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2021 Ford

Escape FWD PHEV

Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L

Ford Escape: best and worst years
2021 Ford Escape FWD PHEV

Closest available photo (2023 model year); you're viewing the 2021.

2023 photoCharles from Port Chester, New YorkCC BY 2.0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Transmission
Automatic (variable gear ratios)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Powertrain
Plug-in HybridEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel
Regular Gas and ElectricityEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Engine & performance

Cyl
4EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Motor kW
62EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Start-stop system
YesEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
38 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG City
43 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG Comb
40 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel $/yr
$1,550EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
CO₂
77 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Eco Score
10/10EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Smog score
7/10
Elec. Range
520 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Range per hour (240V)
158 mi/hr
Recharge hrs
3.3EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Real-world MPG
558 mpg, reported by 1 driverabout 518 mpg above the EPA combined estimate
SmartWay certified
Yes

Dimensions & capacity

Length
181 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width
74 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height
66 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase
107 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight
3,552 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
Optional
Lane-departure warning
Standard
Recalls
19
Owner complaints
306
Reported injuries
5

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • STRUCTURE22%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER13%
  • SERVICE BRAKES10%
  • ENGINE9%
  • FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE9%
  • POWER TRAIN8%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 407 total.

Ford Escape: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • PE23013opened Jul 7, 2023STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

    Failed Door Check Arm Attachment Point

  • DP22005opened Jan 27, 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM

    Pedestrian alert sounds

  • AQ22002Openopened Jun 3, 2022FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE

    Healey Brothers Ford / Open Recall Sale

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

212 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • May 21, 2026FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMSSM 54857

    2020-2026 Explorer/Escape/Corsair, 2021-2026 Bronco Sport/Bronco, 2022-2026 Maverick, 2024-2026 Mustang/Ranger/Nautilus vehicles equipped with a 2.0L or 2.3L EcoBoost engine may require removal of the turbocharger wastegate control actuator linkage for various reasons. The Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-04 Fuel Charging and Controls - Turbocharger - 2.0L/2.3L EcoBoost > Removal and Installation > Wastegate Control Actuator Linkage service procedure been added. In addition, the wastegate actu

  • May 18, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERTSB 26-2205

    This bulletin supersedes 25-2346. Reason for update: add Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles and add labor operations to repair the rear right/left carpet area. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit a condition where the carpet is loose or torn near the front/rear scuff plate trim panel. This may be due to the carpet tearing at or near the retainer hole.

  • May 9, 2026ENGINE25B51

    Certain 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco, 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco Sport, 2020-2022 Model Year Corsair and Escape, 2016-2024 Model Year Explorer, 2019-2020 Model Year Fusion, 2016-2018 Model Year Focus RS, 2022-2024 Model Year Maverick, 2016-2019 Model Year MKC and 2019-2024 Model Year Ranger Vehicles Equipped with a 2.0L or 2.3L Engine and Engine Block Heater System Block Heater Replacement

  • May 4, 2026POWER TRAINSSM 54797

    Some 2020-2026 Corsair/Escape, 2021-2026 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2026 Maverick vehicles equipped with an 8F35 transmission may exhibit a shudder condition, most noticeable at speeds below 60 mph (100 km/h), with no relevant diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). Sometimes, this may be perceived/felt as an engine misfire. This may be due to the torque converter. If Pinpoint Test K: Torque Converter Clutch Operation in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01 > D

  • Apr 26, 2026POWER TRAINTSB 26-2194

    This bulletin supersedes 25-2627. Reason for update: To add a Step to reprogram the all-wheel drive (AWD) module for Bronco Sport vehicles. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit all of the following conditions:  Shudder chatter condition, most noticeable at low speeds turning  No relevant diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) present This may be due to internal rear drive unit (RDU) fluid contamination.

  • Apr 2, 2026LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTIONSSM 54720

    Various 2020-2026 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with blind spot information system (BLIS) may experience an inoperative blind spot monitoring with a "Blind Spot System Fault" message displayed in the instrument panel cluster (IPC). This may also be accompanied by diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B118C:11 and/or B118C:15 stored in the driver door module (DDM), and/or B118D:11 and/or B118D:15 stored in the passenger door module (PDM). This may be due to the wiring connector from the mirror to

  • Mar 25, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHER25N17

    Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation

  • Mar 9, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERTSB 26-2092

    This 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 Sport were also added to the parts list. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit a headliner rattle or sagging condition around the roof opening panel. This may be due to the adhesive separating from the headliner substrate.

  • and 204 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
3 yr / 36k mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60k mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr / 60k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.