RoadVitals

2021 Ford Ecosport Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
256
Latest Jul 26, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
12
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
7

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Ecosport, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

214
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11752911 · filed Jul 26, 2026

Oil low pressure,oil pump is not working

NHTSA ID 11751321 · filed Jul 18, 2026
All 214 reports naming engine

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

48
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11752911 · filed Jul 26, 2026

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

NHTSA ID 11745272 · filed Jun 19, 2026
All 48 reports naming powertrain (other)

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

23
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 local dealer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) recall repair. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the EVAP purge system replacement. The vehicle was repaired; however, the Check Engine warning light illuminated while leaving the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer, who informed the contact that a diagnostic test was needed, and that there was no warranty coverage. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 60,688.

NHTSA ID 11743015 · filed Jun 9, 2026

After having to have my vehicle towed to & held by the dealership for a total of 3 months altogether over the course of two separate engine rebuilds due to a national recall on faulty oil pump parts, my vehicle's check engine light came on & gave a message that there was an issue with the emissions system. I am now experiencing multiple engine system faults EVERY SINGLE TIME I refuel my vehicle where my engine will not start until after 10+ attempts & now that the weather is hotter, I'm also experiencing engine system faults while driving in town & on the highway where the engine completely shuts down & I lose all power, including steering power, while I'm driving! The system instructs me to put the car in park, turn the key to the off position & restart the vehicle WHILE I'M STILL TRYING TO MANUEVER TO SAFETYWITH ZERO POWER IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD/HIGHWAY! I was almost hit by other vehicles multiple times! This vehicle is my only source of transportation but it is wholly dangerous & totally unsafe to drive!

NHTSA ID 11739425 · filed May 22, 2026
All 23 reports naming electrical

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11746512 · filed Jun 25, 2026

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 stated that the parking brake was applied but was also inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle sustained front-end damage, including impact to the center of the bumper, radiator damage, and hood intrusion into the engine compartment. The other vehicle sustained damage to the trunk and rear bumper. The airbags did not deploy, and no warning light illuminated before or during the incident. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and was later towed to a junk yard. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. No injuries were reported. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The Ford App indicated that during and after the crash, the app alerted that there was an issue with the vehicle; however, it could not be tested since the vehicle was totaled due to the failure not being covered by the manufacturer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

NHTSA ID 11743445 · filed Jun 11, 2026
All 14 reports naming brakes

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11752911 · filed Jul 26, 2026

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 local dealer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) recall repair. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the EVAP purge system replacement. The vehicle was repaired; however, the Check Engine warning light illuminated while leaving the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer, who informed the contact that a diagnostic test was needed, and that there was no warranty coverage. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 60,688.

NHTSA ID 11743015 · filed Jun 9, 2026
All 13 reports naming fuel system

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure described in the recall. Additionally, the contact stated that the warning message "Front Drive Shaft" was displayed while driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA ID 11705313 · filed Dec 16, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 50 MPH. The vehicle was shaking abnormally. The phone App alerted the contact that there was a powertrain malfunction and reduced power. The "Service Engine Soon" message was displayed. The oil and maintenance warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer previously, where it was diagnosed with engine and powertrain failures. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

NHTSA ID 11696060 · filed Oct 28, 2025
All 9 reports naming driver assistance

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11746512 · filed Jun 25, 2026

Manufacturer issued a recall with no remedy. The vehicle stalled and loss power will I was driving on the highway in June 2025. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership for a safety recall regarding this issue. The manufacturer and dealership held my vehicle for 11 months to complete the repair. However, just 5 days after receiving the vehicle back, the engine shut off again while I was driving. The vehicle stalled while driving at approximately 25mph on a highway exit. There was no warning prior to the engine shutting off. The vehicle remains unremedied and unsafe to drive. The manufacturer has failed to repair the defect within a reasonable timeframe, keeping the vehicle out of service for nearly a year.

NHTSA ID 11740887 · filed May 29, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 stated that the parking brake was applied but was also inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle sustained front-end damage, including impact to the center of the bumper, radiator damage, and hood intrusion into the engine compartment. The other vehicle sustained damage to the trunk and rear bumper. The airbags did not deploy, and no warning light illuminated before or during the incident. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and was later towed to a junk yard. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. No injuries were reported. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The Ford App indicated that during and after the crash, the app alerted that there was an issue with the vehicle; however, it could not be tested since the vehicle was totaled due to the failure not being covered by the manufacturer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

NHTSA ID 11743445 · filed Jun 11, 2026

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 80 MPH. During the crash, the airbags did not deploy as photo, video, and police witness confirm. The impact was significant enough that airbags should have deployed, and I sustained injuries as a result. This raises serious concerns about the safety and condition of the vehicle, including possible defects or failure to properly maintain critical safety systems. The owner runs a rental car business Moon Rentals Corporation and uses Turo and is insured by Travelers Insurance Company. I am requesting that this incident be investigated as a potential safety defect in addition to negligence by the rental car owner for not inspecting or maintaining the vehicle to check for such defects.

NHTSA ID 11730735 · filed Apr 13, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Unknown how it happened. After parking noticed back driver side tire was tilted. Took picture next morning under car to see that the cross arm was broken in half. Car was not drivable and was towed to a Ford dealership Seems like arm just snapped without notice.

NHTSA ID 11751722 · filed Jul 21, 2026

The transmission has failed and was replaced, but the replacement engine has also been recalled and replaced with another recalled engine. Additionally, the tires and various electrical sensors continue to malfunction, the brake lights and sockets are persistently failing, and the front suspension along with wheel bearings require replacement. The car is unsafe to drive, vibrates excessively, and produces loud noises while in motion. I am concerned for my safety and seek assistance in resolving this issue.

NHTSA ID 11642853 · filed Feb 14, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Hello I’m having problems with my drivers side seatbelt. It will pull out all the way as it will go and it will not go back to tighten up the seatbelt. Where I put my seatbelt back on it will not tighten back to keep me safe in seatbelt. It’s very loose and when I hit on the brake the seatbelt will not tighten up to protect me in the seat. Then sometimes I get in my vehicle the seatbelt will work normally to tighten back when I fasten my seatbelt. I took it to my dealership on Monday for oil change a tire rotation . I also told my advisor about the problem I was having and asked him to get them to check it out. They couldn’t find a problem with it at that time. But on Tuesday it was doing the same problem. My sister has fussing about how unsafe that was for use to drive like that. Please can you help me with this problem asap. Thanks in advance. The date of my visit to dealership was Monday 1/29/2024

NHTSA ID 11569162 · filed Jan 31, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated that the seat belt on the driver's side of the vehicle failed to extend as needed. The contact stated that the dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 6,000.

NHTSA ID 11532993 · filed Jul 18, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Unknown how it happened. After parking noticed back driver side tire was tilted. Took picture next morning under car to see that the cross arm was broken in half. Car was not drivable and was towed to a Ford dealership Seems like arm just snapped without notice.

NHTSA ID 11751722 · filed Jul 21, 2026

The transmission has failed and was replaced, but the replacement engine has also been recalled and replaced with another recalled engine. Additionally, the tires and various electrical sensors continue to malfunction, the brake lights and sockets are persistently failing, and the front suspension along with wheel bearings require replacement. The car is unsafe to drive, vibrates excessively, and produces loud noises while in motion. I am concerned for my safety and seek assistance in resolving this issue.

NHTSA ID 11642853 · filed Feb 14, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The back hatch window shattered for no reason. The car was parked at home. There was no reason for it to explode as it did. No road damage, the hatch had not been opened for days. The window just shattered.

NHTSA ID 11632948 · filed Dec 29, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .