2021 Ford Escape Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2021 Escape
5
Structure complaints Red flag
Look for water stains, rust, and panel gaps; check door, hood, and trunk seals. (92 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 92 NHTSA complaints
Service Brakes complaints Red flag
Check pedal feel and stopping distance on the test drive, and confirm no brake warning lights are on. (49 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 49 NHTSA complaints
Fuel System complaints Red flag
Note any stalling, hesitation, or fuel smell on the test drive, and verify that open fuel-system recalls were completed. (44 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 44 NHTSA complaints
Gasoline complaints Red flag
Ask the seller about any history in this area and have a mechanic inspect it. (44 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 44 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (43 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 43 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
38 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
19
Electrical System Red flag
A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic Check
During certain situations, the driver may have to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be extended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical System Red flag
A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Engine and Engine Cooling Red flag
An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Engine and Engine Cooling Red flag
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Fuel System, Gasoline Red flag
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Equipment Red flag
Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Electrical System Red flag
Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel System, Gasoline Red flag
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Back Over Prevention Red flag
A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle.
Fuel System, Gasoline Red flag
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Structure Check
A detached liftgate hinge cover can create a distraction or a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Visibility Check
Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Back Over Prevention Check
An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
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Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2021 Escape–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Escape have?
NHTSA lists 19 recalls for the 2021 Escape. The most serious involve Electrical System (21V869000) and Fuel System, Gasoline (21V625000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2021 Escape?
The top complaint areas are Structure (92 complaints) and Unknown or Other (59 complaints), out of 346 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2021 Escape?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Structure, which drew 92 complaints for this model-year.