2021 Ford Escape Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 7%of 352 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 58,395miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the visibility of the 2021 Ford Escape, 7% of the 352 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,395 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My windshield wipers aren’t working properly and it causes me to not be able to see while driving which cause me to hit a curb and damage my front fender and my trunk makes a nose when I drive like it wants to pop open my car flashes warnings and then no sign of issues”
NHTSA complaint #11741312, filed 2026-06“Started the vehicle and turned the defroster on high setting one morning to defrost the windshield with heavy frost. Car had been running about 3-4 minutes and I heard a cracking sound. I noticed a 12 crack in the middle of the windshield when the frost was melted off. The car was still parked when the windshield cracked and was not being driven due to visibility being limited by frost.”
NHTSA complaint #11510702, filed 2023-03“The front windshield wiper motor in my vehicle may become non-functional or operate sporadically, according to the recall notification dated March 3, 2026. Presently, necessary replacement components are not in stock. Since the windshield wiper system is essential for maintaining driver visibility during rain and challenging weather conditions, this safety-critical component warrants immediate attention. The recall should have been resolved during all my dealership service appointments, yet this failure has caused unnecessary inconvenience and heightened safety apprehensions. …”
NHTSA complaint #11766884, filed 2026-09“1. The Sunroof/Moonroof overhead fabric lining fell off the tracks when moving back, yes. 2. My safety was put at risk from the lining falling off the tracks and nearly completely covering my eyes and face while driving, which also puts the safety of others at risk. 3. I have heard numerous people and Ford Technicians noting that this is a common issue of the sunroof/moonroofs with other similar models. 4. It was completely inspected before financing at a dealership. 5. No prior symptoms or lights, I just tried to use my moonroof while driving on the highway a week ago and was nearly blinded”
NHTSA complaint #11641126, filed 2025-02“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. …”
NHTSA complaint #11733340, filed 2026-04, 40,000 milesRelated recalls
- 26V117000Mar 3, 2026Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail…Covers: Ford Escape 2020–2022, Explorer 2020–2022, Lincoln Aviator 2020–2022 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 11027717Jan 14, 2026Some 2021-2026 Escape/Corsair vehicles equipped with a roof opening panel may exhibit a sunshield with localized looseness/sagging or binding/inoperative. This may be due to a…
- 11021975Aug 14, 2025Various 2021-2025 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with the rear camera on demand feature may exhibit "Please Check Surroundings For Safety" or "Full View Not Available"…
- 10241597Aug 21, 2023Some 2021-2023 Bronco Sport and 2020-2023 Escape vehicles may exhibit a rattle or flapping noise coming from the rear air extractors while driving. This may be due to the normal…
- 10201588Sep 10, 2021Some 2020-2021 Corsair/Escape vehicles may exhibit issues with the roof opening panel shield feature of the roof opening panel where a replacement shield pilot clip is needed…
- 10200995Aug 6, 2021Some 2020-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles are equipped with an anti-fogging feature known as enhanced windshield anti fogging strategy (EWAFS). This feature automatically adjusts…
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 4% |
| 2024 | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 | 4 | 2% |
| 2021 | 26 | 7% |
| 2020 | 71 | 4% |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 | 13 | 1% |
| 2017 | 15 | 1% |
| 2016 | 20 | 2% |
| 2015 | 21 | 2% |
| 2014 | 27 | 1% |
| 2013 | 38 | 1% |
| 2012 | 20 | 3% |
| 2011 | 45 | 3% |
| 2010 | 90 | 4% |
| 2009 | 13 | 1% |
| 2008 | 29 | 1% |
| 2007 | 11 | 4% |
| 2006 | 21 | 5% |
| 2005 | 37 | 3% |
| 2004 | 16 | 3% |
| 2003 | 5 | 1% |
| 2002 | 34 | 3% |
| 2001 | 36 | 4% |
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 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