2021 Ford Escape Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 92about this part
- Share
- 26%of 352 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 41,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 92 complaints about the body and structure of the 2021 Ford Escape, 26% of the 352 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 41,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“since I have owned this SUV the break has been bad I have taken it in with no help from ford now the weld on my drive side door has broken away from the frame. ford has told me that there nothing they can do about it, and I have to pay for the repairs. i have had the car for 2 1/2 years and i have read on line that this has happen to a lot of people”
NHTSA complaint #11522699, filed 2023-05“Went to get in my 2021 Ford Escape opened the door a heard a metal sound clunking noise. Happened all of a sudden. Thought maybe someone hit my door but no sign of it being hit. Then Googled Ford Escape and that noise and found this has been a problem. Why has there not been a recall for this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11558474, filed 2023-12“The check arm on my ford escape broke off at the welding attachment point which lead to me having to drive down the road for 10 miles with my door ajar in order to get home It started making a popping noise a few days ago then I opened my door tonight and it completely broke off”
NHTSA complaint #11632914, filed 2024-12“*corporate vehicle The check arm for our driver's side door appears to have separated from the frame. Our door feels like it may fall off. If our door falls off, we feel there are safety concerns (can list later if needed). Our story seems to corroborate many other complaints on this website.”
NHTSA complaint #11551360, filed 2023-10“The front door hinge spot weld and rivets have broekn loose. I called Stivers Ford in Montgomery Alabama and the Service Representative told me that my Escape was out of warranty and it was my problem to repair. I do not think this is fair as this is a structural problem in the door.”
NHTSA complaint #11557390, filed 2023-11Related recalls
- 25V829000Dec 1, 2025Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2025 Escape vehicles. The liftgate hinge covers may not be properly secured and detach…Covers: Ford Escape 2020–2022, 2025
- 22V484000Jul 7, 2022Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair, and 2022 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines…Covers: Ford Escape 2020–2022, Lincoln Corsair 2021–2022, Ford Maverick 2022
Related service bulletins
- 11037678Sep 22, 2026This article supersedes TSB 25-2466 to add Bronco Sport, Escape, Maverick and Corsair, as well as removing Expedition and Navigator. One time use parts for Corsair and Bronco…
- 11029052Feb 24, 2026Ford 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…
- 11026872Dec 17, 2025Customer Satisfaction Program 23B56 - Supplement #2 Certain 2020 - 2023 Model Year Escape Vehicles Inspect Front Door Check-Arm Reinforcement Spot Welds REF: Customer…
- 11021187Jul 1, 2025Certain 2020 - 2023 Model Year Escape Vehicles Inspect Front Door Check-Arm Reinforcement Spot Welds On all of the affected vehicles, the front door check-arm reinforcement welds…
- 11001142May 20, 2024Certain 2020 - 2023 Model Year Escape Vehicles - Inspect Front Door Check-Arm Reinforcement Spot Welds
- 10251928Mar 6, 2024Some 2020-2021 Escape vehicles may exhibit cracks or broken spot welds in the left front door at the check arm attachment point in the door assembly. Ford has been provided…
- 10243482Sep 7, 2023Some 2020-2023 Escape/Corsair vehicles may exhibit a door ajar warning indicator or higher than expected efforts to fully close doors. Verify the hood/liftgate are not open…
- 10234590Apr 14, 2023Some 2020-2021 Escape vehicles may exhibit cracks or broken spot welds in the left front door at the check arm attachment point in the door assembly. Ford has been provided…
- 10235153Apr 4, 2023For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to…
- 10230954Jan 26, 2023Some 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair vehicles may exhibit a door ajar warning lamp or higher than expected efforts to fully close doors. Verify the hood/liftgate are not open. Confirm…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 8% |
| 2024 | 2 | 3% |
| 2023 | 5 | 5% |
| 2022 | 20 | 8% |
| 2021 | 92 | 26% |
| 2020 | 671 | 41% |
| 2019 | 12 | 2% |
| 2018 | 20 | 1% |
| 2017 | 62 | 2% |
| 2016 | 21 | 2% |
| 2015 | 36 | 3% |
| 2014 | 84 | 4% |
| 2013 | 87 | 3% |
| 2012 | 68 | 11% |
| 2011 | 43 | 3% |
| 2010 | 84 | 4% |
| 2009 | 32 | 2% |
| 2008 | 41 | 2% |
| 2007 | 18 | 7% |
| 2006 | 63 | 14% |
| 2005 | 434 | 31% |
| 2004 | 138 | 28% |
| 2003 | 121 | 22% |
| 2002 | 87 | 8% |
| 2001 | 54 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2021 Ford Escape
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 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Ford Escape
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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