NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Ford Ecosport Safety Ratings
The 2021 Ford Ecosport scores 74 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 252 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Ford EcoSport carries three active recall campaigns, a factor that tempers its otherwise solid crash-test performance. This combination results in a NHTSA Safety Index of 74 out of 100, an Average rating. Further impacting its overall standing is a near-zero score in avoidance technology, indicating a lack of advanced safety features.
The 2021 Ford EcoSport received a 4-out-of-5-star overall crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 74 out of 100, based on NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Ford Ecosport ranks 97 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 74 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 19.1% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 252 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 97 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Ford Ecosport?
The 2021 Ford EcoSport carries a Safety Index of 74/100, a score that shows no measurable safety improvement over the 2020 model year. This flat performance suggests that a primary focus for prospective owners should be on the areas where the vehicle’s safety profile remains unchanged or deficient. Crash protection for the EcoSport is strong, contributing 61 out of a possible 70 points to the overall index. This is supported by a 5-star side impact rating and consistent 4-star scores in other impact categories. However, the vehicle’s collision avoidance technology is notably sparse, earning only 2 out of 10 points. Neither forward collision warning nor lane departure warning systems are present on this model year; electronic stability control is the only active-safety feature accounted for in the assessment. The defect record sub-score of 11 out of 20 reflects three recall campaigns now on file. One significant recall addresses an axle half-shaft separation issue, specific to 2021 and 2022 EcoSport vehicles. This recall activity, alongside 252 unverified owner complaints primarily detailing alleged engine and powertrain issues, contributes to the drag on the overall Safety Index. For a vehicle now available in the used market, the combination of an unchanged year-over-year index, the absence of crucial collision-avoidance technology, and an open axle recall issue defines its safety posture more completely than its 4-star overall crash rating in isolation.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Ford Ecosport perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Ford EcoSport earns an overall 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side-crash rating received a perfect 5 stars, while frontal and rollover protection each earned 4 stars. The recorded rollover risk is 19 percent, with a dynamic tip-test result of No Tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15418
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Ford Ecosport have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover the 2021 EcoSport. The most safety-critical targets the front axle half shafts, which may disconnect from the transmission while driving. A second campaign addresses an oil pump drive belt or belt component on certain EcoSport vehicles. A third, broader Ford recall covers back-over prevention software. No do-not-drive order appears in the data, but the axle shaft campaign warrants prompt VIN verification.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Ford Ecosport?
NHTSA has logged 252 unverified owner complaints against the 2021 EcoSport. Alleged issues are concentrated in Engine And Engine Cooling (134 reports) and the broader Engine category (81 reports), with Power Train (47) and Electrical System (23) also appearing. Reported allegations include 6 crashes, 3 injuries, and 2 deaths, none of which are established facts.
252 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Ford Ecosport?
The 2021 EcoSport has seen two notable recalls impacting its safety profile. Prospective buyers should prioritize verifying the completion of remedy for both the axle half-shaft and oil pump recalls. This is a critical step, as these issues directly relate to the vehicle's operational integrity and safety, and confirmation should be secured in writing from any seller.
- The 2021 EcoSport is subject to an axle half-shaft recall specific to 2021 and 2022 model years: the front axle half shafts may disconnect from the transmission, a condition that can affect vehicle control.
- An oil pump drive belt recall also covers certain 2018-2022 EcoSport vehicles, making it essential to verify remedy status for both powertrain-related campaigns by VIN.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning on this model year, leaving electronic stability control as the only active-safety system counted in the index.
- Owner-reported complaints total 252 unverified allegations, with Engine And Engine Cooling alone accounting for 134 of those reports, a concentration that mirrors the recall activity logged against this specific model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Ford Ecosport places
The 2021 Ford Ecosport qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Ford Ecosport safety questions
Was the 2021 Ford Ecosport crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Ford Ecosport, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 74 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Ford Ecosport crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Ford Ecosport earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 19.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Ecosport have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Ford Ecosport. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Ford Ecosport?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 252 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Ford Ecosport. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Ecosport years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15418), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Ecosport 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 97 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.