The 2021 Corsair shares Ford's CD4 platform with the Escape and uses the problematic 8F35 8-speed transmission. Early units have notable transmission control issues, HVAC system failures, and software glitches affecting backup cameras—quality control was spotty in the first production year.
8-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder and Control Module Failures
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 15,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh shifting between 2nd-3rd gear, especially when cold, Transmission shudder during light acceleration at 30-50 mph, Delayed engagement into Drive or Reverse after starting, Check engine light with codes P0735, P0776, or transmission-related DTCs, Limp mode activation requiring key cycle to reset
Fix: Early failures often require TCM reflash (1.5 hrs) which Ford has issued multiple TSBs for. Persistent cases need valve body replacement (6-8 hrs) or complete transmission overhaul. Transmission fluid and filter service sometimes helps temporarily but rarely solves root cause. Multiple recalls issued for TCM software.
Estimated cost: $400-6,500
AC Evaporator Core Leaks
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 30,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Gradual loss of AC cooling performance over weeks, Sweet smell from vents when AC is running, Oily residue on passenger floor or under dash, AC system repeatedly needs refrigerant recharge, Fogged windshield that clears slowly even with defrost
Fix: Entire dash assembly must come out to access evaporator core—this is a 12-14 hour job. Expansion valve (TXV) typically replaced at same time since you're already in there. System must be evacuated, recharged, and leak-tested. This is a known weak point on CD4 platform vehicles.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800
Backup Camera and Parking Aid Software Failures
Common · medium severity
Symptoms: Backup camera shows black screen or 'camera unavailable' message intermittently, Parking sensors beep falsely or don't activate at all, SYNC screen freezes when shifting into Reverse, Camera image quality degrades to static or lines, Multiple warning messages about driver assist systems on startup
Fix: Four separate NHTSA recalls address this—most are software updates via FDRS tool (1 hr), but some require camera replacement (2 hrs) or APIM module replacement (1.5 hrs). Dealer-only fix in most cases due to programming requirements. Some units need harness inspection for water intrusion at liftgate.
Estimated cost: $0-1,200
Engine Transmission Mounts Premature Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 25,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk or thud when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration felt through steering wheel at idle in Drive, Engine rocks excessively when accelerating hard, Visible sagging or separation of rubber mount when inspected, Increased cabin noise and harshness over bumps
Fix: Transmission mount is most common failure point (2.5 hrs), followed by front engine mount. Use OEM or quality aftermarket—cheap mounts fail again within 20k miles. On turbo engines, mount stress is higher due to torque delivery. Both upper and lower transmission mounts should be inspected when replacing one.
Estimated cost: $450-850
Subframe and Subframe Bushing Corrosion/Deterioration
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking noise from front suspension over bumps, Steering wheel off-center after hitting potholes, Alignment won't hold settings after adjustment, Visible rust or cracking on subframe cradle during inspection, Creaking sounds when turning at low speeds
Fix: Subframe bushings wear prematurely especially in salt-belt states—bushing replacement is 5-6 hrs labor. Severe cases have actual subframe cracking requiring complete assembly replacement (10-12 hrs). This platform shares geometry with Escape which has documented subframe failures. Inspect annually if driven in harsh climates.
Estimated cost: $800-3,500
2.3L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders
Rare · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust especially on cold starts, Coolant level drops with no visible external leaks, Rough idle or misfires when engine is cold, Milky oil on dipstick or under oil cap, Overheating warnings despite full coolant level
Fix: Open-deck block design allows head gasket failure or cylinder head porosity issues. Requires head removal, pressure testing, and often head replacement (16-20 hrs). Some cases need complete short block. Ford issued TSB 21-2315 for diagnostic procedure. Not covered under powertrain warranty if coolant maintenance wasn't documented.
Estimated cost: $4,500-8,500
PHEV High Voltage Battery Cooling System Failures
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 30,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Reduced EV range by 30-40% compared to new, Battery temperature warning on dash during charging, Vehicle defaults to gas-only operation, Cooling fan runs constantly even when parked, Check engine light with P1A15 or battery temperature codes
Fix: Battery cooling pump or coolant lines develop leaks—pump replacement is 4-5 hrs, lines are 3-4 hrs. High-voltage system requires certified technician and isolation procedures. Coolant is Ford Orange not standard green—wrong fluid causes sensor failures. Battery capacity degradation beyond 30% may require pack replacement under warranty.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,800
Owner tips
Change transmission fluid at 40k miles regardless of 'lifetime fill' claims—use Mercon ULV only, others cause valve body issues
Inspect subframe and engine mounts annually, especially before 50k miles—early catch saves major money
Keep all receipts for coolant services on 2.3L engines—Ford warranty denials are common without proof
PHEV models: verify battery cooling system operation during pre-purchase inspection with scan tool
Update all software recalls immediately—camera and transmission issues often fixed with programming
Skip the 2021 model year entirely—too many first-year production issues and recall volume suggests rushed quality control; 2022+ models have better track record after Ford addressed early problems.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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Ford 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.
Consequence: Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in May 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S14. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE · 26V123000
2026-03-03
Ford 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."
Consequence: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The remedy is currently under development. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated second quarter of 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
Ford 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.
Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · 25V510000
2025-08-08
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. Water may enter into the rearview camera connectors, which can cause the rearview camera image not to appear on the display or display a distorted image.
Consequence: A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the drivers view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera harness and rearview camera, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 15, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated May 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S83.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE · 25V442000
2025-06-27
Ford 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.
Consequence: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
ENGINE · 25V345000
2025-06-06
Ford 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.
Consequence: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S54.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator and Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a Revel Audio System that were repaired incorrectly under recall 22V-953. When the driver's seat belt is not buckled and the vehicle is started, the seat belt warning system may activate the audible warning chime for an insufficient amount of time of less than 4 seconds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: An audible warning chime that does not properly alert of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the audio control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C18.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE · 25V159000
2025-03-14
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V-342. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Consequence: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Image Processing Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S27.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) · 25V133000
2025-02-28
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V-330. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.
Consequence: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S16.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · 25V048000
2025-01-31
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Expedition, 2021-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The rearview camera may display a blank or distorted image.
Consequence: Rearview camera failure can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 18, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S05.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM) · 24V954000
2024-12-20
Ford 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.
Consequence: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to charge battery till the remedy has been completed. Dealers will perform a battery energy control module (BECM) software update, and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 30, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S79.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 24V852000
2024-11-08
Ford 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."
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) · 24V330000
2024-05-10
Ford 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.
Consequence: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S33.
ENGINE · 23V380000
2023-05-26
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. 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.
Consequence: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will replace the engine long-block in 2023 Escape and Corsair vehicles. For the other vehicles, dealers will update the powertrain control module software. If a connecting rod bearing failure is detected, dealers will replace the engine long-block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S27. This recall expands and replaces recall number 22V-484. Vehicles previously repaired under 22V-484 will need to have the new remedy completed. Vehicles previously repaired under 22V-484 will need to have the new remedy completed.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · 23V342000
2023-05-12
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Consequence: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S23. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 23V-022. Vehicles previously repaired under 23V-022 will need to have the new remedy performed.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · 23V022000
2023-01-23
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Consequence: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the image processing module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 25, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S02. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 21V-735. Vehicles previously repaired under 21V-735 will need to have the new remedy performed.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a Revel Audio System. When the driver's seat belt is not buckled and the vehicle is started, the seat belt warning system may activate the audible warning chime for an insufficient amount of time of less than 4 seconds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: An audible warning chime that does not properly alert of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the audio control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C35.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · 22V484000
2022-07-07
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. 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.
Consequence: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will modify the under engine shield and active grille shutter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S47.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape and 2021 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L hybrid powertrains. Insufficient welds inside the high voltage battery may fail, resulting in a loss of drive power.
Consequence: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the high voltage battery, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on July 12, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S33.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE · 21V735000
2021-09-22
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Corsair, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 360-degree cameras. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Image Processing Module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S44.
Ford 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.
Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. Interim notification letters (remedy not available) were mailed on September 30, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 14, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S38.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT · 21V011000
2021-01-15
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Edge, 2020 Lincoln Nautilus and Ford Escape and 2021 Lincoln Corsair and Ford Bronco Sport vehicles. An inadequate amount of lubricant in the rear drive unit may cause seizure of the rear drive axle.
Consequence: If the rear drive unit seizes, there may be a loss of drive and/or a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the rear drive unit lubricant level. Axles found to have lubricant at the minimum level will be filled to the full level. Axles found to be below the minimum lubricant fill level will be replaced, free of charge. This recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S02.
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