Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Common problems with the 2021 Ford Escape include engine problems, transmission problems, and structure problems.
Nine recalls have been issued for this vehicle, five of which were for engine or fuel pump related problems, two for electronic system problems, and one for reduced braking performance due to the brake needing to be deeply depressed.
Reliability is something most consumers look for when researching and purchasing a new vehicle. New vehicles are expensive, and doing research before purchasing one is the smart thing to do.
However, there is a ton of information about every vehicle released, and it can be hard to determine which information is actually worth considering in making a purchasing decision.
In this article, we will be summarizing the most common complaints about the 2021 Ford Escape. Then, we will describe the lemon law and how you can use it to be compensated!
Common 2021 Ford Escape Problems
- Engine Problems: Coolant leakage, stalling, loss of motive power, surging
- Transmission Problems: Gear slippage, shuddering, loss of accelerative power, burning odor in cabin
- Structure Problems: Weak welding, doors coming off hinges, doors failing to open
2021 Ford Escape Engine Problems
Engine problems are some of the most dangerous and expensive a vehicle can have because they can result in engine failure, requiring the engine to be replaced.
Consumers described their engines stalling, leaking coolant, losing motive power, and surging in certain circumstances.
Things like stalling or losing motive power are more likely symptoms of larger problems than independent problems, which should be treated with care and potentially prompt a trip to the mechanic.
Engines leaking coolant or surging can eventually fail outright, causing even more problems for the driver.
Recalls for 2021 Ford Escape
Ford has issued five recalls involving the engine for the 2021 Ford Escape.
- The first took place in August 2021 and was for the fuel delivery module leaking. The NHTSA Recall ID was 21V625000.
- In March 2022, a recall was issued for the engine leaking oil. The NHTSA Recall ID was 22V191000.
- In July 2022, another recall was issued for the engine leaking oil or fuel vapors, and the NHTSA Recall ID was 22V484000.
- A recall was issued in November 2022 for cracked fuel injectors, and the NHTSA Recall ID was 22V859000.
- Finally, a recall was issued in May 2023 for the same leaking vapors. The NHTSA Recall ID was 23V380000.
2021 Ford Escape Structure Problems
The most frequently reported problems with the 2021 Ford Escape were structural problems, which involve the physical build of the vehicle such as support beams, framing, and doors.
Consumers reported their vehicles having weak welding, vehicle doors coming off of hinges, and doors failing to open.
Consumers reported the weak welding overwhelmingly more than any other structural complaint.
These defects may not necessarily be dangerous, but they do significantly impact the useability of the vehicle and therefore could still be the basis for a lemon law claim.
What Escape Owners Say
“This repair fix was suppose to be available by October 2023. We are still waiting, and it seems that this could be a dangerous situation if the car stops running and oil is released and a fire starts. Our local Ford dealership seems to be in the dark about when a fix will be available. Maybe the NHTSA needs to urge Ford to hurry up and find the fix for this situation.”
“Had issues from day one with breaks. Every time was told they checked good. Finally recall on breaks. Repaired and break dust all over rims. Backing up sounds awful. Embarrassing. They say it’s normal. Like they are sticking. Reported many times. Now back at dealership. Vibration on drivers side. I have always buy Ford. No more. I’m going to trade this lemon if they don’t get it fixed!”
“My transmission was acting up a month ago, but, no day lights came on, so, they couldn’t do anything with it. It was randomly jumping and jerking, while driving. Last Monday, it started shifting from drive, to park, while sitting at a red light. The car reported to Ford pass, this time. Staying, that, it was having issues with the park gear… Then, when it started (after a few times of trying), it was losing power. Am I really the only one having this issue?”
Consumer Protection for Escape Owners
The lemon law is there to protect consumers who find themselves stuck with a defective vehicle, commonly known as a “lemon.”
When you purchase a car that has serious issues affecting its safety, value, or overall usability, and these problems persist despite multiple repair attempts, your vehicle might be considered a lemon.
What qualifies as a “reasonable” number of repairs can differ, but it typically means the issue hasn’t been resolved after two to four repair attempts or the car has been out of service for around 30 days due to ongoing repairs.
Lemon laws exist in all 50 states, but the specifics can vary based on where you are. Some states, for instance, extend protection to used vehicles or motorcycles, while others may limit coverage to only new cars.
Generally, these laws require the manufacturer to either replace your defective vehicle with a comparable one or give you a refund, including the taxes and fees you paid.
In some cases, you might also be able to recover attorney’s fees, so you don’t have to worry about the cost of taking legal action if you choose to pursue a claim.
If you notice a defect in your vehicle, it’s crucial to have it inspected and repaired as soon as possible. Keeping detailed records of each repair attempt is also important, as this documentation can be vital in proving that your car is indeed a lemon.
Timing is key, too, because most states require you to file a lemon law claim within the manufacturer’s original warranty period.
If your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, you’re entitled to seek a resolution, whether that means getting a replacement vehicle or receiving a full refund.
Get the Lemon Law Compensation You Deserve!
Consumer rights are protected by various different laws, and the lemon law is one of the most powerful. However, without consumers bringing claims, their rights cannot be protected.
Manufacturers get away with selling defective vehicles if they are not held to account by consumers and their attorneys.
If you are planning on bringing a lemon lawsuit, hiring a lemon law attorney is the best thing you can do for your claim: the Lemon Law Experts would love to assist and represent you.
Contact us today by calling (877) 885-5366 or by visiting our website to fill out a form for a free case evaluation.
