2021 Ford EcoSport Reliability
The 2021 Ford EcoSport has 262 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA, most often about engine & cooling and engine. Compared with nearby EcoSport model years (2019–2022), it rates as a caution year: complaints run above the EcoSport's typical year.
By CarWhere Research · Updated 2026-11-04 · Source: NHTSA
262
NHTSA owner complaints
3
Recall campaigns
7
Complaints citing a crash
1
Complaints citing a fire
2021 Ford EcoSport complaints by component
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 model year, filed between 2021 and 2026. A complaint can name more than one component.
| Component | Complaints | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & cooling | 134 | 51% |
| Engine | 87 | 33% |
| Powertrain / transmission | 51 | 19% |
| Electrical system | 23 | 9% |
| Unknown or other | 21 | 8% |
| Service brakes | 15 | 6% |
| Fuel / propulsion system | 14 | 5% |
| Speed control / throttle | 7 | 3% |
2021 Ford EcoSport recalls
3 recall campaigns on NHTSA record for the 2021 model year, by the date NHTSA received the manufacturer's report. Recall repairs are free at a dealer.
| NHTSA campaign | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23V905000 | Dec 22, 2023 | 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. |
| 25V126000 | Feb 28, 2025 | Powertrain / transmission — 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. |
| 25V442000 | Jun 27, 2025 | Backup camera / 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… |
How the 2021 compares with nearby EcoSport years
Verdicts compare these EcoSport model years with each other.
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 464 | 2 | Engine & cooling | Caution |
| 2020 | 402 | 3 | Engine & cooling | Caution |
| 2021 (this page) | 262 | 3 | Engine & cooling | Caution |
| 2022 | 12 | 2 | Unknown or other | Too few reports |
Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA and are not adjusted for how many of each year were sold, so they compare years of the same model rather than different models.
What to check on a used 2021 Ford EcoSport
- Engine & cooling: look for coolant leaks or low coolant, watch the temperature gauge on a long test drive, and check for overheating history.
- Engine: cold-start it yourself, listen for ticking or knocking, check for oil leaks and oil consumption, and ask for oil-change records.
- Transmission: test-drive from cold through every gear, feel for slipping, harsh or delayed shifts and shudder, and ask whether the fluid has been serviced.
- Electrical: test every light, window, lock, the infotainment screen and the charging system; scan for stored fault codes.
- Recalls: confirm each of the 3 campaigns above was completed on this VIN; open recalls are repaired free at a dealer.
- History: run the VIN for salvage, theft and odometer records, and have an independent mechanic inspect the car before you pay.
Check this exact car
Any 2021 Ford EcoSport can be better or worse than its model year. The CarWhere Used Car Report checks one VIN for salvage records, salvage-auction records (with damage photos when the auction published them), stolen-vehicle records, the odometer trail and its listing and price history since 2015. Free preview first; the full report is $12.99, one time.
2021 Ford EcoSport reliability FAQ
Is the 2021 Ford EcoSport reliable?
The 2021 Ford EcoSport has 262 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA, most often about engine & cooling and engine. Compared with nearby EcoSport model years (2019–2022), it rates as a caution year: complaints run above the EcoSport's typical year.
What are the most common 2021 Ford EcoSport problems?
The most-reported problem areas in NHTSA owner complaints for the 2021 Ford EcoSport are engine & cooling (134), engine (87), powertrain / transmission (51), electrical system (23). One complaint can name more than one component.
Does the 2021 Ford EcoSport have recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2021 Ford EcoSport, including 23V905000 (engine & cooling — engine / oil/lubrication / pump) and 25V126000 (powertrain / transmission — axle assembly / axle shaft). Recall repairs are free at a dealer, and whether one was done is tracked by VIN.
How does the 2021 Ford EcoSport compare with the 2020 and 2022 models?
By NHTSA records, the 2020 has 402 complaints and 3 recalls (caution); the 2022 has 12 complaints and 2 recalls (too few reports). The 2021 has 262 complaints and 3 recalls.
How do I check a specific used 2021 Ford EcoSport?
Run its VIN. The CarWhere Used Car Report checks one VIN for salvage records, salvage-auction records (with damage photos when the auction published them), stolen-vehicle records, the odometer trail and its listing and price history since 2015, with a free preview first and the full report at $12.99, one time. Pair it with an independent pre-purchase inspection.
More Ford EcoSport research
Other Ford EcoSport model years:
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation owner complaints (all body-style listings for the 2021 EcoSport, de-duplicated by complaint number) and NHTSA recall campaigns, retrieved 2026-11-04.