1FMCU0BZ3MUA701012021 FORD EscapeSE FHEV
2021 FORD Escape was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 19 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately.
Executive Summary
2021 FORD Escape
2021 FORD Escape was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 19 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately.
- 19 open recalls including safety-critical systems (Brake system recall; Fuel system recall)
- High fire risk — 3 recall(s) involve fire or ignition risk
- High lemon law risk indicators — multiple safety-critical recall and complaint patterns present
- Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- FORD
- Model
- Escape
- Year
- 2021
- Trim / Series
- SE FHEV
- Body Style
- Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
- Vehicle Type
- MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
- Drive Type
- 4x2
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 4-cyl 2.5L
- Transmission
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
- Doors
- 4
- Manufacturer
- FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Assembly
- LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY, UNITED STATES (USA)
- GVWR
- Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)
- Electrification
- Strong HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
Assembly Plant Quality
Ford Louisville Assembly
Builds Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. Standard quality; some launch-year complaints.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸Brake system recall
- ▸Fuel system recall
- ▸Engine recall
- ▸Structural/frame recall
- ▸3 recall(s) involve fire or ignition risk
- ▸4 fuel system recall(s) — potential ignition risk
- ▸Electric/hybrid vehicle — monitor for battery thermal events
- ⚠4 recalls on same component: Electrical
- ⚠4 recalls on same component: Fuel System
- ⚠6 recalls on same component: Engine/Powertrain
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
Driver Assistance Features
ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database
Deferred Failure Risk
Components and defects approaching or past their known service milestones
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
EV battery thermal management coolant degrades over time. A failing cooling system accelerates battery degradation and can cause thermal events. Service per manufacturer schedule.
Electric drive units use gear oil that degrades with age. Neglected fluid causes bearing wear in the reduction gear. Replacement is typically $50–$150.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
19 RECALLSNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 19 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
6 of 19 recalls have a low industry completion rate — statistically likely unrepaired.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
FORD completes recalls at a good rate (89%), averaging about 18 months to remedy. Most affected vehicles are fixed.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~18 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
SummaryFord 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.Read full details...
~28% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE
SummaryFord 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.Read full details...
~23% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles. The rear brake linings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can affect braking performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."Read full details...
~24% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Corsair and 2021-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with a 2.5L Hybrid powertrain. The high voltage battery may fail, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.Read full details...
~28% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
SummaryFord 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.Read full details...
~26% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair, and 2022 Maverick 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.Read full details...
~26% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
SummaryFord 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.Read full details...
~23% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
ENGINE
SummaryFord 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.Read full details...
~26% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2020-2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.Read full details...
~30% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."Read full details...
~43% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM)
SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ford Escape, and 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.Read full details...
~35% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
SummaryFord 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.Read full details...
~37% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
ENGINE
SummaryFord 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.Read full details...
~40% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.Read full details...
~50% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired
High RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
SummaryFord 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.Read full details...
~47% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired
High RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.Read full details...
~63% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired
High RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2025 Escape vehicles. The liftgate hinge covers may not be properly secured and detach from the vehicle.Read full details...
~65% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired
High RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.Read full details...
~78% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired
High RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."Read full details...
~86% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired
High RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
This vehicle shows 3 lemon law indicators. Eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service — consult a lemon law attorney.
Component Failure Cascade Risk
Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
▸ Engine stalling at speed — fuel delivery failure can cause sudden loss of power in traffic or on highways
▸ Complete transmission failure — repair costs $3,000–$8,000+; vehicle may become undriveable
▸ Engine derate or no-start condition — DEF system failure puts vehicle into limp mode limiting speed to 5mph
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $32,084 (~$535/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile. Hybrid powertrain reduces fuel costs via regenerative braking.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2021 FORD Escape — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
15% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
- ▸Multiple prior recalls — pattern of safety issues on this model
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Auction History
Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators
Searching Public Auction Records
Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for 1FMCU0BZ3MUA70101. Results appear automatically when found.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History
Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations
FORD has been fined $17M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2015: Failure to timely file Early Warning Reports on defect data.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | 1FMCU0BZ3MUA70101 |
| Model Year | 2021 |
| Make | FORD |
| Model | Escape |
| Trim | SE FHEV |
| Vehicle Type | MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV) |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV] |
| Doors | 4 |
| Seat Rows | 5 |
| Drive Type | 4x2 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Transmission | Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Displacement (L) | 2.5 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | FORD MOTOR COMPANY |
| Assembly City | LOUISVILLE |
| Assembly Country | UNITED STATES (USA) |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | 1FM |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 3 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | M |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | U |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | A70101 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 19 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 0 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 7/5/2026, 12:51:52 PM.