UsedCarWise
2020 Ford Escape
2020 model shown · Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0

Compact SUVs · 4th gen generation

2021 Ford Escape: reliability, problems and cost to own

Fair Below average

It scores 34 out of 100 for reliability compared with other compact and small SUVs. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $12,983 to own, including $2,682 in repairs.

Compare it with another carFind one for sale

Reliability

34/100

Below average

Repairs, 5 years

$2,682

at 12,000 mi a year

Fuel, 5 years

$6,800

30 mpg, $3.40/gal

Price today

$16,407

$14,438 – $18,376, estimate

Recalls

19

on record

Owner complaints

352

filed with NHTSA

These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.

Where repair money is likely to go

Engine & cooling$1,182
Transmission & drivetrain$697
Fuel system$162
Body, glass & interior$160
Electrical system$158
Driver-assist & stability$138

Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.

Recalls

Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Before you buy

Get a vehicle history report →Check for accidents, title problems and odometer rollbacks before you buy.Compare insurance quotes →Insurance is a big part of the cost to own, and it varies a lot by car.Check used-car loan rates →Get pre-approved before visiting a dealer so you can compare their offer.

These links go to independent sites. We don't earn anything from them.

Other years of the Ford Escape

Of the years we rate, the 2024 scores best (64/100) and the 2017 worst (0/100).

YearReliability
2026Not rated yet
2025Not rated yet
202464/100
202341/100
202239/100
202134/100
202010/100
201910/100
20181/100
20170/100
201612/100
201515/100

Questions people ask

Is the 2021 Ford Escape a year to avoid?

Not especially. It scores 34 out of 100, below average for compact and small SUVs; the 2024 scored better.

Is the 2021 Ford Escape reliable?

It scores 34 out of 100 against other compact and small SUVs from 2015 to 2024, which is below average. Based on 352 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $2,682 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.

How much does a 2021 Ford Escape cost to own?

About $12,983 over 5 years: $3,501 in lost value, $2,682 in repairs and $6,800 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $16,407 today.

What are the best years of the Ford Escape?

Of the years we rate, the 2024 scores best (64/100) and the 2017 worst (0/100).

How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Escape have?

19 recalls on record with NHTSA.