Document attached that includes dates.
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Ecosport years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
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.
What owners actually said
395 reportsThe primary failure is the engine assembly and turbocharger, specifically caused by the failure of the oil pump drive belt and tensioner system (subject of Safety Recall 23S64 / NHTSA 23V-905). Despite an attempted recall "remedy" on August 25, 2025, the engine suffered internal oil starvation due to belt debris (rubber fibers) …
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The primary failure is the engine assembly and turbocharger, specifically caused by the failure of the oil pump drive belt and tensioner system (subject of Safety Recall 23S64 / NHTSA 23V-905). Despite an attempted recall "remedy" on August 25, 2025, the engine suffered internal oil starvation due to belt debris (rubber fibers) remaining in the oil passages. The dealership has confirmed in writing that the turbocharger failed and the engine requires a "long block replacement" due to "debris in the oil passages" and a "clogged turbo oil feed filter." The vehicle is currently held at dealership, and the failed components are available for inspection. The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of motive power while in operation, a condition specifically cited in the safety risk section of Recall 23S64. This loss of power occurred during acceleration, creating an immediate risk of a rear-end collision or being stranded in active traffic. Additionally, per the recall notice, this failure path can lead to a loss of the mechanical vacuum pump, which provides power braking assist. A sudden increase in braking effort combined with a stalled engine significantly increases the risk of a crash. The problem has been confirmed by the dealership. On January 5, 2026, the service department diagnosed a failed turbocharger then on April 17th 2026, the service department diagnosed the problem to be a internal engine debris clogging oil feed lines. They verified the engine has oil pressure at the pump but is failing to deliver oil to critical components (turbo/upper block) due to contamination from the defective belt system.The vehicle has been inspected by the authorized Ford manufacturer representative at the dealership. I have also escalated the case to Ford Customer Relationship Center, though they have yet to provide a $0-cost safety remedy as required by federal law. October 9, 2025: "Powertrain Malfunction Light" message appeared. Then later "check engine light" as well as "battery"
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 "…
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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.
My vehicle has been non-operable since June 2025 due to an engine failure requiring engine replacement. Ford has stated the engine is on backorder, and the vehicle has now been out of service for over 10 months. My request for a buyback was denied several times because it is technically out of the Lemon Law period. I am submit…
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My vehicle has been non-operable since June 2025 due to an engine failure requiring engine replacement. Ford has stated the engine is on backorder, and the vehicle has now been out of service for over 10 months. My request for a buyback was denied several times because it is technically out of the Lemon Law period. I am submitting a complaint against Ford and would like them to buy back the vehicle. There is no set date when the engine will be ready. Additionally, replacing the engine will significantly impact the vehicle’s resale value, placing me at a financial disadvantage through no fault of my own, as this issue stems from a manufacturer's recall.
Unknown
My light engine comes on a few times. First it was the coolant, then the engine light came off. The next is when I was fueling my gas tank. I try to start it, it won’t turn on all the way. Third time it has happen. Went to ford they want to charge almost $900 just to fixed the vehicle. It had a recall in 2020. Bought the car use…
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My light engine comes on a few times. First it was the coolant, then the engine light came off. The next is when I was fueling my gas tank. I try to start it, it won’t turn on all the way. Third time it has happen. Went to ford they want to charge almost $900 just to fixed the vehicle. It had a recall in 2020. Bought the car used at Crain in Fayetteville Arkansas. They fix the belt and fuel pump. After they got it fixed I’ve been having the light engine comes on constantly. Now I’m stuck with no vehicle because I don’t feel safe driving it. 12/15/2025 the first engine light came on. For a coolant, then 1/24/2026 light came back on. For another coolant code, they check it and they said my coolant was fine. 3/04/2026 service engine soon alert is on because an issue has been detected with your vehicles’ s emissions system. 3/11/2026 service engine soon alert is on because an issue has been detected with your vehicles’ s emissions system. 3/12/2026 The Engine system has detected a fault. 3/12/2026. Came back on The Engine system has detected a fault. 3/20/2026 Your service engine soon alert is on because an issue has been detected with your vehicles’ s emissions system. I took it the shop on the 3/27/2026 They put a diagnosis on the computer The code came for P0496 EVAP System High Purge Flow 02 Sensor Signal Biased/Stuck Rich - Bank 1, Sensor 1 ABS Anti-lock Brake System U0155-00 Lost Communication With Instrument Panel Cluster They said it wasn’t part of the 80,000 warranty for the federal law. I’ve done research and it came up on the same code I got. So now they want almost $900 dollars with a $250 dollar diagnostic when I’ve already told them we went to auto part to get the code. They had to hook it up again to see if it’s the same code.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up. After several attempts, the vehicle still failed to start up. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine fa…
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The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up. After several attempts, the vehicle still failed to start up. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact requested a buyback three times, but the manufacturer denied the request. The failure mileage was 41,376.
Incident Date: 12/28/2025 Location: [XXX] Related Recall: 23V905 / 23S64 On December 28, 2025, while driving at highway speeds on [XXX] , my 2020 Ford EcoSport suffered a sudden engine fire. There were no prior dashboard warnings or "Check Engine" lights until the fire began, the vehicle speed started to slow down itself, an…
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Incident Date: 12/28/2025 Location: [XXX] Related Recall: 23V905 / 23S64 On December 28, 2025, while driving at highway speeds on [XXX] , my 2020 Ford EcoSport suffered a sudden engine fire. There were no prior dashboard warnings or "Check Engine" lights until the fire began, the vehicle speed started to slow down itself, and I immediately pulled over on the side of the interstate. I turned off the vehicle, and lifted the hood, since I saw smoke, and there was a fire under the hood. I called [XXX] , and the [XXX] /Cobb County Fire Department responded to the scene and inspected the vehicle under the hood. I have video evidence of the fire department on-scene and the emergency inspection of the burning engine. This vehicle is subject to Safety Recall 23V905 (Ford 23S64) for oil pump belt/tensioner failure leading to engine seizure. Crucially, a recall "repair" had been previously performed on this vehicle, yet the engine still suffered a catastrophic thermal event. This indicates either an ineffective remedy or a negligent installation. The vehicle was towed to Hennessy Ford [XXX] ). Their diagnosis confirmed: "COIL PACK BURN AND BURNED THE #2 INJECTOR AND HARNESS AND VALVE COVER." Despite the federal mandate that recall-related failures be handled at no cost, the dealership attempted to charge me over $2,000 for the diagnosis and repairs. Furthermore, Ford Customer Relationship Center (escalated 03/27/2026) has stalled the case by moving it to legal counsel with a 15-day waiting period. I am reporting this as a serious safety defect and a failure of a prior recall remedy. I am requesting a full investigation into the fire and a manufacturer buyback as the vehicle's safety integrity is now compromised. Also, I filed a claim with Ford Customer Relationship Center, here is my case number: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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…
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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.
Backup camera becomes distorted. Has also turned into a blank blue screen.
Official recalls
325V442000 · 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
1PE23015 · 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.
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