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2021 Ford Escape Fuel System Problems

38 owner-reported fuel system complaints from NHTSA data

38
Complaints
4
Recalls
3
Fires
Jan 2026Dec 2025
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Fuel System Recalls (4)

RECALLCampaign #21V625000

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.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. Interim notification letters (remedy not available) were mailed on September 30, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 14, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S38.

RECALLCampaign #22V859000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.

Fix: Dealers will update the engine control software to include fuel injector leak detection and install a drain tube, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed January 9, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 1st Quarter of 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S73. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 22V-191. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-191 will need to have the new remedy performed.

RECALLCampaign #25V165000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 22V-859 or 24V-187. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.

Fix: 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.

RECALLCampaign #25V467000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment.

Fix: Dealers will update the engine control software. and replace the high pressure fuel rail assembly and the fuel injector ,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 available, anticipated in July 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S76. This recall expands and replaces previous recall numbers 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-859, 24V187, and 25V165 will need to have the new final remedy performed once it is available.

Owner Complaints (38)

highFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2026

Your car has a strong gasoline smell inside the vehicle that occurs every time you drive it. This is related to a recall issued in July 2025 involving the fuel injectors, but Ford hasn't yet provided a fix. The delayed remedy is frustrating and leaves the issue unresolved.

NHTSA #: 11719932
highFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2026

Your car is subject to a safety recall, but Ford hasn't provided a fix for over 8 months. This means the recalled issue remains unresolved on your vehicle despite the safety concern being identified.

NHTSA #: 11718073
highFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Filed: Feb 2026

You've noticed a strong gasoline smell inside your vehicle while driving at various speeds, especially when stopped in traffic. The odor is noticeable enough that you need to open windows to make the cabin more comfortable. Your vehicle is part of a safety recall (NHTSA Campaign 25V467000) related to the fuel system, and you're concerned the manufacturer is taking too long to schedule the repair. The repair will likely involve inspecting and servicing the fuel system components to eliminate the odor and address the recall issue.

NHTSA #: 11716152
highFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,STRUCTURE
Filed: Jan 2026

Your 2021 Ford Escape is subject to two open recalls affecting the fuel system and structure. You've contacted multiple dealers and Ford about getting these repairs done, but you've been told that the necessary parts aren't available yet. While you haven't experienced any actual problems, you're concerned that Ford has taken longer than reasonable to make these recall parts available. The repairs will likely involve replacing fuel system components and structural parts once they become available at your dealer.

NHTSA #: 11712688
mediumFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VISIBILITY,BACK OVER PREVENTION
Filed: Mar 2026

You received recall notices for your 2021 Ford Escape covering the fuel system, back-over prevention, and visibility systems, but the dealer doesn't have the parts needed to complete these repairs yet. You haven't experienced any actual failures with these systems, but the manufacturer has taken longer than expected to make the parts available. The dealer has confirmed that parts are still unavailable and the manufacturer is aware of the delay.

NHTSA #: 11726928
mediumFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Filed: Mar 2026

I'm unable to provide a translation because the complaint references an attached document that isn't included in the information provided. To help you, please share the actual complaint text or details about what fuel system issue you're experiencing with your 2021 Ford Escape.

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NHTSA #: 11722226
mediumFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,STRUCTURE
Filed: Jan 2026

Your 2021 Ford Escape is subject to two active recalls affecting the fuel system and structure, but the required repair parts are not yet available from the manufacturer. You've been waiting longer than you feel is reasonable for these parts to arrive. While you haven't experienced any failures or safety incidents yet, the dealer has confirmed parts remain unavailable. The fix will likely involve replacing fuel system components and structural parts once the manufacturer releases them to dealers.

NHTSA #: 11713409
mediumFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Filed: Jan 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact called a local dealer who completed the engine control software update; however, the contact asked about the fuel injector and was informed that the part was not yet available. The contact also called the manufacturer and was informed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA #: 11709225
mediumFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
Filed: Dec 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond while in reverse(R). In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact received recall notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however ,the parts to do the recall repair were not available. The contact stated that the recall fire risk was significantly scary and made the vehicle unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,881.

NHTSA #: 11707609
mediumFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2025

My fuel lid will not close causing a check engine light. My vehicle has less than 25k miles but outside of the 3 year limit for the warranty.

NHTSA #: 11707093
mediumFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2025

There’s an open recall for the fuel injectors for my vehicle. I am currently unable to drive my vehicle because I can not fuel my vehicle. Each time it is fuel the engine light comes on and the vehicle either doesn’t drive or shakes violently and refuses to go. The vehicle isn’t able to pass state inspection as well. My safety is impacted by the vehicle randomly not going/stalling and not able to keep fueled.

NHTSA #: 11707108
mediumFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Filed: Dec 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received a manufacturer recall in August 2025 for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact had been calling the local dealer for updates on when parts would be available for the recall repair and was informed that there were no updates available from the manufacturer. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA #: 11705513
mediumFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE,PARKING BRAKE
Filed: Dec 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 to 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light and the charging system service light were illuminated. The message "Vehicle Turning Off to Save Power” was displayed. In addition, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine while the vehicle was slowing down. The contact stated that the parking brake push button failed to function as intended. The contact was unable to coast to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to Auto Zone, where the battery was checked, and the battery passed the test. The tow truck driver had difficulty attempting to tow the vehicle. The vehicle failed to restart, and the auto brake turned on independently. After a while, the vehicle was towed to the contact's mother's residence. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer. The vehicle remained at the dealer pending the results of the diagnostic test. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue; however, no assistance was offered. The vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The contact was the second owner of the vehicle and had not received the recall notification. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

NHTSA #: 11702261
mediumFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Filed: Oct 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part for the recall repair was not available. The contact had received the recall notification in August; however, parts were still not available. In addition, the contact stated that a friend had the same model vehicle, and the vehicle was already repaired under the recall. The dealer was not contacted about the unrepaired recall. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA #: 11694149
mediumFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Filed: Oct 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA #: 11691801
mediumFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Filed: Oct 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA #: 11691588
mediumFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
Filed: Sep 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that after an oil change at Firestone, the vehicle failed to operate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle vibrated abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, no cause for the failure was found. The failure persisted. While driving at 15 MPH, the vehicle vibrated abnormally. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who refused to repair the vehicle, stating that the vehicle had already been repaired. The contact's son noticed that a cover was missing under the steering wheel, and an unknown part was fractured. The dealer denied any wrongdoing. The contact spoke with an employee who spoke Spanish and translated to the contact that an unknown part was damaged in the transmission. The dealer denied causing the issue. The contact stated that the dealer refused to repair the vehicle. The failure recurred, and the contact parked the vehicle. The vehicle was no longer driven due to safety concerns. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA #: 11687894
mediumFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Filed: Sep 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA #: 11687377
mediumFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Filed: Sep 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the parts were unavailable to perform the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the fault code PS04 was retrieved. The contact was unsure of the diagnostic result; however, the vehicle was repaired. The check engine warning light was reset, but the failure reoccurred. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer several times due to the failure. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated off and on every month. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA #: 11686860
mediumFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Filed: Sep 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the parts were unavailable. The contact stated that because of the previous failure with the vehicle, the contact was concerned about the unrepaired recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the concern. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA #: 11685799
mediumFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Filed: Aug 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V165000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.

NHTSA #: 11681444
mediumFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Filed: Aug 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and the vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the engine control software update was performed as an interim recall repair. The contact received another recall notification for the same recall, and the notification stated that the recall remedy was not yet available. The manufacturer was informed of the issue and informed the contact that another notification would be mailed once the remedy was available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA #: 11678703
mediumFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE
Filed: Jun 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Service Engine Soon" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that an unknown valve needed to be replaced. The unknown valve failure was related to the fuel intake. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with the same valve failure. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with the same failure and the vehicle was repaired again; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA #: 11668665
mediumFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
FireFiled: May 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while making a right turn at approximately 10 MPH, a fuel odor had begun to leak into the interior cabin before the engine caught on fire. The A/C was activated during the time of the failure. No warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to extinguish the fire, she fell on her stomach while pregnant, causing a miscarriage for which medical attention was sought. A police report was not filed. A Fire report was filed. The origin of the fire was unknown. The contact stated that a nearby school bus provided a fire extinguisher for the contact to extinguish the fire. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle's engine was replaced a the local dealer prior to the fire however soon noticed the vehicle was still not operating as normal. The dealer was notified but declined to provide a loaner vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local residential address after the fire, where it remains on a driveway. The origin of the fire was unknown. The contact mentioned that, due to costs the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired for the fire failure. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V187000 (Fuel System, Gasoline however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA #: 11663746
mediumFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Filed: Aug 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA #: 11540030
mediumFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FireFiled: Aug 2023

Vehicle caught on fire while we were driving.

NHTSA #: 11537482
mediumFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Filed: May 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA #: 11521500
mediumFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: May 2023

Received two notices that their is a recall on my Ford Escape. Scheduled the recall with the Ford dealership. the dealership said there is a waiting list, and they only receive 10 parts a month to replace the recall.

NHTSA #: 11521526
mediumFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Filed: May 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA #: 11521531
mediumFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Filed: Apr 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer and a second dealer, Bill Brown Ford (32222 Plymouth Rd, Livonia, MI 48150), were contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA #: 11517458
mediumFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Filed: Mar 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle could be repaired in October 2023. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA #: 11514296
mediumFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Filed: Mar 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA #: 11513555
mediumFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Filed: Mar 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA #: 11511713
mediumFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Filed: Mar 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact was informed by the dealer that the manufacturer was only allowing dealers to order one part per week, therefore, the approximate wait time would be over 2 months. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA #: 11511520
mediumFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Filed: Feb 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear brakes made abnormal sounds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the bushing kit for the rear brakes needed to be replaced; however, the replacement parts were on backorder. The dealer also confirmed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA #: 11507062
mediumFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Filed: Jan 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA #: 11501656
mediumFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2022

The car smells like gas on the inside. Ford says no codes so no issue. Started when 15000 miles on ur and ur still smells like gas with 21000 miles on it. Ford can’t seem to find the issue after being in shop 3 weeks.

NHTSA #: 11480882
mediumFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FireFiled: Jul 2021

Vehicle was being driven down the road. Vehicle stalled. Check engine light came on. Attempted to restart vehicle but vehicle stalled again. Smelled fuel. Heard a boom then fire ignited. Fire came from the underside of vehicle and flames were rising on driver side of vehicle with black smoke. Attempted to exit vehicle from driver side door but was unable to do so due to flames. Crawled over to passenger side of vehicle and exited the vehicle. Fire department extinguished the fire with water. Fire reignited and fire department extinguished fire again. Insurance company inspected the vehicle but was unable to determine root cause of fire.

NHTSA #: 11426742

Other 2021 Ford Escape Issues