2021 Ford Ecosport problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 259 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Ecosport, most often about engine. There are 3 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
259
Recalls
3
Crashes
7
Fires
1
Injuries
5
Median mileage
55,000 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 216 of 259 complaints (83%).
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (50) and electrical system (23) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 55,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 7 crashes, 1 fire and 5 injuries.
  • The 2021 Ford Ecosport has 3 recalls on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation covering this vehicle.
  • It ranks 4th of 5 Ford Ecosport model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 35% fewer complaints than the 2020 model year (399).

2021 Ford Ecosport problems by category

  • Engine · 3 crashes
    216 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain · 1 crash
    50 complaints
  • Electrical System · 1 crash
    23 complaints
  • Other / Unknown · 2 crashes
    21 complaints
  • Brakes · 3 crashes
    15 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    14 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    7 complaints
  • Steering · 1 crash
    6 complaints
  • Airbags · 2 crashes
    3 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    2 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    2 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    2 complaints
  • Suspension
    2 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Engine and engine cooling134
Engine86
Power train50
Electrical system21
Unknown or other21
Fuel/propulsion system13
Service brakes12
Vehicle speed control7

When problems happen (mileage)

5Under 10k1110k–30k2930k–60k3060k–100k3100k–150k1150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2021 Ford Ecosport complaints that list mileage.

2021 Ford Ecosport recalls (3)

  • Recall 25V442000Jun 27, 2025200,237 vehicles
    BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 25V126000Feb 28, 202518,648 vehicles
    POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 EcoSport vehicles. The front axle half shafts may disconnect from the transmission, which can result in a loss of drive power.

    Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. In addition, a disconnected half shaft can result in a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the half shafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S12.

  • Recall 23V905000Dec 22, 2023139,730 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.

    Risk: A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the oil pump tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt, free of charge. If engine failure occurs due to a damaged oil pump belt and/or oil pump belt tensioner, Ford has authorized dealers to replace the engine assembly as an interim repair before the availability of remedy parts for the final repair. This repair will be free of charge (parts and labor). Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S64.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • PE23015Opened Sep 20, 2023Closed Feb 14, 2024led to recall 23V905

    Oil Pump Failure

    On September 20, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-015 to investigate instances of engine failure due to loss of oil pressure in model year (MY) 2018-2021 Ford EcoSport vehicles. Some consumers reported a low engine oil pressure warning lamp immediately preceding a complete loss or reduction of motive power while the vehicle was in motion. The investigation revealed that the engine oil pump drive belt tensioner arm may fracture, separate from the tensioner backing plate, and/or the oil pump drive belt may degrade and lose teeth, resulting in a loss of engine oil press…

NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2021 Ford EcoSport SUV AWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
2021 Ford EcoSport SUV FWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆

Recent 2021 Ford Ecosport complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Sep 30, 2026OHCrash2 injuredBrakesEngineSteering
    I've had the same recall fixed on this car three times and once again on XXX myself and my husband were in the car driving and the wrench light and engine light came on and my car went into limp mode it wouldn't go above like 35mph I actually caught this on video and my husband was trying to make a u turn in a parking lot to come back home and the motor lost all power,no braking power or steering which caused us to hit a pole and this time caused whiplash on my husband and…
    NHTSA complaint #11768067 · source
  2. Filed Sep 4, 2026VAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
    My vehicles service engine light has been on for over a year now. I have contacted the service department and Ford Dealership. I was told that it was covered under Ford and I would not be charged. I have called the Ford Customer Service Department about my vehicle, but nothing seems to be correct. I am making a car payment, but I am not getting service down on my vehicle especially when it's not my fault, I have these issues. I thought better of Ford. Every time I get gas in…
    NHTSA complaint #11762065 · source
  3. Filed Aug 18, 202643,000 miWVTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly started shaking slowly and felt that the shaking was coming from the rear end. The contact stated that over time, the shaking was felt in the front end of the vehicle, and the steering wheel was wobbling, and the front seats were shaking abnormally. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V126000 (Power Train); however, the…
    NHTSA complaint #11757655 · source
  4. Filed Jul 26, 2026CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
    For 14 months, I attempted to get active recalls fixed on the car at Downtown Sacramento Ford, which claimed to be certified pre-owned per Folsom Lake Ford but had existing recalls and issues when I bought it in March of 2024. My car finally broke down on 07/11/26 and was towed on 07/12/26 to the Elk Grove Ford dealership and "looked at" on 07/13/26. Today is 07/26/26, and I am still in a rental that takes a lot more gas than my regular car. I was told that they fixed the…
    NHTSA complaint #11752911 · source
  5. Filed Jul 21, 2026WISuspensionWheels & Tires
    Unknown how it happened. After parking noticed back driver side tire was tilted. Took picture next morning under car to see that the cross arm was broken in half. Car was not drivable and was towed to a Ford dealership Seems like arm just snapped without notice.
    NHTSA complaint #11751722 · source
  6. Filed Jun 30, 2026NCEngine
    Manufacturer has delayed repaired vehicle under campaign 23V905. Loss of use / unable to use this unsafe vehicle. It has been at the dealership and supposedly awaiting parts since September 2025. Manufacturer’s customer service people cannot provide additional details around delivery dates. Customer service both at the dealership and manufacturer have been polite; however, the dealer has provided no remedy or assistance and the manufacture’s customer service line has…
    NHTSA complaint #11747390 · source
  7. Filed Jun 25, 2026MOBrakesEngineSteering
    Safety Recall 23S64 was completed on my 2021 Ford EcoSport on approx. Oct 19, 2025. After ~15,000 miles, the same system failed again on [XXX], causing loss of power and loss of braking assist. Fredericktown Pettus Ford diagnosed shredded timing belt material, drained the oil, and removed the catalytic converter (placed in trunk). They were respectful and tried to order a replacement engine, but Ford Motor Co. blocked their access to the system. The vehicle has now been out…
    NHTSA complaint #11746512 · source
  8. Filed Jun 23, 2026MOEngine
    Engine failed after repair of15000 miles with same break down The dealership did not clean out shredded timing belt and the second belt was shredded
    NHTSA complaint #11745903 · source

Compare the 2021 Ford Ecosport with another vehicle →

Other 2021 Ford models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology