Dealer visit checklist
2021 Ford Escape checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2021 Ford Escape problems to check
- 1.5L EcoBoost engine coolant leaks and potential for coolant to mix with oil — a known Ford issue that can be expensive if ignored
- 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine hesitation or rough idling reported by some owners, sometimes requiring software updates
- SYNC 3 infotainment system occasional freezing or connectivity drops with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Transmission shudder or hesitation on the 8-speed automatic, particularly noticeable during low-speed acceleration
- Recalls related to brake fluid contamination on certain 2021 trim levels — verify recall history via VIN before purchasing
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling one 2021 Escape vehicle equipped with a 2.5L hybrid powertrain.
- 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.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Corsair and 2021-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with a 2.5L Hybrid powertrain.
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines.
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: Ford 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.
- 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.
- ENGINE: Ford 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.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $22,000 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away