VehicleVerdict

2021 Ford Ecosport problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2021 Ford Ecosport sits mid-pack among Ecosport years: 355 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 433, with 3 recalls and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 6 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 61% of all reports (216 of 355), far ahead of transmission at 47. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

355

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

10

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

6

Injuries

2

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Ecosport years?

Ecosport NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted961 complaints2005: 2 complaints2018: 961 complaints2019: 584 complaints2020: 509 complaints2021: 355 complaints2022: 12 complaints
Ecosport NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ecosport years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Ford Ecosport problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine21661%
Transmission4713%
Electrical System236%
Other216%
Brakes144%
Fuel System123%
Speed Control72%
Steering51%
Airbags31%
Seat Belts21%
Driver Assistance21%
Tires & Wheels10%
Suspension10%
Visibility & Wipers10%

Does the 2021 Ford Ecosport have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V442000Driver AssistanceJune 27, 2025 · 200,237 units

Defect

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

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.

25V126000TransmissionFebruary 28, 2025 · 18,648 units

Defect

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

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.

23V905000EngineDecember 22, 2023 · 139,730 units

Defect

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

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 10, 2024 · crash

“I started my vehicle and got out to finish loading up my stuff and it slipped out of gear and flew down my mainly flat driveway backwards. My passenger door was open still and my car hit my husband's truck and peeled back the passenger door all the way to the fender. Since the incident , my car…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 9, 2023 · crash

“On 7/18/2023, this vehicle was involved in a fatal crash. The vehicle stopped moving and would not proceed forward after stopping major roadway. A motorcycle struck the vehicle from behind and the two occupants were killed. The owner of the vehicle contacted the dealership where she bought it from…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 18, 2023 · crash

“Airbag failure (VERY IMPORTANT) I am reporting a serious vehicle safety issue involving airbag failure. I was driving a vehicle rented through Turo from Moon Rental Corporation when I was involved in a rear-end collision (hit-and-run) on the highway where I was going 65 and hit by a large SUV going…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 19, 2026 · crash

“The contact owned a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25-30 MPH, the vehicle ahead applied the brakes. The contact then depressed the brake pedal; however, the brakes were inoperable, causing the vehicle to rear-end the vehicle in front. The contact further…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 27, 2026 · crash

2021 Ford Ecosport — common questions

Is the 2021 Ford Ecosport reliable?

It is close to typical for the Ecosport: 355 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2021 Ecosport problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (216 complaints), transmission (47 complaints), electrical system (23 complaints).

Does the 2021 Ford Ecosport have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Ford Ecosport. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2021 Ford Ecosport under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Ecosport years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ecosport years to avoid are 2018. The cleanest record among Ecosport years belongs to 2005.

How safe is the 2021 Ford Ecosport?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Ford Ecosport earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.