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2021 Ford Ecosport problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2021 Ford Ecosport has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated November 2, 2026.
- 3safety recalls
- 261owner complaints
- 7crash reports
- 1fire report
- 12%fail the UK MOT
261 complaints, against an average of 400 for the other 4 Ford Ecosport model years.
Every Ford Ecosport model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
Buying a 2021 Ford Ecosport? Get the pre-purchase checklist →
What goes wrong with the 2021 Ford Ecosport?
The components named most often in the 261 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2021 Ford Ecosport owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 261 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2021 Ford Ecosport stall, lose power or shut off while driving?65 owners · 24.9% · Recall 25V126000
- Has the 2021 Ford Ecosport had engine failures?31 owners · 11.9%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2021 Ford Ecosport?22 owners · 8.4%
- Why is my 2021 Ford Ecosport burning or losing oil?17 owners · 6.5%
- Why does my 2021 Ford Ecosport idle rough, misfire or hesitate?11 owners · 4.2%
Fault codes 2021 Ford Ecosport owners mention
Diagnostic trouble codes owners wrote in their complaints. Open a code to see what it meant on other cars and whether a recall names it.
Has the 2021 Ford Ecosport been recalled?
3 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Back Over Prevention: Software 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Power Train: Axle Assembly: Axle Shaft 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine: Oil/Lubrication: Pump 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
Is the 2021 Ford Ecosport recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSA25C76 EcoSport - Powertrain Control Module Software Update
Risk: On affected vehicles the software repair for previous recall 21C08 may not have been delivered properly and diagnostic equipment connected via the Onboard diagnostic port will not read out the long term fuel consumption and distance values as per required regulation.
Fix: Update the Powertrain Control Module and perform an additional verification process to ensure the configuration has been installed correctly.
UK DVSACrossCar: Sync3 Rear-View Camera Software Update
Risk: On affected vehicles a software problem may result in issues with the rear-view camera that reduce the driver’s view or with it remaining on after a reversing event.
Fix: Update the vehicle software to the latest level.
UK DVSAX-Car Powertain Control Module (PCM) Software Update
Risk: Affected vehicles may develop a crack in the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).
Fix: Update software to prevent a cracked DPF. Test and replace DPFs that are already cracked.
UK DVSAVehicle seatbelts may have a defective low g locking mechanism
Risk: Vehicle seatbelts may have a defective low G locking mechanism.
Fix: Inspect the seat belt label for date range. If within suspect range exchange seat belt retractor.
EU Safety GateThe seatbelt reel mechanisms may be defective.As a result, the passengers might not be held in position in the event of sudden braking, increasing the risk of injury.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2021 Ford Ecosport fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2021, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2021 Ford Ecosport owners report?
12 of the 261 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
when driving the car, it will turn off all of a sudden and a message saying emergency power this is very dangers as it happened to my daughter in the middle of the road it will also stall to turn on after getting gas and you have to sit there and turn the car on and off till it decides to tune on this car has less than 50k on it.
XXX: A 2021 Ford EcoSport S (VIN: [XXX]) was towed to Mid-State Ford for the 1.0L EcoBoost Oil Pump Drive Belt Tensioner Safety Recall (Recall 23S64 / NHTSA 23V905). Prior to the tow, the transmission and drivetrain functioned flawlessly with zero slipping, codes, or mechanical noise. XXX: Service advisor [XXX] contacted the consumer to verify the engine failure was tied to the safety recall, documenting the initial vehicle intake scope. The transmission remained completely sound. XXX: [XXX] confirmed the new recall engine installation was successful, but noted a catalytic converter exhaust…
I've had the same recall fixed on this car three times and once again on XXX myself and my husband were in the car driving and the wrench light and engine light came on and my car went into limp mode it wouldn't go above like 35mph I actually caught this on video and my husband was trying to make a u turn in a parking lot to come back home and the motor lost all power,no braking power or steering which caused us to hit a pole and this time caused whiplash on my husband and four fractured vertabre in my back,I've been reporting to ford and threw this service after the third oil pump tensor belt…
My vehicles service engine light has been on for over a year now. I have contacted the service department and Ford Dealership. I was told that it was covered under Ford and I would not be charged. I have called the Ford Customer Service Department about my vehicle, but nothing seems to be correct. I am making a car payment, but I am not getting service down on my vehicle especially when it's not my fault, I have these issues. I thought better of Ford. Every time I get gas in my vehicle it will not start, it's so frustrating and embarring I still have a warranty on my Ford, I am completely…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly started shaking slowly and felt that the shaking was coming from the rear end. The contact stated that over time, the shaking was felt in the front end of the vehicle, and the steering wheel was wobbling, and the front seats were shaking abnormally. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V126000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 driving, and the check engine warning light illuminated while pulling out of the parking lot. The contact was able to drive to the nearest Walmart station, but no technician was available. The vehicle was taken to O'Reilly, where the vehicle stalled upon pulling into the parking lot. The vehicle was…
Vehicle: Ford EcoSport Issue: Overheating / Unsafe to Drive After Recall Repairs Dealership: Bolton Ford Dates: Vehicle at dealership since December 31, 2025 Complaint Text: My Ford EcoSport has been at the dealership since December 31 for multiple recall repairs. After the recall work was completed, the dealership informed me that the vehicle now has an overheating issue and another non‑recall issue; Transmission Roller Restrictor Mount totaling over 580. These issues were not present before the recall repairs. The dealership told me the vehicle is unsafe to drive because the overheating…
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…
2021 Ford Ecosport: questions owners ask
Is the 2021 Ford Ecosport reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 261 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Ecosport; the most common categories were engine and engine cooling (134, 51.3%), engine (87, 33.3%), power train (51, 19.5%). There are 3 safety recalls. 7 complaints mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 5 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Ecosport?
Across 261 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine and engine cooling (51.3% of complaints), engine (33.3% of complaints), power train (19.5% of complaints), electrical system (8.8% of complaints), service brakes (5.7% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2021 Ford Ecosport have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2021 Ford Ecosport; the most recent (campaign 25V442000, 2025-06-27) concerns Back Over Prevention: Software. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2021 Ford Ecosport stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
65 of the 261 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Ford Ecosport (24.9%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. A related recall exists: campaign 25V126000 (power train: axle assembly: axle shaft). The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the half shafts as necessary, free of charge. One owner wrote: "when driving the car, it will turn off all of a sudden and a message saying emergency power this is very dangers as it happened to my daughter in the middle of the road it will also stall to turn on after getting gas and you have to sit there and turn the car…" (NHTSA complaint 11771328, October 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has the 2021 Ford Ecosport had engine failures?
31 of the 261 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Ford Ecosport (11.9%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "Engine failed after repair of15000 miles with same break down The dealership did not clean out shredded timing belt and the second belt was shredded" (NHTSA complaint 11745903, June 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2021 Ford Ecosport?
22 of the 261 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Ford Ecosport (8.4%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "I had recall 23S64 repaired on 04/39/26 and now my car check engine light is on and is running hot, and shaking causing a safety hazard due to recall not being completed correctly by authorized Ford dealership" (NHTSA complaint 11737756, May 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is my 2021 Ford Ecosport burning or losing oil?
17 of the 261 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Ford Ecosport (6.5%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "A thud then a minor vibration no computer warning strong smell of burning oil analog temp gauge going pass the 1/2 point. Had car serviced for this told by dealer no problem with water system." (NHTSA complaint 11639821, January 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2021 Ford Ecosport idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
11 of the 261 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Ford Ecosport (4.2%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "On 7/25 I responded to the Recall & drove my 2021 Ford Eco-Sport vehicle into dealership due to1st Recall regarding the "Front Half Shaft" where there is obvious contact with transmission. However, the maintenance receipt showed passed inspection." (NHTSA complaint 11735211, May 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Ecosport
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved November 2, 2026. Model year 2021 only. How these reports are made.