Steering
Filed Oct 13, 2026
I purchased my 2022 Ford EcoSport Titanium AWD used on February 14, 2026, with approximately 20,828 miles. The vehicle currently has approximately 36,000 miles. When purchased, the vehicle had no noticeable steering problems. However, over time, I began experiencing alignment issues, uneven front tire wear, and steering wheel misalignment that required me to hold the steering wheel to the left to drive straight. On XXX, I experienced a serious steering malfunction while driving. The steering wheel began shaking, and I noticed the front passenger-side wheel did not appear to respond properly when turning the steering wheel, while the driver’s side wheel continued moving. Concerned about losing control, I stopped driving and arranged for the vehicle to be towed. After inspecting the vehicle, Johnny’s Garage in [XXX], confirmed that an inner tie rod had completely broken. The mechanic expressed surprise at the severity of the failure given the vehicle’s low mileage. The exact cause has not been determined. The recommended repairs include replacing the inner and outer tie rods on both sides, performing an alignment, and replacing severely worn front tires. The estimated repair cost is $1,618.89. I have not experienced any known major collision or unusually severe pothole impact that would explain this failure. I am concerned that a critical steering component failed completely at approximately 36,000 miles, creating a serious risk of losing steering control and potentially causing an accident. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this represents a premature component failure or potential safety defect. The mechanic has agreed to preserve the broken components and provide a detailed diagnostic report and photographs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11770739
- Incident
- Oct 10, 2026
My 2022 Ford EcoSport has approximately 27,000 miles. I began experiencing a repetitive rotational thudding noise coming from the front of the vehicle while driving. The noise occurs while the vehicle is moving. On September 1, 2026, I took the vehicle to NTB for inspection. NTB diagnosed the vehicle as needing both front wheel bearings and tie rods at approximately 27,000 miles. I am concerned about multiple steering/wheel components requiring replacement at such low mileage. Failure of a wheel bearing or tie rod could affect the driver's ability to safely control the vehicle if the components continue to deteriorate or fail while driving. The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection upon request. There were no warning lights or dashboard messages alerting me to the problem. The noticeable symptom was the rotational thudding noise while the vehicle was in motion. I am also aware of Ford recall 25S12/NHTSA recall 25V-126 concerning front axle half shafts on certain 2021-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. I do not know whether that recall condition is related to the symptoms or component failures diagnosed on my vehicle. I am reporting this failure so it can be documented and evaluated for a potential safety-related defect.
- NHTSA ID
- 11767173
- Incident
- Aug 26, 2026
Body & structure
Filed Mar 21, 2026
The left‑side roof rail trim detached from the vehicle while driving, creating a road hazard that could have struck another vehicle or pedestrian. The remaining right‑side trim is now lifting and is likely to detach as well. Ford has previously issued safety recalls (21S22, 24S02) for roof rail and pillar trim detachment on other models (e.g., Explorer) because loose trim can fly off and cause crashes. A Ford dealer was asked to address this safety concern under goodwill or warranty, but the request was ignored. The problem is visible and the vehicle is currently at the dealer. No warning lamps are associated. The detached trim is no longer available for inspection, but the remaining lifting trim can be inspected upon request. Because one piece has already detached and the other is loose, there is a clear safety risk to other motorists, especially at highway speeds
- NHTSA ID
- 11725996
- Incident
- Feb 15, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Mar 21, 2026
The vehicle was built at the Chennai, India plant on April 22, 2022. Official NHTSA recall 25V126 (Ford 25S12) covers 2021‑2022 EcoSports built between April 1, 2021 and July 20, 2022—my build date falls inside that window. The vehicle exhibits the exact symptoms described in the recall: a jolt/clunk when shifting into reverse and a shudder from the transmission area during road driving. A Ford dealer technician documented “felt shudder from converter will need checked” during a road test. The dealer confirmed the build date and the symptoms but refused to inspect or repair the half‑shafts under the safety recall. They stated they “cannot perform a recall that does not apply to the specified vehicle” because their internal Ford OASIS system does not yet show the recall for this VIN - despite the fact that the recall is defined by the production window and this vehicle matches that window. If the half‑shaft disengages, it could cause loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when parked, both of which create an unreasonable safety risk. The problem is reproducible and the vehicle is currently at the dealer awaiting diagnosis. No warning lamps appeared; symptoms began with a jolt in reverse and a shudder while driving.
- NHTSA ID
- 11725995
- Incident
- Mar 16, 2026
Seat belts
Filed Jan 31, 2026
I bought a 2022 Ford Ecosport. The seatbelts are not working and I am currently down to one seatbelt in the rear seats that work. I haul 3 children regularly and now am having to transport without a seatbelt which is against the law and totally unsafe. I called Ricart’s in Columbus Ohio and they want $100 per seatbelt to fix. At this point I am expecting the other seatbelts not to work soon. I called the Ford customer service number and was told that is not on the recall list and unfortunately they cannot assist me even though I am hauling small children. I t is a MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE being these are children and if I get into and accident we all know What will happen and I will take this issue to court against Ford which I do not want to do. I actually said to the customer service agent “So Ford does not actually stand behind their products”. How do I redo this? If I pay the $200 can I be reimbursed by Ford because this is negligence on their part? Plus, I work with children at my employment and have to transport them also.
- NHTSA ID
- 11714644
- Incident
- Jan 5, 2026
Exterior lighting
Filed Jul 25, 2025
My License Plate Lights fall down in front of the license plate. I have had them fixed 5 times by the dealer during the time I have owned the car- which is almost 3 years. My warranty will be expiring 13 August 2025. I have been told by the dealership if this happens after my warranty is up, I will be responsible for the cost of repair plus labor. I do not feel this is fair. The lights falling out are not due to any neglect on my part. I contacted FORD & they suggested I contact you so that possibly this could be checked into for a safety recall. The dates of the repairs are: 21 Jan 2023 driver side 06 July 2023 both 29 Sep 2023 both 10 Aug 2024 both 10 July 2025 driver side
- NHTSA ID
- 11676221
- Incident
- Jul 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determine that the catalytic converter was cracked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage is 34,835.
- NHTSA ID
- 11629664
- Incident
- Dec 9, 2024
- Mileage
- 34,835 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Mar 18, 2024
The vehicle frequently loses power yet it is not consistent enough to determine a pattern. Sometimes I am simply backing out of my driveway, sometimes I am accelerating after a stop sign, sometimes I am accelerating while entering on the freeway, sometimes I am simply driving down the freeway. What is consistent are the symptoms. The vehicle loses power, like it’s running out of gas. I cannot accelerate for a brief moment. If I press on the gas pedal to give it more power, sometimes it works and powers through the problem, sometimes it does not. It typically happens either in reverse, or when I am accelerating between 0 to 70. One time I was getting on the freeway, and the car would not go over 60. There is a car quickly approaching behind me and a Semi in the far left lane, so the car behind me had to honk the horn and slam on the brakes, because my car lost power right at the bottom of the entrance ramp. It continued until I let off, I posted for a couple moments, and then tried to slowly accelerate. I was able to get up to 70 before it lost power again.
- NHTSA ID
- 11577991
- Incident
- Aug 23, 2023