Recall 21V869 affects 1 2021 Ford Escape vehicle for high-voltage battery failure and sudden power loss. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 1 2021 Escape vehicle equipped with the 2.5L hybrid powertrain because the high voltage battery can fail and cause a sudden loss of drive power. A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash, and Ford dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The high voltage battery in the 2021 Ford Escape with the 2.5L hybrid powertrain stores electrical energy for the hybrid propulsion system. It sends high voltage power through internal conductors called busbars, which carry current between battery cells and the vehicle's drive system. Those metal connections need solid contact so current can move without excess heat.
On the affected Escape, a busbar pad inside the battery pack was not seated correctly before welding. That left the busbar out of position and reduced the contact area at the cell terminal. Less contact creates higher electrical resistance, and that resistance can overheat the connection. If the high voltage battery fails, the vehicle can suddenly lose drive power.
The warning sign is a "Stop Safely Now" message on the instrument panel. If that message appears, the battery system is telling the driver the vehicle needs to be stopped safely.
Who's affected?
The hybrid propulsion system and traction battery categories both identify the same high-voltage battery.
| 2021 Ford Escape | Hybrid propulsion system |
|---|---|
| 2021 Ford Escape | high-voltage traction battery |
| Units affected | 1 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2021 Ford Escape is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. If the instrument panel shows "Stop Safely Now," pull over when it is safe, shut the vehicle off, and call a Ford dealer before continuing. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Ford Escape is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free high-voltage battery replacement that fixes the sudden loss of drive power.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it. If not, reference recall number 21V869 and Ford recall 21S48 when you call.
- Limit driving until the repair is complete, and stop in a safe place if the Escape loses drive power.
- Call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 with questions about scheduling or the free repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician replaces the high voltage battery covered by the recall. The battery replacement and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket battery repairs already paid are handled through the original warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program, because Ford says that warranty program provides a free repair for this concern. Ask the Ford service desk how the warranty applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| November 10, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 10, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| November 10, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 29, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 1, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V869?
Recall 21V869 covers 1 2021 Ford Escape equipped with the 2.5L hybrid powertrain. The high-voltage battery can fail and cause sudden loss of drive power, increasing crash risk. Ford dealers will replace the high-voltage battery for free.
What should I do if my 2021 Ford Escape is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Escape is included in recall 21V869. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the high-voltage battery replacement. Reference recall 21V869 or Ford recall number 21S48 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Ford to repair the defect at no cost, and Ford's remedy says a dealer will replace the high-voltage battery free of charge. Use a franchised Ford dealer for the recall repair.
Is it safe to drive my 2021 Ford Escape before the battery is replaced?
Recall 21V869 warns that the high-voltage battery can fail and cause a sudden loss of drive power, which increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, call a Ford dealer before your appointment and ask whether the vehicle should be driven or towed.
When were owners notified about recall 21V869?
Ford mailed owner notification letters on December 1, 2021. If you bought the Escape used or never received the letter, check your VIN and call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or a franchised Ford dealer with recall 21V869.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V869000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V869 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V869000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →