Problems · by component

2021 Ford Ecosport power train problems

51 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2021 Ford Ecosport cite power train, 19% of all 263 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
51
19% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“XXX: A 2021 Ford EcoSport S (VIN: [XXX]) was towed to Mid-State Ford for the 1.0L EcoBoost Oil Pump Drive Belt Tensioner Safety Recall (Recall 23S64 / NHTSA 23V905). Prior to the tow, the transmission and drivetrain functioned flawlessly with zero slipping, codes, or mechanical noise. XXX: Service advisor [XXX] contacted the consumer to verify the engine failure was tied to the safety recall, documenting the initial vehicle intake scope. The transmission remained completely sound. XXX: [XXX] confirmed the new recall engine installation was successful, but noted a catalytic converter exhaust leak. The shop agreed to fix it under the 8-year/80,000-mile Federal Emissions Defect Warranty. No transmission faults existed or were reported. • XXX: [XXX] called back to state the engine was good, but the vehicle now suffered a severe transmission torque converter issue. Mechanically, this specific component was crushed when technicians forced the engine block and transmission bellhousing together while misaligned during reassembly 5:22 PM: Consumer discussed the newly created transmission damage with [XXX]. • 5:23 PM: Consumer called GM [XXX]; the receptionist screened…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 13, 2026Power trainODI 11770953
“My vehicles service engine light has been on for over a year now. I have contacted the service department and Ford Dealership. I was told that it was covered under Ford and I would not be charged. I have called the Ford Customer Service Department about my vehicle, but nothing seems to be correct. I am making a car payment, but I am not getting service down on my vehicle especially when it's not my fault, I have these issues. I thought better of Ford. Every time I get gas in my vehicle it will not start, it's so frustrating and embarring I still have a warranty on my Ford, I am completely disgusted I literally sit there and repeat 3 times, and it finally starts, I have done everything it says to do I even replaced a purge valve, and my light comes back on. Also, when I am driving my car acts like its losing power. So now they are staying I may have a small gas leak and for me to have them put my car on a Smoke Machine. I just want my car fixed so I will feel safe driving I am even afraid to drive to [XXX] to see my daughter my car is a 2021. Also, I have either 2 recalls or 3 recalls, and I have an issue with my powertrain: Action Recommended. warning light.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 4, 2026Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11762065
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly started shaking slowly and felt that the shaking was coming from the rear end. The contact stated that over time, the shaking was felt in the front end of the vehicle, and the steering wheel was wobbling, and the front seats were shaking abnormally. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V126000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 18, 2026Power trainODI 11757655
“For 14 months, I attempted to get active recalls fixed on the car at Downtown Sacramento Ford, which claimed to be certified pre-owned per Folsom Lake Ford but had existing recalls and issues when I bought it in March of 2024. My car finally broke down on 07/11/26 and was towed on 07/12/26 to the Elk Grove Ford dealership and "looked at" on 07/13/26. Today is 07/26/26, and I am still in a rental that takes a lot more gas than my regular car. I was told that they fixed the recall, but there is an issue with the turbo boost, and it is covered under warranty. They do not know when they are getting the part, but they are "working on it". I missed 4 days of work just from 07/11/26 to today 07/26/26 ontop of another 20 missed days since purchasing the car due to maintenance and engine issues related to the ongoing recall.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 26, 2026Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11752911
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 19, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11745272
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 29, 2026Steering, Power train, EngineODI 11740887

Showing 6 of 51 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Power train: axle shaft

Free remedy

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.

Power trainReported Feb 28, 2025NHTSA 25V126000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Other 2021 Ecosport problem areas