Owners have filed 589 complaints
about the 2019 Ford Ecosport with NHTSA between 2019 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 5 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 60
Against the median year of the Ford Ecosport. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 25
4.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 32
19% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
10.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
84.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
2010.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2612.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
8039.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
4823.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
157.5%
150,000+ miles
31.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2019peak 41Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2019 Ford Ecosport
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE23015Opened 20 Sep 2023Closed 14 Feb 2024ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP
Oil Pump Failure
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 press...
Recalls on the 2019 Ford Ecosport
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
23V905000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP
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.
Risk: A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
19V023000
SEATS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The front seat frames may have been improperly welded, resulting in the seat back being improperly secured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems," and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Risk: A loose seat back can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20237047,164 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: On certain vehicles, the engine oil pump tensioner and/or the engine oil pump drive belt could fail and cause a loss of engine oil pressure. If this happens, the engine could fail and cause a loss of power to the wheels and a loss of power braking assist. Note: This recall only affects vehicles equipped with a 1.0L engine. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash. A loss of power brakes can cause an increase in brake pedal force and lead to an increase in stopping distance. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the oil pump drive belt tensioner assembly. The dealer will also replace the oil pump drive belt.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Mesa, AZFire
POWER TRAIN
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)
NHTSA complaint #11715191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mesa, AZFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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)
NHTSA complaint #11715191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mesa, AZFire
ENGINE
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)
NHTSA complaint #11715191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,000 milesCibolo, TXFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated that while the daughter was driving approximately 20 mph the check engine and oil pressure warning lights had illuminated, a burning odor was present inside the vehicle and white smoke was coming from the exhaust pipes. The daughter was alerted by another motorist that the vehicle was on fire. After parking and exiting the vehicle flames and smoke were present coming from the engine compartment. A nearby police officer used a fire extinguisher to extinguish the flames and the fire department was called to the scene. A police report was taken and the vehicle was towed away to a nearby lot. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The contact had previously received a recall notice regarding the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V90500(ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 54,000.
NHTSA complaint #11627929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 23,000 milesChicago, ILCrash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving at approximately 10 MPH and crossing an intersection, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning light was illuminated. As a result, the vehicle following behind in the intersection crashed into the rear corner of the passenger side bumper. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The other vehicle fled the crash scene. The damage to the rear bumper was minimal. The contact filed a police report at the Station but no further information was available. There were no injuries sustained. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and related the failure to the recall however, the part to repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11590113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilmington, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
T-boned a vehicle at a intersection and the air bags never deployed.
NHTSA complaint #11500392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Jackson, MO
ENGINE
A young teenage driver faced a terrifying highway emergency when her vehicle suffered an abrupt, dangerous loss of motive power at 70+ MPH on the interstate due to sudden turbocharger failure. Moving at high speeds in heavy traffic, the sudden drop in acceleration left the driver vulnerable to rear-end collisions from oncoming semi-trucks. The vehicle was driven into the shop with a failed turbocharger and a completely contaminated oil ecosystem. The engine block has not seized yet, but all components are highly contaminated. The affected components are preserved and available for federal inspection. The root cause is a completely choked oil pump pick up tube screen. After a week-long standoff where the consumer had to escalate the case to Ford Corporate to force the dealership to drop the oil pan, teardown photos revealed the intake mesh was blanketed and impacted by a thick, suffocating mat of degraded wet belt fibers. This debris choked off oil pressure, proving the dealer fraudulently certified Safety Recall 23S64 as complete while leaving the lethal hazard trapped inside. In addition to this extreme debris, internal Ford OASIS logs admit the technician snapped a tensioner bolt during the recall. They drilled it out but failed to clean the engine, trapping sharp metallic shards that circulated into the oil system, destroying the turbocharger seals and scorching the gaskets. The dealer was given urgent warnings on April 7, 2026, when the driver reported interstate stalling ("limp mode at 70+ mph") and an AutoZone turbo pressure code. The dealer treated this severe safety risk as a low-priority task, failed to check the oil pressure, and released the car. After the forced pan drop in July, Ford Corporate denied coverage for a new long block and turbocharger, instructing the consumer to pay over $8,000 out of pocket for repairs caused entirely by their own botched recall.
NHTSA complaint #11755154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burlington, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
For a month, every time I put gas in my car whether I filled up or just put half a tank my car will not start for 10-15 minutes. I took it to the ford place and my extended warranty wouldn't cover it. It seems like an evap valve would be covered. I have only had my car 11 months. This is going to cost over $1,000 to fix. It seems like ford should be responsible for the repairs.
NHTSA complaint #11754921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jackson, MO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
A young teenage driver faced a terrifying highway emergency when her vehicle suffered an abrupt, dangerous loss of motive power at 70+ MPH on the interstate due to sudden turbocharger failure. Moving at high speeds in heavy traffic, the sudden drop in acceleration left the driver vulnerable to rear-end collisions from oncoming semi-trucks. The vehicle was driven into the shop with a failed turbocharger and a completely contaminated oil ecosystem. The engine block has not seized yet, but all components are highly contaminated. The affected components are preserved and available for federal inspection. The root cause is a completely choked oil pump pick up tube screen. After a week-long standoff where the consumer had to escalate the case to Ford Corporate to force the dealership to drop the oil pan, teardown photos revealed the intake mesh was blanketed and impacted by a thick, suffocating mat of degraded wet belt fibers. This debris choked off oil pressure, proving the dealer fraudulently certified Safety Recall 23S64 as complete while leaving the lethal hazard trapped inside. In addition to this extreme debris, internal Ford OASIS logs admit the technician snapped a tensioner bolt during the recall. They drilled it out but failed to clean the engine, trapping sharp metallic shards that circulated into the oil system, destroying the turbocharger seals and scorching the gaskets. The dealer was given urgent warnings on April 7, 2026, when the driver reported interstate stalling ("limp mode at 70+ mph") and an AutoZone turbo pressure code. The dealer treated this severe safety risk as a low-priority task, failed to check the oil pressure, and released the car. After the forced pan drop in July, Ford Corporate denied coverage for a new long block and turbocharger, instructing the consumer to pay over $8,000 out of pocket for repairs caused entirely by their own botched recall.
NHTSA complaint #11755154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsfield, PA
ENGINE
No issues with vehicle until failure, properly maintained, regular oil changes. While driving the vehicle the engine lost power and check engine light came on. The vehicle RPM's increased but had no power. Was able to drive the vehicle home but was at inconstant speeds / RPMS could not get above 40 MPH. Low oil light came on while driving home as well. Made appointment at Ford local dealership, they verbally told me the engine blew and there was no oil in vehicle and metal in oil pan. The vehicle never missed a oil change. As a result I had to replace the engine with a used one the dealership had. Total engine failure at 98956 miles. This appears to be a recall on the 1.0 engine for same issue. My wife and kids were in car when it failed, in traffic.
NHTSA complaint #11754811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,212 milesNorthridge, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle decelerated, and the RPM was lowered. After parking and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 20 MPH with the wrench icon displayed. The vehicle was slowly driven to the residence. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 44,212.
NHTSA complaint #11744125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Olmsted, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The latch on the back often sets off an error saying the rear hatch is ajar.
NHTSA complaint #11741678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Omaha, NE
ENGINE
I brought my Ford EcoSport into the Baxter. Ford, in Papillion, Nebraska, because it was malfunctioning, the oil pressure got real low and my car was not accelerating like it should Also I advise them that there is an open recall on the vehicle. As well and I that the recall and the engine malfunction are related. They told me that it wasn't, and I'm sure it was. Then, they advised me that after speaking with Ford. Ford agreed to pay $3000 for a new engine, while I was responsible for the remaining $4000, I asked if I can have an email showing the communication with Ford, I was advised that they don't have access to that. They're unable to forward me an email, which is a red flag i would like to get a second opinion on the diagnosis of my engine in the fort. Ecosport. I don't understand why they would not be able to forward me an email of the communication between them and Ford. When asked the service manager about that, he advised that he does not have access to it. Which is a red flag? Is there anything you guys can do?Please let me know.Thank you have a good day
NHTSA complaint #11739533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Angeles, CA
POWER TRAIN
My car has been in and out of the shop since 2024 due to the power train system. As this is an active recall case my car was repaired 5 times. Recently, with the recall part replaced in January 2026, I got my car back and in May 2026 while driving, my car once again loss power. Going from 50 to coasting. After many guarantees that the problem is fixed, I continue to have the same dangerous problems.
NHTSA complaint #11737848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Angeles, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My car has been in and out of the shop since 2024 due to the power train system. As this is an active recall case my car was repaired 5 times. Recently, with the recall part replaced in January 2026, I got my car back and in May 2026 while driving, my car once again loss power. Going from 50 to coasting. After many guarantees that the problem is fixed, I continue to have the same dangerous problems.
NHTSA complaint #11737848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stamford, CT
ENGINE
Summary ON YOUR VEHICLE, THE ENGINE OIL PUMP DRIVE BELT TENSIONER ARM MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE FROM THE TENSIONER BACKING PLATE, AND OR THE OIL PUMP DRIVE BELT MATERIAL MAY DEGRADE AND LOSE TEETH, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF ENGINE OIL PRESSURE. Safety Risk A LOSS OF ENGINE OIL PRESSURE CAN RESULT IN ENGINE DAMAGE AND OR SEIZURE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER AND A LOSS OF THE MECHANICAL VACUUM PUMP REQUIRED TO PROVIDE POWER BRAKING ASSIST, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2019 Ford EcoSport SE involving the engine oil pump drive belt tensioner recall issue. My vehicle continues experiencing the same dangerous mechanical problems even after multiple repair attempts at authorized Ford dealership locations. The recall states that the engine oil pump drive belt tensioner arm may fracture or separate, and the oil pump drive belt may degrade and lose teeth, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure. This creates a serious safety risk involving possible engine damage, engine seizure, loss of motive power, and loss of power braking assist. Despite bringing the vehicle to Ford dealerships on multiple occasions for repairs related to this issue, the problem has not been resolved. I continue experiencing the same exact engine and oil pressure related concerns. I am concerned for my safety and the safety of others because the vehicle may lose power while driving. I believe the recall remedy has been ineffective in properly resolving the defect. This issue has caused significant financial hardship, repeated repair visits, towing expenses, and ongoing fear regarding the safety and reliability of this vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11736464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hesperia, CA
POWER TRAIN
So my car is about to be out of warranty and I have called and made two appointments to get my recall taken care of as it is a safety risk for me and my kids. They canceled the first one with no communication and the second appointment they called and said they can’t get the part in so I have to call them in 2 weeks to check. After two weeks I believed my car will be over the 60k mark putting me out of warranty and voiding them to fix any issues that occurred because of this recall.
NHTSA complaint #11734313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hesperia, CA
ENGINE
So my car is about to be out of warranty and I have called and made two appointments to get my recall taken care of as it is a safety risk for me and my kids. They canceled the first one with no communication and the second appointment they called and said they can’t get the part in so I have to call them in 2 weeks to check. After two weeks I believed my car will be over the 60k mark putting me out of warranty and voiding them to fix any issues that occurred because of this recall.
NHTSA complaint #11734313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hesperia, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
So my car is about to be out of warranty and I have called and made two appointments to get my recall taken care of as it is a safety risk for me and my kids. They canceled the first one with no communication and the second appointment they called and said they can’t get the part in so I have to call them in 2 weeks to check. After two weeks I believed my car will be over the 60k mark putting me out of warranty and voiding them to fix any issues that occurred because of this recall.
NHTSA complaint #11734313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gordon, TX
POWER TRAIN
This is now going to be the FOURTH time we are going to have to put a NEW engine in the same exact car. We just replaced the engine barely a year and a half ago.
NHTSA complaint #11734073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gordon, TX
ENGINE
This is now going to be the FOURTH time we are going to have to put a NEW engine in the same exact car. We just replaced the engine barely a year and a half ago.
NHTSA complaint #11734073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gordon, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
This is now going to be the FOURTH time we are going to have to put a NEW engine in the same exact car. We just replaced the engine barely a year and a half ago.
NHTSA complaint #11734073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
ENGINE
My 2019 Ford EcoSport 1.0L EcoBoost engine began making loud noise consistent with oil pressure failure. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Ford dealership. The dealership performed a teardown and confirmed the oil pump belt tensioner had failed — the exact defect described in Safety Recall 23S64. The dealer replaced the oil pump belt, tensioner, and oil pump under Recall 23S64. However, the dealer then stated that the resulting engine damage — severe scoring of connecting rod bearings and crankshaft journals caused by oil starvation — is “not related to the recall” and refused to replace the engine under Recall 23S64. Ford’s own recall documentation states: if engine failure is related to a broken oil pump belt or tensioner, a long block engine replacement is authorized as an interim repair at no charge. The updated Service Action also states the oil pump belt and tensioner no longer need to be replaced before long block installation. The causal chain is direct: tensioner failed (recall defect) → oil pressure lost → engine destroyed. The dealer’s refusal to replace the engine appears to violate Ford’s own Recall 23S64 service procedure. The vehicle has been inoperable for weeks. I continue making monthly loan and insurance payments on a vehicle I cannot drive. My extended warranty claim was also denied because the warranty company requires written confirmation from Ford that the engine damage is not recall-related — a document the dealer says they cannot provide. I am requesting NHTSA to investigate whether Ford dealers are systematically denying recall-related engine replacements under 23S64 that they are obligated to perform per Ford’s own recall service procedures. Additionally, prior to the complete engine failure, the vehicle stalled unexpectedly while stopped at a red light in active traffic without any warning. The engine shut off suddenly, consistent with sudden loss of oil pressure caused by the recall defect. This created a dangerous safety situation
NHTSA complaint #11733795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
My 2019 Ford EcoSport 1.0L EcoBoost engine began making loud noise consistent with oil pressure failure. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Ford dealership. The dealership performed a teardown and confirmed the oil pump belt tensioner had failed — the exact defect described in Safety Recall 23S64. The dealer replaced the oil pump belt, tensioner, and oil pump under Recall 23S64. However, the dealer then stated that the resulting engine damage — severe scoring of connecting rod bearings and crankshaft journals caused by oil starvation — is “not related to the recall” and refused to replace the engine under Recall 23S64. Ford’s own recall documentation states: if engine failure is related to a broken oil pump belt or tensioner, a long block engine replacement is authorized as an interim repair at no charge. The updated Service Action also states the oil pump belt and tensioner no longer need to be replaced before long block installation. The causal chain is direct: tensioner failed (recall defect) → oil pressure lost → engine destroyed. The dealer’s refusal to replace the engine appears to violate Ford’s own Recall 23S64 service procedure. The vehicle has been inoperable for weeks. I continue making monthly loan and insurance payments on a vehicle I cannot drive. My extended warranty claim was also denied because the warranty company requires written confirmation from Ford that the engine damage is not recall-related — a document the dealer says they cannot provide. I am requesting NHTSA to investigate whether Ford dealers are systematically denying recall-related engine replacements under 23S64 that they are obligated to perform per Ford’s own recall service procedures. Additionally, prior to the complete engine failure, the vehicle stalled unexpectedly while stopped at a red light in active traffic without any warning. The engine shut off suddenly, consistent with sudden loss of oil pressure caused by the recall defect. This created a dangerous safety situation
NHTSA complaint #11733795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Herlong, CA
POWER TRAIN
Engine and Transmission failed at 46,000 miles even though under a extended warranty Ford short changed us to where we had to pay $7200.00 to get the car fixed. This car is the worst for failures of the powertrain. Never will buy another Ford ever.
NHTSA complaint #11732785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Herlong, CA
ENGINE
Engine and Transmission failed at 46,000 miles even though under a extended warranty Ford short changed us to where we had to pay $7200.00 to get the car fixed. This car is the worst for failures of the powertrain. Never will buy another Ford ever.
NHTSA complaint #11732785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cherry Hill, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I don't know who could help resolve the issue we have. Our 2019 Ford Eco-sport had several recalls. The last recall Holman/Ford kept our car for 9 months but kind enough to lend us a car to use while they waited for a part. We had to cancel our vacation trip to Turner Maine to see our daughter's family because we were not permitted to drive the loaner out of state! Later they decided that they had to give us a new engine and gave us the car back in November of 2024. After receiving our car back we noticed a gas smell each time we put the heater on. It was strong to the point of opening our windows for ventilation. My husband called several times leaving a message and no one called back. We left more messages saying why is the check engine light on all the time when it is a brand new engine? Finally they informed us that we need to pay for a diagnostic test that was well over $100 and we brought it to their attention that it has not been right since we got the car back so why should we have to pay for a dianostic test? We went to pepboys to get the diagnostic test that was cheaper and they informed us that Ford should have removed and replaced the canister purge solenoid when putting in a new engine. Without doing that, it could ruin the engine again as well as the canister purge solenoid. We did research to learn they should have replaced the canister purge solenoid as well. My husband called and left several messages and no one would return his call. Once again he called them today and a "Jim" called back from Holman Ford, Maple Shade [XXX] saying that the recall was on a new engine and they did not have to replace the canister purge solenoid. He told my husband it would be cheaper to go to PepBoys to replace the canister purge solenoid. Is this true that they did not have to replace the canister solenoid? We had several recalls on our 2019 Eco Sport. Isn't it considered under a lemon law? How do we get them to fix it properly with no charge? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMA
NHTSA complaint #11731515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cherry Hill, NJ
ENGINE
I don't know who could help resolve the issue we have. Our 2019 Ford Eco-sport had several recalls. The last recall Holman/Ford kept our car for 9 months but kind enough to lend us a car to use while they waited for a part. We had to cancel our vacation trip to Turner Maine to see our daughter's family because we were not permitted to drive the loaner out of state! Later they decided that they had to give us a new engine and gave us the car back in November of 2024. After receiving our car back we noticed a gas smell each time we put the heater on. It was strong to the point of opening our windows for ventilation. My husband called several times leaving a message and no one called back. We left more messages saying why is the check engine light on all the time when it is a brand new engine? Finally they informed us that we need to pay for a diagnostic test that was well over $100 and we brought it to their attention that it has not been right since we got the car back so why should we have to pay for a dianostic test? We went to pepboys to get the diagnostic test that was cheaper and they informed us that Ford should have removed and replaced the canister purge solenoid when putting in a new engine. Without doing that, it could ruin the engine again as well as the canister purge solenoid. We did research to learn they should have replaced the canister purge solenoid as well. My husband called and left several messages and no one would return his call. Once again he called them today and a "Jim" called back from Holman Ford, Maple Shade [XXX] saying that the recall was on a new engine and they did not have to replace the canister purge solenoid. He told my husband it would be cheaper to go to PepBoys to replace the canister purge solenoid. Is this true that they did not have to replace the canister solenoid? We had several recalls on our 2019 Eco Sport. Isn't it considered under a lemon law? How do we get them to fix it properly with no charge? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMA
NHTSA complaint #11731515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stamford, CT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I purchased a 2019 Ford EcoSport from CarMax on April 12, 2022. At the time of sale, CarMax provided documentation stating that there were no unrepaired safety recalls on the vehicle. I relied on this representation in making my purchase decision. I later discovered that the vehicle is subject to a serious manufacturer recall involving the engine oil pump, which can fail and cause loss of oil pressure, engine damage, and safety risks while driving. CarMax misrepresented the recall status of the vehicle at the time of sale. This is a material safety issue that should have been disclosed. I am still dealing with ongoing issues related to this defect and have not received proper assistance or resolution from CarMax despite multiple attempts to contact them.
NHTSA complaint #11729668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesSilsbee, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. Recently, the contact stated there was an abnormal, tapping sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
NHTSA complaint #11729704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 119,000 milesHazel Crest, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light and low oil warning light were unexpectedly illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times and was eventually diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that after the repair, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light and low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, it was later towed to another dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.
NHTSA complaint #11729708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.