2021 Ford Ecosport Problems & Complaints

Averageabout as many complaints as a typical year of the Ecosport at the same age

Owners have filed 261 complaints about the 2021 Ford Ecosport with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the Ecosport at the same age. The most reported problem area is the engine & cooling (217 complaints, typically around 55,000 miles). 3 recalls cover this model year.

261complaints
3recalls
7crashes
1fires
5injuries
2deaths

Most common 2021 Ford Ecosport problems

  • Engine & cooling~55,000 miles
    21783%
  • 5120%
  • Electrical system~41,000 miles
    239%
  • Other / not specified
    218%
  • Brakes~98,000 miles
    156%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~61,000 miles
    156%
  • Speed control & acceleration~101,000 miles
    73%
  • Steering~87,000 miles
    62%
  • Air bags~98,000 miles
    31%
  • Seat belts~6,000 miles
    21%
  • Driver assistance~80,000 miles
    21%
  • Wheels & tires
    21%
  • Suspension
    21%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof
    10%

Share of the 261 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Ford Ecosport complaints by model year

2018201920202021202272746140026112
Owner complaints per model year, Ford Ecosport. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Ecosport years: 2022. Compare all years →

2021 Ford Ecosport recalls (3)

Back over prevention › Software

NHTSA recall 25V-442 · Jun 27, 2025 · 200,237 vehicles

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…

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.

Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft

NHTSA recall 25V-126 · Feb 28, 2025 · 18,648 vehicles

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.

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.

Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Oil/lubrication › Pump

NHTSA recall 23V-905 · Dec 22, 2023 · 139,730 vehicles

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.

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…

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2021 Ford Ecosport:

Oil Pump Failure

NHTSA investigation PE23015 · opened Sep 20, 2023 · closed Feb 14, 2024 · led to recall 23V-905

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.

What 2021 Ford Ecosport owners say

Engine & cooling all 217 →

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated that while driving into the driveway and pressing the brake pedal, the braking system malfunctioned and the vehicle failed to stop before crashing into the side of the home. During the crash no injuries were reported, no police report was taken and the brick wall was damaged. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified. The contact later received a recall letter for the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000(Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 18,500.

19,000 miles · Feb 2024 · crash

The contact's father owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. While the owner was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The crankshaft warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 50 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact's father was informed that the spark plugs were smashed. The owner was informed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with ignition coil failures. The contact was informed that the ignition coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. …

38,000 miles · Jan 2026

Transmission & drivetrain all 51 →

The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 25V126000 (Power Train); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that there was a loud thumping sound coming from the drive shaft while the transmission was changing gear. The contact stated that the oil level was checked, and the contact was informed that the engine had low oil pressure. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle would not be repaired until the part became defective. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000. …

71,000 miles · Jan 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) and 25V126000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. The oil warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that if felt like the transmission was slipping; however, the regained power and speed. The contact went to the dealer and asked about the parts for the recall repairs; however, the contact was informed that parts were still not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered the contact an Extended Customer Satisfaction warranty. …

81,000 miles · Mar 2025

Electrical system all 23 →

The contact owned a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact managed to pull over to the shoulder of the road and the vehicle experience a loss of automotive power. The contact stated that black smoke was leaking from under the hood and the driver-side door would not unlock or unlatch to open. In addition, the contact stated that she managed to exit through the front passenger side door before the vehicle caught on fire. The contact sustained a bruise and scrapes on her left leg however, did not seek medical attention. The local fire department arrived to extinguish the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a local tow lot, where it was deemed a total loss. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …

41,000 miles · Jul 2025 · fire · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle restarted after 20 minutes. The Check Engine warning light was illuminated. The "Charging System Failed" message was displayed. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) recall repair. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the EVAP purge system replacement. The vehicle was repaired; however, the Check Engine warning light illuminated while leaving the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer, who informed the contact that a diagnostic test was needed, and that there was no warranty coverage. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 60,688.

61,000 miles · Mar 2026

2021 Ford Ecosport engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
1.0L 3-cyl turbo6-speed automaticFWD27 / 29 / 28
2.0L 4-cyl6-speed automaticAWD23 / 29 / 25

EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Ford Ecosport a good car?

Based on 261 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 Ecosport rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Ecosport at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Ford Ecosport?

The engine & cooling — 217 complaints, 83% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (51) and electrical system (23).

How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Ecosport have?

There are 3 recalls for the 2021 Ford Ecosport, the most recent from June 27, 2025 (software). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Ford Ecosport?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2022. See the full Ford Ecosport years comparison.

At what mileage do 2021 Ford Ecosport problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 55,000 miles; 42% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.