2021 Ford EcoSport
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 215 of 258 complaints (83%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Electrical include more deaths (2) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 394 in 2020 to 258 in 2021.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | vs. 2021 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,250–2,500 | 2,250–2,500 | 2,250–2,500 | 2,500 | |
| Combined MPG | 25–28 | 25–28 | 25–28 | 25 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 23–27 / 29 | 23–27 / 29 | 23–27 / 29 | 23 / 29 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 316–355 | 318–355 | 318–355 | 351 | |
| Complaints filed | 459 | 394 | 258 | 10 | |
| Recalls issued | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 7 | 5 | 6 | 2 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 2 | 8 | 1 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 5 | 6 | 3 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford EcoSport have?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2021 Ford EcoSport?
Engine: 215 of 258 NHTSA complaints (83%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Ford EcoSport get?
EPA rates it 25–28 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Ford EcoSport?
EPA estimates $2,250–$2,500 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (2)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (S6) | 3 | 1.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 27 mpg (high) | 29 mpg | 28 mpg (high) | $2,250 (low) | 318 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 23 mpg (low) | 29 mpg | 25 mpg (low) | $2,500 (high) | 355 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 215 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 50 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 23 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Brakes | 14 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 5 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 21 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (3)
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE · Campaign 25V442000 · Jun 30, 2025
Defect: 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.
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT · Campaign 25V126000 · Feb 28, 2025
Defect: 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP · Campaign 23V905000 · Jan 8, 2024
Defect: 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.