DecodedCars2021 Ford EcoSport
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr Cuv AWD, 4dr Cuv FWD
- Engines
- 1.0L 3-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 27 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 161.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,020–3,300 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Higher rollover riskNHTSA estimates a 20.4% chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash.
- Many owner complaints261 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 67 for similar models — most often about the engine and engine cooling.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 7 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Ford EcoSport is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (1.0L 3-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 161 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 99-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,300 lb (4dr Cuv AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (27 city / 29 highway), 6% better than the 2021 small SUV average of 26.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 261 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine and engine cooling.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 EcoSport — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 EcoSport →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Cuv AWD | 161.4 in | 69.3 in | 65 in | 99.2 in | 59.8 / 59.8 in | 3,300 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr Cuv FWD | 161.4 in | 69.3 in | 65 in | 99.2 in | 59.8 / 59.8 in | 3,020 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EcoSport FWD | 1.0L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 29 / 28 | +6% | $2,400 | 318 |
| EcoSport AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 25 | +5% | $2,700 | 355 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Ford EcoSport SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 19.1% |
| 2021 Ford EcoSport SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 20.4% |
Similar 2021 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Ford EcoSport (this car) | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2021 Ford Bronco | 21 MPG | Not rated | 20 |
| 2021 Hyundai Kona | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2021 Fiat 500 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Trax | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Jeep Renegade | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
Recalls (3)
Back Over Prevention › Software · Jun 27, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V442000 · 200,237 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft · Feb 28, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V126000 · 18,648 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil/Lubrication › Pump · Dec 22, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V905000 · 139,730 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2021 Ford EcoSport is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Ford EcoSport buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine And Engine Cooling — 134 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Engine — 87 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 51 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 55,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Ford EcoSport. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other EcoSport years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 EcoSport | 25 | – | ★★★★★ | 2 | 12 |
| 2020 EcoSport | 28 | 161.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 400 |
| 2019 EcoSport | 28 | 161.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 461 |
| 2018 EcoSport | 28 | 162.2 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 727 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →