221 of the
2,470 complaints filed about the Ford Ecosport
are about the transmission —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2018.
221
Complaints
100%
Share of all complaints
5
Crashes
3
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
Kept like revving the engine like it was whining tight never show no check engine light nothing ever showed up was driving down the road and the car completely shut off no warning signs no nothing all was coming out of it like a oil pump or something had went out in the car.
NHTSA complaint #11763855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My vehicles service engine light has been on for over a year now. I have contacted the service department and Ford Dealership. I was told that it was covered under Ford and I would not be charged. I have called the Ford Customer Service Department about my vehicle, but nothing seems to be correct. I am making a car payment, but I am not getting service down on my vehicle especially when it's not my fault, I have these issues. I thought better of Ford. Every time I get gas in my vehicle it will not start, it's so frustrating and embarring I still have a warranty on my Ford, I am completely disgusted I literally sit there and repeat 3 times, and it finally starts, I have done everything it says to do I even replaced a purge valve, and my light comes back on. Also, when I am driving my car acts like its losing power. So now they are staying I may have a small gas leak and for me to have them put my car on a Smoke Machine. I just want my car fixed so I will feel safe driving I am even afraid to drive to [XXX] to see my daughter my car is a 2021. Also, I have either 2 recalls or 3 recalls, and I have an issue with my powertrain: Action Recommended. warning light. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11762065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have had issues in the past with the transmission of this car for the past few months, it initially started to give me issues around 49k miles in this car, so I got it flushed out by a mechanic and it ran fine for a few months. Just a few days ago, I was headed home and my transmission went completely out as I was about to enter a state highway and I had to pull over into a neighborhood to get it towed. I had to send it over to my mechanic again, and he said the transmission is completely done for. My car could've almost went out on me completely if I kept pushing it, but I knew it was a hazard. I've heard from multiple other sources as I checked online to see if this was an issue with other Ecosports as well, and it seems like there's multiple complaints of this issue. I had no idea this car had an issue, at there was no warning light or anything indicating there was something wrong with it, until I noticed the acceleration wasn't quite right.
NHTSA complaint #11761477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Statement of Problem & Safety Risk: I am filing a complaint regarding a persistent, critical safety defect on my 2020 Ford EcoSport. This vehicle previously suffered an engine failure linked to Ford Recall 23S64 / NHTSA Campaign 23V-905 (oil pump drive belt/tensioner failure causing loss of oil pressure). An engine assembly replacement was performed under the recall around 58,000 miles. Despite having the recall service performed, the replacement engine has now experienced a secondary failure. The vehicle’s wrench light illuminated, and the car went into severe "Limp Mode" while being driven, resulting in an immediate loss of accelerator power and engine torque. This creates an extreme safety hazard, causing a sudden loss of drive power in traffic and exposing the engine to potential oil starvation, complete engine seizure, and loss of power braking assist. Manufacturer & Dealership Non-Compliance: Both Ford Motor Company customer service and local Ford dealership management have stonewalled our requests to diagnose and address this recurring safety hazard under the active federal recall. They have refused to assist or provide appropriate loaner transportation while the vehicle remains unsafe to operate. I request that NHTSA document this failed recall repair, investigate repeat oil pump belt/engine failures on vehicles serviced under Campaign 23V-905, and compel Ford Motor Company to honor its safety recall obligations. This is an ongoing problem these cars are junk and the consumer is stuck paying for it. I am not sure what date to put underneath here because the issue is ongoing
NHTSA complaint #11760700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I had a Purge valve put in about a year ago and was told that that was the problem for my gas gauge going completely to empty while driving and losing power while driving
NHTSA complaint #11759879 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly started shaking slowly and felt that the shaking was coming from the rear end. The contact stated that over time, the shaking was felt in the front end of the vehicle, and the steering wheel was wobbling, and the front seats were shaking abnormally. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V126000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.
NHTSA complaint #11757655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
For 14 months, I attempted to get active recalls fixed on the car at Downtown Sacramento Ford, which claimed to be certified pre-owned per Folsom Lake Ford but had existing recalls and issues when I bought it in March of 2024. My car finally broke down on 07/11/26 and was towed on 07/12/26 to the Elk Grove Ford dealership and "looked at" on 07/13/26. Today is 07/26/26, and I am still in a rental that takes a lot more gas than my regular car. I was told that they fixed the recall, but there is an issue with the turbo boost, and it is covered under warranty. They do not know when they are getting the part, but they are "working on it". I missed 4 days of work just from 07/11/26 to today 07/26/26 ontop of another 20 missed days since purchasing the car due to maintenance and engine issues related to the ongoing recall.
NHTSA complaint #11752911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The affected component is the powertrain system in my 2020 Ford EcoSport. The vehicle has experienced repeated powertrain-related failures and is available for inspection upon request. In May 2025, the vehicle required a full engine replacement, yet I am continuing to experience serious powertrain-related issues. The vehicle has displayed powertrain malfunction warnings and has experienced improper acceleration, hesitation, loss of power, and instances where the vehicle has stopped at intersections. These issues create a serious safety risk because the vehicle may not respond when acceleration is needed, including when entering traffic, turning, merging, or attempting to avoid hazards. A vehicle that loses power or stops unexpectedly at intersections creates a risk of collision and puts myself, my passengers, and other motorists in danger. This issue has occurred multiple times and has required repeated service attention. The vehicle is scheduled to be inspected again due to the ongoing powertrain failure concern. Despite significant repairs, including a complete engine replacement, the underlying issue appears to remain unresolved. Prior to the failures, the vehicle displayed warning messages related to the powertrain system. The symptoms have included reduced acceleration, hesitation, loss of power, and the vehicle stopping unexpectedly while driving. The vehicle has been inspected by Ford service providers, including the prior engine replacement performed in May 2025. I am submitting this complaint because repeated powertrain failures, loss of acceleration, and unexpected stopping while operating the vehicle present a significant safety concern. I believe this issue warrants investigation to determine whether there is a broader defect affecting 2020 Ford EcoSport vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11748784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My automatic transmission has a problem going into gear, slow to engage in any gear. when needing to accelerate there is no response, just the high rev of the engine but absolutely no acceleration. The car has a hard jerk and thud sound when it does go into gear, this is when driving the car.
NHTSA complaint #11748806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
There was a recall on these cars do to timing chain issues but mine was not in the recall with the others but ones not in recall are having same issues. Car is a ticking time bomb I want fixed under the recall.
NHTSA complaint #11748439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On April 3, 2026, this vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic mechanical failure as I was driving on US-169, in Kansas City, Mo.,l The engine seized and the fuel line ruptured resulting in an undercarriage fire with small explosions. I had to be physically extracted from the burning vehicle by a Clay County Sheriff’s Deputy, Clay County Sheriff’s Department, Liberty, Missouri (Report #CC2600810). This catastrophic asset and recall remedy failure is the direct result of a recognized federal safety defect (Ford Safety Recall 23S64 / NHTSA Campaign 23V905). The original engine blew from an oil pump failure in October 2024 and was towed to certified Ford dealer Smithville (Mo.) Ford on October 9, 2024 as per the recall. The new engine was not re-installed until May 24, 2025 due to delay in getting parts At the time of the recall reinstallation, the vehicle had 61,556 miles on it. When the fire happened on April 3 of this year, the vehicle had 70, 956 miles . I want to emphasize that Under explicit authorization from Ford Motor Company’s recall interim guidelines, the dealership performed a complete engine assembly swap. Per the official service invoice, this replacement engine was backed by a 3-year or 100,000-mile Ford Powertrain Warranty. At the time of the fire 11 months later, the vehicle had not yet reached 71,000 miles and was fully covered under active factory warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11748321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2020 Ford EcoSport (1.0L EcoBoost) is covered by Recall 23S64 / NHTSA 23V905 (engine oil pump drive belt). The defect causes sudden loss of motive power at highway speed (65+ mph), usually after 40+ minutes of driving, with the powertrain warning light and code P0299 (turbo underboost). Losing power in Los Angeles freeway traffic is the safety hazard. The recall remedy has failed repeatedly. In Oct 2025 the dealer tore down the engine, confirmed the oil pump belt had disintegrated and clogged the oil pickup, and replaced the complete engine (long block) under the recall in Dec 2025. The recall now shows as completed for this vehicle, but since that repair, with under 500 miles driven: (1) the turbocharger failed again and was replaced under warranty in Feb 2026, about 77 miles after the new engine; (2) in Apr 2026 the dealer found a cracked valve cover leaking oil into cylinder 3 (codes P0313, P0299); (3) on May 23, 2026 I picked the car up and the same power-loss condition returned THE SAME DAY - the dealer then found a loose air charge pipe; (4) on Jun 20, 2026 I picked the car up again and it failed THE SAME DAY. Both same-day failures are corroborated by round-trip rideshare receipts. The vehicle has been at the dealer since Jun 20, 2026, and the service advisor has not answered my written requests for diagnosis or coverage for over a week. Before the recall was confirmed, the same defect caused repeated repairs from Jun 2024 on (13 shop visits, 9 to Ford dealers). In Aug 2025 Ford's own technical hotline directed an engine teardown to find the root cause; the dealer advisor declined it. The remedy under Recall 23S64 has not remedied the defect: the recall-replaced engine has failed component by component within 500 miles and the vehicle remains out of service. All components are available for inspection at the dealer. Full repair orders, invoices, and dated records are available on request.
NHTSA complaint #11748099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car had an interim engine placed in March 2024, for Ford recall 23S64. Then car stalled again in May 2026, took in it to have it checked and they repaired the engine and replaced the catalytic converter as per Ford recall 23S64. We replaced at our cost ther cam sensors. 7 days after picking up the vehicle, it shut down in the middle lane of the Southfield Freeway causing a safety issue to me and those around me. One the vehicle was safely on the side of the road thanks to some construction workers, I called for a tow. After 30 minutes I tried to start the car and it did not start. After 40 minutes the car started AAA and I was able to get it to Dean Seller Ford if Troy. They refused to check the work the did week prior and are saying that they can not test it until we replace the battery and starter. You don't need those to visually inspect. I do not feel the car is safe to drive at this point as it is a huge safety risk to myself and drivers around me
NHTSA complaint #11745272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The braking system failed, preventing the vehicle from stopping properly. The vehicle is currently at a tow yard and is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Because the brakes failed, I was unable to stop at a traffic light. The vehicle entered oncoming traffic and was involved in a collision, placing my safety and the safety of other motorists at risk. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No. I previously took the vehicle to the dealership several times for misfire and powertrain-related issues. The dealership was unable to identify the underlying problem and advised that the spark plugs were not tightened properly. Similar issues have occurred multiple times over the past few years. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle is currently at a tow yard and is awaiting inspection by the insurance company. Additional inspections may be conducted as part of the claim investigation. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. Warning lights appeared earlier this week, and I brought the vehicle to the dealership for diagnosis. The dealership was unable to determine the cause of the warnings. I picked up the vehicle on June 11, 2026. On June 12, 2026, the brakes failed, resulting in the accident.
NHTSA complaint #11743832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Driving on the highway in Dallas, all of a sudden I didn’t have any acceleration. Foot all the way down on the pedal, barely holding 60mph on a 70mph highway. Service light came on and I got an alert on my phone. I had to carefully take side roads and take an hour to get home. It ended up being recall number 23S64. This recall has been in place since January 2024 and I have called multiple times since then to get scheduled repairs, but each time, I was told the parts were back ordered and not available, so I waited. Now that is is not safe to drive, parts are still back ordered and I’ve been without a car for six weeks. Called today and they still have no idea when it will be fixed or when they’ll get parts. I also got two calls that said they had parts but when I called back they didn’t.
NHTSA complaint #11742159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manufacturer issued a recall with no remedy. The vehicle stalled and loss power will I was driving on the highway in June 2025. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership for a safety recall regarding this issue. The manufacturer and dealership held my vehicle for 11 months to complete the repair. However, just 5 days after receiving the vehicle back, the engine shut off again while I was driving. The vehicle stalled while driving at approximately 25mph on a highway exit. There was no warning prior to the engine shutting off. The vehicle remains unremedied and unsafe to drive. The manufacturer has failed to repair the defect within a reasonable timeframe, keeping the vehicle out of service for nearly a year.
NHTSA complaint #11740887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle experienced sudden severe loss of motive power consistent with Ford Safety Recall 23S64 (NHTSA Campaign 23V905000). Prior to repair, the vehicle entered limp mode and could not accelerate beyond approximately 30 to 35 MPH. Low oil pressure warning indicators and check engine light illuminated repeatedly. Engine produced abnormal grinding and strained startup noises. Vehicle also experienced hesitation, shaking, and difficulty maintaining safe roadway speeds. While I was trying stop at a red light the vehicle struggles to brake although the brakes are applied, after coming to a full stop the vehicle shutdowns and would have restart. During operation, vehicle struggled to accelerate in traffic and braking performance became concerning due to severe engine power loss and unstable operation. On multiple occasions, the engine nearly stalled or shut down completely after stopping at intersections. Vehicle was delivered to Ford dealership for Recall 23S64 repair. Dealer completed the recall repair and stated oil pressure had been restored; however, the vehicle continued exhibiting the same severe loss of power and limp mode symptoms after completion of the recall procedure. Dealer later performed additional diagnostics and identified DTC P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low) and a broken intake camshaft requiring major engine repairs estimated at approximately $9,000. Dealer stated the engine damage was not covered or related under the recall despite the vehicle originally presenting with the same low oil pressure, loss of motive power, and drivability symptoms described in Recall 23S64. Vehicle remains unsafe to operate due to unresolved loss of power and internal engine damage. Concern exists that the recall related oil pressure failure may have caused consequential internal engine damage that was not fully corrected by the recall repair procedure. Problem has been confirmed by authorized Ford dealership inspection and diagnostic testing.
NHTSA complaint #11739634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
On 7/25 I responded to the Recall & drove my 2021 Ford Eco-Sport vehicle into dealership due to1st Recall regarding the "Front Half Shaft" where there is obvious contact with transmission. However, the maintenance receipt showed passed inspection. Yet again, I received the 2nd Recall regarding the "Oil Pump Drive Belt/Tensioner" I responded to the notice & drove it to the dealership on March 26 exactly 8 months after the 1st Recall with the "Front Half Shaft" transmission issue. It was deemed as repaired, however, not in my opinion. Upon picking my vehicle up from the Gerald Jones Auto Group Dealership April 2026 and heading out of town I noticed that the vehicle was driving a lot rougher than I'd expected especially after an entire month of having the vehicle to repair completely, of course, I canceled my trip and immediately called the dealership and explained my concerns regarding the feel of the roughness of the vehicle & that I was not comfortable because I hadn't experienced this before. I was asked to bring it back. After waiting for the recheck I was informed that there was a hose disconnected in the rear afterwards I was advised to call the dealership with any other problems. I started home noticed that there was still a slight skipping or hesitation around the 15-50mp range I called & got voice mail & I left a detailed message about problems. I had to run an errand, on the way home as I moved onto the busy interstate the vehicle really started skipping & hesitating much worse than before & a noisy fan sound coming from the mid right side dash area that hadn't been there! I called the dealership back as instructed & left another message. I waited an entire day no one returned my call. I called again on the next day was told to bring the car in again a 2rd time. The 3rd time car was checked there I was informed it was a transmission issue not part of Recall the cost of repair would be totally my responsibility according to Manager, which is not fair!
NHTSA complaint #11735211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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"
NHTSA complaint #11734946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.