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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

Power Train complaints

53 reports
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Mileage unknown · Oct 14, 2023
Power TrainUnknown Or Other

My 2020 Ecosport with 25k needed the rear differential replaced because the clutch coupling locked causing a grinding noise in the rear. The car was unsafe to drive and the rear axle assembly needed replacement.

NHTSA ODI #11549952

26,000 miles · Oct 10, 2023
Power Train

The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and going downhill, she briefly felt the vehicle jerk. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure had since become a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, …

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The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and going downhill, she briefly felt the vehicle jerk. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure had since become a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 26,000.

NHTSA ODI #11549210

Mileage unknown · Sep 27, 2023
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

While driving it’s dropping rpm’s. It feels like it’s going in and out of gear while driving and even does it in cruse. While switching gears on take off it jerks each gear like it’s struggling. Rpm’s jump 500/1000 all the time even at idol.

NHTSA ODI #11546740

Mileage unknown · Sep 22, 2023
EnginePower Train

Oil pump failure causing power loss and damage to engine and transmission, causing both to need to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI #11546104

Mileage unknown · Sep 11, 2023
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other

While driving on July 31, 2023 the low oil pressure lamp appeared, loud knocking sound and loss of power occurred. I immediately pulled over, parked, and had car towed to Colma Ford, Colma, CA. The next day they left a vm saying they'll get back to me throughout the week. It probably needs an engine. This was without diagnostic…

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While driving on July 31, 2023 the low oil pressure lamp appeared, loud knocking sound and loss of power occurred. I immediately pulled over, parked, and had car towed to Colma Ford, Colma, CA. The next day they left a vm saying they'll get back to me throughout the week. It probably needs an engine. This was without diagnostics. I then towed it to a reputable shop who also said it needs an engine but they don't want to do the repairs due to this engine having so many problems and the parts not being readily available. Next I towed it to James Ford, Half Moon Bay, CA where they performed diagnostics and confirmed it needs an engine. The engines, however, are on backorder with no estimation of availability. The car remains there at this time. I've had to rent a car the entire time. I bought the car in March 2023 as certified preowned with 58978 miles from Enterprise Car Sales, Redwood City, CA with a 1yr/12000 mile warranty. When breakdown occurred I had 68498 miles so it is under warranty, repairs approved, but parts not available.

NHTSA ODI #11543943

Mileage unknown · Aug 17, 2023
EnginePower Train

Oil pump failure at 90,000 miles, haven’t even had the car for two years. Since oil pumped failed the dealership says the motor is needing to be replaced. Cost is over $6,500.

NHTSA ODI #11539163

Mileage unknown · Aug 10, 2023
Power TrainUnknown Or Other

The engine started knocking while my wife was driving to school . She pulled over I drove to meet her and sent her on to school in my car . I had the car towed to Stivers Ford in Birmingham . They ultimately had to replace the engine due to I think oil pump sudden failure . The date I put as date car failed is approximate .

NHTSA ODI #11537623

Mileage unknown · Jul 22, 2023
EnginePower TrainService Brakes

Vehicle has a knocking sound from.engine went to Ford Service Ctr.on 7/22/2023. [XXX] Was informed INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11533852

Mileage unknown · Jul 20, 2023
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other

Car is incessantly jumping/jerking when switch gears. The symptom is so bad it is comparable to hitting a speed bump without slowing down. Sometimes it jumps forward and seems as though you can't stop it. It happens when backing out of the driveway, putting the car in drive from reverse, putting the car in drive from park, putti…

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Car is incessantly jumping/jerking when switch gears. The symptom is so bad it is comparable to hitting a speed bump without slowing down. Sometimes it jumps forward and seems as though you can't stop it. It happens when backing out of the driveway, putting the car in drive from reverse, putting the car in drive from park, putting the car in reverse from park, accelerating after stopping at a stop sign or a light, and more. Dealership the vehicle was purchased from has tried to fix the problem approximately 5 times. Car was at the dealership from July '22 to October '22 and problem still was not fixed. Another Ford certified dealer tried to fix it with no success.

NHTSA ODI #11533424

Mileage unknown · May 30, 2023
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

I purchased the 2020 Ford Ecosport in July 2022 from bulter Ford in milledgville ga I have been having problems with the car barely pulling up a hill when driving and I can feel the car jerking while driving feeling like it's going to cut off in the road I have been to the bulter shop 5 times and nothing is working it is still …

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I purchased the 2020 Ford Ecosport in July 2022 from bulter Ford in milledgville ga I have been having problems with the car barely pulling up a hill when driving and I can feel the car jerking while driving feeling like it's going to cut off in the road I have been to the bulter shop 5 times and nothing is working it is still doing the same thing they say they can't find anything wrong I have not had a good ride out of the 8 month I have had the car I need help

NHTSA ODI #11524523

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.