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2021 Ford Ecosport: engine failure

39 of the 263 complaints about the 2021 Ford Ecosport describe engine failure.

owner complaints
39
of this car's complaints
15%
typical repair cost reported
$7,500
typical mileage
58,933
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 2 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

What owners say

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 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 Apr 21, 2026 · Engine · 60,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on the turnpike, the vehicle made an abnormal sound before it stalled. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The failure was associated with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

Filed Apr 17, 2026 · Fuel system · DE

My entire car failed while on the beltway outside of Washington DC. I lost all power and almost got creamed by a truck. I had it towed to the Ford dealership in Falls Church, Virginia. They are telling me that I need an entire new engine and that they cannot provide a loaner car. They want me to put my credit card out and rent a car and then get reimbursed later. This is completely totally unacceptable. I almost died on the beltway and they knew about this recall for two years now, but supposedly don’t have the parts. Something has to be done and immediately.

Filed Apr 6, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · LA

Vehicle: Ford EcoSport Issue: Overheating / Unsafe to Drive After Recall Repairs Dealership: Bolton Ford Dates: Vehicle at dealership since December 31, 2025 Complaint Text: My Ford EcoSport has been at the dealership since December 31 for multiple recall repairs. After the recall work was completed, the dealership informed me that the vehicle now has an overheating issue and another non‑recall issue; Transmission Roller Restrictor Mount totaling over $580. These issues were not present before the recall repairs. The dealership told me the vehicle is unsafe to drive because the overheating could cause engine damage or failure. Ford is refusing to extend the rental vehicle past March 29th even though my car is unsafe to operate and the parts for the overheating repair will not arrive until the dealership gets to go ahead to fix the repairs, and I was informed that may take a week for those parts to come in. I’m starting a new job and cannot safely drive the vehicle in its current condition. I’am being pressured to take back an unsafe vehicle or pay for repairs I cannot afford. I am requesting the federal safety agency to investigate this safety issue, as Ford is attempting to return a vehicle that is overheating and unsafe to drive. This creates a serious risk of engine failure, breakdown, or accident.

Filed Mar 26, 2026 · Engine · 50,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low engine oil warning light illuminated. The contact researched and confirmed that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that parts had been ordered for the repair. The vehicle had remained at the dealer for five months, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. In addition, the contact was informed that the VIN would be placed on a waiting list for an engine replacement. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Filed Mar 25, 2026 · Engine · 80,460 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, and the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating and was parked until the engine cooled down. The failure was persistent, and the engine continued to overheat. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of an unknown recall repair for the replacement of the engine. In addition, the contact was informed that the engine was on back order. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with cooling fan and control module failures. The contact was informed that the cooling fan and cooling module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The contact declined to pay for the repair. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased in September 2025. The contact stated that prior to the purchase, the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be serviced. The original owner was informed that there were no open recalls associated with the VIN. The contact stated the dealer was the original dealer that serviced the vehicle in September 2025. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and three cases were filed. The failure mileage was 80,460.

Filed Mar 19, 2026 · Engine · 38,457 miles · CA

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. The failure occurred while the contact's parents were traveling out of state, through the mountains. The vehicle was previously repaired in December 2025 under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the engine was replaced. In addition, the replacement engine failure had started after less than 1,000 miles. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 38,457.

Filed Mar 4, 2026 · Transmission · AZ

On December 24, 2025, I was traveling from Arizona to California when WITHOUT WARNING I lost all power from my Ford EcoSport while on the 10 freeway. At that moment I was able to navigate to the side of the road. This placed myself and others in an unsafe situation on the freeway. The vehicle was then towed to a dealership in Temecula, CA where upon inspection they stated that I would need a new engine. The vehicle has sat at the dealership since unrepairable and the weekly text from the dealership is "still waiting for parts". I have lost confidence that this vehicle will ever be safe and that my safety is at risk and that it is unrepairable as it is still sitting at the dealership it was towed to. By way of background, on May 19, 2025 I brought my Ford EcoSport for a pre-scheduled appointment to a dealership in Phoenix, AZ to have recall manufacturer number 23S64 and 25S12 completed. I was told by the service tech that they could not assess the NEED for 23S64 due to a recent oil change in the vehicle. I later learned that 23S64 is a 100% replacement rate and that a recent oil change should not matter. I won't go into the negligence of this dealer in Phoenix, AZ., but for sure this vehicle is not safe for me or anyone on the roadways.

Filed Dec 20, 2025 · Engine · TX

The engine died in an unexpected earlier timeframe than recall notice. I had to get vehicle towed at my expense as no offers existed for recalls yet to the nearest Ford. This means it sat longer with a dead engine and battery not in use. The battery was brand new before the engine died. After Ford installed a new engine I picked up my vehicle. I now had a new problem. The battery light came on. It was late when I picked up my car and the dealership was closing. I notified Ford c/s the next day and they approved to take it back to ANY dealership. There are several Ford dealerships near my home. My 2nd option was Bill Fick Ford. In short I told them my story listed above + recall final engine repair due. Initially there was a female that approved towing and said Ford would help me with towing cost up to $250. The tow truck driver never showed up. I called the tow truck driver the next day and he said he is willing to pickup but will call Ford to confirm. I called Bill Fick Ford several more times for updates. Apparently there was a male there that disapproved. I had called another Ford dealership nearby prior when battery was working asking for help but denied. I am having trouble getting the repairs at any Fords nearby in a timely manner. This April 2026 will be two years since I haven't been able to use this vehicle. Bill Fick Ford told me that I would have to pay for the tow cost. Initially I wasn't going to report but I think it's best to address in case there are others who are having difficulties related to recalls to improve flow. Another dealership is willing to help me. The only issue is is that I will have to pay the remaining balance over $250. This will be 2nd time I pay out of pocket for towing. The difference between Bill Fick Ford and the out of town dealership is the out of town dealership called Ford to confirm approval of tow/repairs and Bill Fick Ford refused to look further and gather the correct info adding more out of pocket cost/delays.

Filed Dec 19, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 124,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that the engine seized while driving at an undisclosed speed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer after several months, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). Upon retrieval of the vehicle, the battery light started flickering. The contact called another dealer, Gullo Ford of Conroe (925 Interstate 45 S #2, Conroe, TX 77301), but no further assistance was provided. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

Service bulletins that may apply

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

Questions about the 2021 Ford Ecosport engine failure

Is engine failure a common problem on the 2021 Ford Ecosport?

39 of 263 owner complaints about the 2021 Ford Ecosport (15%) mention engine failure. The model year with the most reports is 2018.

How much does it cost to fix engine failure on the 2021 Ford Ecosport?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $7,500 (median of 8 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2021 Ford Ecosport?

There is 1 recall and 2 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2021 Ford Ecosport

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

All model years of the Ford Ecosport

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