What 253 owners told NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Ecosport

Manufacturer has delayed repaired vehicle under campaign 23V905. Loss of use / unable to use this unsafe vehicle. It has been at the dealership and supposedly awaiting parts since September 2025. Manufacturer’s customer service people cannot provide additional details around delivery dates. Customer service both at the dealership and manufacturer have been polite; however, the dealer has provided no remedy or assistance and the manufacture’s customer service line has admitted to providing misinformation that caused additional financial hardship in order to dispose of a call. At this point, we would welcome any reasonable remedy from the Ford Motor Company in order to either repair and remunerate.

NHTSA ODI 11747390

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 provide a loaner/rental after a second engine failure. On June 18 the car was towed to Bommarito Ford, who falsely accused us of “destroying the car” and removing the catalytic converter, despite written confirmation from Pettus Ford that THEY removed it during diagnosis. Bommarito refused recall work, claimed the car was “out of warranty,” and ordered us to remove it from their lot or face storage fees. Ford Corporate opened cases [XXX] and [XXX]. The second rep was rude, accusatory, did not return calls, and repeated false claims. Ford denied coverage using a 12k‑mile parts warranty, even though this is a federal safety recall. Ford Corporate also misidentified the owner and listed my vehicle incorrectly as a “Ford Edge.” After notifying Ford Executive Office, Tier 2, the Missouri Attorney General, and legal counsel, Pettus Ford’s access to Ford’s system was suddenly restored. Pettus Ford continued to help, but Ford still refused to authorize the repair. We have now towed the car back to Pettus Ford in Fredericktown, MO. We have been without a vehicle for nearly 4 months and have spent significant time and money on towing. Ford only began to respond after the Missouri Attorney General complaint and after Ford Corporate threatened legal action instead of providing assistance. Pettus Ford has been the only party acting professionally throughout this:INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11746512

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 ODI 11745903

Car had an interim engine placed in March 2024, for Ford recall 23S64. Then car stalled again in May 2026, took in it to have it checked and they repaired the engine and replaced the catalytic converter as per Ford recall 23S64. We replaced at our cost ther cam sensors. 7 days after picking up the vehicle, it shut down in the middle lane of the Southfield Freeway causing a safety issue to me and those around me. One the vehicle was safely on the side of the road thanks to some construction workers, I called for a tow. After 30 minutes I tried to start the car and it did not start. After 40 minutes the car started AAA and I was able to get it to Dean Seller Ford if Troy. They refused to check the work the did week prior and are saying that they can not test it until we replace the battery and starter. You don't need those to visually inspect. I do not feel the car is safe to drive at this point as it is a huge safety risk to myself and drivers around me

NHTSA ODI 11745272

The contact owned a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25-30 MPH, the vehicle ahead applied the brakes. The contact then depressed the brake pedal; however, the brakes were inoperable, causing the vehicle to rear-end the vehicle in front. The contact further stated that the parking brake was applied but was also inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle sustained front-end damage, including impact to the center of the bumper, radiator damage, and hood intrusion into the engine compartment. The other vehicle sustained damage to the trunk and rear bumper. The airbags did not deploy, and no warning light illuminated before or during the incident. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and was later towed to a junk yard. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. No injuries were reported. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The Ford App indicated that during and after the crash, the app alerted that there was an issue with the vehicle; however, it could not be tested since the vehicle was totaled due to the failure not being covered by the manufacturer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

NHTSA ODI 11743445

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 the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer, who informed the contact that a diagnostic test was needed, and that there was no warranty coverage. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 60,688.

NHTSA ODI 11743015

Manufacturer issued a recall with no remedy. The vehicle stalled and loss power will I was driving on the highway in June 2025. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership for a safety recall regarding this issue. The manufacturer and dealership held my vehicle for 11 months to complete the repair. However, just 5 days after receiving the vehicle back, the engine shut off again while I was driving. The vehicle stalled while driving at approximately 25mph on a highway exit. There was no warning prior to the engine shutting off. The vehicle remains unremedied and unsafe to drive. The manufacturer has failed to repair the defect within a reasonable timeframe, keeping the vehicle out of service for nearly a year.

NHTSA ODI 11740887

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 shuts down & I lose all power, including steering power, while I'm driving! The system instructs me to put the car in park, turn the key to the off position & restart the vehicle WHILE I'M STILL TRYING TO MANUEVER TO SAFETYWITH ZERO POWER IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD/HIGHWAY! I was almost hit by other vehicles multiple times! This vehicle is my only source of transportation but it is wholly dangerous & totally unsafe to drive!

NHTSA ODI 11739425

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 ODI 11737756

I am filing a complaint regarding Consumer Portfolio Services (CPS) and the reporting and collection of a repossession deficiency balance related to my 2021 Ford EcoSport, VIN [XXX] and Ford Motor Company. The vehicle was affected by serious safety defects and recall-related issues that endangered my safety and substantially impaired the vehicle’s reliability, usability, and market value. Despite these known defects, CPS is attempting to collect a large deficiency balance following repossession and is reporting the account negatively on my credit report. I dispute the validity and fairness of the alleged deficiency balance because the vehicle’s value was negatively impacted by manufacturer-related defects and safety concerns. I also question whether the vehicle was sold in a commercially reasonable manner and whether the resale value properly accounted for the vehicle’s defective condition. Ford was notified and did nothing to resolve any matter. The vehicle stalled on th interstate in [XXX] while traveling to vacation. Ford has not reimbursed me all of my money. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11737830

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. Yet again, I received the 2nd Recall regarding the "Oil Pump Drive Belt/Tensioner" I responded to the notice & drove it to the dealership on March 26 exactly 8 months after the 1st Recall with the "Front Half Shaft" transmission issue. It was deemed as repaired, however, not in my opinion. Upon picking my vehicle up from the Gerald Jones Auto Group Dealership April 2026 and heading out of town I noticed that the vehicle was driving a lot rougher than I'd expected especially after an entire month of having the vehicle to repair completely, of course, I canceled my trip and immediately called the dealership and explained my concerns regarding the feel of the roughness of the vehicle & that I was not comfortable because I hadn't experienced this before. I was asked to bring it back. After waiting for the recheck I was informed that there was a hose disconnected in the rear afterwards I was advised to call the dealership with any other problems. I started home noticed that there was still a slight skipping or hesitation around the 15-50mp range I called & got voice mail & I left a detailed message about problems. I had to run an errand, on the way home as I moved onto the busy interstate the vehicle really started skipping & hesitating much worse than before & a noisy fan sound coming from the mid right side dash area that hadn't been there! I called the dealership back as instructed & left another message. I waited an entire day no one returned my call. I called again on the next day was told to bring the car in again a 2rd time. The 3rd time car was checked there I was informed it was a transmission issue not part of Recall the cost of repair would be totally my responsibility according to Manager, which is not fair!

NHTSA ODI 11735211

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 diagnosed with an undisclosed failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed. The dealer determined that the failure was related to a recall. The dealer sent a claim to the manufacturer, and the manufacturer informed the dealer that the recall part was shipped. However, upon following up with the dealer, the contact was informed that the part could not be tracked, and there was no estimated time for arrival. Additionally, the contact was informed that the manufacturer was sending 60-80 parts to the dealers nationwide, per week. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11734557

The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on the turnpike, the vehicle made an abnormal sound before it stalled. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11732721

Iwe were on freeway 70 mph and then the motor lost power with a a semi behind us our motor went to 20mph this suv is dangerous unfixable and I should get a new car and money back this car has almost gotten us killed 4 times now,I've given Ford 3 different chances to fix it,they can't they are putting on the same parts our son is so scared he won't get in the car at all,we have made Ford aware of this issue many times I'm paying 480.00 a month to drive a death trap,Ford should have to replace this car it was at buckeye Ford for like almost five months, coughlin Ford for almost 2 months and Ford should be giving me a loaner right now I'm waiting on 10tv to get back

NHTSA ODI 11732031

My entire car failed while on the beltway outside of Washington DC. I lost all power and almost got creamed by a truck. I had it towed to the Ford dealership in Falls Church, Virginia. They are telling me that I need an entire new engine and that they cannot provide a loaner car. They want me to put my credit card out and rent a car and then get reimbursed later. This is completely totally unacceptable. I almost died on the beltway and they knew about this recall for two years now, but supposedly don’t have the parts. Something has to be done and immediately.

NHTSA ODI 11731807

Airbag failure (VERY IMPORTANT) I am reporting a serious vehicle safety issue involving airbag failure. I was driving a vehicle rented through Turo from Moon Rental Corporation when I was involved in a rear-end collision (hit-and-run) on the highway where I was going 65 and hit by a large SUV going 80 MPH. During the crash, the airbags did not deploy as photo, video, and police witness confirm. The impact was significant enough that airbags should have deployed, and I sustained injuries as a result. This raises serious concerns about the safety and condition of the vehicle, including possible defects or failure to properly maintain critical safety systems. The owner runs a rental car business Moon Rentals Corporation and uses Turo and is insured by Travelers Insurance Company. I am requesting that this incident be investigated as a potential safety defect in addition to negligence by the rental car owner for not inspecting or maintaining the vehicle to check for such defects.

NHTSA ODI 11730735

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 could cause engine damage or failure. Ford is refusing to extend the rental vehicle past March 29th even though my car is unsafe to operate and the parts for the overheating repair will not arrive until the dealership gets to go ahead to fix the repairs, and I was informed that may take a week for those parts to come in. I’m starting a new job and cannot safely drive the vehicle in its current condition. I’am being pressured to take back an unsafe vehicle or pay for repairs I cannot afford. I am requesting NHTSA to investigate this safety issue, as Ford is attempting to return a vehicle that is overheating and unsafe to drive. This creates a serious risk of engine failure, breakdown, or accident.

NHTSA ODI 11729348

The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low engine oil warning light illuminated. The contact researched and confirmed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that parts had been ordered for the repair. The vehicle had remained at the dealer for five months, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. In addition, the contact was informed that the VIN would be placed on a waiting list for an engine replacement. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ODI 11727273

My Ecosport prior to going to Celebrity Ford had no mechanical and electricial issues. It went to into Celebrity Ford of Toms River for the Engine Pump Recall on Dec. 23, 2025. I did not get the vehicle back until Feb 4, 2026 after major engine work was completed by Celebrity Ford. Substantial engine parts replacement—was performed as part of this recall repair (can been seen on service invoice). Since that installation, the vehicle has had continuous mechanical problems that did not exist beforehand. Since then, the vehicle has had multiple mechanical and electrical failures- from "Full Accessory Power Message" along with numerous times failing to start with multiple warning lights illuminated as well as the most recent incident on March 5th. While driving home from work on the Garden State Parkway at 70 mph, my vehicle began to shudder/ shake violently almost stalling with lose of power along with the check engine light blinking from an engine that had significant work done according to the first service invoice from 12/23/25 to 2/4/26. At the time, I was in the center lane. I had to carefully maneuver across parkway work traffic to the right lane while my vehicle continued operating abnormally. This was a frightening and dangerous experience that could have resulted in a serious accident.Since bringing my vehicle in for this recall, it has experienced repeated failures and serious safety concerns that have made it unreliable and unsafe to drive due to Celebrity Ford's liability issue for negligence and improper recall repair. Celebrity Ford performed the recall repair, installed/ replaced major engine components, caused repeated breakdowns and now is disrepair to a vehicle that was in perfect working condition prior. I am seeking accountability for the damage caused and a resolution to this ongoing issue. I do not have my vehicle currently as they are still trying to duplicate the concern and in contact with a "Hotline" team with no ETA of completion.

NHTSA ODI 11727363

The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, and the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating and was parked until the engine cooled down. The failure was persistent, and the engine continued to overheat. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of an unknown recall repair for the replacement of the engine. In addition, the contact was informed that the engine was on back order. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with cooling fan and control module failures. The contact was informed that the cooling fan and cooling module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The contact declined to pay for the repair. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased in September 2025. The contact stated that prior to the purchase, the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be serviced. The original owner was informed that there were no open recalls associated with the VIN. The contact stated the dealer was the original dealer that serviced the vehicle in September 2025. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and three cases were filed. The failure mileage was 80,460.

NHTSA ODI 11726923

The contact's father owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. While the owner was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The crankshaft warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 50 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact's father was informed that the spark plugs were smashed. The owner was informed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with ignition coil failures. The contact was informed that the ignition coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The failure occurred while the contact's parents were traveling out of state, through the mountains. The vehicle was previously repaired in December 2025 under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the engine was replaced. In addition, the replacement engine failure had started after less than 1,000 miles. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 38,457.

NHTSA ODI 11725499

The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that a software update was needed. The vehicle was repaired out of pocket. The battery was previously replaced as a temporary repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

NHTSA ODI 11722424

As I pulled into my driveway, my brakes locked up resulting in my vehicle only coming to a stop because it crashed into another vehicle in my driveway. It is still in my driveway, the function of breaking has not been reproduced. The car will not even start now. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by a dealer, an independent service center, or anyone else. I will be contacting my insurance today. A police report was not made as no one was at fault. There were no warning lamps or messages displayed. I did receive a letter this week from Brian Leonard, a service Manager at Price Ford Simi Valley regarding recall 23S64. The letter notified me of the new recall, that their business will "pick up and deliver my vehicle, provide me a loaner vehicle, and complete the recall repairs for me". I received this letter the day before the brake failure. The morning after the brakes failed causing the crash, I contacted Mr. Leonard who told me they will now not fix any of the issues or comply with any part of the letter, that I should file a claim with my insurance and take the car to a Ford dealership in Turlock. This was communication was all via email and Simi Valley Ford has now ended communication with me. This car was purchased brand new and I have had nothing but issues and recalls with it. Additionally while driving it 3 weeks ago on [XXX] , the car lost all power. I pulled over to the side of the road and sat for about 10 minutes debating what to do. I attempted to restart the vehicle, it started and I was able to complete my drive home with no warning or indicator lights appearing. This car is a lemon! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11722572

The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the part was not available and needed to be ordered. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11722272

On December 24, 2025, I was traveling from Arizona to California when WITHOUT WARNING I lost all power from my Ford EcoSport while on the 10 freeway. At that moment I was able to navigate to the side of the road. This placed myself and others in an unsafe situation on the freeway. The vehicle was then towed to a dealership in Temecula, CA where upon inspection they stated that I would need a new engine. The vehicle has sat at the dealership since unrepairable and the weekly text from the dealership is "still waiting for parts". I have lost confidence that this vehicle will ever be safe and that my safety is at risk and that it is unrepairable as it is still sitting at the dealership it was towed to. By way of background, on May 19, 2025 I brought my Ford EcoSport for a pre-scheduled appointment to a dealership in Phoenix, AZ to have recall manufacturer number 23S64 and 25S12 completed. I was told by the service tech that they could not assess the NEED for 23S64 due to a recent oil change in the vehicle. I later learned that 23S64 is a 100% replacement rate and that a recent oil change should not matter. I won't go into the negligence of this dealer in Phoenix, AZ., but for sure this vehicle is not safe for me or anyone on the roadways.

NHTSA ODI 11721988