Exterior lightingPart report

2021 Ford Escape Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
1%of 352 total for the year
Median mileage
12,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2021 Ford Escape, 1% of the 352 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 12,000 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Right headlight was not attached to car properly the clips are bend that hold it on the vehicle. Has been like this since I drove it off the lot. It makes it hard to see at night since the headlight does not sit properly. It points downward. I have reported this to the dealership where I bought it and to Ford itself. They say I didn't report it soon enough but I had just had eye surgery when I bought the car and thought I was having issues because of my eyes. Car is still under bumper to bumper warranty and they refuse to fix the issue. …”

NHTSA complaint #11511757, filed 2023-03

“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked with the vehicle turned off, the exterior and interior lights failed to turn off as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11754688, filed 2026-08, 19,000 miles

“Vehicle headlights constantly dimming in and out, replaced alternator and battery, problem still persisted if not worse than before. Vehicle constantly struggles to accelerate once at running temperature, high revs and doesn't accelerate at all, vehicle experienced complete power loss after approaching red light, vehicle restarted but showed severe signs of power deficiency”

NHTSA complaint #11734480, filed 2026-04

“1 Brakes are making noise all times when in slow motion the brake paddle depressed ether is moving forward or reversing the repairs did not fix the problem. 1. Left Taillight show the when the vehicle is expose to water from rain or washed, evaporation and condensation will occur creating a film of running down inside of the assembled taillight and will last for days sometimes. That also cause the dimming of the light from the brakes and from turning light. …”

NHTSA complaint #11679885, filed 2025-08

“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while reversing, there was an abnormal screeching sound coming from the brakes. The contact stated that whenever it rained, there was water accumulating in the taillights. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the calipers and pads needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact was informed that the lights needed to be replaced. The brake pads were replaced, but the failure recurred. The dealer informed the contact that the failure persisted. …”

NHTSA complaint #11612832, filed 2024-09, 5,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202514%
202411%
202322%
202252%
202151%
202070%
2019132%
2018121%
2017401%
201661%
2015131%
2014151%
2013151%
201220%
201130%
201040%
200950%
200860%
200710%
200620%
200581%
200420%
200310%
2002121%
200161%

Other parts of the 2021 Ford Escape

Body and structure
92 complaints
Fuel system
75 complaints
Other or unknown
59 complaints
Brakes
50 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
46 complaints
Engine
44 complaints
Electrical system
34 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
26 complaints
Back-over prevention (rear camera)
11 complaints
Seat belts
8 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
7 complaints
Suspension
7 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2021 Ford Escape

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology