MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2021 Ford Ecosport

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2021 Ford Ecosport

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

3Recalls
252Complaints
1Investigations
ABOUT THE FORD ECOSPORT

The Ford EcoSport is a subcompact SUV that slotted into Ford's lineup as an entry-level urban crossover, targeting budget-conscious buyers and city drivers who want an elevated ride height in a compact footprint. Sold in the United States from the 2019 through 2022 model years before Ford discontinued it, the EcoSport competed in one of the most crowded segments in the market, where safety credentials matter as much as practicality.

VERDICT

The 2021 Ford Ecosport earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 74 out of 100, an average result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 3 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the Ford EcoSport as a functional but underwhelming entry in the subcompact SUV segment. They tend to acknowledge its compact maneuverability and ease of urban use while consistently pointing to a cramped interior, a modest driving experience, and feature content that trails stronger rivals. Most professional assessments place it toward the lower half of its competitive set overall.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 19.1%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15418

Index breakdown

Crash protection61/70
Avoidance tech2/10
Defect record11/20
Forward collision warning: NoLane departure warning: NoStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V442000

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.

Remedy: 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.

Reported 2025-06-27

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT25V126000

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.

Reported 2025-02-28

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP23V905000

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 let

Reported 2023-12-22

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

252 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

6reported crash
1reported fire
3reported injuries
2reported deaths
Most-reported systemsEngine And Engine Cooling 134Engine 81Power Train 47Electrical System 23Unknown Or Other 21Service Brakes 14

Other Ecosport years

Rivals in SUV (2021)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15418), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Ford Ecosport 2021. Class rank 98 of 118 in SUV 2021. Methodology · Disclosure