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2021 Ford Ecosport

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2021 Ford Ecosport do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 395.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

79 reports with mileage · 179 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 134 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 85 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 50 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

6 crash reports1 fire reports3 injury reports

Engine complaints

85 reports
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Mileage unknown · Apr 16, 2025
Electrical SystemEngine

I am filing this complaint regarding critical safety issues with my 2021 Ford Ecosport that arose immediately after an engine replacement performed under Recall #23S64 (Engine Oil Pump Belt and Tensioner Replacement). On [XXX], I dropped off my vehicle at Covert Ford-Lincoln in Austin, TX, for the recall repair. The dealership r…

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I am filing this complaint regarding critical safety issues with my 2021 Ford Ecosport that arose immediately after an engine replacement performed under Recall #23S64 (Engine Oil Pump Belt and Tensioner Replacement). On [XXX], I dropped off my vehicle at Covert Ford-Lincoln in Austin, TX, for the recall repair. The dealership replaced the engine, but since then, my vehicle has developed severe defects directly resulting from Ford’s improper repair procedures. On [XXX], I picked up the vehicle. Within 20 miles, it abruptly shut off while in motion and would not restart, creating a serious safety hazard. The vehicle was towed back to the dealership, where they blamed the issue on a faulty battery—despite no prior issues. I paid $300 for a replacement. During a test drive, the check engine light illuminated, and the dealership diagnosed a knock sensor issue, which they claimed was unrelated to the engine replacement. They charged me nearly $200 for the repair, saying it was “bad timing.” On April 11, 2025, after nearly two months without resolution, I visited the dealership to find the vehicle still unrepaired. I also discovered damage to the hood while in their care and was informed of additional issues, including unusual piston sounds from the new engine. These problems, including the engine shutdown, knock sensor failure, and piston damage, were nonexistent before the recall repair and are clear consequences of Ford’s mishandling of the engine replacement. These unresolved defects have rendered my vehicle unsafe and unusable for over two months. I am requesting that Ford replace my vehicle or issue a full refund, as the recall repair has caused systemic and ongoing failures. Ford must take responsibility for ensuring the safety and reliability of their vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11655046

Mileage unknown · Apr 8, 2025
EnginePower TrainService Brakes

1)the engine is malfunctioning and its available for inspection 2)In the middle of the night on the highway alone I wasn't sure if my car was going to completely stop on me while driving and cause a wreak 3)About two months ago it was confirmed that I had a recall through the dealership, and it was supposed of have been repaired…

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1)the engine is malfunctioning and its available for inspection 2)In the middle of the night on the highway alone I wasn't sure if my car was going to completely stop on me while driving and cause a wreak 3)About two months ago it was confirmed that I had a recall through the dealership, and it was supposed of have been repaired during that time but wasn't complete. 4)It was inspected two months ago by ford dealership 5)Yes ! the car was making a weird noise driving and engine was vibrating. I stopped at AutoZone and they plugged it up and it read the Anti braking system results said failure

NHTSA ODI #11653414

Mileage unknown · Apr 7, 2025
EngineService BrakesVehicle Speed Control

Five days prior I had car assessed at mechanics ,it was good. Day of incident car started and drove fine. Low oil light come on. I pulled over checked oil level it was fine. I checked the car on my Ford app. There was nothing on the app saying there was a problem. Car drove fine I drove about a hour the car oil lights flashed ag…

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Five days prior I had car assessed at mechanics ,it was good. Day of incident car started and drove fine. Low oil light come on. I pulled over checked oil level it was fine. I checked the car on my Ford app. There was nothing on the app saying there was a problem. Car drove fine I drove about a hour the car oil lights flashed again. Then the car completely shut down while I was driving. I immediately tried to steer car off the road. The steering was hard.I was trying to give it gas to get it off the road but the car was instantly dead hunk of metal. The car made no noise. I have heard of limp mode but I didn't experience that. I went drove 70 to 0 really fast.I was lucky no one was immediately behind me or was in fast lane because I would of been hit .I had car towed to a ford dealership. It was determined that the engine recalled part is why it broke down. Unknown time when car will be repaired. No rental. No help . I own the car. It is sitting at a ford dealership.

NHTSA ODI #11653308

Mileage unknown · Mar 31, 2025
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control

Car looses power mid drive since (has happened since Sept 2024.) Powertrain light sensor comes on and car throttles low, cuts completely off sometimes. Numerous Powertrain malfunction/ reduced power notifications on My ford app.

NHTSA ODI #11651872

Mileage unknown · Mar 30, 2025
EnginePower Train

Car has experienced loss of power randomly. Dealership wray ford of bossier city Louisiana sold car without disclosing recalls or defects. Unwilling to help in situation

NHTSA ODI #11651572

Mileage unknown · Mar 29, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes

My vehicle has outright lost power and shut down entirely with the engine non functional approximately 6 times since I acquired it back in March of 2024. This recall has existed for 2 months prior to me getting my vehicle and I was unaware of the recall at the time I purchased it because dealerships selling vehicles with open re…

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My vehicle has outright lost power and shut down entirely with the engine non functional approximately 6 times since I acquired it back in March of 2024. This recall has existed for 2 months prior to me getting my vehicle and I was unaware of the recall at the time I purchased it because dealerships selling vehicles with open recalls wasn’t something I was aware was legal considering the imminent potential safety risks. I have nearly wrecked 3 times while going 50+ mph on major local roads and highways because of my car shutting off entirely with 0 notice. To be entirely honest I don’t have enough money to go out and finance another car and I also don’t think a fault vehicle should become my liability when it’s faulty because of processes the manufacture has cut costs on. Not only is driving my vehicle extremely dangerous but it’s my only choice as the alternatives are viable options regarding costs. Assuming I were to get into a wreck knowing this issue was occurring I’d be liable per my insurance for something a multi billion dollar corporation has considered a “non-issue” for literally over a year now. When this happens my power steering loses its functionality locking up the steering wheel entirely, every light and electronic in the car shuts off instantly, and the engine shuts off but because my vehicle is in motion it continues rolling until my speed reaches 0. My brakes haven’t worked more than a fraction of how they’d normally work if my car were working as intended which is extremely annoying because sometimes like while in 5pm traffic I NEED to brake and am unable to which is very dangerous. I have had my car for just about a year and once every 2 months something that could potentially kill me and cause millions of dollars in damage has occurred while the manufacturer has had more time than I’ve had my vehicle to fix the issue. I only filed a complaint now because I was unaware I was able to prior. Thanks.

NHTSA ODI #11651450

Mileage unknown · Feb 14, 2025
EngineSuspensionWheels

The transmission has failed and was replaced, but the replacement engine has also been recalled and replaced with another recalled engine. Additionally, the tires and various electrical sensors continue to malfunction, the brake lights and sockets are persistently failing, and the front suspension along with wheel bearings requi…

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The transmission has failed and was replaced, but the replacement engine has also been recalled and replaced with another recalled engine. Additionally, the tires and various electrical sensors continue to malfunction, the brake lights and sockets are persistently failing, and the front suspension along with wheel bearings require replacement. The car is unsafe to drive, vibrates excessively, and produces loud noises while in motion. I am concerned for my safety and seek assistance in resolving this issue.

NHTSA ODI #11642853

Mileage unknown · Feb 11, 2025
Engine

I was driving my vehicle and a loud clunking noise came from the engine, then a flashing engine oil pressure low signal came on the dashboard, the car wouldn’t go over 45 mph and the brake was hard. I had the car towed to the dealership and was told it needs a new engine due to the recall and it would take months to have it fix …

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I was driving my vehicle and a loud clunking noise came from the engine, then a flashing engine oil pressure low signal came on the dashboard, the car wouldn’t go over 45 mph and the brake was hard. I had the car towed to the dealership and was told it needs a new engine due to the recall and it would take months to have it fix because there’s no parts but before they can fix my car they have to fix the one that’s been sitting I their lot for almost 3 months. I was told maybe we can help you get into another car. I went to the dealer and I was told there is nothing they can do and that my car will be sitting in their lot for many months. I called Ford customer service and I was told that the dealership has not dismantled my vehicle yet and order parts to fix it and that there is a back order on parts to fix the issue. I don’t have money to rent a car and I need my vehicle to go to my doctors appointment, take my husband to work. I don’t have good credit and because the I owe too much money on the car they won’t help me. I’m very stressed out about this situation.

NHTSA ODI #11642058

Mileage unknown · Feb 2, 2025
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control

Purchased the 2021 Ford EcoSport from Courtesy Ford (new), where I have the regularly serviced the vehicle. However, my ownership experience has been marked by repeated mechanical failures that have escalated to the point where, after only three years of ownership, I am being asked to replace the transmission—a repair I believe …

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Purchased the 2021 Ford EcoSport from Courtesy Ford (new), where I have the regularly serviced the vehicle. However, my ownership experience has been marked by repeated mechanical failures that have escalated to the point where, after only three years of ownership, I am being asked to replace the transmission—a repair I believe is both premature and unjustified given the circumstances outlined below. Timeline of Issues and Repairs: July 17, 2023: First experienced significant engine performance problems, particularly with the Auto Start feature malfunctioning, which led to the engine stalling while driving. Despite multiple tests, these issues persisted. Eventually, the engine was replaced, but I continued to experience jerking and misfiring after the replacement. October 2023 – January 2024: Despite having the engine replaced, the car began showing worsening jerking and misfiring, especially at higher speeds (60-65 mph or above). February 2024: During routine maintenance, I was informed that a catalytic converter needed replacement due to damage caused by the engine misfiring. I also learned that the starter motors were not replaced during the engine swap, despite it being common to get a tune up at about 80,000 and expecting thorough work after a engine replacement (Is that too much to ask) also being that I get ALL repairs and maintenance done here just for the service “ADVISOR’ to tell me you were been supposed to get a tune up, hysterical October 2024 – January 2025: The engine started losing power and struggling to rev, similar to before the new engine and catalytic converter replacement. After two weeks, I received a $3500 estimate for starters, coils, plugs, a coolant flush, and code P0128. After waiting for recall plans and assistance, I was informed that the technicians had added the two coils and plugs they initially had on the $3500 estimate and said after test driving it w/ those, they see that a new transmission is needed for $7500.

NHTSA ODI #11640247

Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2025
Engine

A thud then a minor vibration no computer warning strong smell of burning oil analog temp gauge going pass the 1/2 point. Had car serviced for this told by dealer no problem with water system. Driving home from dealer analog gauge at 1/2 point just a 2 miles from dealer. Other outstanding recall not addressed in a timely manner …

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A thud then a minor vibration no computer warning strong smell of burning oil analog temp gauge going pass the 1/2 point. Had car serviced for this told by dealer no problem with water system. Driving home from dealer analog gauge at 1/2 point just a 2 miles from dealer. Other outstanding recall not addressed in a timely manner over 1 year no information no letter just your website to tell me about that one.

NHTSA ODI #11639821

Official recalls

3

25V442000 · Back Over Prevention:software

Jun 27, 2025

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 & remedy

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.

25V126000 · Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft

Feb 28, 2025

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

23V905000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pump

Dec 22, 2023

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE23015 · Oil Pump Failure

Opened Sep 20, 2023 · Closed Feb 14, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pump

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 pressure. A loss of engine oil pressure can result in engine seizure, which can result in a loss of motive power and a loss of mechanical vacuum pump required to provide power braking assist, increase the risk of a crash. On December 22, 2023, Ford filed recall 23V-905 for certain MY 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The recall remedy provides the replacement of the oil pump drive belt tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt with redesigned parts to improve robustness. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.