The Lemon Index2021 Ford EcoSport.
The 2021 Ford EcoSport is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 124 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 270, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 25 to 28 mpg combined. The best Ford EcoSport year is 2022.
Lemon alert. 2.7× the average car's complaints.
Best year 2022
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 261 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Ford EcoSport year. 2021 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 33K to 70K miles on the car (79 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 32K–64K miles
Recalls 3
- back over prevention 2025
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.
- transmission & drivetrain 2025
The front axle half shafts may disconnect from the transmission, which can result in a loss of drive power.
- engine 2023
The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Ford told dealers about
Ford sent dealers 42 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Intermittent audio echo/robotic voice heard
- During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedOil pump failure2023–2024
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford EcoSport SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ford EcoSport SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2300–2550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.0L 3-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
The engine oil pump belt tensioner is damaged, which caused me to be unable to drive the car and have difficulty braking. There is a recall for this part and no available repair.
2021 Ford EcoSport owner · NHTSA complaint 11583304
More owner reports
First Responder bought a used 2021 Ford Ecosport. 2 months later car 'died' on the interstate. Towed to dealership. Cams bad, needs $7100.00 engine.
NHTSA complaint 11598208
Engine failure at 9,667 miles. Coolant leaked into engine per ford. Ford stated known issue with escapes, hasnât been recalled for escosportsâ¦will cost $10k to repair.
NHTSA complaint 11617998
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Ford EcoSport reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 2.7× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 270; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Ford EcoSport year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2021 Ford EcoSport problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (53%), engine (34%) and transmission & drivetrain (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford EcoSport have?
3 safety recalls (latest: back over prevention). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Ford EcoSport get?
25 to 28 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 Ford EcoSport safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2021 Ford EcoSport problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 33,700 and 70,000 miles. The middle report was at 55,000 miles, from 79 complaints.
Does the 2021 Ford EcoSport have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 11% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2021 Ford EcoSport cost in fuel a year?
About $2300 to $2550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Ford EcoSport have?
1.0L 3-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
What Ford EcoSport year is better than the 2021?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2022, 2019 and 2018.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works