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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10235311Apr 25, 2023Some 2020-2022 Escape vehicles may exhibit a condition where the low beams turn on by themselves when vehicle is OFF for 10 minutes or more with diagnostic trouble code (DTC)…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 4% |
| 2024 | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 | 5 | 2% |
| 2021 | 5 | 1% |
| 2020 | 7 | 0% |
| 2019 | 13 | 2% |
| 2018 | 12 | 1% |
| 2017 | 40 | 1% |
| 2016 | 6 | 1% |
| 2015 | 13 | 1% |
| 2014 | 15 | 1% |
| 2013 | 15 | 1% |
| 2012 | 2 | 0% |
| 2011 | 3 | 0% |
| 2010 | 4 | 0% |
| 2009 | 5 | 0% |
| 2008 | 6 | 0% |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% |
| 2006 | 2 | 0% |
| 2005 | 8 | 1% |
| 2004 | 2 | 0% |
| 2003 | 1 | 0% |
| 2002 | 12 | 1% |
| 2001 | 6 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2021 Ford Escape
92 complaintsFuel system
75 complaintsOther or unknown
59 complaintsBrakes
50 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
46 complaintsEngine
44 complaintsElectrical system
34 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
26 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
11 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsForward collision avoidance
7 complaintsSuspension
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