2021 Ford EcoSport · symptom sheet

Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing

37owner reports
50,000median miles
$3,500median quote
0involved a crash

Newest report Jun 25, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

215 of the 258 complaints on this car are about the engine. 37 of those describe engine failure. Only stalling is reported more often on this car.

Tick what matches of 37 reports

a knocking or ticking noise first

the engine seized

oil light or low oil

the engine was replaced

it was covered by a warranty or extension

I was denied coverage

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (37 reports) and the timing chain (3 reports).

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the engine covers the 2021 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

23V-905Dec 22, 2023

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Oil/Lubrication:Pump

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 and remedy

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 letters were mailed August 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S64.

NHTSA investigations into the engine on the EcoSport

PE23-015opened Sep 20, 2023

Engine And Engine Cooling · model years 2018 to 2021

Oil pump failure. Closed feb 14, 2024, led to recall 23V-905.

NHTSA summary

On September 20, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-015 to investigate instances of engine failure due to loss of oil pressure in model year (MY) 2018-2021 Ford EcoSport vehicles. Some consumers reported a low engine oil pressure warning lamp immediately preceding a complete loss or reduction of motive power while the vehicle was in motion. The investigation revealed that the engine oil pump drive belt tensioner arm may fracture, separate from the tensioner backing plate, and/or the oil pump drive belt may degrade and lose teeth, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure. A loss of engine oil pressure can result in engine seizure, which can result in a loss of motive power and a loss of mechanical vacuum pump required to provide power braking assist, increase the risk of a crash. On December 22, 2023, Ford filed recall 23V-905 for certain MY 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The recall remedy provides the replacement of the oil pump drive belt tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt with redesigned parts to improve robustness. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

What owners paid

12 of the 37 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $300 to $8,000.

$300$3,500$8,000

$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 15,000 and 66,000 miles, from the 23 reports that gave a mileage.

223

1324

1425

826

What owners wrote

“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”
Filed Jun 23, 2026 · 15,000 miles

“Engine failure at 9,664 miles. Took to dealership and advised coolant leaked into engine resulting in failure and inability to operate vehicle.”
Filed Jan 10, 2025 · 9,664 miles

“Vehicle engine stalled while driving on interstate highway, and it went into limb mode. Vehicle seized and was unresponsive and unable to move. It was incredibly hazardous. Vehicle was towed to the nearest Ford dealership. To date, dealership has not provided a rental vehicle and is unresponsive to recall assistance.”
Filed Jan 5, 2025

“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.”
Filed Oct 3, 2024 · 9,667 miles

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 37 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.