2021 Ford Ecosport Safety Report
2021 Ford EcoSport Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Ford Ecosport
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 Ford Ecosport. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (3) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (234) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 5 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine And Engine Cooling | Compare engine and engine cooling issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2022 | Compare against the 2022 Ford Ecosport with 10 complaints and 2 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2018 | Check the 2018 Ford Ecosport before buying across this generation. |
Ford Ecosport Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Ford Ecosport years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Ford Ecosport | 10 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Ford Ecosport | 365 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Ford Ecosport | 439 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Ford Ecosport | 710 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2021 Ford Ecosport Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 Ford Ecosport, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine And Engine Cooling
104 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine And Engine Cooling issues Ford onlyEngine
38 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Ford onlyEngine And Engine Cooling,Power Train
17 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine And Engine Cooling,Power Train issues Ford onlyUnknown Or Other
12 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Ford onlyPower Train
8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Ford onlyElectrical System
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Ford onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Ford Ecosport
Reliability Score
The 2021 Ford Ecosport receives a reliability score of 5 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2021 Ford Ecosport
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2021 Ford Ecosport
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Ford Ecosport:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling Recalls have been issued for oil pump failures and low oil pressure warnings, which can lead to engine damage if not addressed. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Power Train Axle assembly issues have been reported, potentially leading to loss of vehicle control. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Several reports mention electrical system problems, though these are less frequent than other issues. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Brake System Brake locking has been reported, which can be dangerous, especially at higher speeds. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Ford Ecosport:
Issues with oil pump failures and low oil pressure warnings are the most common problems.
Axle assembly issues are a significant concern, affecting vehicle stability.
Electrical system problems are less frequent but still a concern.
Brake locking has been reported, which can be dangerous.
Recall Details for the 2021 Ford Ecosport
The following 3 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Ford Ecosport by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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 l...
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Ford Ecosport
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Ford Ecosport with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 1 involved fires. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
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 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 spar...
As I pulled into my driveway, my brakes locked up resulting in my vehicle only coming to a stop because it crashed into another vehicle in my driveway. It is still in my driveway, the function of breaking has not been reproduced. The car will not even start now. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by a dealer, an independent service center, or anyone else. I will be contacting my insurance toda...
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that a software update was needed. The vehicle was repaired out of pocket. The battery was previously replaced as a temporary repair. The manufactu...
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the part was not available and needed to be ordered. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The...
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 n...
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that on three separate occasions, the oil pump drive tensioner belt had failed and was replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). After the repairs were performed, the failure reoccurred, and the contact was informed that the part needed to be replaced another time. The vehicle was taken t...
Due to a lack of available parts for this recall, the vehicle repairs will take up to 30 plus days before the parts arrive. On top of that, there is a waiting list for the vehicles that need to be fixed. This means, I will be without a vehicle for a lengthy amount of time. They don’t have enough loaners vehicles and I cannot afford to purchase a new car at this time. This recall issue has caused p...
The airbag service light was on prior to purchase. It wasn’t acknowledged by the dealership. When I asked about it he said “it’s because the car was sitting in the cold”. I took the car in to get looked at at a Ford dealership and they said my airbags are inoperable. My safety is at risk.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact heard an abnormally tapping sound coming from the engine compartment, and there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe and under the hood. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The...
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact ha...
I bought a new 2021 Ford ecosport with several recalls. I've reported previous one on the recall list. However the following two are not on recall list. First, the back up camera is malfunctioning. It turns black when reversing. Secondly, within a week of purchasing brand new the vehicle had loose rail covering on top of vehicle. Not sure of the proper name. It fell off on highway SH 99. I had to ...
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...
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 NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). Upon r...
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was blue. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving forward, the rearview camera image erroneously displayed intermittently. The local dealer was notified of the failures and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V442000(Back Over Prevention)...
Oil light and check engine light came on and notification for poor oil pressure out of nowhere. Car started making weird sounds and acceleration was poor. One minute the car was fine and the next I had to tow it to the dealership to get it looked at. Over 2 months now and the issue isn’t resolved as the dealership hasn’t received the parts that they need to repair it.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated to 5MPH while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacte...
23S64-Engine Oil Pump RECALL 8/19/2025 driving from Hillsboro Beach, Florida to St. Petersburg, Florida. We had a full engine seizure, we lost oil pressure, and also lost use of the transmission. We overheated and the engine seized. With a loss of power, we had to guide the car off the road. The engine was smoking heavily. The back of the car was completely covered with motor oil. The Florida Hi...
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving 30-40 MPH, the messages "Save the Battery", "Turn off Engine", and "Restart" were displayed. The program restarted, and the screen went blank, and the instrument cluster became inoperable. Additionally, the contact was informed about NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V126000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the local deale...
This is the third time the engine has broken down, twice in two months now
Showing 20 of 234 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2021 Ford Ecosport
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Oil/Lubrication:Pump
Opened 2023-09-20 · Closed 2024-02-14
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...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Ford Ecosport
Has the 2021 FORD ECOSPORT been recalled?
Yes, the 2021 FORD ECOSPORT has 3 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2021 FORD ECOSPORT have?
The 2021 FORD ECOSPORT has 234 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 4 involved crashes. 2 injuries and 2 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 FORD ECOSPORT?
The 2021 FORD ECOSPORT received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 FORD ECOSPORT?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 FORD ECOSPORT involve engine and engine cooling (104 complaints), engine (38 complaints), engine and engine cooling,power train (17 complaints). Other affected components include unknown or other, power train, electrical system.
How many crash reports does the 2021 FORD ECOSPORT have?
There are 4 crash reports associated with the 2021 FORD ECOSPORT out of 234 total complaints (1.7% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2021 FORD ECOSPORT have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2021 FORD ECOSPORT out of 234 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 FORD ECOSPORT?
Yes, 2 deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 FORD ECOSPORT. These are self-reported by complainants and do not imply the vehicle caused the death.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 FORD ECOSPORT?
2 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 FORD ECOSPORT. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2021 FORD ECOSPORT?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 FORD ECOSPORT is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 234 complaints, 3 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Note: 2 death(s) have been reported. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2021 FORD ECOSPORT?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 FORD ECOSPORT are: 1. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (104 complaints), 2. ENGINE (38 complaints), 3. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN (17 complaints), 4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (12 complaints), 5. POWER TRAIN (8 complaints). ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING is the single most-reported problem area with 104 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 FORD ECOSPORT?
Be aware of potential engine and electrical system issues, and check for recalls before purchasing. The 2021 FORD ECOSPORT has 234 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).
How reliable is the 2021 FORD ECOSPORT?
The 2021 FORD ECOSPORT receives a reliability score of 5/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 234 owner complaints, 3 recalls, and 5 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine and engine cooling and Power train.
What are the known issues with the 2021 FORD ECOSPORT?
Known issues with the 2021 FORD ECOSPORT include: Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Brake system. These are based on patterns found across 234 NHTSA complaints. 3 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 Ford EcoSport?
Yes, there are recalls for engine and engine cooling issues, as well as power train and electrical system problems.
What are the most common safety issues with the 2021 Ford EcoSport?
Common issues include engine and engine cooling problems, power train issues, and electrical system problems.
Have there been any reports of brake problems with the 2021 Ford EcoSport?
Yes, there have been reports of brake locking, which can be dangerous, especially at higher speeds.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential engine and electrical system issues, and check for recalls before purchasing.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Ford Ecosport
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Ford Ecosport. The data includes 234 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 4 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 2 reported injuries, and 2 fatalities associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Ford Ecosport an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-15