repaired · 2026 Q3
Back over prevention: software
Risk. A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle.
2021 Ford EcosportProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 263 owner complaints about the 2021 Ford Ecosport, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-905 the manufacturer reports only 54% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 4, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Harvey Bold, CC BY 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Ford Ecosport has problems
263 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
135Engine and engine cooling1 crash/fire/injury
87Engine3 crash/fire/injury
51Power train1 crash/fire/injury
23Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
14Fuel/propulsion system
12Service brakes
7Vehicle speed control
6Steering
3Service brakes, hydraulic
159 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling | 135 | 1 |
| Engine | 87 | 3 |
| Power train | 51 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 23 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 14 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 12 | 3 |
| Vehicle speed control | 7 | 0 |
| Steering | 6 | 2 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 3 | 1 |
| 9 other systems | 15 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2021 Ford Ecosport recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Axle assembly: axle shaft
Risk. A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Oil/lubrication: pump
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.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ford.
Mileage at failure
When do engine and engine cooling problems start?
55kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 66 engine and engine cooling complaints. 98% were reported before 100,000 miles.
Only 30% of complaints for this model year include a mileage.
15under 30k miles65under 100k miles1100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other Ecosport year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Ecosport median. How we score
'18'19'20'21'22
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2021 Ford Ecosport safety ratings
2021 Ford EcoSport SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (19.1% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2021 Ford Ecosport, and the recalls they led to.
- Oil Pump FailureLed to recall 23V-905
In owners' words
What Ecosport owners report
Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle restarted after 20 minutes. The Check Engine warning light was illuminated. The "Charging System Failed" message was displayed. The vehicle was previously taken to the…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving 60-65 MPH, the low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact exited the highway and pulled into a truck stop service station, where the contact was informed that the oil level was normal. The contact resumed…
Own a 2021 Ecosport?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.