2020 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 2020 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
- Engine33970.6%
- Powertrain (other)5110.6%
- Fuel system245.0%
- Driver assistance142.9%
- Electrical132.7%
- Brakes112.3%
- Airbags81.7%
- Suspension40.8%
- Body & structure30.6%
- Seat belts30.6%
- Steering30.6%
- Other / unspecified20.4%
- Interior & seats20.4%
- Visibility10.2%
- Exterior lighting10.2%
- Tires & wheels10.2%
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
The contact 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 unavailable. The dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed that parts were unavailable. The contact later received a letter stating that parts were available; however, the dealer stated that due to a limited supply, they could only service the recall if the vehicle had experienced the failure. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer to be repaired. Upon inspection, the mechanic discovered that the engine oil pump drive belt tensioner arm was fractured, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
It was a recall oil pump tensor bar. They fixed that blew the engine.I had to wait for them to fix what they messed up with the engine.They fixed that drove forty miles away from the dealer and the engine overheated
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
I was on my way home from work approaching a red light coasting to a stop, I tried to slow down then I realized the car was accelerating and I pushed the brakes and pulled into a parking lot by the time I got in the parking lot the car was surging, really trying to takeoff. It went all the way to 5,000 rpm’s while I was in park.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was on my way home from work approaching a red light coasting to a stop, I tried to slow down then I realized the car was accelerating and I pushed the brakes and pulled into a parking lot by the time I got in the parking lot the car was surging, really trying to takeoff. It went all the way to 5,000 rpm’s while I was in park.
Subject: Request for Investigation – Instrument Cluster Failure in Ford EcoSport (Similar to Recall 24V140) Vehicle Information: 2020 Ford EcoSport Statement: I am writing to report a safety-related defect regarding the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) in my Ford EcoSport. I am currently receiving persistent warnings that the "Instrument Cluster Lamps are malfunctioning" and require service. This issue renders critical safety information, such as gauges and warning telltales, potentially unreadable or unreliable. Upon taking my vehicle to a certified mechanic, I was advised that the symptoms match Recall 24V140 (Ford Reference 24C01), which addresses an IPC software corruption issue. However, when I contacted Downtown Ford to schedule the repair, I was informed that while they would cover my other open recall (23S64 - Oil Pump Tensioner), they refused to cover the IPC issue because the current recall is only assigned to the Ford Maverick. I am being asked to pay for both the diagnosis and the repair for a defect that Ford has already acknowledged as a safety risk in other models using similar cluster software. I believe this defect extends to the EcoSport line and poses a significant safety risk by failing to display critical vehicle information. I request that the NHTSA investigate whether the scope of Recall 24V140 should be expanded to include the Ford EcoSport.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Fuel injectors, hand brake when reversing, spuddering when push on gas, windshield crack when cleaning from the inside accidently hit rear view mirror.
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.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
My leased 2020 Ford EcoSport is at Merchant Ford of Selma, AL for three safety recalls: airbag system, engine oil pump failure, and rearview camera failure. The dealership told me they do not know how to fix the recalls, installed wrong parts, and the vehicle has been sitting for weeks without repair and without a loaner vehicle. They have stopped returning my calls. Ford has had years to remedy these recalls and cannot make the vehicle safe to drive.
My concern is in regards to nhtsa recall number 20v-719, the 2020 Ford ecosport. The recall states that there are 10 ecosport vehicles that have airbag module issues where the airbags won't deploy. I have a 2020 Ford ecosport and I was just in a crash this past weekend. The airbags should have deployed because I hit some big trees. But no airbags deployed. There was Major front end damage. I have photos of everything. I believe that there could be more than just 10 vehicles involved and the mine is potentially included in that bunch. I see below in this form that I can attach files. So I will try to attach some photos there of the damage to the vehicle.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
In February, while I was driving on the interstate, I started to lose the ability to control the speed of my car. I pulled over and shut off my car. When I tried to start the car again, it wouldn't start. After I towed it home, I tried jump starting and an error message popped up stating it was the engine oil pump belt tensioner. After speaking with Ford customer service and a Service manager, I was told it could be by August before my car could be fixed.
The engine oil pump dive belt tensioner arm broke, and it caused damage to the engine, causing the engine to lose engine oil pressure and causing engine damage, almost causing an accident. There were no warning or messages prior to the failure it just happened, I was driving and it happened almost causing an accident. The dealership confirmed that this was the problem that belt broke causing motor damage but the letter of the recall had not yet been received and I cannot pay for that repair.
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
Sometimes when you're driving, the rear cargo door opens on its own. Sometimes it opens completely and stuff falls out. I took it to the dealership and they kept it 2 days. Since it didn't happen to them they won't do any repairs. I looked online and in the ecosport forums many people are having this problem
Suspension will start going up and down not safe while driving
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
After about a year after purchasing my 2020 Ford EcoSport The seat belt on the driver's side is stretched out and doesn't hold in my opinion tightly enough for me to feel safe, hoe can I remedy this, My only complaint is so far driver's seat belt if I can get this fixed through Ford Motor Company, I could breathe a safe sigh of relief.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side seat belt was unable to retract, and a passenger seated in the seat was not safely secured. The contact was informed that the seat assembly was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who determined that the seat belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,000.
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
On 3/31 @5:22pm after a few calls to ford about issues my car lost all power, brakes locked steering wheel lock and I was on the Grand central expressway.
On December 07 2023 while driving off the interstate my vehicle abruptly stopped. It wouldn't accelerate at all and came out of no where. I had my kids in the car but thankfully I was close enough to their school that I was able to pull over and call a tow to take it to a dealership. That same day a service warning came up on the app that I did not see until after my car stalled on me saying there was a "Service Engine Soon Warning" On the app it stated: "The Engine Control system has detected that one of the engines internal components is not responding as expected. This can be caused by improper engine oil pressure or improperly operating engine timing components. The Engine Start/Stop feature (if equipped) may be disabled when this fault is present." The next step was: "Have your vehicle checked by an authorized dealer as soon as possible." It was 830 at night at this point I was not in the position to have it checked at this time but again it was towed to the dealership. At this time there had been ZERO recalls on this vehicle and I am diligent about getting my service done on it. Also I had no reason until this day to look up any issues with this vehicle but when I did I was furious to see that since September 2023 Ford has been made aware of this ongoing issue and had not issues a recall on my or other's vehicles. I am well within my 60K Powertrain warranty thankfully unlike others and my engine was replaced. I picked up my vehicle after repairs on January 03 2024. 1 Month later AGAIN while driving with my children in the car trying to get home in a snow storm my vehicle completely stopped and this time it would not budge. I could not safely get to the side of the road. I could not go in neutral it did nothing. Again it has been towed. Again the engine "has to be replaced" again the same issue is happening and it wasn't until February 23rd did I finally receive an advance notice. I am furious at the lack of safety for myself and my children in this car.
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
The component that failed/is malfunctioning is the Drivers side front Hub assembly. It could be available for inspection depending on date and time that it is needed to be inspected… My safety and others were put at risk because if I kept driving with this it could snap my entire tire off, rip my whole brake line out, and this being my drivers side could result in my getting ripped into oncoming traffic.. No manufacture has inspected it, no police have inspected it, only my boyfriend and I and a mechanic that was going in to replace brakes on my car. The only determination I have of this part being “recalled” is due to an auto parts store calling and telling me the part they ordered has to be sent back due to defect/recall on the manufacturers side. There have been no type of warnings at all besides stuff regarding my anti-lock system failing
As I was driving the car started smoking and then caught on fire. Full flames for the front I had to rush out the car.
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 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that upon cleaning the vehicle, he noticed water on the floorboard under the front passenger's seat. The contact cleaned up the water; however, the failure recurred on another occasion. The contact stated that there was a significant amount of water under the front passenger's seat. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was inspected. The local dealer determined that the failure occurred because the sunroof drain was clogged. The sunroof drain was cleaned; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the water accumulation had generated rust and unknown electrical failures. The vehicle was later taken to a second dealer Al Packer Ford West Palm Beach (1530 N Military Trl, West Palm Beach, FL 33409), to a third dealer Wayne Akers Ford (2000 10th Ave N, Lake Worth Beach, FL 33461), and to several unknown dealers who determined that the water could be leaking from the A/C evaporator and condenser. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the engine seized inadvertently. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the front driver's side and front passenger's side doors check arm had cracked. The local dealer replaced the parts; however, the failure recurred. Additionally, the contact stated that the four doors check arms had cracked. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
THIS CAR WAS HIT AND THE SEAT BENT. I AM STILL DEALING WITH HIP NECK KNEE AND SHOULDER INJURIES. IT WAS A RENTAL CAR. I WAS SITTING AT A RED LIGHT. AN 8 TON BOX TRUCK HIT IT GOING APPROX 45 MPH. I SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION. 2 MONTHS LATER I HAD A HEMORRHAGIC STROKE.
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
Backup Camera Blue Screen Failure. Does Not Work; Happened within time frame of the other ford vehicle recalls for backup camera safety concerns.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
There has been multiple instances that the right-side brake light has failed, even after being replaced with new bulbs. It has happened 2 times before, and I have seen numerous other Ecosports that have this problem as well. It is not a bulb problem, but a wiring problem. Not sure if this is worth submitting on here, but I can’t be the only one that has done it so far.
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
205/50/17 Tires were cut with knife
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 .