NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Ford Ecosport. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
Engine blown while driving on freeway with child. No prior error lights on dash. Mechanic stated due to internal failure of oil belt, which frayed and exploded into engine. Car received all regular required maintenance & was inspected at oil change 60 days ago with no issues reported. Have diagnostic stating manufacturing failure.
My engine blew up because of this faulty part. I have not had my vehicle since Oct. So, I was forced to go get a rental car because, I still needed transportation too and from work. I spent over $4,000. Since March on a rental car plus still payed $483. A month for my vehicle that was just sitting in my drive way. Ford just now took my vehicle in to check it and told me that it would need a whole engine. Ford finally gave me a loner vehicle so that I wouldn't have to keep paying for a rental car. I have contacted Ford corporations many time in hope to try and get reimbursement for the rental car that I paid for this whole time and they are telling me that there is nothing they can do about reimbursement for the rental car. I am very upset with Ford because it wasn't my fault that the engine had a faulty part in it. I believe they should have to reimburse me the money I paid out of my own pocket for the rental vehicle.
Oil pump failure causing entire motor to need to be replaced. Motor failed at 60,400 miles just outside of warranty while going down the interstate at 70 miles an hour. Ford has offered to do nothing with the repair and the engine is on back order for 6 months. This is a know issue already under investigation by the NHSTA and i want to add my case.
While driving it’s dropping rpm’s. It feels like it’s going in and out of gear while driving and even does it in cruse. While switching gears on take off it jerks each gear like it’s struggling. Rpm’s jump 500/1000 all the time even at idol.
Was driving down highway at 65 MPH, low oil pressure message popped up on the dash and car slowed down. Got pulled over and shut car off. Checked oil and there was oil.
On 9/23, the vehicle was traveling on !-94 in SE Michigan when it suddenly lost power. The vehicle had to be towed to a service center. The mechanic stated that the oil pump had failed, causing the engine to completely fail. The car was 3 years old, with 67.000 miles. Oil changes had been performed every 5K miles since the car was purchased. Because we did not purchase the ESP, we are now looking at $8K-$10K to get this fixed - we have no idea what to do. it needs a new engine.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving out of a parking lot, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated, and the engine made an abnormally loud sound. The contact's daughter parked the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE23015 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
My 2020 Ecosport with 25k needed the rear differential replaced because the clutch coupling locked causing a grinding noise in the rear. The car was unsafe to drive and the rear axle assembly needed replacement.
Low oil pressure light came on within minutes before total engine failure. This happened almost 1 month ago and is currently at an independent service contractor being repaired, requiring total engine replacement.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle lost motive power. The oil pressure warning light and the service warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number and informed that the warranty coverage had been exceeded due to the mileage. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
For the 2nd time in about 8-10 months, while braking and having nearly come to a stop, on a slight incline, the car had a sudden acceleration. Driver repeatedly stomped on the brake as the car tried to leap forward. Extremely dangerous. No warning lights. I know the dealer won’t do anything because they won’t be able to reproduce it. Conditions were mild, slight sprinkle. I bought the car from a dealer with 5000 mile on it. Wonder whether original owner experienced a similar problem.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the oil pressure warning light had illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 62,000.
Loss of engine oil pressure at highway speed causing engine and turbo failure. Vehicle is being repaired at dealer under warranty but it has been months and I’ve had no assistance with a vehicle replacement
The contact owns a 2020 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the "Low Oil Pressure" warning illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the oil pump had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle and the oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the oil pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 71,964.
Our company has purchased 8- 2018-2022 Ford EcoSports similar to the VIN on this complaint. 5 of the 8 purchased have required engine replacement due to oil pressure related issues. One had just 20k miles, one had mid 40K miles, one had 52K miles and another 68k miles. And we had another today with just 58K miles. This seems to be a chronic issue with these engines.
Almost a year ago while driving the car it would just cut off. I took it to Ford and they stated I needed a new valve. I got the car repaired it was about 450$. Months later the car begin to do the same thing again and it cut off on me while turning onto a street. That time it would not restart and I got it towed. After getting it fixed again like 2 months later the car started to knock after I got my oil change. Took it to a mechanic and they said the oil wasn’t coming all the way up. I took the car to Ford and they said I would need a new engine because at some point my fuel pump started going out without me knowing. Ford expects me to pay 7000$ for a new engine on a 2020 car that I’m still paying a car note on.
As I was driving on a busy highway my eco sport started reducing speed then it cut out in the center of 696 causing a great safety concern. The tow truck driver was called and forced to have to stop traffic in order to get me to safety for my car to be towed . After contacting Ford they said it was nothing they could do for me far as covering any expenses due to my warranty being up .
While driving on July 31, 2023 the low oil pressure lamp appeared, loud knocking sound and loss of power occurred. I immediately pulled over, parked, and had car towed to Colma Ford, Colma, CA. The next day they left a vm saying they'll get back to me throughout the week. It probably needs an engine. This was without diagnostics. I then towed it to a reputable shop who also said it needs an engine but they don't want to do the repairs due to this engine having so many problems and the parts not being readily available. Next I towed it to James Ford, Half Moon Bay, CA where they performed diagnostics and confirmed it needs an engine. The engines, however, are on backorder with no estimation of availability. The car remains there at this time. I've had to rent a car the entire time. I bought the car in March 2023 as certified preowned with 58978 miles from Enterprise Car Sales, Redwood City, CA with a 1yr/12000 mile warranty. When breakdown occurred I had 68498 miles so it is under warranty, repairs approved, but parts not available.
[XXX] while I was driving the low oil pressure warning came on. The car lost power, made terrible loud noise. I parked. The car was towed. It’s been sitting at James Ford Service, 100 Seymour St, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 undriveable awaiting repair. It needs an engine which is not available. 7 months they have been telling me the parts are on backorder with no etd. My safety and others safety was at risk because the vehicle lost power along with braking power when the oil pump failed. FORD had known about this problem for quite some time. I am paying my car payment, insurance, DMV, car rental expenses and no car of my own to drive. I have cancer and had major surgery in November and now have weekly chemotherapy and other doctor appointments that I struggle to have transportation to get to! They have NOT been able to repair my car and they are still lying about the parts. I cannot go on like this and they need to compensate me immediately. The recall of January 4, 2024 further allows them to have more time to lie about the issue with these vehicles. They have known and haven’t been forthcoming whatsoever. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low-pressure oil warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact and other nearby individuals pushed the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the vehicle failed to start, and the engine needed to be disassembled to fully diagnose the vehicle. The contact stated that the Mobile App recorded that the vehicle was started while the vehicle was located at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 52,575.
On July 27, 2023 as I was accelerating to enter a busy interstate, my vehicle warning light came on for low oil pressure and went into a limp mode only allowing the vehicle to drive 45MPH. There were no warnings other than this light and message appearing on dash as the vehicle lost power. The 18 wheeler approaching behind my vehicle was able to get in a different lane and not hit me and I pulled onto shoulder until I could exit. I had approximately 87,000 miles on the odometer. I contacted the local dealership to have the vehicle towed for an inspection. When the vehicle was brought in for inspection, the technician seemed to know the precise problem from just the description of events. After they inspected the car, they confirmed that the vehicle’s engine experienced an oil pump failure that would require a new engine. The vehicle has been at dealership since that day awaiting the back ordered engine to arrive so it can be installed. Today is September 25, 2023 and I still have not heard of an estimated date for the back ordered engine from Ford to arrive. The repair is estimated to be $8,300 since it was out of warranty. I have already given a $4,000 deposit to the service department so they could order the engine parts, although the engine isn’t even accessible. I have since rented a car totaling $1050 and just went and purchased a second vehicle so I wouldn’t have to waste more money renting a vehicle.
Vehicle has a knocking sound from.engine went to Ford Service Ctr.on 7/22/2023. [XXX] Was informed INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I was driving on the highway on July 18, 2023 and had engine failure. The car made a thump as if engine collapsed and there was fire under the car - 2020 Ford Ecosport. The car was towed to Ford dealer (Waynesville NC) and was declared a total loss by Geico Insurance and Ford Mechanic Dept. The manager said these cars have a problem with oil pump failure and the result is engine failure. Car was towed to junkyard and next day Geico changed their mind from their responsibility of total loss. Geico said it's all over the internet the oil pump failure issue with this vehicle, and that is it the responsiblity of Ford to fix or total vehicle. At this time no one is taking responsiblity to pay off lease nor to fix the problem. Car is sitting in front yard without being able to move as it has a hole in engine with damages from incident and whatever Ford mechanics did and junkyard.
Oil pump failure at 90,000 miles, haven’t even had the car for two years. Since oil pumped failed the dealership says the motor is needing to be replaced. Cost is over $6,500.
Low oil pressure light came on and engine making loud noise. Had towed to Way Brothers Ford in Hawkinsville GA 183 BROAD STREET HAWKINSVILLE GA 31036 PHONE 478-892-9141. Original diagnostic check on day vehicle failed [XXX]: "diag found code p0365 p0369 found oil pump belt broken necessary to remove and replace engine..." On repair invoice when engine was replaced [XXX]: "engine oil pump belt loose causing the engine to lose oil pressure; engine has internal damage; low on compression". I HAVE PAID A TOTAL OF $3,775 TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AND THE DEALER STATES THEY HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANYTHING FROM THEIR CORPORATE OFFICE REGARDING REIMBURSING THIS COST SO THEY ARE REFUSING TO REIMBURSE THE COST INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Car is incessantly jumping/jerking when switch gears. The symptom is so bad it is comparable to hitting a speed bump without slowing down. Sometimes it jumps forward and seems as though you can't stop it. It happens when backing out of the driveway, putting the car in drive from reverse, putting the car in drive from park, putting the car in reverse from park, accelerating after stopping at a stop sign or a light, and more. Dealership the vehicle was purchased from has tried to fix the problem approximately 5 times. Car was at the dealership from July '22 to October '22 and problem still was not fixed. Another Ford certified dealer tried to fix it with no success.
-The oil pump failed while I was driving on the interstate. My vehicle suddenly lost power without warning. There was moderate traffic, and I almost did not make it to the shoulder in time, having to swerve around vehicles. -My vehicle was towed to a Ford Dealership and their service department told me "The engine tore itself apart from the inside" and that repairs would be "About $7000". From there it was towed to my driveway. It has been sitting in my driveway since July 2023. I've been forced to continue making payments on it this entire time. -I attempted to have the recall repair scheduled three times at a Ford dealership, but each attempt failed: *December 2024 (in-person visit): I was turned away and told to schedule later. *January 2025 (phone call): Provided my information, but never received a follow-up. *February 2025 (online service request): Ford never responded. ---Because of Ford’s lack of response, the issue has not been officially confirmed by a dealer, but it matches the symptoms of the oil pump recall (which affects my VIN). -No, the vehicle has not been inspected because Ford has refused to schedule an appointment despite multiple attempts. -No, there were no warning lights, messages, or prior symptoms before the failure. The vehicle suddenly lost power without any prior indication, which made the situation even more dangerous.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was turned into a parking lot where the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted, and oil was added to the engine. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.
Only July 8, 2023 I was driving 75MPH in a 75MPH zone approximately 200 miles from home when I received a warning on my dash "change oil soon." I pressed OK to dismiss the alert. Immediately after my oil pressure light came on, and my check engine light. The car started to sputter and I lost power. On the highway, far from home my children and I suddenly had no power and were in danger. I was scared and had the car towed at my expense to the closest dealership. Here I was told the engine needed to be replaced because of a known issue with the tensioner belt in these engines. My engine was seized. I have been without a car since that date.
There is an open recall on my 2020 Ford EcoSport (VIN: [XXX] ) involving the engine oil pump. The recall was issued back in 2023, and I have been repeatedly told that the part would be available “at the beginning of the year” — first in 2023, then 2024, and now again in 2025. Each time, no resolution has come, and the part remains unavailable. This delay has made my vehicle unsafe and unreliable. I’ve been unable to drive it confidently or use it for essential transportation. Despite contacting both Ford and the original dealership (Preston Ford West in Randallstown, MD), I have received no specific repair date or clear guidance — only repeated postponements year after year. Meanwhile, I am forced to continue making high monthly loan payments on a vehicle I cannot safely operate. This has become a financial burden as well as a safety risk. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate Ford’s handling of this recall and assess whether consumers like myself should be protected under a buyback, warranty extension, or similar resolution process. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The engine oil pump dive belt tensioner arm broke, and it caused damage to the engine, causing the engine to lose engine oil pressure and causing engine damage, almost causing an accident. There were no warning or messages prior to the failure it just happened, I was driving and it happened almost causing an accident. The dealership confirmed that this was the problem that belt broke causing motor damage but the letter of the recall had not yet been received and I cannot pay for that repair.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that upon cleaning the vehicle, he noticed water on the floorboard under the front passenger's seat. The contact cleaned up the water; however, the failure recurred on another occasion. The contact stated that there was a significant amount of water under the front passenger's seat. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was inspected. The local dealer determined that the failure occurred because the sunroof drain was clogged. The sunroof drain was cleaned; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the water accumulation had generated rust and unknown electrical failures. The vehicle was later taken to a second dealer Al Packer Ford West Palm Beach (1530 N Military Trl, West Palm Beach, FL 33409), to a third dealer Wayne Akers Ford (2000 10th Ave N, Lake Worth Beach, FL 33461), and to several unknown dealers who determined that the water could be leaking from the A/C evaporator and condenser. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the engine seized inadvertently. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the front driver's side and front passenger's side doors check arm had cracked. The local dealer replaced the parts; however, the failure recurred. Additionally, the contact stated that the four doors check arms had cracked. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the MAP (Manifold Absolute Pressure) sensor was cleaned and the air filter was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,550.
Oil pump failure causing power loss and damage to engine and transmission, causing both to need to be replaced.
The catalytic converter had to be replaced twice due to a cracked in it and the exhaust fumes keep coming into the vehicle’s cabin through the A/C. Transmission keeps having problems also.
Oil pump belt broke at 72000 miles
The engine started knocking while my wife was driving to school . She pulled over I drove to meet her and sent her on to school in my car . I had the car towed to Stivers Ford in Birmingham . They ultimately had to replace the engine due to I think oil pump sudden failure . The date I put as date car failed is approximate .
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the vehicle hesitated while responding. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. 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 failure mileage was approximately 30,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
I was driving the vehicle to work and after about 15 minutes of driving it, the low oil pressure light came on and started to lose speed. I was on a highway and had cars behind me and wasn't sure what to do. I attempted to speed up so I could pull over at a gas station, but I was not able to go above 20 mph. I had to quickly pull over to the side of the road. After a few minutes, I attempted to get back on the road to reach a gas station near by, but was not able to get above 15-20 mph. I put my flashers on and attempted to make it to the gas station and finally made it and called a tow truck. I had to call in to work that day. The car was towed to our home and I called our local Ford dealer to make an appt to check it out. I was not able to get a service appt for 3 months! I had tobhave the vehicle towed to the dealership and they told me the oil pump was bad and I would need to have the engine replaced and it would cost me $6,000. It's ridiculous to have a car for 3 years and 64,000 and have to replace the engine!!! This conveniently happened right after the warranty ran up. I had just had the turbocharger replaced and the vacuum pump a couple minutes prior to the low oil pressure issue! No reason this should happen on a 3 year old car that has had the maintenance kept up on it.
The car began to have problems going up the slightest incline with the wrench light coming on but going off when stopped. Then the oil pressure light came on. When it was in the dealership I was told I needed a new engine because the oil pump had gone out which they said had been causing the deceleration when going uphill at all. They said they were metal shavings in the engine. The car was in the shop for over 2 months. I did trade the car off while they were waiting on a engine. I had the extended warranty which covered this expense. This was a very difficult and dangerous situation.
Received a low oil pressure notice, followed by a bangining sound and a check engine light. Towed it to a dealership and was informed I needed a new motor due to my oil pump failing
My wife was in an accident and the right hand side airbags failed to deploy and she was hit around 30mph and i know a airbag will deploy at that speed
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer who informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the warranty had expired, and referred her to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Car was leaking coolant, overheated, now has a head gasket problem.
Was leaving work and suddenly the oil pressure light came on and the engine started making a terrible noise. I pulled over and had the car towed to the Ford dealership. The dealership inspected it and said that the oil pump belt "shredded" and the sudden loss of oil pressure, along with the debris from the oil pump belt, completely ruined both the motor and the turbo requiring full replacement of both at a cost of $6500. Car was purchased new less than 2 1/2 years before but Ford will not pay for the repairs.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. In addition, the engine overheated and seized. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be completely cleaned out and detailed prior to being serviced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with several failures, and DTC: P0217, P0496, P04DB, P1825 and P1299 were retrieved. Additionally, the contact stated the engine had been replaced by the dealer in February 2023; however, the contact was informed that the warranty had since expired. The contact stated that four days after the repair, the check engine warning light had illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken back to the dealer several times due to the failures and the dealer reset the check engine warning light. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,444.
Was driving my vehicle 2020 Ford EcoSport, engine blew due to oil pump being internally belt driven and submersed in oil. It caused the belt to decay and plug my uptake which brings oil to the top of the engine. Paid for a tow to the nearest dealership after my vehicle failed driving 75 on an interstate down a mountain to Phoenix AZ. Lights went off and a low oil pressure light came on and the vehicle and in to limp mode and would not accelerate. It took the dealer a month to figure out and resolve my issue but over 2 months to get my car repaired and back to me. Ford accepted some responsibility and assisted in laying 60% of a $7,000 bill. This happened 2/8/2023. Got my car back end of April 2023 and within in the first month check engine light returned. Brought it to a dealer in Flagstaff AZ and discovered a sensor had gone bad (cam shaft sensor) and I paid over $209 for that to be completed and the previous dealer reinstalled my subframe incorrectly when they replaced the engine. Fast forward to yesterday 10/10/23 and I’m in my car with my new engine with less than 10,000 miles on it. I try to accelerate to highway speeds and check engine light comes on with a “see manual message” and it goes in to limp mode with no way to accelerate. I safely drove it 2 miles to the nearest Ford dealer in Lake Havasu AZ and was informed that my engine was blown once again due to a failed oil pump. I still owe on this car and it’s cost me so much money in repairs and rental cars and I’m going belly up financially because of it: huge safety issue and a terribly flawed engine design. It should never have been sold.
Sometimes when you're driving, the rear cargo door opens on its own. Sometimes it opens completely and stuff falls out. I took it to the dealership and they kept it 2 days. Since it didn't happen to them they won't do any repairs. I looked online and in the ecosport forums many people are having this problem
My husband was driving home from work when he heard a boom. He had thought he hit something but didn’t feel or see anything. A few minutes later he saw smoke coming from the engine and thought maybe a hose had come off or something so he pulled into a parking lot. When he lifted the hood the car was on fire.