Last updated: 2026-07-26

2021 Ford Ecosport
RELIABILITY SCORE: 60/100 (GOOD)

2021 Ford Ecosport Reliability Report

The 2021 Ford Ecosport scores 60/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 255 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

3

Complaints

255

Complaint Rate

62.7per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$775

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,150–$2,400

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity33/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact75/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity84/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (133)
  • ENGINE (45)
  • POWER TRAIN (27)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Refresh Year

2021 received a 2021 facelift update for the Second generation (B515; 2012).

  • Changes: Facelift production for the Indian market was cancelled due to the closure of plants.; Models due to be exported to the US were also cancelled..
  • Year 4 in this generation (2018–2022).
  • 2nd generation Ecosport (US).

What this means for buyers

Refresh years bring updates but can also introduce new issues. Check early recall data before buying.

2018: Second generation (B515; 2012) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2021: This Model Year (Refresh)

2021 received a 2021 facelift update for the Second generation (B515; 2012).

Should You Buy the 2021 Ford Ecosport?

At 60/100, the 2021 Ford Ecosport lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2021 received a 2021 facelift update for the Second generation (B515; 2012).

Its complaint rate of 62.7 per 10,000 vehicles sold runs above the SUV segment average of 16.7. The most common reports involve engine and engine cooling and engine and engine cooling (133).

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to engine and engine cooling and engine and engine cooling (133). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2022 Ford Ecosport, which scored 14 points higher. See also the 2020 Ford Ecosport for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +4-star NHTSA crash rating
  • +Well-established generation

Cons

  • Moderate recall count
  • Above-average complaint rate for SUV
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING complaints dominate (52%)
  • 2 fatality reports in owner complaints
  • 1 fire incident reported in owner complaints

Compare 2021 Ford Ecosport With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 3 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (133)
  • ENGINE (45)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

3

recalls on record

A moderate 3 recalls are on file for the 2021 Ford Ecosport. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

62.7

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 16.7

LowAvgHigh
High

Safety Incidents

6

Crashes

1

Fires

3

Injuries

2

Deaths

NHTSA 4/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2021 Ford Ecosport Recall Details

3 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Ford Ecosport. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

25V4420002025-06-27

BACK OVER PREVENTION

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.

25V1260002025-02-28

POWER TRAIN

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.

23V9050002023-12-22

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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 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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2021 Ford Ecosport? Check its history first

Every 2021 Ford Ecosport has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2021 Ford Ecosport NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 20.4%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (None)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Ford EcosportRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$775

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

25–28 MPG

Running cost: $2,350–$2,600/yr

Fuel + repair

23–27 city / 29 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2021 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
EcoSport FWD 1.0L 3-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6)272928$2,150
EcoSport AWD 2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6)232925$2,400

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Ford Ecosport.

  • Inspect engine for oil pump and tensioner belt issues

  • Check for any engine warning lights or unusual noises

  • Test drive to check for powertrain shudder or hesitation

  • Verify recall repairs have been completed with documentation

  • Test brakes for proper function and responsiveness

  • Check airbag system for warning lights or deployment issues

  • Ensure electrical systems function without unexpected shutdowns

2021 Ford Ecosport Common Problems by Component

255 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

133
45
27
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (133)ENGINE (45)POWER TRAIN (27)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (17)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (11)STEERING (5)SERVICE BRAKES (5)SUSPENSION (2)Other (10)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

133 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent engine stalling and failure in the 2021 Ford EcoSport, often associated with the oil pump drive tensioner belt and engine cooling issues. Complaints frequently mention symptoms like illuminated warning lights (e.g., check engine, low oil pressure), engine stalling, and overheating, with some describing abnormal sounds and white smoke. These issues typically arise around 50,000 to 80,000 miles. Safety implications include a reported crash and instances of vehicles losing motive power on highways, though specific crash details are limited. For potential buyers, the data suggests ongoing recall-related repairs with parts availability challenges, resulting in prolonged repair times.

133 complaints total1 crash

ENGINE

45 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Ford Ecosport frequently report issues related to engine oil pump failures, resulting in low oil pressure warnings and engine breakdowns. Complaints often describe symptoms such as check engine lights, unusual noises, poor acceleration, and engine vibrations. These issues commonly occur at low mileages, sometimes under 10,000 miles, and are exacerbated by delays in repair due to parts shortages. Safety implications include reports of loss of power and stalling, which could pose risks during driving. Prospective buyers should be aware of potential engine reliability concerns and the possibility of extended repair times due to parts availability.

45 complaints total

POWER TRAIN

27 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with the powertrain of the 2021 Ford EcoSport, particularly involving sudden loss of power and engine stalling while driving. Common symptoms include the vehicle decelerating unexpectedly, engine seizure, and warning lights for oil pressure and powertrain malfunctions. These issues often occur around 24,000 to 106,000 miles, with some owners experiencing repeated failures even after repairs. Safety implications are notable, with one complaint involving a crash and others describing dangerous situations like the vehicle losing power on highways. For potential buyers, these patterns suggest a need for caution regarding the powertrain reliability of this model year.

27 complaints total1 crash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (17 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

17 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Ford EcoSport frequently report issues with engine power loss, often describing situations where the vehicle unexpectedly decelerates or loses all power while driving. Several complaints highlight the oil pump drive belt and tensioner as potential sources of engine failure, with some reports indicating these issues occur around 9,600 to 10,300 miles. Additionally, there are reports of brake malfunctions leading to crashes, and instances of unintended acceleration in low-speed areas. Safety concerns are evident, with complaints of the vehicle stalling in traffic, posing risks of crashes or loss of control. This information is crucial for potential buyers evaluating the reliability and safety of a used 2021 Ford EcoSport.

17 complaints total1 crash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (11 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

11 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several recurring issues with the 2021 Ford EcoSport's electrical system. Complaints frequently mention sudden loss of engine power, often while driving at highway speeds, leading to dangerous situations such as near-collisions and complete vehicle shutdowns. Symptoms include illuminated warning lights, engine stalls, and the inability to restart the vehicle, with some owners noting these issues around 30,000 to 41,000 miles. Safety concerns are significant, with reports of one fire resulting in injury and one crash involving fatalities due to the vehicle's unexpected stoppage. Prospective buyers should be aware of these patterns and the associated safety risks.

11 complaints total1 crash1 fire1 injury
STEERING (5 complaints)

STEERING

5 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Ford EcoSport frequently report issues related to engine stalling and power loss, often accompanied by a failure of the power steering and braking systems. These symptoms typically occur while driving, sometimes at highway speeds, leading to hazardous situations. Complaints often mention these issues arising after approximately 15,000 miles, with one case noting problems at around 87,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with one report of an injury and several instances of vehicles becoming unresponsive on the road. Additionally, owners describe prolonged periods without their vehicle due to repair delays, with some vehicles held at dealerships for extended times without resolution.

5 complaints total1 injury
SERVICE BRAKES (5 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

5 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report issues with the braking system in the 2021 Ford EcoSport, including instances where brakes become inoperable, leading to a crash in one case. Complaints frequently mention brakes failing to engage when needed, such as when stopped at a traffic light or while parked, with one owner describing the vehicle rolling unexpectedly. Some reports are linked to a recall affecting engine oil pressure, which could impact braking performance due to loss of power braking assist. These issues are noted at varying mileages, with one specific case at approximately 98,000 miles. Safety implications include the risk of collisions due to brake failure, as evidenced by one reported rear-end crash.

5 complaints total1 crash
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)

AIR BAGS

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Ford Ecosport report issues with airbag functionality, specifically citing failures to deploy during a collision and inoperability warnings. In one instance, an owner describes a crash where the airbags did not deploy, resulting in an injury, despite the severity of the impact. Another owner notes the airbag service light being on prior to purchase, with a subsequent dealership inspection revealing inoperable airbags. These complaints highlight significant safety implications, with one involving a crash and injury. Potential buyers should be aware of these airbag-related concerns, particularly in used models, as they may indicate underlying issues with airbag systems.

2 complaints total1 crash1 injury
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Ford Ecosport report issues with vehicle speed control related to engine failure due to low oil pressure. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle shutting down unexpectedly while driving, with one owner describing the car going from 70 mph to a complete stop rapidly, and another detailing a loss of vehicle control at 65 mph. Both reports indicate that low oil pressure leads to significant engine damage, which in turn causes the vehicle to become inoperable. These incidents occur without prior warning, aside from intermittent oil light alerts, and result in a complete loss of power steering and acceleration, posing significant safety risks, especially at high speeds. The complaints do not specify a consistent mileage range, but both involve serious safety implications due to sudden loss of control on the road.

2 complaints total
SEAT BELTS (2 complaints)

SEAT BELTS

2 complaints

Owners report issues with the driver's side seat belt in the 2021 Ford Ecosport, specifically noting problems with the seat belt failing to retract or extend properly. Complaints frequently mention that the seat belt either remains loose and does not tighten during braking or fails to extend when needed. These issues have been observed at relatively low mileage, around 6,000 miles. While no crashes or injuries are reported, the inconsistent operation of the seat belt could potentially compromise safety by not securing the driver adequately. This information is crucial for used car buyers to consider, especially regarding the reliability of the seat belt system.

2 complaints total

When Do 2021 Ford Ecosport Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

9,600–10,300 milesEngine failures
24,000–106,000 milesPowertrain issues
30,000–41,000 milesElectrical system failures

Best & Worst Ford Ecosport Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Ford Ecosport Years to Buy

The best Ford Ecosport year is 2022 with a reliability score of 74/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2021 (60/100) and 2020 (58/100).

Ford Ecosport Years to Avoid

The worst Ford Ecosport year is 2018 with a score of 56/100, primarily due to engine and engine cooling (301) issues.

Ford Ecosport Reliability Score Trend

Ford Ecosport reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 64/100 compared to 57/100 for older years.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Ford Ecosport reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201856/100Mixed
201958/100Mixed
202058/100Mixed
202160/100Good
202274/100Good

Ford Ecosport Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202274/100+14Good210
2021(selected)60/100+2Good3255
202058/1000Mixed3390
201958/100+2Mixed2451
201856/100Mixed2720

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 Ford Ecosport reliable?
The 2021 Ford Ecosport has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 60/100. It is reasonably reliable with 3 recalls and 255 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Ecosport?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 Ford Ecosport include: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (133 complaints), ENGINE (45 complaints), POWER TRAIN (27 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (17 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (11 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Ecosport have?
The 2021 Ford Ecosport has 3 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2021 Ford Ecosport expensive to maintain?
The 2021 Ford Ecosport has estimated annual repair costs of $775/year. With a reliability score of 60/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2021 Ford Ecosport without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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