NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Ford Escape Safety Ratings
The 2021 Ford Escape scores 74 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 19 recalls, and 316 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Ford Escape earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 74/100, placing it in the Average band. Strong crash-test scores are offset by a defect record score of 0/20, driven by 19 recall campaigns. Buyers should weigh those recalls carefully before purchasing.
The 2021 Ford Escape holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 74/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Ford Escape ranks 98 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 74 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.4% |
| Recalls on file | 19 |
| Owner complaints | 316 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 98 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Ford Escape?
The 2021 Ford Escape HEV SUV AWD’s defect record defines its safety profile. A total of 19 recalls address components ranging from the liftgate hinge to the engine block heater and the 1.5L fuel injection system. This broad recall footprint is reflected in the model’s 0/20 defect sub-score, a primary factor in its NHTSA Safety Index of 74/100. This score represents a two-point decrease from the 2020 model’s 76/100, placing both within the Average band. Owner complaints further underscore this issue, with 316 reports, including unverified allegations of 9 fires. Despite these concerns, the 2021 Escape HEV SUV AWD demonstrates strong crash protection. It earned a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA, contributing to a robust 66/70 crash protection sub-score. The vehicle's avoidance technology score of 7.5/10 reflects a mixed equipment offering. While lane departure warning is standard, forward collision warning is optional, meaning not all 2021 Escape trims include this safety feature.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Ford Escape perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Ford Escape HEV SUV AWD earned a perfect 5 out of 5 stars overall from NHTSA. Its protection in both frontal and side collisions was also rated at 5 stars. The vehicle's rollover rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars, with a 17 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip-test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15421
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Yes, the 2021 Ford Escape carries 19 recall campaigns. Named components include the windshield wiper motor, backup camera software, liftgate hinge attachments, engine block heater electrical equipment, and the 1.5L fuel injection system. The fuel injection recall in particular warrants prompt attention. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is specified in the available data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN through NHTSA.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR26V117000
Risk: Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S14. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs
Reported 2026-03-03
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE26V123000
Risk: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
Reported 2026-03-03
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS25V829000
Risk: A detached liftgate hinge cover can create a distraction or a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reinstall, or replace any missing liftgate hinge covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD6. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 3, 2025.
Reported 2025-12-01
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER25V685000
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters
Reported 2025-10-10
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM25V467000
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will update the engine control software. In addition, dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel rail assembly and fuel injectors, free of charge. As an interim repair, dealers will update the engine control software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 29, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the final remedy is avai
Reported 2025-07-11
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V442000
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Reported 2025-06-27
ENGINE25V345000
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S54.
Reported 2025-05-23
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM25V165000
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S21.
Reported 2025-03-14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM)24V954000
Risk: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to charge battery till the remedy has been completed. Dealers will perform a battery energy control module (BECM) software update, and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 30, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S79.
Reported 2024-12-20
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS24V852000
Risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
Reported 2024-11-08
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)24V330000
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S33.
Reported 2024-05-10
ENGINE23V380000
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will replace the engine long-block in 2023 Escape and Corsair vehicles. For the other vehicles, dealers will update the powertrain control module software. If a connecting rod bearing failure is detected, dealers will replace th
Reported 2023-05-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Ford Escape?
Owners have filed 316 unverified complaints with NHTSA, alleging 9 crashes and 9 fires. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Structure (90 reports), followed by Service Brakes (48), Fuel System and Gasoline (40 each), and Engine (38). All figures represent unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
316 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Ford Escape?
Any shopper considering a used 2021 Ford Escape should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup before purchase. With 19 recall campaigns on record, confirming which remedies have been completed at a dealership is the single most important safety step for this specific model year.
- The 2021 Escape's Safety Index dropped two points versus the 2020 model, landing at 74/100, driven entirely by a defect record sub-score of 0/20 tied to 19 recall campaigns.
- A 2025-issued recall covers the 1.5L fuel injection system on 2020-2022 Escape models, making it directly relevant to this model year and worth immediate VIN verification.
- Forward collision warning is listed as optional rather than standard on the 2021 Escape, meaning the crash-avoidance capability of any individual used example depends on how it was originally equipped.
- Owner complaints filed with NHTSA include unverified allegations of 9 fires across 316 total reports, with Structure and Fuel System among the most frequently cited components for this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Ford Escape places
The 2021 Ford Escape qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Ford Escape safety questions
Was the 2021 Ford Escape crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Ford Escape, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 74 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Ford Escape crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Ford Escape earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 17.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Escape have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 19 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Ford Escape. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Ford Escape?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 316 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Ford Escape. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Escape years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15421), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Escape 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 98 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.