2019 Ford Ecosport Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2019 Ford Ecosport, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine39771.7%
- Powertrain (other)498.8%
- Fuel system356.3%
- Driver assistance183.2%
- Electrical183.2%
- Brakes142.5%
- Airbags50.9%
- Interior & seats40.7%
- Steering40.7%
- Body & structure30.5%
- Seat belts20.4%
- Suspension20.4%
- Visibility10.2%
- Tires & wheels10.2%
- Other / unspecified10.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
A young teenage driver faced a terrifying highway emergency when her vehicle suffered an abrupt, dangerous loss of motive power at 70+ MPH on the interstate due to sudden turbocharger failure. Moving at high speeds in heavy traffic, the sudden drop in acceleration left the driver vulnerable to rear-end collisions from oncoming semi-trucks. The vehicle was driven into the shop with a failed turbocharger and a completely contaminated oil ecosystem. The engine block has not seized yet, but all components are highly contaminated. The affected components are preserved and available for federal inspection. The root cause is a completely choked oil pump pick up tube screen. After a week-long standoff where the consumer had to escalate the case to Ford Corporate to force the dealership to drop the oil pan, teardown photos revealed the intake mesh was blanketed and impacted by a thick, suffocating mat of degraded wet belt fibers. This debris choked off oil pressure, proving the dealer fraudulently certified Safety Recall 23S64 as complete while leaving the lethal hazard trapped inside. In addition to this extreme debris, internal Ford OASIS logs admit the technician snapped a tensioner bolt during the recall. They drilled it out but failed to clean the engine, trapping sharp metallic shards that circulated into the oil system, destroying the turbocharger seals and scorching the gaskets. The dealer was given urgent warnings on April 7, 2026, when the driver reported interstate stalling ("limp mode at 70+ mph") and an AutoZone turbo pressure code. The dealer treated this severe safety risk as a low-priority task, failed to check the oil pressure, and released the car. After the forced pan drop in July, Ford Corporate denied coverage for a new long block and turbocharger, instructing the consumer to pay over $8,000 out of pocket for repairs caused entirely by their own botched recall.
No issues with vehicle until failure, properly maintained, regular oil changes. While driving the vehicle the engine lost power and check engine light came on. The vehicle RPM's increased but had no power. Was able to drive the vehicle home but was at inconstant speeds / RPMS could not get above 40 MPH. Low oil light came on while driving home as well. Made appointment at Ford local dealership, they verbally told me the engine blew and there was no oil in vehicle and metal in oil pan. The vehicle never missed a oil change. As a result I had to replace the engine with a used one the dealership had. Total engine failure at 98956 miles. This appears to be a recall on the 1.0 engine for same issue. My wife and kids were in car when it failed, in traffic.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
My car has been in and out of the shop since 2024 due to the power train system. As this is an active recall case my car was repaired 5 times. Recently, with the recall part replaced in January 2026, I got my car back and in May 2026 while driving, my car once again loss power. Going from 50 to coasting. After many guarantees that the problem is fixed, I continue to have the same dangerous problems.
So my car is about to be out of warranty and I have called and made two appointments to get my recall taken care of as it is a safety risk for me and my kids. They canceled the first one with no communication and the second appointment they called and said they can’t get the part in so I have to call them in 2 weeks to check. After two weeks I believed my car will be over the 60k mark putting me out of warranty and voiding them to fix any issues that occurred because of this recall.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
A young teenage driver faced a terrifying highway emergency when her vehicle suffered an abrupt, dangerous loss of motive power at 70+ MPH on the interstate due to sudden turbocharger failure. Moving at high speeds in heavy traffic, the sudden drop in acceleration left the driver vulnerable to rear-end collisions from oncoming semi-trucks. The vehicle was driven into the shop with a failed turbocharger and a completely contaminated oil ecosystem. The engine block has not seized yet, but all components are highly contaminated. The affected components are preserved and available for federal inspection. The root cause is a completely choked oil pump pick up tube screen. After a week-long standoff where the consumer had to escalate the case to Ford Corporate to force the dealership to drop the oil pan, teardown photos revealed the intake mesh was blanketed and impacted by a thick, suffocating mat of degraded wet belt fibers. This debris choked off oil pressure, proving the dealer fraudulently certified Safety Recall 23S64 as complete while leaving the lethal hazard trapped inside. In addition to this extreme debris, internal Ford OASIS logs admit the technician snapped a tensioner bolt during the recall. They drilled it out but failed to clean the engine, trapping sharp metallic shards that circulated into the oil system, destroying the turbocharger seals and scorching the gaskets. The dealer was given urgent warnings on April 7, 2026, when the driver reported interstate stalling ("limp mode at 70+ mph") and an AutoZone turbo pressure code. The dealer treated this severe safety risk as a low-priority task, failed to check the oil pressure, and released the car. After the forced pan drop in July, Ford Corporate denied coverage for a new long block and turbocharger, instructing the consumer to pay over $8,000 out of pocket for repairs caused entirely by their own botched recall.
For a month, every time I put gas in my car whether I filled up or just put half a tank my car will not start for 10-15 minutes. I took it to the ford place and my extended warranty wouldn't cover it. It seems like an evap valve would be covered. I have only had my car 11 months. This is going to cost over $1,000 to fix. It seems like ford should be responsible for the repairs.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Engine failed one me [XXX] it sat in my drive until it made its way to Sarasota Ford on July 9, 2024. I have no been able to drive this car at all for about 2 years now. (July 9th, 2024 - 5/2025) When driving the car it goes from 40mph to 9mph in the middle of traffic putting not only mi life in danger but others. I have compiled to the motor company about how dangerous this car is. My car has had about 3 engines and still has the same problem the recall was put out for. I was told that after so many times of them trying to fix the car and it’s still Not working they have to replace are car by putting us in the same year or newer year make and model but ford doesn’t want to do so they just want to keep replacing and installing engines that obviously has the recall problem. My car has recently got repossessed due prolonged non-use. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Powertrain Malfunction/ reduced power Vehicles emission control system The service light has been 3 months after car was purchased in 2023. Dealer claim to fix recall but a week later same light same issues. They fixed car with recalled parts.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The vehicle was initially taken to the local dealer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V011000 (Equipment). The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the engine had overheated. A diagnostic scanner was used to determine that the head overheat protection was active and there was no coolant in the coolant reservoir. The hose was not connected to the heater cooler. The donut gasket was not attached to the exhaust. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the O-ring had failed to snap in place. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
I bought a used 2019 Ford Ecosport SE in January 2022. I received a recall notice (#23S64: “ENGINE OIL PUMP BELT AND TENSIONER REPLACEMENT FINAL REPAIR”). A paper notice I received from Ford dated June 2024 mentioned a remedy expected in Q1 2025. The estimation was pushed back, and parts were eventually ready in Q3, some time in August. Before I could take my vehicle to a dealership, on [XXX], while driving my vehicle it stalled, smoked, and smoldered. I made no collisions with any other object, person, or vehicle. I called my insurance and the fire department (incident number: [XXX]). I believe the damage was related to the recall. It was described to me that there was even damage to some wiring, as a result of the fire. I called my insurance, and they towed my vehicle to Larry H. Miller Ford Dealership on September 30, 2025. It was scheduled for its first service on October 1, 2025, but technicians inspected it on October 16, 2025. The repair cost exceeded the vehicle’s value, as I needed a new engine and transmission. After long periods without progress and updates, on January 7th, I was informed by the dealership that I’d either be paid or my vehicle would be repaired, but the final decision rested with Ford Motor Company. The dealership had submitted everything, as a service manager with Larry H. Miller told me on January 7, 2026. I called Ford Motor Company and asked for specific repair dates, but I received no more information than from the dealership. I was told by the dealership that I should have an answer on repairs “by the end of the week”on January 26, 2026, but it’s now February 3, 2026. I’ve been without a vehicle for four months, impacting my flexibility and affecting my vehicle loan. I accepted a loaner vehicle on January 7, 2026. I seek a prompt and fair resolution, whether it’s a payment or a repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2019 Ford EcoSport 1.0L EcoBoost engine began making loud noise consistent with oil pressure failure. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Ford dealership. The dealership performed a teardown and confirmed the oil pump belt tensioner had failed — the exact defect described in Safety Recall 23S64. The dealer replaced the oil pump belt, tensioner, and oil pump under Recall 23S64. However, the dealer then stated that the resulting engine damage — severe scoring of connecting rod bearings and crankshaft journals caused by oil starvation — is “not related to the recall” and refused to replace the engine under Recall 23S64. Ford’s own recall documentation states: if engine failure is related to a broken oil pump belt or tensioner, a long block engine replacement is authorized as an interim repair at no charge. The updated Service Action also states the oil pump belt and tensioner no longer need to be replaced before long block installation. The causal chain is direct: tensioner failed (recall defect) → oil pressure lost → engine destroyed. The dealer’s refusal to replace the engine appears to violate Ford’s own Recall 23S64 service procedure. The vehicle has been inoperable for weeks. I continue making monthly loan and insurance payments on a vehicle I cannot drive. My extended warranty claim was also denied because the warranty company requires written confirmation from Ford that the engine damage is not recall-related — a document the dealer says they cannot provide. I am requesting NHTSA to investigate whether Ford dealers are systematically denying recall-related engine replacements under 23S64 that they are obligated to perform per Ford’s own recall service procedures. Additionally, prior to the complete engine failure, the vehicle stalled unexpectedly while stopped at a red light in active traffic without any warning. The engine shut off suddenly, consistent with sudden loss of oil pressure caused by the recall defect. This created a dangerous safety situation
I have had to put a new engine in my 2019 ford ecosport 3 times due to the open recall on the vehicle. It is currently at the ford dealership due to coolant leaking into the head gasket. The problems with the vehicle have been confirmed by the dealers. And no there were ZERO warnings or signs before the vehicle completely failed on us on the highway the first time. Then the same issue happened yet again and had to put my car in the shop again for another new engine due to the recall.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
About 2 weeks ago airbag censor light came on dash and stays on now indicating something wrong with one of our airbags, we just got our car back on March 8th 2024, it only has a little over 44,000 miles on our car, the dealership we got it at is supposed to look at it and see what's wrong with it, I've read about all the recalls for this year and model our car has, we didn't know anything about any recalls for our car when we purchased it, just read about them today, I also read about the Tanaka airbag recall that is making it dangerous to drive your car, when we go this Wednesday to have our car look at, I'm going to mention all of the recalls on the car that the dealership didn't tell us about.
T-boned a vehicle at a intersection and the air bags never deployed.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the swing gate of the rear door was unlatched and opened inadvertently. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road each time and the swing gate was slammed closed. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, she observed a very loud noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and inspected. The vehicle was turned off and was not able to restart for 45 minutes. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the failure was not replicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 25,000.
I took my car into the ford dealership in Temecula. California and I wanted the seat repaired to warranty specific help. Right after I purchased the car I was in really bad traffic on the Temecula freeway and I leaned back and the seat made a popping sound. I’m now being told by ford Temecula Gosch dealership service dept that they will not fix the seat because it’s not a defective seat and they will not let me speak to anyone in the warranty dept. I’m hoping you can help me get this seat fixed as it slides when I turn my car to the right or left and now I’m having pain in my right leg and back. I’ve taken my car in several times for help and they just play games.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have had to put a new engine in my 2019 ford ecosport 3 times due to the open recall on the vehicle. It is currently at the ford dealership due to coolant leaking into the head gasket. The problems with the vehicle have been confirmed by the dealers. And no there were ZERO warnings or signs before the vehicle completely failed on us on the highway the first time. Then the same issue happened yet again and had to put my car in the shop again for another new engine due to the recall.
In 2022 of July-August. No lights came on to warn me or anything and my engine went completely out. I took it in and it was the oil pressure that caused my engine to fail. I had to get a new engine, transmission, and a whole bunch of other new things done to my car. AFTER repairs covered by warranty I continue driving and right away I noticed my car making weird noises (like whirring and purring). I took it into ANOTHER ford dealership. This dealership told me that the OTHER dealership did the repairs all wrong and that my car was a mess under the hood…and BOTH dealerships argued who was going to pay for the repairs . To this day I still hear the whirring even though they claim it’s fixed . Surprise ford of Arizona was the dealership that did repairs, and the Milford Ford was the second dealer who claims the repairs were horrible and screws were loose etc right in front of me(I called ford during this conversation to have it recorded) I have a [XXX] son and I fear to drive my car everyday. I have asked ford to repurchase my vehicle TWICE and no remedy has been done. Now for 3 months of being aware of the recall nothing has been done . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while opening and closing the front driver’s side door there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the door. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that there was a major crack in the door. The contact was informed by the mechanic that if the door was not replaced, the door would eventually detach from the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were both notified of the failure but neither offered any assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
On July 26, 2023 while traveling on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in the tunnel, the rear spoiler, which is attached to the Rear Header flew off my vehicle’s roof. Upon inspection of the Rear Header, there are clips which snapped off and broken, which are manufacturing defects.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that when the vehicle was parked, the rear passenger's seat belt was inoperable. The contact stated that the rear passenger's seat belt failed to lock as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed rear passenger's seat belt buckle. The contact was informed that the rear passenger's seat belt buckle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
2019 ECOSPORT STRUCK A POLE ON THE RIGHT SIDE AND SEVERAL ROCKS THAT BENT THE LEFT FRONT CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY AND BENT THE FRAME. IT DROVE THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL INTO THE CAR FRAME. THE VEHICLE WENT AIRBOUND AND CONTINUED THROUGH A FLOWER BED CONSTRUCTED OF PAVER STONES 18" HIGH. THE DESTRUCTION OF THE FLOWER BED FURTHER DESTROYED THE UNDERCARRIAGE WITH THE DRIVETRAIN PUSHED BACKWARDS. THE CAR LANDED AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND DRIVER SUFFERED A SEVERED SPINE AND LATER DIED.*DT*DT*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 FORD ECOSPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPROACHING THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT THE REAR TIRES ON THE VEHICLE WERE FLAT WITH METAL WIRES PROTRUDING FROM THE TIRES. THE TIRES WERE WORN FROM THE INSIDE. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO ELDER FORD (777 JOHN R RD, TROY, MI 48083, (888) 467-5023) WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY IMPROPER VEHICLE MAINTENANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
2019 ECOSPORT STRUCK A POLE ON THE RIGHT SIDE AND SEVERAL ROCKS THAT BENT THE LEFT FRONT CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY AND BENT THE FRAME. IT DROVE THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL INTO THE CAR FRAME. THE VEHICLE WENT AIRBOUND AND CONTINUED THROUGH A FLOWER BED CONSTRUCTED OF PAVER STONES 18" HIGH. THE DESTRUCTION OF THE FLOWER BED FURTHER DESTROYED THE UNDERCARRIAGE WITH THE DRIVETRAIN PUSHED BACKWARDS. THE CAR LANDED AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND DRIVER SUFFERED A SEVERED SPINE AND LATER DIED.*DT*DT*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
My back windshield shattered for no reason. I had my job watch 12 hours of video footage and nobody went near my car. I googled it and apparently it's happened to other people.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 FORD ECOSPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPROACHING THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT THE REAR TIRES ON THE VEHICLE WERE FLAT WITH METAL WIRES PROTRUDING FROM THE TIRES. THE TIRES WERE WORN FROM THE INSIDE. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO ELDER FORD (777 JOHN R RD, TROY, MI 48083, (888) 467-5023) WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY IMPROPER VEHICLE MAINTENANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING AND TIRE BLEW OUT ON 11/2/2020 AND THE SAME THING HAPPEN ON 03/12/2021. DEALERSHIP DOES NOT WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND COVERING IT UP BY PHOTOSHOPPING SOMEONE ELSE TIRE SCAMMING CUSTOMERS OUT THERE MONEY SAYING CUSTOMERS RAN OVER A NAIL SO CUSTOMERS CAN PAY MONEY. YOU CAN TELL THE DIFFERENCE THAT THE PICTURE DEALERSHIP TOOK AND MY ORIGINAL TIRES. MY TIRES SPECIFICALLY STATES BRIDGESTONE AND DEALERSHIP BLURRED THE TIRE OUT AND PHOTOSHOPPED. I WAS PUT IN HARM'S WAY TWICE AND COULD HAVE LOST MY LIFE. SECOND TIME TIRE EXPLODED I WAS GOING 60 MPH ON HIGHWAY HAD 23,000 MILES ON VEHICLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .