Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2021 Ford Escape Reliability ReportKeepScore 78/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid

78/ 100

KeepScore

MODERATE RISK

Grade: C+

A modern compact SUV with appealing features, but choose your powertrain wisely to avoid significant reliability headaches.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Quick Facts · 2021 Ford Escape

  • Scores 7 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2020 Ford Escape earns a 85.
  • The system most likely to surface first: 1.5l ecoboost engine (major severity).
  • Has 19 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery.

2021 Ford Escape: Buy or Avoid?

The 2021 Ford Escape is a compact SUV that generally offers good fuel economy and a comfortable ride, but it's held back by persistent concerns surrounding its 1.5L EcoBoost engine and early infotainment glitches. While the hybrid and 2.0L EcoBoost powertrains offer more peace of mind, careful consideration and a thorough pre-purchase inspection are crucial to mitigate potential long-term issues.

Biggest Strengths

  • Excellent fuel economy (especially hybrids)
  • Comfortable and composed ride quality
  • Modern safety and technology features

2021 Ford Escape — Known Trouble Spots

The systems that break first on the 2021 Ford Escape. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

1
1.5L EcoBoost Enginemajor
2
Electrical/Infotainmentmoderate
3
Transmission (8-speed automatic)moderate
Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

Safety Recalls on the 2021 Ford Escape

19 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling one 2021 Escape vehicle equipped with a 2.5L hybrid powertrain. The high voltage battery may fail, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles. The fuel delivery module may leak inside the fuel tank, causing low fuel pressure which could result in an engine stall.

What breaks on the 2021 Ford Escape?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

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Ford Escape — Year-by-Year Comparison

Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Ford Escape. Click any year for its full report.

Competing 2021s Worth a Look

Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.

Relevant Products for Your 2021 Ford Escape

Parts and accessories matched to your 2021 Ford Escape

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Frequently Asked Questions

Final Step

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