2019 Ford Ecosport engine problems

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ENGINE

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.

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.

ENGINE

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.

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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that after exiting the freeway, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated, the vehicle vibrated, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to pull into a gas station but instead pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and checked the oil level, and the oil level was at the proper level. After waiting for approximately 30 minutes, the vehicle was restarted. The contact attempted to drive, and the engine seized. The vehicle was hauled by a friend to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle remained at the residence and had not been driven since the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA complaint #11726762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

[XXX] [XXX] [XXX] March 24, 2026 ` NHTSA Safety Complaint Summary My 2019 Ford (VIN: [XXX] ) has an unresolved safety recall issued in January 2024. Two repair attempts were made: - May 2025: Vehicle kept 41 days; recall repair not completed - January 18, 2026: Second attempt; recall repair still not completed The defect remains unresolved. I am the caregiver of a special‑needs son, and the extended loss of transportation has caused hardship. I am requesting review and documentation of these failed recall attempts. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11726793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60-65 MPH, the vehicle jerked, lost automotive power, or stalled on several occasions. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was restarted after approximately 5 minutes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an unknown interim repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) was performed twice; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the contact was informed that failure might be unrelated to the recall, and that further diagnostic tests were needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,682.

NHTSA complaint #11725227 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The vehicle was initially taken to the local dealer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V011000 (Equipment). The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the engine had overheated. A diagnostic scanner was used to determine that the head overheat protection was active and there was no coolant in the coolant reservoir. The hose was not connected to the heater cooler. The donut gasket was not attached to the exhaust. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the O-ring had failed to snap in place. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA complaint #11723324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I have had to put a new engine in my 2019 ford ecosport 3 times due to the open recall on the vehicle. It is currently at the ford dealership due to coolant leaking into the head gasket. The problems with the vehicle have been confirmed by the dealers. And no there were ZERO warnings or signs before the vehicle completely failed on us on the highway the first time. Then the same issue happened yet again and had to put my car in the shop again for another new engine due to the recall.

NHTSA complaint #11722109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The vehicle’s engine losses power while driving. Low oil pump pressure appears on the dashboard. The problem has been confirmed by a dealer. There were no warning lamps prior to the failure. The problems started February 2026.

NHTSA complaint #11721481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the oil pump had failed, which caused the engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was related to a previous repair completed under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); where the oil pump tensioner assembly had not been replaced, and only the oil drive pump belt had been replaced. The dealer contacted the manufacturer to request an engine replacement due to the recall-related failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000.

NHTSA complaint #11719375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Car went in for recall. Ford replaced engine because they claim a bolt broke. I have taken the car about 300 miles since I received it back and the engine light appeared. I let them know. Light went off and I had another important meeting to make in DFW . This time wrench and engine light came on . It sat at airport for 2 days. Then I got back in , no warning lights on but I got home with more warnings then. Engine was super hot and making humming noise. The next day warning light again. I took videos and called Ford . They have refused to help me. I just had a new engine installed because of a recall.

NHTSA complaint #11717303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and coming to a stop, the vehicle shuddered. No warning light was illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

NHTSA complaint #11716720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11715487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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.

NHTSA complaint #11712176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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 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.

NHTSA complaint #11709618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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.

NHTSA complaint #11709091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11708617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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.

NHTSA complaint #11707560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.