This page covers 4 recalls, 245 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Ford Ecosport.
25–28 mpg combined
8.4–9.4 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Owners of the 2021 Ford EcoSport report a heavy concentration of engine and powertrain complaints. The most common pattern involves sudden loss of power while driving at highway speeds, often accompanied by abnormal engine noises before the vehicle stalls or slows dramatically. Multiple owners report the low oil pressure warning light and check engine light illuminating, sometimes together, with some vehicles ultimately diagnosed with engine failure after being towed to a dealer. A recurring frustration in these reports is that the problem returns after repair attempts, with owners describing repeat visits to the dealer for the same stalling or power-loss symptoms. Powertrain-related complaints follow a similar thread, with owners describing the engine cutting out or surging unexpectedly during highway driving.
245
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 Ford EcoSport has 4 recalls, the most serious being front axle shafts that can separate from the transmission, causing sudden loss of drive power or, if parked without the parking brake applied, an unexpected rollaway.
A separate powertrain concern involves the oil pump drive belt or its tensioner, which can fail and cause a sudden drop in engine oil pressure. When that happens, the engine can stall and power brake assist is reduced, making the vehicle harder to stop. Note that recalls 1 and 3 describe the same underlying axle shaft defect and are treated as a single issue here. On the electronics side, a software defect can cause the rearview camera to display a blank image when reversing, reducing the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image or fail to clear the image after backing up.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the rearview camera software at no cost.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Front axle shafts may not be properly installed, causing them to become damaged or separate from the transmission. This can result in sudden power loss to the wheels and, if the parking brake isn't engaged, the vehicle rolling away.
What the fix does
Ford will mail you a notice. Bring your vehicle to a Ford dealership to have the axle shaft(s) inspected and replaced if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front axle half shafts can disconnect from the transmission, causing loss of drive power.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the half shafts as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The oil pump drive belt or tensioner can fail, causing the engine to lose oil pressure.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the oil pump tensioner assembly and drive belt at no cost. If engine damage has occurred, dealers will replace the engine assembly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
