2019 Ford Ecosport

Complaint Summary: My 2019 Ford EcoSport has experienced repeated failures of a known recall‑related engine defect. The engine was replaced once due to the recall, and less than a year later the same defect occurred again. The vehicle stalled on the highway, creating a serious safety hazard. Despite multiple recall repairs, the defect persists. Ford denied my buyback request without proper review. I am requesting NHTSA investigation into the effectiveness of this recall remedy. Have had two failed attempts under this recall to correct the situation, which is putting me and my family at risk. This is especially concerning because my special-needs son travels with me in the vehicle.

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)

The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, there was an abnormal burning plastic odor coming from inside the vehicle, and the low oil pressure warning light illuminated. There was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was turned off and pushed to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine oil pump belt and tensioner needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle failed to exceed 55 MPH. Additionally, the A/C failed to work as intended, and the vehicle failed to start as intended. The failure mileage was 50,260.

The contact owns a 2019 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced a failure but declined to provide information about the failure. The failure mileage was not provided.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced at the local dealer under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). After retrieving the vehicle and driving approximately 10 miles down the road, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed back to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that there was a failure in cylinder #2 and that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the failure was not related to the recall repair previously completed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,600.

my ford EcoSport had to get a new motor due to teh recall issue but since they put a new motor my ac and heater had to be replaced. my battery. my sensors pop on and off. My car won't go over 65 and when it does it jerks. Ford did replace the motor but ive asked for them to buy the car back and they have refused my car has completely shut off and ive taken to ford and they don't know. i have the poofe code and my gas could be full and driving it 5 minutes im on e. they dont know if its the sensor or the tank. i always smell something burning. ive asked they said thats normal, but the smell gets stronger and stronger.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated and flickered. The contact stated that the vehicle started vibrating. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to a local dealer. The contact was aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact advised the dealer of the recall; however, the dealer informed the contact that the part to complete the recall was on national back order. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 53,713.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The local dealer was made aware of the recall and confirmed that parts were available for the recall repair. The contact scheduled an appointment for the repair, and the vehicle was dropped off for service. The vehicle remained with the dealer despite the dealer's insistence that the parts for the repair were available. The contact was not provided a loaner vehicle and had not been given a reason for the delay in service. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Our engine seized due to a safety recall while traveling on a major interstate. We received notice of the safety recall from Ford and asked to have it fixed by our local dealership. This was August 20, 2025. We were told by the dealership’s service manager that there were 2 or 3 cars ahead of us and call back the first of September. We again asked to get scheduled and were told there were cars ahead of us. We once again asked about the recall and having it repaired on Oct. 21, 2025. We was told it couldn’t be scheduled at the time and it should be okay for us to go on our scheduled 8 hour trip. The car seized on Oct. 26, 2025 and we were 4 hours away from home. At that time, we had to have it towed to local dealership there and were stranded. The low oil light came on just minutes before it seized. We contacted the state police to be there with us as we waited for help and had to pay to stay overnight. Our car is still 4 hours away and is supposed to be fixed as soon as the engine comes in. This was a safety recall and we were advised to travel in a car which was not safe and Ford knew it. We do not have any paperwork except the safety recall as it has not been repaired.

The contact owns a 2019 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 local dealer was notified of the issue, and the contact was informed that the part needed to test the vehicle for the recall was unavailable. The contact was then informed that once the vehicle was tested, the recall repair could take approximately 6 months for completion. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.