During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper, achieving proper torque of the crankshaft pulley bolt is critical. Incorrect torque may allow the bolt to loosen resulting in the timing gear breaking and engine damage. Replacement of the bolt is critical to the repair and accurately following the installation procedure in the Workshop Manual (WSM) Section, 303-01 is extremely important. The bolt torque procedure can be found in the crankshaft front seal removal and installation procedure or in the engine assembly procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Ford Ecosport powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2021 Ford Ecosport have filed 27 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
27
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 Ecosport | 60 |
| 2019 Ecosport | 44 |
| 2020 Ecosport | 48 |
| 2021 Ecosport (this page) | 27 |
1crash
What stands out
Owners have filed 27 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Of the 4 model years of Ford Ecosport we track for powertrain problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (27).
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some 2021 EcoSport vehicles may exhibit a condition where the cruise control system is inoperative with an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator and illuminated brake warning indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0504 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to the software in the PCM and/or an incorrectly installed stoplamp switch. To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to reprogram the PCM and check for the correct installation of the stoplamp switch.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 26 complaint narratives describe a powertrain system prone to catastrophic failure across multiple failure modes. Transmission issues dominate: owners report sudden loss of motive power during acceleration at traffic lights and intersections, unexpected reverse engagement, grinding sounds, and complete inability to shift or maintain drive. Some failures occur as early as 13,000 miles despite meticulous maintenance. Engine stalling and power loss occur without warning—one owner had the engine cut out nine times before 15,000 miles; another experienced full engine seizure twice within weeks of attempted recall repair. Oil pressure loss and engine overheating accompany some seizures, leaving vehicles covered in oil and inoperable. Transmission jerking and hesitation at low speeds (15–50 mph) appear after dealership service, sometimes with disconnected hoses discovered during rechecks. One owner reports torque converter damage after the 23S64 oil pump recall repair, but dealers demand $4,789 out-of-pocket payment, claiming the recall didn't cause it. Warranty coverage is inconsistent: some dealers deny claims on vehicles within 60,000 miles despite documented codes; one promised coverage then retracted it citing mileage. NHTSA Campaign 25V126000 and recall 23S64 parts face extended availability delays, leaving owners unable to complete repairs and worried about safety on the road.
Same Ford Ecosport powertrain reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission shift delays and slipping with loss of motive power
Transmission delays internally while in drive, gear slipping, inability to engage drive or park, unexpected reverse motion, grinding sounds on acceleration, and complete loss of motive power mid-acceleration. Multiple owners report sudden loss of control at traffic lights and intersections.
When: Varies: 13,000 to 106,000 miles; some within first 3 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Delayed transmission shifting in drive; Transmission slipping with powertrain notification codes; Loud grinding sound on acceleration; Vehicle jerking backward or engaging reverse unexpectedly; Complete loss of motive power mid-acceleration; Inability to accelerate despite depressing pedal; Inability to engage drive or park
Codes mentioned: Powertrain malfunction codes, Transmission failure codes, NHTSA Campaign 25V126000
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement quoted at $7,500; some dealers refused to perform work citing recall parts unavailability; torque converter damage reported by one owner ($4,789 estimated repair not covered)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls 23S64 (Oil Pump Drive Belt/Tensioner) and 25V126000 (Powertrain); NHTSA Campaign 25V126000 parts unavailable for extended periods; dealers unable to replicate issues despite diagnostic codes present; warranty coverage denied in some cases despite vehicle being within 60,000-mile warranty
Engine seizure and loss of oil pressure
Complete engine seizure during highway driving, loss of oil pressure warning, transmission also lost during seizure events, heavy smoking, and overheating. One owner experienced this twice within weeks of attempted recall repair.
When: One incident at unspecified mileage during recall repair attempt; second instance 8/19/2025; third instance 10/22/2025 after radiator repair attempt
Symptoms owners cite: Full engine seizure mid-drive; Loss of oil pressure indicator; Complete loss of transmission function; Overheating; Engine smoking heavily; Oil leakage covering rear of vehicle
Codes mentioned: Oil pressure loss warning, Recall 23S64 (Oil Pump Drive Belt/Tensioner)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner received multiple repairs including oil pump belt/tensioner replacement, radiator replacement, yet same engine seizure recurred; dealership left vehicle still covered in oil after 24-day service; radiator leak not fixed initially
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 23S64 completion required; dealership failed to complete repairs properly despite extended service periods
Engine stalling, cutting out, and loss of power while driving
Engine stalling unexpectedly while driving or starting, repeated power loss, and inability to maintain consistent operation. Occurs without warning at various speeds and driving conditions.
When: As early as 36 miles (new vehicle); 15,000 miles with 9 documented incidents; recurring across ownership period
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalling while driving; Engine cutting off and on repeatedly; Loss of power requiring pull-over; Vehicle failing to start (new vehicle with 36 miles); Engine vibration and jerking; Intermittent power loss on interstate
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, Engine thermostat code P0128, Anti-lock brake system failure codes, Electrical system codes
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had complete engine replacement in July 2023 but continued experiencing jerking and misfiring afterward; starter motors not replaced during engine swap; second engine replacement eventually required; another owner provided extended warranty with free oil changes but persistent issues remained unresolved
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extensive warranty with free oil changes offered to one owner; engine replacement performed under warranty; no root-cause resolution reported
Transmission jerking, hesitation, and skipping at low speed
Rough transmission feel, hesitation or skipping in 15–50 mph range, and poor shifting quality especially after dealership service. Owners report unusual sounds from dash area accompanying hesitation.
When: Post-service; one incident noted after entire month-long transmission-related repair attempt
Symptoms owners cite: Slight skipping or hesitation in 15–50 mph range; Rough transmission behavior; Worsening hesitation on interstate; Noisy fan sound from mid-right dash area; Vehicle roughness post-service not present before
Repairs/costs cited: Recalled hose found disconnected in rear after first recheck; manager stated transmission work not covered under recall and repair would be owner's responsibility
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls 23S64 and second recall (Oil Pump Drive Belt/Tensioner) processed; hose disconnection discovered during recheck; manager denied recall coverage for transmission hesitation
Gear shifter engaging independently
Gear shifter engaging on its own without driver input while driving at low speed, with vehicle slipping out of gear unexpectedly and shifting backward.
When: At 74,000 miles; also at low mileage with new vehicle (36 miles example)
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shifter engaging independently at 25 MPH; Vehicle slipping out of gear without input; Unexpected reverse motion while in drive; Vehicle rolling backward down driveway
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 25V126000 (Powertrain)
Repairs/costs cited: Recall parts unavailable; manufacturer unable to confirm availability timeline
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 25V126000 notification issued; parts distribution disconnect reported; parts not available to complete recall repair
Powertrain malfunction warnings and reduced power
Powertrain malfunction lights, reduced power mode activation, phone app alerts indicating powertrain issues, and engine inability to rev normally. Often accompanied by secondary electrical warnings.
When: At 50,000 miles and above; recurring across various owners at different mileage intervals
Symptoms owners cite: Powertrain malfunction warning light; Reduced power mode activation; Ford Pass app powertrain malfunction notifications; Engine struggling to rev; Engine losing power and struggling to maintain acceleration; Vehicle deceleration from 70 to 50 MPH; Abnormal shaking; Secondary warnings (Save Battery, Turn off Engine, Restart messages)
Codes mentioned: Powertrain malfunction codes, Service Engine Soon, Oil and maintenance warning lights, NHTSA Campaign 25V126000
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator, engine, transmission, and computer replacement required in one case; repairs performed but failure recurred; dealership unable to duplicate some failures despite code presence
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred owners to local dealers; no manufacturer assistance offered in some cases; warranty coverage varied; some repairs not covered despite powertrain warranty
Axle seal failure and transmission fluid leakage
Torn axle seals causing transmission fluid leakage, accompanied by whining sounds from transmission pump. Loss of motive power and grinding noises follow seal failure.
When: At 13,000 miles with meticulous dealership maintenance
Symptoms owners cite: Mechanical whining sound from transmission pump (24 hours before failure); Loud mechanical grinding sound on acceleration; Vehicle jerking backward and engaging reverse unexpectedly; Transmission fluid leakage; Loss of acceleration ability
Repairs/costs cited: Axle seal replacement required; no warning lights or messages appeared before incident
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Engine overheating and electrical system failures
Engine overheating during normal operation, radiator leaks not caught during service, and secondary electrical system issues including instrument cluster failure and warning light malfunctions.
When: 8/19/2025 incident; also recurring electrical warnings after transmission-related failures
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating; Radiator leak; Instrument cluster becoming inoperable; Screen going blank; Random warning light chiming while driving; Electrical system messages appearing without cause (road hill assist, service brake system, phone volume alerts)
Codes mentioned: Thermostat code P0128, Electrical system codes
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator replacement required; initial dealership service failed to fix leak despite 24-day repair period; AutoNation completed radiator repair and returned vehicle 9/30/2025; same catastrophic overheating recurred 10/22/2025
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Torque converter damage related to oil pump recall
Torque converter damage discovered during or shortly after oil pump drive belt/tensioner (23S64) recall repair. Dealership claimed damage not related to recall, demanding $4,789 out-of-pocket repair.
When: Diagnosed after recall 23S64 repair completion
Symptoms owners cite: Torque converter damage identified post-recall repair; Transmission performance issues
Repairs/costs cited: $4,789 estimated cost for torque converter repair; owner reports multiple dealerships encountered this same issue and fixed it as part of recall
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 23S64 completed; dealership denied torque converter damage was recall-related; owner states Ford did not address known torque converter damage pattern
Synthesized from 27 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
A low engine oil pressure notification popped up on my screen while driving on the interstate and then my car slowly stopped letting me accelerate over 65 mph. I had to get to the nearest exist because the car felt as if it was losing power. The car is now at a dealership waiting to be checked out. Nothing showed before this message and it came suddenly on Tuesday 12.12.23
Sudden loss of engine power and the loss of oil pressure indicator came on.
Check engine light came on at 24k miles. Alert on Ford Pass app said the engine wasn't heating up to operating temperature fast enough. Had a second Alert come up the next time I drove the car saying there was an electrical issue in the vehicle causing anti lock breaks and other important driver assistance features to not work including traction control.
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.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2021 Ford Ecosport?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2021 Ford Ecosport?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 27 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 27 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 82,750 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Ford/Ecosport.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.