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2020 Ford Ecosport

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2020 Ford Ecosport do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 395.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

138 reports with mileage · 257 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 179 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 167 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 53 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

5 crash reports8 fire reports5 injury reports

Engine complaints

167 reports
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73,950 miles · Feb 22, 2024
EngineVehicle Speed Control

The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to overtake another vehicle, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact was able to drive to the shoulder. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. On ano…

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The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to overtake another vehicle, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact was able to drive to the shoulder. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. On another occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer, but the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that vehicle occasionally failed to start. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 73,950.

NHTSA ODI #11573335

Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2024
EngineForward Collision AvoidanceSuspension

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 deal…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11572944

Mileage unknown · Feb 19, 2024
Engine

The recalled part, the "ENGINE OIL PUMP DRIVE BELT TENSIONER ARM" broke and ended up throwing metal throughout our 2020 ECOsport engine, making it undrivable. Ford refuses to cover the costs of the repair because they are claiming it's an " advanced notice, " since they "don't have a remedy" and expect us to wait until possibly…

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The recalled part, the "ENGINE OIL PUMP DRIVE BELT TENSIONER ARM" broke and ended up throwing metal throughout our 2020 ECOsport engine, making it undrivable. Ford refuses to cover the costs of the repair because they are claiming it's an " advanced notice, " since they "don't have a remedy" and expect us to wait until possibly the end of June for covered repairs or we can cover the costs ourselves($8k+ rental) even though they have sent out the recall notice. The "remedy" they don't have will not fix the engine, because the recalled part has already ruined the engine.

NHTSA ODI #11572716

Mileage unknown · Feb 18, 2024
EngineFirerelatedUnknown Or OtherFire

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.

NHTSA ODI #11572625

Mileage unknown · Feb 16, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion System

My car loses the power and stopped suddenly. Fortunately the car behind me took the other line quickly. ( check engin light and key tool light were on). I was trying to start it . It start but checking until stops. After a while it start and I tried to go max 20 miles/hours until I was home and parks the car till now. This was…

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My car loses the power and stopped suddenly. Fortunately the car behind me took the other line quickly. ( check engin light and key tool light were on). I was trying to start it . It start but checking until stops. After a while it start and I tried to go max 20 miles/hours until I was home and parks the car till now. This was 2 days ago. And as I work uber I am not working . I do have appointment tomorrow with my dealer to see what they can do

NHTSA ODI #11572376

Mileage unknown · Feb 9, 2024
Engine

Low engine oil pressure, oil light on, engine light on, ford claims that I can pay to have issue fixed, but they can not honor the recall because they don't have parts.

NHTSA ODI #11570988

Mileage unknown · Feb 8, 2024
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other

[XXX] while I was driving the low oil pressure warning came on. The car lost power, made terrible loud noise. I parked. The car was towed. It’s been sitting at James Ford Service, 100 Seymour St, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 undriveable awaiting repair. It needs an engine which is not available. 7 months they have been telling me the…

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[XXX] while I was driving the low oil pressure warning came on. The car lost power, made terrible loud noise. I parked. The car was towed. It’s been sitting at James Ford Service, 100 Seymour St, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 undriveable awaiting repair. It needs an engine which is not available. 7 months they have been telling me the parts are on backorder with no etd. My safety and others safety was at risk because the vehicle lost power along with braking power when the oil pump failed. FORD had known about this problem for quite some time. I am paying my car payment, insurance, DMV, car rental expenses and no car of my own to drive. I have cancer and had major surgery in November and now have weekly chemotherapy and other doctor appointments that I struggle to have transportation to get to! They have NOT been able to repair my car and they are still lying about the parts. I cannot go on like this and they need to compensate me immediately. The recall of January 4, 2024 further allows them to have more time to lie about the issue with these vehicles. They have known and haven’t been forthcoming whatsoever. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11570868

Mileage unknown · Jan 27, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

A couple year ago I got a random pop up saying low oil pressure I pulled over immediately and started hearing a noise. I called around and got told I should tow the car to a mechanic. Then, I was told I had to get a new engine, and that was not cheap. I have also had the problem where every time I get into the car the screen tur…

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A couple year ago I got a random pop up saying low oil pressure I pulled over immediately and started hearing a noise. I called around and got told I should tow the car to a mechanic. Then, I was told I had to get a new engine, and that was not cheap. I have also had the problem where every time I get into the car the screen turns off and says “turning off to save battery” sometimes the screen turns back on and sometimes it stays off not allowing me to see navigation. Plus when this happens it sometimes turns my whole dash and air conditioning off, and I am unable to use the reverse camera. Now there was a recent recall on my vehicle for the low oil pressure warning. But I have also had multiple problems with the auto start stop function where I have to manually turn it off every time I get into the car, the reasoning is because multiple times on the road the car would not start and I would have to put the car in park and restart the car but on hills it really has a problem starting.

NHTSA ODI #11568145

Mileage unknown · Jan 24, 2024
Engine

I was on a ramp going from one highway to another when the engine oil pressure warning came up. Within seconds after the engine started to reduce speed and the engine light came on. The Wrench light came on and the engine continued to reduce speed. I had to put my hazard lights on and try to slowly get it to the dealership that …

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I was on a ramp going from one highway to another when the engine oil pressure warning came up. Within seconds after the engine started to reduce speed and the engine light came on. The Wrench light came on and the engine continued to reduce speed. I had to put my hazard lights on and try to slowly get it to the dealership that was luckily only a couple exits away. I had my 3-year-old in the back seat. The dealership reports the whole engine needs to be replaced. We are down one vehicle and have to wait for a new engine. I no longer feel safe in this vehicle and researched the car to see if others have experienced this. I just saw that there is a known engine issue now and feel my fairly new car now is worthless. Who would buy a vehicle that has a known engine issue that can put your family's safety at risk with no known repair yet. The vehicle has only over 40,000 miles on it.

NHTSA ODI #11567479

Mileage unknown · Jan 20, 2024
Engine

We bought a car on Halloween of '22 with 13k miles. In July of '23 our engine blew to wetbelt degrading. We replaced that engine and in August of '23 it blew again due to the same issue. Replaced that engine and in Jan of '24 it happened a third time, both times lasting less than 5k miles. We have maintenaned regular maintenance…

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We bought a car on Halloween of '22 with 13k miles. In July of '23 our engine blew to wetbelt degrading. We replaced that engine and in August of '23 it blew again due to the same issue. Replaced that engine and in Jan of '24 it happened a third time, both times lasting less than 5k miles. We have maintenaned regular maintenance on the original, and the 2 replacements never reached the maintenance schedule times. These vehicles are extremely dangerous as the motor locks up as well as the brakes. When the engine goes, it's nearly impossible to steer or even brake. These vehicles should NOT even be on the road! Even with a recall, Ford is still unwilling to even help at all. They are literally risking their customer's lives for a profit.

NHTSA ODI #11566642

Official recalls

3

25V442000 · Back Over Prevention:software

Jun 27, 2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

23V905000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pump

Dec 22, 2023

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the oil pump tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt, free of charge. If engine failure occurs due to a damaged oil pump belt and/or oil pump belt tensioner, Ford has authorized dealers to replace the engine assembly as an interim repair before the availability of remedy parts for the final repair. This repair will be free of charge (parts and labor). Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S64.

20V791000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Dec 17, 2020

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 EcoSport and 2019-2020 Transit Connect vehicles. Depending on the model, either the driver side or passenger side frontal air bag modules are missing the first-stage booster propellant and sleeve. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Air bag modules missing the first-stage booster propellant will not deploy as intended in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bag module on either the driver or passenger side, free of charge. This recall began February 18, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C26.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 EcoSport and 2019-2020 Transit Connect vehicles. Depending on the model, either the driver side or passenger side frontal air bag modules are missing the first-stage booster propellant and sleeve. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence: Air bag modules missing the first-stage booster propellant will not deploy as intended in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bag module on either the driver or passenger side, free of charge. This recall began February 18, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C26.

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 EcoSport and 2019-2020 Transit Connect vehicles. Depending on the model, either the driver side or passenger side frontal air bag modules are missing the first-stage booster propellant and sleeve. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence: Air bag modules missing the first-stage booster propellant will not deploy as intended in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bag module on either the driver or passenger side, free of charge. This recall began February 18, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C26.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE23015 · Oil Pump Failure

Opened Sep 20, 2023 · Closed Feb 14, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pump

On September 20, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-015 to investigate instances of engine failure due to loss of oil pressure in model year (MY) 2018-2021 Ford EcoSport vehicles. Some consumers reported a low engine oil pressure warning lamp immediately preceding a complete loss or reduction of motive power while the vehicle was in motion. The investigation revealed that the engine oil pump drive belt tensioner arm may fracture, separate from the tensioner backing plate, and/or the oil pump drive belt may degrade and lose teeth, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure. A loss of engine oil pressure can result in engine seizure, which can result in a loss of motive power and a loss of mechanical vacuum pump required to provide power braking assist, increase the risk of a crash. On December 22, 2023, Ford filed recall 23V-905 for certain MY 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The recall remedy provides the replacement of the oil pump drive belt tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt with redesigned parts to improve robustness. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.