2021 FORD ECOSPORT Electrical System Problems
19 complaints about Electrical System
High Severity Issue
This component has been associated with crashes, fires, or deaths.
This Problem Across All Years
All Electrical System Complaints (19)
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that the engine seized while driving at an undisclosed speed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer after several months, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). Upon retrieval of the vehicle, the battery light started flickering. The contact called another dealer, Gullo Ford of Conroe (925 Interstate 45 S #2, Conroe, TX 77301), but no further assistance was provided. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
Mileage: 124,000
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving 30-40 MPH, the messages "Save the Battery", "Turn off Engine", and "Restart" were displayed. The program restarted, and the screen went blank, and the instrument cluster became inoperable. Additionally, the contact was informed about NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V126000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer again, where it was diagnosed and determined that the alternator, engine, transmission, and computer needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage for the failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Mileage: 50,000
Myself, my husband and our son were driving on the freeway going 70 mph and all of a sudden with no warning and our engine lost all power we almost got killed by a semi my husband had to put the car in neutral to restart it and then it would only go about 40 mph, the RPM were between 4 and 5 going 30 mph, I took my car to valley Ford of Columbus and they told me it was some kind of valve and it was going to take 2 months for the part to come in, I told valley Ford we almost got killed and this car is a death trap, they didn't care at all they made me drive this car for 2 months with the motor shutting down on me We almost got killed 3 times from semi almost killing us, so finally after 2 months valley ford called and said the valve came in, we took it in and with in 3 minutes of leaving valley Ford we got on the freeway ramp and as soon as we switched lanes the car lost power again. A semi almost hit us from behind, I called valley Ford immediately and calab said oh maybe it's your transmission they didn't care at all, I contacted the Ford complaint department and for months I was talking on the phone and emailing with jamarian tate at Ford and then out of no where she completely abanded me, no response to phone calls or emails, I'm paying 480.00 a month for a car that terrifies myself my husband and our son, it's so bad that we all have major anxiety now, I mean we've had 3 near death experiences in this car, Ford should have gave me a different car due to the recall product liability I mean my motor shutting down and loosing brakes is not good Ford put a temporary fix on my car so it's going to happen again, we are afraid every time we get in the car, we just lost our 5 Year old Grand daughter to a rare brain cancer, and we can't even pick any of the other 8 Grand kids in the car were scared to death every day and ford could care less, they were supposed to have this part months ago and they still don't, and now we Don't trust this car at all. We need help.
At 40,000 Miles over a period of a few weeks, the turbocharger began to fail. This was covered under the Standard 50k Powertrain Warranty. At 45,000 Miles, the Alternator began to fail. This is not covered under Powertrain. At this rate, I fear that there will be more issues before 60k Miles
The contact owned a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact managed to pull over to the shoulder of the road and the vehicle experience a loss of automotive power. The contact stated that black smoke was leaking from under the hood and the driver-side door would not unlock or unlatch to open. In addition, the contact stated that she managed to exit through the front passenger side door before the vehicle caught on fire. The contact sustained a bruise and scrapes on her left leg however, did not seek medical attention. The local fire department arrived to extinguish the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a local tow lot, where it was deemed a total loss. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.
Mileage: 41,000
I was exiting the freeway and my engine shut down and was unable to manever the vehicle. Stuck on feeder road, unable to place car in neutral to move car out of the road. Police and passerby have to disconnect transmission in order to move my car out of the road. I had car towed to ford dealership. Ford dealership submitted for recall repair approval twice. Both times denied. Dealership advised car is running but they can not repair anything because Ford will approve repair. When Ford Dealership repair service started to put the car back together they realized bolts were one time use and have to order parts. They have had my car for 5 days and still need to keep it for 3 or 4 more days for the replacement bolts to arrive. My car has not been repaired because Ford won't honor recall because they believe what happened to my car is not recall related. They also stated they don't know why my car lost full power while driving and can't tell me if it will happen again. I do not feel safe driving the car, I feel lucky I was exiting the freeway when it happened, but if I was going full speed on the freeway when I lost power I believe it could have been catastrophic! How can Ford not approve a repair that is a known problem with the vehicle even with the severely of the consequences if the engine fails again. I don't feel safe driving this car, but I don't have a choice because it is the only car I have.
2021 Ford EcoSport SES 2.0L gets an Engine Coolant Over-Temperature and Service Engine Soon Warning. In each instance, the Ford service center replaced the engine coolant temperature sensor and/or its associated wiring. In a short time after the repair, the same issue reoccurs (over six times now). Engine is not actually experiencing an over-temp issue, it is just that the sensor/wiring is faulty. When the issue occurs, the car is put into limp mode with reduced power/acceleration, sometimes at highway speeds or when accelerating onto the highway. I've been caught in traffic at highway speed then the car suddenly loses power in limp-mode forcing me to move over to slow lane or to pull over to the shoulder to avoid impeding traffic.
Why isn’t FREDERICK FORD offering any solutions to BOTH my recalls. Why do I have to drive a car I pay a hefty payment each month not knowing if it will mess up at anytime, and has?!? I have many records and have been having trouble ever since I got the car. This is my 2nd complaint to y’all. When I got the 1st recall back in Jan 2024 and has yet to be fixed. This one started on <3/04/25 and I didn’t get the notice til 4/21/25.
I am filing this complaint regarding critical safety issues with my 2021 Ford Ecosport that arose immediately after an engine replacement performed under Recall #23S64 (Engine Oil Pump Belt and Tensioner Replacement). On [XXX], I dropped off my vehicle at Covert Ford-Lincoln in Austin, TX, for the recall repair. The dealership replaced the engine, but since then, my vehicle has developed severe defects directly resulting from Ford’s improper repair procedures. On [XXX], I picked up the vehicle. Within 20 miles, it abruptly shut off while in motion and would not restart, creating a serious safety hazard. The vehicle was towed back to the dealership, where they blamed the issue on a faulty battery—despite no prior issues. I paid $300 for a replacement. During a test drive, the check engine light illuminated, and the dealership diagnosed a knock sensor issue, which they claimed was unrelated to the engine replacement. They charged me nearly $200 for the repair, saying it was “bad timing.” On April 11, 2025, after nearly two months without resolution, I visited the dealership to find the vehicle still unrepaired. I also discovered damage to the hood while in their care and was informed of additional issues, including unusual piston sounds from the new engine. These problems, including the engine shutdown, knock sensor failure, and piston damage, were nonexistent before the recall repair and are clear consequences of Ford’s mishandling of the engine replacement. These unresolved defects have rendered my vehicle unsafe and unusable for over two months. I am requesting that Ford replace my vehicle or issue a full refund, as the recall repair has caused systemic and ongoing failures. Ford must take responsibility for ensuring the safety and reliability of their vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My vehicle has outright lost power and shut down entirely with the engine non functional approximately 6 times since I acquired it back in March of 2024. This recall has existed for 2 months prior to me getting my vehicle and I was unaware of the recall at the time I purchased it because dealerships selling vehicles with open recalls wasn’t something I was aware was legal considering the imminent potential safety risks. I have nearly wrecked 3 times while going 50+ mph on major local roads and highways because of my car shutting off entirely with 0 notice. To be entirely honest I don’t have enough money to go out and finance another car and I also don’t think a fault vehicle should become my liability when it’s faulty because of processes the manufacture has cut costs on. Not only is driving my vehicle extremely dangerous but it’s my only choice as the alternatives are viable options regarding costs. Assuming I were to get into a wreck knowing this issue was occurring I’d be liable per my insurance for something a multi billion dollar corporation has considered a “non-issue” for literally over a year now. When this happens my power steering loses its functionality locking up the steering wheel entirely, every light and electronic in the car shuts off instantly, and the engine shuts off but because my vehicle is in motion it continues rolling until my speed reaches 0. My brakes haven’t worked more than a fraction of how they’d normally work if my car were working as intended which is extremely annoying because sometimes like while in 5pm traffic I NEED to brake and am unable to which is very dangerous. I have had my car for just about a year and once every 2 months something that could potentially kill me and cause millions of dollars in damage has occurred while the manufacturer has had more time than I’ve had my vehicle to fix the issue. I only filed a complaint now because I was unaware I was able to prior. Thanks.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle shut off unintendedly but was able to be restarted. While at a stop light, the vehicle stalled. There was an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Mileage: 33,000
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The low fuel indicator light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Mileage: 15,000
On several occasions I've experienced delays with transmission shifting internally while in drive. (Had a few powertrain failure codes pop up, was told by shop that it will happen when all 4 wheels try to grip and can't at same time- independence ford). Have code dates in my ford app - and on 12/14/22 it happened again, this time accompanied by heater and blower motor cutting in and out, lights for heater, blower were strobing. (I have video of this issue, it won't upload) the defroster turned on when I powered off the heat and powered on. Ford shop notified and shown video, was told they couldn't replicate it. Had a few more occasions where transmission slipped w powertrain notification again, still unable to replicate per ford shop, despite codes. In July, 23 son had accident w car and delays were noted to guy at ford shop quick lane... codes present as well, and was within my warranty. The shop declined to submit issue to the warranty for my car, telling me to submit it to my car insurance first because of the damage to the front. I was promised by mgr from the shop, it would be covered if my insurance denied it, as it was reported while under 60,000 mile warranty. I was told by insurance companies and ford shop that car was safe to drive post accident until parts arrive, parts arrived and in Oct it was 3,000 miles outside of warranty, again checked with the shop regarding honoring the warranty, the insurance co denied it, stating it wasn't caused by son's accident. I reached out to ford to let them know insurance made a determination denying it and scheduled to drop it off to them. I had double checked again regarding honoring the warranty and was assured it would be. Vehicle was no longer drivable, so it was towed to ford location. I received a call telling me that it was out of warranty, it didn't matter what I was told previously. The manager was mistaken & never should've said what was said & the repair for bodywork was made elsewhere, so I I'm not helping."
I have had nothing but problems with this car. It only had 36 miles on the car & dealership (Frederick Ford,Seaford de) classified it as used. The car wouldn’t start, had to call roadside assistance. After waiting the car decided to start. Going down road car kept cutting off & on and losing power. Everyone it lost power I had to try and pull over. What if there was nowhere to pull over and it just cut off in the road?!?! The dealership has been a total nightmare . I tried to exchange car & the sales manager was [XXX]. And was yelling he wouldn’t be able to sell a messed up vehicle. After complaining to Ford all I got was an extensive warranty with free oil changes. That’s it. I have records of all my car problems . My car has only a little over 15,000 miles cause I scared of driving it. I go back and forth to work that’s about it. I have 9 times my car has messed up from 04/2021-to 10/2022. 1x -[XXX] 3x- [XXX] 4x- [XXX] 1x- [XXX] Now There a recall on a car I haven’t even driven over 15,000 miles?!?!? Please help INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
On 7/18/2023, this vehicle was involved in a fatal crash. The vehicle stopped moving and would not proceed forward after stopping major roadway. A motorcycle struck the vehicle from behind and the two occupants were killed. The owner of the vehicle contacted the dealership where she bought it from on 7/1/2023, in which they did not locate the issue. The owner of the vehicle said that the issue has happened numerous times before the crash occurred.
Faulty sensors that appeared to have been fixed with more faulty sensors. The car's sensors result in the car thinking it is in park, locking up the wheel, and losing some of the drive assist and controls.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that a message to shift to park(P) and restart the vehicle was displayed. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was test-driven. Additionally, the display screen became inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 14,000.
Mileage: 14,000