YearToAvoid

2021 Ford Ecosport Transmission & Powertrain Problems

Transmission & Powertrain complaints account for 50 of 258 total complaints on the 2021 Ford Ecosport, or 19% of all reported issues, the highest share of any model year in this data. A related recall (25V126000) covers front axle half shafts disconnecting from the transmission.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints
50
19% of 258
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
52,303 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

  • Vehicle unexpectedly slips out of gear or rolls unprompted, in one case causing a crash into another vehicle.
  • Sudden loss of acceleration accompanied by a loud grinding sound while driving through an intersection.
  • Complete drivetrain lockup where the vehicle cannot move, reported by one owner at very low mileage.
  • Axle seal failures that leak transmission fluid, sometimes preceded by a mechanical whining noise from the transmission pump.
  • Transmission revs up and down erratically with flashing warning lights, accompanied by unusual noise and loss of safe drivability.
  • Powertrain malfunction alerts through the FordPass app paired with reduced power or complete loss of power while driving.

When 2021 Ford Ecosport transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 17, 2023, latest Sep 4, 2026.

2021 Ford Ecosport transmission & powertrain complaints: complaints filed per month15Jan 2023Aug 2023Mar 2024Mar 2025Jun 2025Oct 2025May 2026Aug 2026
50 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2023 to Sep 2026; peak Apr 2025 (15).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2021 Ford Ecosport

  1. NHTSA 25V126000Feb 28, 2025Transmission & Powertrain18,648 vehicles

    Power train:axle assembly:axle shaft

    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.

    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.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Ecosport model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20050 (0%)
  2. 201867 (9%)
  3. 201950 (11%)
  4. 202053 (13%)
  5. 202150 (19%)
  6. 20221 (10%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems in the 2021 Ford Ecosport?
NHTSA lists 50 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Ford Ecosport, which is 19% of the 258 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission recall on the 2021 Ford Ecosport?
Yes. Recall 25V126000, reported February 28, 2025, covers 2021-2022 Ecosport vehicles where front axle half shafts may disconnect from the transmission, causing a loss of drive power. Dealers inspect and replace the half shafts free of charge.
At what mileage do these transmission issues typically show up?
The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2021 Ecosport is 52,303 miles.
Did the transmission problems cause any crashes?
NHTSA data shows 1 crash and no fires or injuries linked to Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2021 Ford Ecosport.
Is 2021 the worst year for Ecosport transmission complaints?
Among the years listed, 2021 has the highest share of complaints tied to Transmission & Powertrain, at 19%, compared to 9-13% for 2018-2020.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.