The settled Chevy against the recall-stacked Ford. Both fix for free — one just asks for a lot more verifying.

On 2.5L hybrid and plug-in cars, recall 23V-380 (Ford 23S27) covers an engine failure that can vent oil and fuel vapor into the engine bay and cause a fire; the remedy is a powertrain-control-module software update, with an engine long-block replacement if a connecting-rod-bearing failure is found. The 2021 complaint file is full of the fallout: owners who received the recall notice in mid-2023 and waited many months for parts, and at least one whose engine ran dry and was destroyed at 52,000 miles, costing $7,000-plus out of pocket after a warranty denial. Verify this recall is completed — not just mailed — on any 2021 hybrid or plug-in.

Sources: NHTSA complaint database, 2021 Ford Escape and Escape PHEV · NHTSA recall + manufacturer-communications (23V-380, 22V-149, 24V-954, 22V-859; 8F35 shudder TSB; CSP 23B56/25N03) · Independent gen-4 Escape mechanic transcripts + owner plug-in engine account

The 2021 hybrid and plug-in drew high-voltage-battery recalls: 22V-149 (Ford 21S48) for a battery that can fail and cause a sudden loss of drive power, and the broad 24V-954 (24S79) for a battery-cell defect that can short internally — the latter with 'do not charge until remedied' interim guidance and a long parts backlog. The complaint file shows the real-world symptom: a plug-in that stalled and displayed 'Stop Safely Now,' traced to a failed high-voltage battery, waiting on recall parts. Confirm both by VIN.

Sources: NHTSA complaint database, 2021 Ford Escape and Escape PHEV · NHTSA recall + manufacturer-communications (23V-380, 22V-149, 24V-954, 22V-859; 8F35 shudder TSB; CSP 23B56/25N03)

The 1.5L three-cylinder carries the fuel-injector fire recall (22V-859, re-remedied by 25V-165 and 25V-467) — a cracked injector can leak fuel in the engine bay; the fix updates software and, in the final remedy, replaces the fuel rail and injector. Separately, 21V-625 (21S38) covers a fuel-delivery module that can leak inside the tank and cause low fuel pressure and stalling. Both free; confirm the latest remedy on the injector recall, since it was re-issued for cars fixed incorrectly.

Sources: NHTSA complaint database, 2021 Ford Escape and Escape PHEV · NHTSA recall + manufacturer-communications (23V-380, 22V-149, 24V-954, 22V-859; 8F35 shudder TSB; CSP 23B56/25N03)

The most consequential item on a 2021 is recall 23V013: the fuel pump module may not consistently deliver enough fuel, causing an engine stall — a safety issue in traffic. GM replaces the fuel pump module free on 2021–2022 Equinox. This is the one recall to be certain is closed, because a stall is exactly the kind of failure that turns a quiet year loud for one unlucky owner. Verify by VIN.

Sources: NHTSA complaint database, 2021 Equinox · NHTSA manufacturer communications (recall 23V013; program 10189210; recall documents) + independent gen-3 mechanic transcripts

The 1.5T's earlier headline issues — the 'engine power reduced' charge-air-cooler condition, the hard-brake-pedal vacuum pump, cooling-system wear — still exist mechanically, but they no longer dominate the 2021 complaint file. GM even ran a small support program (internal 10189210) for 2021 cars built without the charge-air-cooler cold-weather shutters. Treat these as things to check rather than expect: a reduced-power message, a firm brake pedal, or a temperature-gauge climb still points to the known culprits.

Sources: NHTSA complaint database, 2021 Equinox · NHTSA manufacturer communications (recall 23V013; program 10189210; recall documents) + independent gen-3 mechanic transcripts

A narrow one: GM's Customer Support Program 10189210 covers certain 2021 Equinox built without the charge-air-cooler cold-weather shutters (option code VRI), which can lower cooler efficiency and set a check-engine light in specific conditions. It's minor and free, but if a 2021 shows a charge-air-cooler-related code, this program is worth asking about.

Sources: NHTSA manufacturer communications (recall 23V013; program 10189210; recall documents) + independent gen-3 mechanic transcripts