FaultScore

Ford Ecosport electrical problems

88 of the 2,449 complaints filed about the Ford Ecosport are about the electrical system — 4% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2018.

88

Complaints

4%

Share of all complaints

3

Crashes

2

Fires

Electrical System complaints by model year

2018 Ecosport 34 38.6%

Median failure at 43,000 miles

2019 Ecosport 18 20.5%

Median failure at 64,000 miles

2020 Ecosport 13 14.8%

Median failure at 22,887 miles

2021 Ecosport 23 26.1%

Median failure at 37,000 miles

What owners said

2021 Ford Ecosport at 60,688 miles Oklahoma City, OK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle restarted after 20 minutes. The Check Engine warning light was illuminated. The "Charging System Failed" message was displayed. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) recall repair. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the EVAP purge system replacement. The vehicle was repaired; however, the Check Engine warning light illuminated while leaving the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer, who informed the contact that a diagnostic test was needed, and that there was no warranty coverage. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 60,688.

NHTSA complaint #11743015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Ford Ecosport Wendell, NC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

After having to have my vehicle towed to & held by the dealership for a total of 3 months altogether over the course of two separate engine rebuilds due to a national recall on faulty oil pump parts, my vehicle's check engine light came on & gave a message that there was an issue with the emissions system. I am now experiencing multiple engine system faults EVERY SINGLE TIME I refuel my vehicle where my engine will not start until after 10+ attempts & now that the weather is hotter, I'm also experiencing engine system faults while driving in town & on the highway where the engine completely shuts down & I lose all power, including steering power, while I'm driving! The system instructs me to put the car in park, turn the key to the off position & restart the vehicle WHILE I'M STILL TRYING TO MANUEVER TO SAFETYWITH ZERO POWER IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD/HIGHWAY! I was almost hit by other vehicles multiple times! This vehicle is my only source of transportation but it is wholly dangerous & totally unsafe to drive!

NHTSA complaint #11739425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Ford Ecosport Chesterfield, MI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I was on my way home from work approaching a red light coasting to a stop, I tried to slow down then I realized the car was accelerating and I pushed the brakes and pulled into a parking lot by the time I got in the parking lot the car was surging, really trying to takeoff. It went all the way to 5,000 rpm’s while I was in park.

NHTSA complaint #11736528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Ford Ecosport Mckinney, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My vehicle experiences a loss of power while driving. The vehicle will unexpectedly lose acceleration and power during normal driving conditions, including when merging or driving in traffic. This creates a serious safety concern because the vehicle does not respond properly when attempting to accelerate. The issue occurs intermittently but repeatedly and makes it difficult and unsafe to drive, especially at higher speeds or in traffic situations. Ford has declined financial assistance for repair due to mileage and vehicle age, and no resolution has been provided. This issue creates a safety risk while operating the vehicle, as it may suddenly lose power without warning in traffic.

NHTSA complaint #11734254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Ford Ecosport Elk Grove, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11733642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Ford Ecosport Murrells Inlet, SC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

When I realized there was a recall, I could not get in right away due to the fact that parts were on back order. I finally got in at Tidelands Ford in Pawleys. They had my vehicle for two weeks and said it was repaired. I knew immediately it wasn’t driving right and the engine was loud. I told the service manager about it who had the tech look at it and he said he reconnected something and the sound went away for the moment, but the engine has not run the same since. The transmission slips and jumps, at one point I almost ran in the back of someone. The engine has been smoking. I took it back and they called me and told me that they repaired a “oil gasket” and that solved the problem. However, as I stated before, the transmission is not operating correctly and is dangerously to drive.

NHTSA complaint #11733464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Ford Ecosport Lake Charles, LA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Vehicle: Ford EcoSport Issue: Overheating / Unsafe to Drive After Recall Repairs Dealership: Bolton Ford Dates: Vehicle at dealership since December 31, 2025 Complaint Text: My Ford EcoSport has been at the dealership since December 31 for multiple recall repairs. After the recall work was completed, the dealership informed me that the vehicle now has an overheating issue and another non‑recall issue; Transmission Roller Restrictor Mount totaling over $580. These issues were not present before the recall repairs. The dealership told me the vehicle is unsafe to drive because the overheating could cause engine damage or failure. Ford is refusing to extend the rental vehicle past March 29th even though my car is unsafe to operate and the parts for the overheating repair will not arrive until the dealership gets to go ahead to fix the repairs, and I was informed that may take a week for those parts to come in. I’m starting a new job and cannot safely drive the vehicle in its current condition. I’am being pressured to take back an unsafe vehicle or pay for repairs I cannot afford. I am requesting NHTSA to investigate this safety issue, as Ford is attempting to return a vehicle that is overheating and unsafe to drive. This creates a serious risk of engine failure, breakdown, or accident.

NHTSA complaint #11729348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Ford Ecosport Selma, AL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11727602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Ford Ecosport at 80,000 miles Rutledge, TN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

2020 Ford Ecosport Colorado Springs, CO

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Faulty backup camera. Had a Ford dealership look into my camera glitching or just not connecting and they told me it was faulty.

NHTSA complaint #11722729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Ford Ecosport at 30,000 miles Oconto, NE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that a software update was needed. The vehicle was repaired out of pocket. The battery was previously replaced as a temporary repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

NHTSA complaint #11722424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Ford Ecosport Cleveland, OH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I had my car in the shop for electrical problems. Place took it too couldnt fix the problem. When my cross patern snd blind spot light comes on makes me not have defrost or heat. . They replaced the heater module worked for 15 minutes then stopped working. Have a catalic converter error smoke error and also now misfire errors. Took to a shop they told me these errors probably my motor or head gasket. Ive had problems with this car since got it.now it's even worse cant drive it . Shouldn't be like this since only 6 years old. I live paycheck to paycheck dont have money again to put into this car snd i owe alot still on it. I need help shouldnt be this way.'shouldnt have all these problems i need help

NHTSA complaint #11719760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Ford Ecosport Mesa, AZ Fire

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.

2018 Ford Ecosport Morganton, NC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I received the recall Notice 23S64/NHTSA23V905 from the dealership where I purchased my Ford Ecosport in August 2025. I called the dealership to schedule the repair on August 28, 2025. I spoke with Brandon from the service dept. He told me that they would need the car for two weeks to even determine IF the part in my vehicle indeed needed to be replaced and then, if so, they would have to see if the part was available to them and then they could fix it free of charge. He said they could not give me a loaner car during the two week inspection period. And only could offer a loaner car if the part did need to be replaced. Leaving me without a vehicle for at least two weeks. I work and needed transportation for my commute. The issue was at no fault of my own. He also stated that it was not a big deal and the worst that could happen if the part was defective was that the car would just stall. I called back in September if 2025 and was told they still did not have the part available to them. The notice said there was no order to stop driving the car. However, about the time I received the 2nd notice to have the recall service scheduled immediately. My car began showing signs of engine problems. It has been at the dealership since Jan 20th. I was told they have no loaner vehicle. I am without a car due to this repair. I called moments ago and was told the damage to the car was extensive due to the recall part the engine will have to be replaced and they are waiting on parts. I again asked for a loaner vehicle. I was told again, they did not have any to offer me. But said that it’s be a few weeks before my car was repaired! Again, this is by no fault of my own. The car was purchased, paid for entirely. And it is my only means of transportation to ensure a way to work. The recall letter plainly states the dealer has been authorized to give me a loaner vehicle while the repairs related to the recall are being completed. The service manager said it is recall

NHTSA complaint #11713999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Ford Ecosport la Mirada, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

2021 Ford Ecosport at 124,000 miles Willis, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that the engine seized while driving at an undisclosed speed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer after several months, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). Upon retrieval of the vehicle, the battery light started flickering. The contact called another dealer, Gullo Ford of Conroe (925 Interstate 45 S #2, Conroe, TX 77301), but no further assistance was provided. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

NHTSA complaint #11706135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Ford Ecosport at 109,000 miles Porter, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000(Engine and Engine Cooling), and the dealer replaced the engine and the oil pump; however, while driving two days later, the vehicle stalled upon coming to a complete stop at a stop sign. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after an hour and drove to the residence. The dealer picked up the vehicle from the residence, and the contact was later informed that the vehicle was diagnosed with wiring harness failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired because the contact believed that the dealer damaged the wiring harness while performing the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,000.

NHTSA complaint #11703892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Ford Ecosport at 50,000 miles Topeka, KS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving 30-40 MPH, the messages "Save the Battery", "Turn off Engine", and "Restart" were displayed. The program restarted, and the screen went blank, and the instrument cluster became inoperable. Additionally, the contact was informed about NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V126000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer again, where it was diagnosed and determined that the alternator, engine, transmission, and computer needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage for the failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA complaint #11700154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Ford Ecosport at 60,000 miles Maumee, OH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the recall repair was performed. The vehicle was returned to the contact; however, the contact was informed that the alternator was not spinning. The contact was informed that the alternator had seized and needed to be replaced. The dealer ordered the replacement alternator; however, the repair was denied by the manufacturer. The dealer then applied a lubricant to the alternator, and the alternator unseized; however, the contact was that the lubrication was a temporary fix. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA complaint #11692136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Ford Ecosport Nashville, TN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My husband and I were driving down the interstate out of town and the oil pressure light came on as we were exiting. We were close to our destination and decided to check the oil when we stopped. Within seconds I could not accelerate beyond 40 MPH with RPMs climbing up to to 5-6. We checked the oil stick which was fine. Tried to drive to the ford dealership which was less than 3 miles away. After getting less than a third of a mile from where we were the dash lit up and went completely dark and wouldn’t start up.

NHTSA complaint #11691740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Ford Ecosport problems