Home · 2021 Ford Ecosport · Complaints

What 253 owners told NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Ecosport

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (253)Crash / fire / injury (8)Engine & cooling (134)Engine (82)Transmission & drivetrain (47)Electrical system (23)Brakes (14)Fuel system (12)Speed control (7)Steering (5)Airbags (3)Seat belts (2)

12 of 253 complaints match · Fuel system · clear filters

Jun 9, 2026Engine & coolingElectrical systemFuel system

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

May 22, 2026Electrical systemEngineFuel system

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

May 14, 2026EngineFuel system

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

May 14, 2026EngineFuel system

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

Apr 17, 2026Fuel system

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

Apr 21, 2025Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemFuel system

Why isn’t FREDERICK FORD offering any solutions to BOTH my recalls. Why do I have to drive a car I pay a hefty payment each month not knowing if it will mess up at anytime, and has?!? I have many records and have been having trouble ever since I got the car. This is my 2nd complaint to y’all. When I got the 1st recall back in Jan 2024 and has yet to be fixed. This one started on <3/04/25 and I didn’t get the notice til 4/21/25.

NHTSA ODI 11655929

Nov 4, 2024BrakesFuel system

While waiting at a stop light when the automatic start kicked back in it was so hard I felt that someone had rear ended my car and then the car stalled. I had to put the car in park and restart the engine. My biggest fear is being rear ended. My engine whines and the rpm will hit 4 or 5 before the car will shift into the next gear. It does the ssame thing when trying to accelerate - it's as if it's not getting enough fuel. However, my biggest fear is that I've had a recall on my vehicle since January, 2024 - Manufacturer Recall Number 23S64; NHTSA Recall Number 23V905 and there not anticipaing a fix until the first quarter of 2025. The Safety Risk: A LOSS OF ENGINE OIL PRESSURE CAN RESULT IN ENGINE DAMAGE ANDOR SEIZURE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER AND A LOSS OF THE MECHANICAL VACUUM PUMP REQUIRED TO PROVIDE POWER BRAKING ASSIST, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. Knowing that this is a safety risk, nothing can be provided for the consumer soone than this. This is scarry, why not buy the vehicle back. If I get in an accident then what?

NHTSA ODI 11623383

Sep 11, 2024BrakesEngineFuel system

ENGINE OIL PUMP DRIVE BELT TENSIONER ARM FRACTURED My vehicle has been in the service department since June 30st, following a breakdown during a trip from Odessa, Texas to California. The vehicle malfunctioned in California, approximately a 24-hour drive from our home. Upon investigation, I learned that the part responsible for the breakdown was already subject to a recall. Despite waiting for several days at a hotel near the dealership, I was not provided with a long-term rental. Instead, I was given a Lyft to the nearest airport to continue my trip. I also had to cover the costs of a rental car to return to Texas. Additionally, the faulty part has no estimated delivery date, leaving the vehicle unrepaired for an indefinite period. I foresee potential issues when it comes time to retrieve the vehicle, given the distance involved. Given the extended downtime and the out-of-pocket costs incurred, what are my options for resolving this situation, including rental reimbursement, vehicle pickup, or any other possible recourse?

NHTSA ODI 11614095

May 27, 2024Fuel system

Low engine oil pressure light would come on then turn off, vehicle began making a noise. Pulled over and had it towed. All within a few minutes.

NHTSA ODI 11590872

Mar 22, 2024Transmission & drivetrainEngineFuel system

This is the second time this has happened resulting in loss of my reliable transportation to/work, major repair while still in warrenty, WITHOUT vehicle loaner, rental or replacement during that time. I was again at the top of a steep hill- this time heading onto the highway- but midway into one of the busiest intersections in town. I heard a loud sound followed by mechanical spinning/winding when I try to accelerate on the green light. When I tried to drive or remove my food from the break, my car went backward down the hill and into oncoming traffic. Restarting my car didn’t help as park and drive didn’t engage. The only control I now had was the steering wheel and brake system. There were no warning signs before, during or after the ordeal. I’m not certain my lighting system worked on the outside of my vehicle as cars continued to approach the line I was in to turn left despite my hazard lights. My lights and electrical system did however work internally. I called Ford’s roadside helpline and told them I was trapped on a hill with limited control, with piles of cars behind me and I was afraid my brakes were also at risk of failing. I emphasized the emergency I was in. However, Ford Roadside was only allowed to dispatched a tow truck from 73 minutes away because the company located just 10 minutes away was not in contract with them. I also called the police to assist with traffic build up behind me as I was blocking traffic and in serious danger because I couldn’t exit the car without it rolling. I also called the out of contract tow company and paid the $200 out of pocket. I spent over an hour holding my foot on the break before help arrived.

NHTSA ODI 11578841

Feb 11, 2024EngineFuel system

EcoSport. Lease [XXX]. Car broke down at 6900 miles [XXX], was fixed and broke down again at 10,300 miles ([XXX]-towed to North Brothers Ford. same problem. (oil pump and engine issues). Apparently a fix won't be available until 2nd quarter in 2024, probably looking at June. I've been told that I cannot be given a loaner until the car is torn down and checked out. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11571287

Feb 13, 2023EngineFuel system

My vehicle has the 4 cylinder (non eco boost) engine. It started having an emissions system fault which has been causing exhaust and fuel fumes to not only be very strong under the hood, but has become very strong inside the cab when the climate control is on. Since this started, my wife and I have been experiencing headaches, extreme lethargy, nausea and agitation that typicality resolves after leaving the windows down or completely leaving the vehicle altogether. Filling the fuel tank causes the vehicle to barely start and fumes become overbearingly noticeable directly after.

NHTSA ODI 11506900

Working with the data? Download all 253 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 15, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2021 Ford Ecosport verdict →