2021 Ford EcoSport · symptom sheet

Engine stalls or loses power while driving

52owner reports
54,000median miles
$3,500median quote
2involved a crash

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

237 of the 258 complaints on this car are about the engine. 52 of those describe stalling, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2021 EcoSport.

Tick what matches of 52 reports

it stalled while driving

it stalled at idle or a stop

warning lights came on

it restarted right away

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (9 reports) and the battery (4 reports).

Recalls and investigations

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

25V-126Feb 28, 2025

Power Train:Axle Assembly:Axle Shaft

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 and remedy

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.

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

10 of the 52 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $250 to $7,500.

$250$3,500$7,500

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

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 21,485 and 60,000 miles, from the 25 reports that gave a mileage.

122

523

1924

1525

1226

What owners wrote

“Car has experienced loss of power randomly. Dealership wray ford of bossier city Louisiana sold car without disclosing recalls or defects. Unwilling to help in situation”
Filed Mar 30, 2025

“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

“Several times now my engine has shut off while driving and in the middle of coming to a stop. Luckily my breaks still worked with the vehicle shut down. I'd have to put in park and manually restart the vehicle to continue driving. This is something that puts myself and others on the road at risk.”
Filed Dec 7, 2023

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 2 of 52 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.