The Lemon Index

All cars · Ford EcoSport · 2021

2021 Ford EcoSport. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index270100 = average car
Complaints124NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold40,659U.S. model year
Per 100K sold305complaints
Year rank#5 of 5#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 2

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
1.0L 3-cyl turboAuto (S6)FWD27 / 29 / 28Regular$2,200
2.0L 4-cylAuto (S6)AWD23 / 29 / 25Regular$2,500

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Failure mileage by system

Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 33,700 and 70,000 miles. Median 55,000, from 79 complaints with a mileage.

SystemMedianMiddle halfComplaints
Engine55,00032,000–64,20065
Engine60,50054,000–112,5009
Transmission & drivetrain52,30032,500–79,20012
Electrical37,00018,800–58,0008

Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Engine53%
Engine34%
Transmission & drivetrain11%
Electrical7%
Fuel or ev drive system5%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
261714125

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 3

  • 25V442000 Jun 2025 Back Over Prevention / Software

    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.

    Risk. 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.

  • 25V126000 Feb 2025 Power Train / Axle Assembly / Axle Shaft

    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.

    Risk. 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.

  • 23V905000 Dec 2023 Engine And Engine Cooling / Engine / Oil/Lubrication / Pump

    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.

    Risk. 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 l

NHTSA investigations

StatusSubjectOpenedClosed
ClosedOil pump failure20232024

Manufacturer communications 42

Ford filed 42 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • Intermittent audio echo/robotic voice heard
  • During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or…

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Ford EcoSport SUV AWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Ford EcoSport SUV FWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardNoNo

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
2018623454,348Engine
2019382564,708Engine
20201528660,545Engine
202127012440,659Engine
202218729,193Airbags

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

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