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2021 Ford Ecosport engine problems

218 complaints (83% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 56,000. 3 crashes reported.

owner complaints
218
of this car's complaints
83%
typical mileage
56,000
crashes
3
recalls
1

Which part fails

Owners did not name a specific part.

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Ecosport engine problems in other years

20182019202020212022

Specific symptoms reported on the 2021 Ford Ecosport engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Engine failure 39Stalling 37Check engine light 28Loss of power 28Overheating 10Won't start 5

Related recalls

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

Related 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

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 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 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 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 18, 2026 · Engine · CA

Oil low pressure,oil pump is not working

Filed Jun 30, 2026 · Engine · NC

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 admitted to providing misinformation that caused additional financial hardship in order to dispose of a call. At this point, we would welcome any reasonable remedy from the Ford Motor Company in order to either repair and remunerate.

Filed Jun 25, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · MO

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 of service for over 3 months, and we have paid for two ~100‑mile tows because Ford refused to authorize repairs or provide a loaner/rental after a second engine failure. On June 18 the car was towed to Bommarito Ford, who falsely accused us of “destroying the car” and removing the catalytic converter, despite written confirmation from Pettus Ford that THEY removed it during diagnosis. Bommarito refused recall work, claimed the car was “out of warranty,” and ordered us to remove it from their lot or face storage fees. Ford Corporate opened cases [XXX] and [XXX]. The second rep was rude, accusatory, did not return calls, and repeated false claims. Ford denied coverage using a 12k‑mile parts warranty, even though this is a federal safety recall. Ford Corporate also misidentified the owner and listed my vehicle incorrectly as a “Ford Edge.” After notifying Ford Executive Office, Tier 2, the Missouri Attorney General, and legal counsel, Pettus Ford’s access to Ford’s system was suddenly restored. Pettus Ford continued to help, but Ford still refused to authorize the repair. We have now towed the car back to Pettus Ford in Fredericktown, MO. We have been without a vehicle for nearly 4 months and have spent significant time and money on towing. Ford only began to respond after the Missouri Attorney General complaint and after Ford Corporate threatened legal action instead of providing assistance. Pettus Ford has been the only party acting professionally throughout this:INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C

Filed Jun 23, 2026 · Engine · MO

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

Filed Jun 19, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · MI

Car had an interim engine placed in March 2024, for Ford recall 23S64. Then car stalled again in May 2026, took in it to have it checked and they repaired the engine and replaced the catalytic converter as per Ford recall 23S64. We replaced at our cost ther cam sensors. 7 days after picking up the vehicle, it shut down in the middle lane of the Southfield Freeway causing a safety issue to me and those around me. One the vehicle was safely on the side of the road thanks to some construction workers, I called for a tow. After 30 minutes I tried to start the car and it did not start. After 40 minutes the car started AAA and I was able to get it to Dean Seller Ford if Troy. They refused to check the work the did week prior and are saying that they can not test it until we replace the battery and starter. You don't need those to visually inspect. I do not feel the car is safe to drive at this point as it is a huge safety risk to myself and drivers around me

Questions about the 2021 Ford Ecosport engine

Does the 2021 Ford Ecosport have engine problems?

Owners have filed 218 complaints about the engine of the 2021 Ford Ecosport, 83% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2021 Ford Ecosport engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 56,000 miles.

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).

Other 2021 Ford Ecosport problems

Transmission 51Electrical 23Brakes 15Fuel system 15Acceleration 7Steering 6Airbags 3Driver assistance 2Seat belts 2Suspension 2Visibility 2Wheels 2Body 1

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