Check a VIN

2021 Ford Escape: engine overheating

6 of the 355 complaints about the 2021 Ford Escape describe engine overheating.

owner complaints
6
of this car's complaints
2%
recalls
3
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls and 21 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Engine overheating by model year

What owners say

Filed Sep 9, 2026 · Engine · MI

Coolant intrusion caused full engine to need to be replaced. Started with white smoke and engine overheating.

Filed Apr 22, 2026 · Engine · 39,700 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine coolant overheated warning light illuminated. The vehicle stalled after the warning light illuminated and became inoperable. The dealer was notified of the failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,700.

Filed Mar 8, 2026 · Engine · MO

I believe my car to be unsafe to drive because of the possibility that it could overheat, crack and release fluids on top of the engine causing a fire. They have yet to have a remedy for this and that is deeply concerning. I fear they often have recalls because FORD is not the best car to own. There’s so many problems all the time. It’s concerning and I feel like my car is unsafe to drive often.

Filed Feb 17, 2025 · Engine · NJ

2021 Ford Escape 1.5L 19,502 miles Coolant loss with no visible leaks

Filed Sep 18, 2024 · Engine · IL

My coolant exploded while in the middle of the road, engine stopped accelerating. Warning light turned on right as acceleration was reduced to nothing. No prior warning & temp gauge was normal it’s I lost acceleration. Had to turn on hazards to warn cars behind me as it was sudden. No warning lamps prior to the coolant leak besides the low tire pressure.

Filed Jun 28, 2024 · Engine · 35,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering and jerking abnormally. The contact also stated that the engine had overheated, and the vehicle could not be driven for more than an hour. The check engine and oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or local dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

EngineReported May 23, 2025 · 1,809 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2021-2023 Corsair, and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines that were repaired incorrectly under recall 23V380. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
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.

Recall number 25V345000 · Recall details

EngineReported May 26, 2023 · 125,322 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick, and 2021-2023 Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
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 the engine long-block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S27. This recall expands and replaces recall number 22V‑484. Vehicles previously repaired under 22V‑484 will need to have the new remedy completed.

Recall number 23V380000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: oil/lubricationReported March 25, 2022 · 345,451 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. The engine oil separator housing may crack and develop an oil leak.
Risk
An oil 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 inspect the oil separator for damage or oil leaks, and replace the oil separator and seals, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S21.

Recall number 22V191000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2021 Ford Escape overheating

Is engine overheating a common problem on the 2021 Ford Escape?

6 of 355 owner complaints about the 2021 Ford Escape (2%) mention engine overheating. The model year with the most reports is 2017.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2021 Ford Escape?

There are 3 recalls and 21 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2021 Ford Escape

Grinding brakes 22Check engine light 16Transmission failure 14Stalling 13Hesitation 12Jerking 11Fire or smoke 10Fuel smell 9Wipers 8Power windows 7Shudder 7Engine failure 6Harsh shifting 5

All model years of the Ford Escape

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2021 Ford Escape?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history