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2021 Ford Ecosport problems

The most common problem on the 2021 Ford Ecosport is engine and cooling, typically around 56,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Ecosport model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
81/100
Owner complaints
263
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
42
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
25-28mpg
Typical repair
$7,500

The worst 2021 Ford Ecosport problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2021 Ford Ecosport

Engine failure 39Stalling 37Check engine light 28Loss of power 28Overheating 10Jerking 9Hesitation 8Slipping 5Won't start 5

Recalls 3

Back over prevention: softwareReported June 27, 2025 · 200,237 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 number 25V442000 · Recall details

Power train: axle assembly: axle shaftReported February 28, 2025 · 18,648 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 number 25V126000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: oil/lubrication: pumpReported December 22, 2023 · 139,730 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 23V905000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2021 Ford Ecosport

Defect investigations

Oil Pump FailureOpened September 20, 2023, closed February 14, 2024

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

PE23015

Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Ford Ecosport 42

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 42 bulletins for the 2021 Ford Ecosport

2021 Ford Ecosport fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.0L 3‑cylFWD272928
2.0L 4‑cylAWD232925

What 2021 Ford Ecosport owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Engine · 57,000 miles · CO

The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the message “Engine Overheating” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. An alternate dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle would be picked up by the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

Filed Oct 29, 2026 · Body, Visibility · FL

While driving, the front right passenger window suddenly shattered. There was no damage to the glass prior to the incident, and no projectiles in the car to indicate anything hitting the window. There was no external damage to the car to indicate a projectile, and nothing mixed in with the glass or on the road where the incident occurred. Luckily, this happened before I had picked up my fiance, but had she been in the car she would have been hit with the shards of glass, as it all shattered into the vehicle. We called the dealership we received the car from, as well as a mechanic to come repair the broken window. While fixing the window, he pointed out to us that the seals on our windows had not been placed correctly, and had been placed incorrectly on all four of our windows, meaning any of our windows-- including the repair-- could shatter again at any given moment, as the glass is in contact with the metal. We have no previous collisions, nor incidents, that would have left any damage in our seals, and all of the seals have consistent misplacement in our car. He confirmed to us that this was a defect from the manufacturing of this vehicle, as our windows have not been touched nor damaged since our purchase, and there are no records of this vehicle having ever been in any related incidents that would leave our seals in the way they are now.

Filed Oct 15, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · AL

when driving the car, it will turn off all of a sudden and a message saying emergency power this is very dangers as it happened to my daughter in the middle of the road it will also stall to turn on after getting gas and you have to sit there and turn the car on and off till it decides to tune on this car has less than 50k on it.

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Transmission · WV

XXX: A 2021 Ford EcoSport S (VIN: [XXX]) was towed to Mid-State Ford for the 1.0L EcoBoost Oil Pump Drive Belt Tensioner Safety Recall (Recall 23S64 / the federal safety agency 23V905). Prior to the tow, the transmission and drivetrain functioned flawlessly with zero slipping, codes, or mechanical noise. XXX: Service advisor [XXX] contacted the consumer to verify the engine failure was tied to the safety recall, documenting the initial vehicle intake scope. The transmission remained completely sound. XXX: [XXX] confirmed the new recall engine installation was successful, but noted a catalytic converter exhaust leak. The shop agreed to fix it under the 8-year/80,000-mile Federal Emissions Defect Warranty. No transmission faults existed or were reported. • XXX: [XXX] called back to state the engine was good, but the vehicle now suffered a severe transmission torque converter issue. Mechanically, this specific component was crushed when technicians forced the engine block and transmission bellhousing together while misaligned during reassembly 5:22 PM: Consumer discussed the newly created transmission damage with [XXX]. • 5:23 PM: Consumer called GM [XXX]; the receptionist screened the call and refused to transfer it. 5:33 PM: Consumer filed a case with Ford Corporate (Complaint #CXH-XXX who confirmed local dealer workmanship liability. 6:24 PM: GM [XXX] returned the call and pressured the consumer to use their personal extended warranty. Consumer firmly refused, citing Section III, Item B of their First Mile Platinum contract, which strictly excludes coverage for workshop repair negligence and non-factory errors.XXX: GM [XXX] called again, making an aggressive, bad-faith attempt to force the consumer to take a broken vehicle, falsely claiming a slipping transmission is "ok to drive." When the consumer refused the extreme safety hazard, [XXX] threatened that all this will fall back on consumer INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · OH · crash · 2 injuries

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 four fractured vertabre in my back,I've been reporting to ford and threw this service after the third oil pump tensor belt fix that the motor was still loosing power out of no where and ford has refused to help me and now this same recall has caused an actual crash this time and I've got major injuries this time,ford needs held accountable for this,I've had my car at [XXX],only six months after buying the car and they told me it was the purge valve and made me wait for over two months for the part and they finally got the part in and two minutes later I hit the freeway as soon as my husband got up to around 65 the motor lost power and we almost got hit by a semi for the second time due to this recall and I got ahold of fords complaint department and they finally helped me get my car into [XXX] and my car was there for five months straight waiting on the parts for the oil pump tensor belt recall after buckeye fixed the car it ran for a couple of months and then the car did the same thing again on the freeway the motor lost power again on the freeway myself my husband and our boy have almost gotten killed several times due to this car shutting down with no warning at all,then my car was fixed again in November of 2025 at [XXX] and they had to replace the same part again,and as soon as I got my car back it has been acting funny and then I've reported this to ford over and over and they literally refuse to do anything about this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 4, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · VA

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 my vehicle it will not start, it's so frustrating and embarring I still have a warranty on my Ford, I am completely disgusted I literally sit there and repeat 3 times, and it finally starts, I have done everything it says to do I even replaced a purge valve, and my light comes back on. Also, when I am driving my car acts like its losing power. So now they are staying I may have a small gas leak and for me to have them put my car on a Smoke Machine. I just want my car fixed so I will feel safe driving I am even afraid to drive to [XXX] to see my daughter my car is a 2021. Also, I have either 2 recalls or 3 recalls, and I have an issue with my powertrain: Action Recommended. warning light. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 18, 2026 · Transmission · 43,000 miles · WV

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 the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V126000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.

Filed Jul 26, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

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 recall, but there is an issue with the turbo boost, and it is covered under warranty. They do not know when they are getting the part, but they are "working on it". I missed 4 days of work just from 07/11/26 to today 07/26/26 ontop of another 20 missed days since purchasing the car due to maintenance and engine issues related to the ongoing recall.

Filed Jul 21, 2026 · Suspension, Wheels · WI

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.

Filed Jul 18, 2026 · Engine · CA

Oil low pressure,oil pump is not working

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2021 Ford Ecosport before you buy

Compare the 2021 Ford Ecosport

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Other model years

200520182019202020212022

Questions about the 2021 Ford Ecosport

Is the 2021 Ford Ecosport reliable?

Owners have filed 263 complaints about the 2021 Ford Ecosport, fewer than a typical Ecosport model year.

What is the 2021 Ford Ecosport year score?

The 2021 Ford Ecosport scores 81 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ford Ecosport: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

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

Engine and cooling, with 218 complaints, typically around 56,000 miles. Next is transmission (51).

How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Ecosport have?

3 recalls, covering back over prevention, power train and engine and engine cooling.

Was there a recall on the 2021 Ford Ecosport engine?

Yes, 1 recall: 23V905000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Ford Ecosport have bad engine?

The Ford Ecosport model years with the most engine complaints are 2018 (643 complaints), 2019 (405 complaints) and 2020 (349 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2021 Ford Ecosport get?

Official estimates for the 2021 Ford Ecosport range from 25 to 28 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.0L 3-cyl, FWD) gets 27 city and 29 highway.

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