Owner-reported complaints naming the powertrain system, filed with NHTSA
Data refreshed
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2020 Ford Ecosport submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 51 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
The 25 most recent of 51, in the owner's own words
My automatic transmission has a problem going into gear, slow to engage in any gear. when needing to accelerate there is no response, just the high rev of the engine but absolutely no acceleration. The car has a hard jerk and thud sound when it does go into gear, this is when driving the car.
The affected component is the powertrain system in my 2020 Ford EcoSport. The vehicle has experienced repeated powertrain-related failures and is available for inspection upon request. In May 2025, the vehicle required a full engine replacement, yet I am continuing to experience serious powertrain-related issues. The vehicle has displayed powertrain malfunction warnings and has experienced improper acceleration, hesitation, loss of power, and instances where the vehicle has stopped at intersections. These issues create a serious safety risk because the vehicle may not respond when acceleration is needed, including when entering traffic, turning, merging, or attempting to avoid hazards. A vehicle that loses power or stops unexpectedly at intersections creates a risk of collision and puts myself, my passengers, and other motorists in danger. This issue has occurred multiple times and has required repeated service attention. The vehicle is scheduled to be inspected again due to the ongoing powertrain failure concern. Despite significant repairs, including a complete engine replacement, the underlying issue appears to remain unresolved. Prior to the failures, the vehicle displayed warning messages related to the powertrain system. The symptoms have included reduced acceleration, hesitation, loss of power, and the vehicle stopping unexpectedly while driving. The vehicle has been inspected by Ford service providers, including the prior engine replacement performed in May 2025. I am submitting this complaint because repeated powertrain failures, loss of acceleration, and unexpected stopping while operating the vehicle present a significant safety concern. I believe this issue warrants investigation to determine whether there is a broader defect affecting 2020 Ford EcoSport vehicles.
On April 3, 2026, this vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic mechanical failure as I was driving on US-169, in Kansas City, Mo.,l The engine seized and the fuel line ruptured resulting in an undercarriage fire with small explosions. I had to be physically extracted from the burning vehicle by a Clay County Sheriff’s Deputy, Clay County Sheriff’s Department, Liberty, Missouri (Report #CC2600810). This catastrophic asset and recall remedy failure is the direct result of a recognized federal safety defect (Ford Safety Recall 23S64 / NHTSA Campaign 23V905). The original engine blew from an oil pump failure in October 2024 and was towed to certified Ford dealer Smithville (Mo.) Ford on October 9, 2024 as per the recall. The new engine was not re-installed until May 24, 2025 due to delay in getting parts At the time of the recall reinstallation, the vehicle had 61,556 miles on it. When the fire happened on April 3 of this year, the vehicle had 70, 956 miles . I want to emphasize that Under explicit authorization from Ford Motor Company’s recall interim guidelines, the dealership performed a complete engine assembly swap. Per the official service invoice, this replacement engine was backed by a 3-year or 100,000-mile Ford Powertrain Warranty. At the time of the fire 11 months later, the vehicle had not yet reached 71,000 miles and was fully covered under active factory warranty.
My 2020 Ford EcoSport (1.0L EcoBoost) is covered by Recall 23S64 / NHTSA 23V905 (engine oil pump drive belt). The defect causes sudden loss of motive power at highway speed (65+ mph), usually after 40+ minutes of driving, with the powertrain warning light and code P0299 (turbo underboost). Losing power in Los Angeles freeway traffic is the safety hazard. The recall remedy has failed repeatedly. In Oct 2025 the dealer tore down the engine, confirmed the oil pump belt had disintegrated and clogged the oil pickup, and replaced the complete engine (long block) under the recall in Dec 2025. The recall now shows as completed for this vehicle, but since that repair, with under 500 miles driven: (1) the turbocharger failed again and was replaced under warranty in Feb 2026, about 77 miles after the new engine; (2) in Apr 2026 the dealer found a cracked valve cover leaking oil into cylinder 3 (codes P0313, P0299); (3) on May 23, 2026 I picked the car up and the same power-loss condition returned THE SAME DAY - the dealer then found a loose air charge pipe; (4) on Jun 20, 2026 I picked the car up again and it failed THE SAME DAY. Both same-day failures are corroborated by round-trip rideshare receipts. The vehicle has been at the dealer since Jun 20, 2026, and the service advisor has not answered my written requests for diagnosis or coverage for over a week. Before the recall was confirmed, the same defect caused repeated repairs from Jun 2024 on (13 shop visits, 9 to Ford dealers). In Aug 2025 Ford's own technical hotline directed an engine teardown to find the root cause; the dealer advisor declined it. The remedy under Recall 23S64 has not remedied the defect: the recall-replaced engine has failed component by component within 500 miles and the vehicle remains out of service. All components are available for inspection at the dealer. Full repair orders, invoices, and dated records are available on request.
Driving on the highway in Dallas, all of a sudden I didn’t have any acceleration. Foot all the way down on the pedal, barely holding 60mph on a 70mph highway. Service light came on and I got an alert on my phone. I had to carefully take side roads and take an hour to get home. It ended up being recall number 23S64. This recall has been in place since January 2024 and I have called multiple times since then to get scheduled repairs, but each time, I was told the parts were back ordered and not available, so I waited. Now that is is not safe to drive, parts are still back ordered and I’ve been without a car for six weeks. Called today and they still have no idea when it will be fixed or when they’ll get parts. I also got two calls that said they had parts but when I called back they didn’t.
Vehicle experienced sudden severe loss of motive power consistent with Ford Safety Recall 23S64 (NHTSA Campaign 23V905000). Prior to repair, the vehicle entered limp mode and could not accelerate beyond approximately 30 to 35 MPH. Low oil pressure warning indicators and check engine light illuminated repeatedly. Engine produced abnormal grinding and strained startup noises. Vehicle also experienced hesitation, shaking, and difficulty maintaining safe roadway speeds. While I was trying stop at a red light the vehicle struggles to brake although the brakes are applied, after coming to a full stop the vehicle shutdowns and would have restart. During operation, vehicle struggled to accelerate in traffic and braking performance became concerning due to severe engine power loss and unstable operation. On multiple occasions, the engine nearly stalled or shut down completely after stopping at intersections. Vehicle was delivered to Ford dealership for Recall 23S64 repair. Dealer completed the recall repair and stated oil pressure had been restored; however, the vehicle continued exhibiting the same severe loss of power and limp mode symptoms after completion of the recall procedure. Dealer later performed additional diagnostics and identified DTC P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low) and a broken intake camshaft requiring major engine repairs estimated at approximately $9,000. Dealer stated the engine damage was not covered or related under the recall despite the vehicle originally presenting with the same low oil pressure, loss of motive power, and drivability symptoms described in Recall 23S64. Vehicle remains unsafe to operate due to unresolved loss of power and internal engine damage. Concern exists that the recall related oil pressure failure may have caused consequential internal engine damage that was not fully corrected by the recall repair procedure. Problem has been confirmed by authorized Ford dealership inspection and diagnostic testing.
The primary failure is the engine assembly and turbocharger, specifically caused by the failure of the oil pump drive belt and tensioner system (subject of Safety Recall 23S64 / NHTSA 23V-905). Despite an attempted recall "remedy" on August 25, 2025, the engine suffered internal oil starvation due to belt debris (rubber fibers) remaining in the oil passages. The dealership has confirmed in writing that the turbocharger failed and the engine requires a "long block replacement" due to "debris in the oil passages" and a "clogged turbo oil feed filter." The vehicle is currently held at dealership, and the failed components are available for inspection. The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of motive power while in operation, a condition specifically cited in the safety risk section of Recall 23S64. This loss of power occurred during acceleration, creating an immediate risk of a rear-end collision or being stranded in active traffic. Additionally, per the recall notice, this failure path can lead to a loss of the mechanical vacuum pump, which provides power braking assist. A sudden increase in braking effort combined with a stalled engine significantly increases the risk of a crash. The problem has been confirmed by the dealership. On January 5, 2026, the service department diagnosed a failed turbocharger then on April 17th 2026, the service department diagnosed the problem to be a internal engine debris clogging oil feed lines. They verified the engine has oil pressure at the pump but is failing to deliver oil to critical components (turbo/upper block) due to contamination from the defective belt system.The vehicle has been inspected by the authorized Ford manufacturer representative at the dealership. I have also escalated the case to Ford Customer Relationship Center, though they have yet to provide a $0-cost safety remedy as required by federal law. October 9, 2025: "Powertrain Malfunction Light" message appeared. Then later "check engine light" as well as "battery"
My vehicle has been non-operable since June 2025 due to an engine failure requiring engine replacement. Ford has stated the engine is on backorder, and the vehicle has now been out of service for over 10 months. My request for a buyback was denied several times because it is technically out of the Lemon Law period. I am submitting a complaint against Ford and would like them to buy back the vehicle. There is no set date when the engine will be ready. Additionally, replacing the engine will significantly impact the vehicle’s resale value, placing me at a financial disadvantage through no fault of my own, as this issue stems from a manufacturer's recall.
I took my vehicle into Apple Ford in Columbia, MD for a safety recall. They proceeded to tell me that my engine, the crankshaft, and the turbo also need to be replaced but will not cover it even though these issues were caused by the safety recall. Everything online says that with this recall the engine should be replaced under the recall. We had small issues with the car about a year ago that were taken care of. This safety recall is also unresolved according to Ford so how can i even get anything fixed?
The failure involves the engine/powertrain system, specifically the engine oil pressure system, resulting in loss of engine power and a subsequent loss of effective braking assistance. The vehicle displayed a low engine oil pressure warning and a “powertrain system fault” message prior to the loss of braking effectiveness. The vehicle is currently not being driven and is available for inspection upon request. The engine was previously replaced in April 2025 as part of a recall-related interim remedy following an engine failure, yet the same symptoms have since reoccurred. My safety and the safety of others were placed at immediate and severe risk. On December 26, 2025, while driving at highway speed in heavy rain, the vehicle rapidly decelerated from approximately 79 mph to 60 mph, creating a dangerous situation in active freeway traffic. After exiting the freeway, the risk escalated when the vehicle experienced a loss of effective braking. While entering my apartment complex, I was forced to engage in defensive driving to avoid a collision. I narrowly avoided striking a pedestrian who was exiting their vehicle and then had to defensively steer away from the front of my apartment building to avoid crashing into the structure because the vehicle would not stop. A serious injury or fatality to myself or others was narrowly avoided. Yes. In March 2025, after experiencing a serious loss of power while driving, the vehicle was towed to a Ford dealership. The vehicle remained there for approximately one month, during which time the engine failure was confirmed and attributed to an active recall. As a result, the engine was replaced under the recall. This confirms that the issue has been previously verified by an authorized Ford dealership. Despite this repair, the same failure symptoms have reoccurred. The vehicle has been inspected and serviced by an authorized Ford dealership in connection with the recall-related engine failure and replacement in March–April 2025.
I took my 2020ford eco sport to fix the recall at Grapevine Texas Ford dealership. They took about 10 days to work on my car and said that the recall fix is complete. I was able to pick up the car from dealership and drive home, however when I started the car again, it had the Check engine light on. I called the dealership right away and they asked me to bring back the car right away. While I was driving the car back to the dealership, I realized the car would barely accelerate. I was already on the highway while I was figuring out what’s going on. I somehow made it to the dealership and is currently being looked into. I can’t trust if that car is safe anymore and I can’t trust if Ford technicians can fix the problem. They have created a huge safety hazard for me and family. They didn’t tell me about any of these risks when I went to pick up the car after service recall fix. I can’t trust the ford technicians anymore. I’m glad that I’m alive. I’m not sure if the people at the dealership took my problem seriously enough. Anyways I would like to file a complaint to NHTSA hoping someone would help.
My husband and I were driving down the interstate out of town and the oil pressure light came on as we were exiting. We were close to our destination and decided to check the oil when we stopped. Within seconds I could not accelerate beyond 40 MPH with RPMs climbing up to to 5-6. We checked the oil stick which was fine. Tried to drive to the ford dealership which was less than 3 miles away. After getting less than a third of a mile from where we were the dash lit up and went completely dark and wouldn’t start up.
There is a known recall for this vehicle (Reference NHTSA Safety Recall 23V905) related to the engine oil pump drive belt tensioner arm. According to the recall notice, it says "Parts are now available to repair your vehicle" and "please have this recall performed as soon as possible". My local Ford Dealership has denied my request to have this recall serviced, and refused to schedule me a future appointment for this service, and also could not provide me any approximate date on when this service might be available to me. They said they would not perform this recall unless the part has already failed and the vehicle would therefore have to be towed in, which I have in an email communication from the dealership. This obviously is a direct contradiction of the statement issued in the recall notice, so I wanted to report this as a complaint.
On March 13, 2025, while driving, my 2020 Ford EcoSport suddenly lost power and shut down. The vehicle is under Recall 23S64 (oil pump failure). I had to tow it to a shop, which confirmed low oil pressure, then to Ford, who confirmed complete engine failure and replaced the engine parts. I was without a vehicle for 34 days and Ford refused to provide a rental unless it was a Ford-brand, which was unavailable. After the engine replacement, further issues occurred: check engine light, battery failure, overheating, coolant leaks, and multiple installation errors including a missing coolant line bracket (causing leaks), cross-threaded turbo-to-cat converter stud, missing splash shield, and broken overflow line. Repairs cost thousands of dollars out-of-pocket. On May 13, 2025, a new recall was issued on the replacement engine, meaning my car remains unsafe despite the prior recall fix. These failures created unsafe driving conditions (loss of power on the road, overheating, potential engine fire risk). The problems have been confirmed by both Ford and an independent certified shop.
There is an open recall on my 2020 Ford EcoSport (VIN: [XXX] ) involving the engine oil pump. The recall was issued back in 2023, and I have been repeatedly told that the part would be available “at the beginning of the year” — first in 2023, then 2024, and now again in 2025. Each time, no resolution has come, and the part remains unavailable. This delay has made my vehicle unsafe and unreliable. I’ve been unable to drive it confidently or use it for essential transportation. Despite contacting both Ford and the original dealership (Preston Ford West in Randallstown, MD), I have received no specific repair date or clear guidance — only repeated postponements year after year. Meanwhile, I am forced to continue making high monthly loan payments on a vehicle I cannot safely operate. This has become a financial burden as well as a safety risk. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate Ford’s handling of this recall and assess whether consumers like myself should be protected under a buyback, warranty extension, or similar resolution process. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission hesitated to shift as intended, with a whining sound. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,130.
I was driving my vehicle on the expressway when it started to shake and slow down. A message then appeared on my screen to check the engine oil level. At this point my car could not speed up past 40 mph and my engine was making a loud knocking noise. I took it to Valvoline and they informed me all my fluids were good. When I left the problem persisted, and my car speed dropped to 33 mph in a 55 mph lane.
For the past 3 weeks my check engine light would appear then disappear. On 01-09-25 I scheduled with a in town loco mechanic shop. Gave him my worries about how my check engine light sometimes comes on. I was advised to take my vehicle to the Ford dealership because they could not replace the sensors I needed, only Ford can?? I picked up my car and the check engine light was not on. Today [XXX] in the morning check engine light is on. Once I put the gear in drive my vehicle was struggling for speed. It struggled so much that it made me a bit nervous that I returned home right away. So……I decided to do a little research on my vehicle. It has low mileage. Oh boy. I didn’t know Ford had some recalls. I plan on requesting an inspection from the manufacturer. I was never informed or notified of any specific needs to be repaired as part of a recall?? I hope this makes sense?? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I was on the highway when my car started to light up on the dashboard and the car started to slow down and wouldn’t move. Took it to ford and they had to replace the whole engine but now even after the replacement the car is slow, doesn’t heat up and shakes.
The catalytic converter had to be replaced twice due to a cracked in it and the exhaust fumes keep coming into the vehicle’s cabin through the A/C. Transmission keeps having problems also.
There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. I found out about the recall when I was researching how to operate my vehicle. I made an appointment to have the recall repair made on April 5, 2024. On April 8. 2024, the dealer called back the Service Manager stated, "They aren't processing the recalls unless the vehicle is on the side of the road." I called several other dealers and they stated they also would not repair the vehicle. On [XXX], the engine oil pump drive belt tensioner arm fractured and separated from the tensioner backing plate. The oil pump drive belt lost teeth and the car lost engine oil pressure. There was a loss of motive power and a loss of mechanical vacuum pump the vehicle lost all power and shut down. I was sitting at a light in the middle of the street at 11:30 PM. The vehicle could have shut down on the highway. I had just exited the highway, it was late at night and dark. Someone could have run into the back of my vehicle. I had the vehicle towed to Planet Ford in Spring, TX. After negotiating with them they worked on the engine but the car would not start. Then they said it needed a new battery and once installed the vehicle still did not run properly. They stated I needed to pay for a diagnostic because transmission lights are coming on. I refused because the damage was 100% caused by Ford's irresponsibility and neglect. The Recall stated repairs were supposed to be made at no charge. Planet Ford is now saying they have to put in a request to the Ford Corporation to ask if Ford will assist me with the cost of repairs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
On Tuesday, [XXX] I could have been killed on the highway due to the recall from Ford. I’m thankful I am alive today. I was driving when my engine oil pressure light came on, my speed slowed down, my car was rumbling, my engine locked up and I had to weave through traffic to pull over on the side of the road. I had to spend money to have it towed to a mechanic. The mechanic told me it was most likely caused by the recall. I had it towed to Ford in Crestview, FL. Ford said they are also pretty sure it was due to the recall. Ford Crestview told me it could take WEEKS to diagnose, and then I would have to have a whole new engine/parts in which Ford won’t have until 2025. My car will be sitting at Ford for MONTHS. Ford does not care. They don’t care I almost died. I now do not feel safe in this vehicle. I get married on the [XXX], and I have a honey moon after. I depend on this vehicle for my job, etc. i am my dads caretaker who has cancer, and we had to skip his doctor appointment because my car was not available. His WHEELCHAIR fits in my car. Ford won’t give me a loaner vehicle until they diagnose it, and Ford Crestview informed me that they don’t even know if they will have a loaner vehicle. So what happens now? Cancel the wedding? Cancel the honeymoon? Keep canceling my dads doctor appointments and he will just pass away? Please help expedite this. Why would the dealership even diagnose it, when they technically have until 2025 when parts come in. Ford is not handling this well for over 100,000 people. This is for the OIL PUMP RECALL that almost made me lose my life. Someone take this seriously. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact's mother owns a 2020 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 while her mother was driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started jolting. Additionally, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond and stalled. The check engine warning light, the low oil pressure warning light, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The driver was unable to pull to the side of the road. The highway patrol assisted the contact's mother until the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the oil pump drive belt tensioner arm was fractured and there were metal shavings in the oil. Additionally, the dealer diagnosed that the loss of oil pump pressure had caused engine failure. The dealer determined that the engine and the turbo needed to be replaced. The vehicle was temporarily repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated several times three days after the repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the transmission fluid was low. The dealer replaced the transmission fluid several times; however, the failure persisted. The dealer diagnosed that the transmission front gear box had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 64,150. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Car had known recall and dealership was notified prior to this happening and I was advised that I was fine. Few months later, oil pump failed and seized engine while merging onto I40 with my 2 children in the backseat. Crash had almost happened but I was able to safely stop the vehicle and remove my kids from the smoking car. Small grass fire started under the car as the oil flooded from underneath my car but self estinguished. My car has been at the dealership for almost a month and they plan to put the same recalled part back into my car until remedy is available in November 2025. Front driver airbag also has a recall that it may not deploy if vehicle crashes which vehicle is already at risk for. There was no warning signs or symptoms.
Powertrain failure, low oil pressure light came on, occurred while driving 70 mph on freeway with moderate traffic my car suddenly decelerated to 35-40 mph with a semi truck behind me almost slamming into me and I couldn’t get the car to accelerate to get the the side of road to safety. Loud engine noise now when car is on, not able to accelerate past 30-40 mph. I feel it is not drivable. All dealerships I call tell me these parts have not been made available yet through the recalls received recall letter 3/29/24 from ford notifying that we would hear when we could schedule service to address this recall. This was first I was notified of this issue and my car had this incident on 4/16/24. Ford dealerships refuse to give me a loaner or fix my car until ford provides the parts . They state they all have 4-5 forced ecosports already waiting to be serviced with same issue
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.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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