Home · 2019 Ford Ecosport · Complaints

What 451 owners told NHTSA about the 2019 Ford Ecosport

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (451)Crash / fire / injury (9)Engine & cooling (213)Engine (187)Transmission & drivetrain (49)Fuel system (33)Electrical system (18)Brakes (13)Speed control (12)Airbags (5)Steering (4)Body & structure (3)

Newest first · 451 complaints · page 1 of 19

Jun 15, 2026Engine & 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 ODI 11744125

Jun 2, 2026

The latch on the back often sets off an error saying the rear hatch is ajar.

NHTSA ODI 11741678

May 22, 2026Engine

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 ODI 11739533

May 14, 2026Transmission & drivetrainFuel system

My car has been in and out of the shop since 2024 due to the power train system. As this is an active recall case my car was repaired 5 times. Recently, with the recall part replaced in January 2026, I got my car back and in May 2026 while driving, my car once again loss power. Going from 50 to coasting. After many guarantees that the problem is fixed, I continue to have the same dangerous problems.

NHTSA ODI 11737848

Apr 28, 2026Transmission & drivetrainEngineFuel system

So my car is about to be out of warranty and I have called and made two appointments to get my recall taken care of as it is a safety risk for me and my kids. They canceled the first one with no communication and the second appointment they called and said they can’t get the part in so I have to call them in 2 weeks to check. After two weeks I believed my car will be over the 60k mark putting me out of warranty and voiding them to fix any issues that occurred because of this recall.

NHTSA ODI 11734313

Apr 27, 2026Transmission & drivetrainEngineFuel system

This is now going to be the FOURTH time we are going to have to put a NEW engine in the same exact car. We just replaced the engine barely a year and a half ago.

NHTSA ODI 11734073

Apr 25, 2026BrakesEngine

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 ODI 11733795

Apr 21, 2026Transmission & drivetrainEngine

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 ODI 11732785

Apr 16, 2026Engine

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 INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11731515

Apr 7, 2026Engine

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 ODI 11729668

Apr 7, 2026Engine & 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 ODI 11729704

Apr 7, 2026Engine & coolingEngine

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 ODI 11729708

Mar 24, 2026Engine & 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 ODI 11726762

Mar 24, 2026Transmission & drivetrainEngine

[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 ODI 11726793

Mar 18, 2026Engine & 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 ODI 11725227

Mar 10, 2026Engine & coolingElectrical 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 ODI 11723324

Mar 4, 2026SteeringBrakesEngine

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 ODI 11722109

Mar 2, 2026BrakesEngineFuel system

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 ODI 11721481

Feb 20, 2026Engine & 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 ODI 11719375

Feb 18, 2026

I am writing to formally file a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding an unresolved safety recall on my 2019 Ford EcoSport. On February 18, 2026, at approximately 9:01 A.M., I contacted my local dealership, El Cajon Ford, to schedule the recall repair. I was informed that the required recall parts are on indefinite backorder and that there is no estimated date for availability. This leaves my vehicle unrepaired for a known safety defect with no clear timeline for remedy. Additionally, during that same conversation, I informed the dealership that my check engine light is currently illuminated, which raises further concerns given the open safety recall. I was told that if I bring the vehicle in for diagnostic testing and the issue is determined not to be related to the recall, I would be responsible for a $209 diagnostic fee. I am concerned that this creates a financial barrier to determining whether the warning light may, in fact, be related to the known safety defect. I regularly transport my [XXX] child in this vehicle. Continuing to operate a vehicle subject to an open safety recall — particularly one involving a potentially serious safety-related defect — places my family at unnecessary risk. The indefinite delay in parts availability undermines the purpose of a federally mandated safety recall. Under federal law, manufacturers are required to provide a free and timely remedy for safety-related defects. An open-ended delay with no estimated repair date does not appear to meet that standard and leaves consumers without meaningful protection. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this matter, investigate the delay in recall remedy availability, and take appropriate action to ensure that affected consumers are not required to continue operating potentially unsafe vehicles without a timely repair or interim solution. Thank you for your attention to this serious safety concern. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11718976

Feb 11, 2026Transmission & drivetrainEngineFuel system

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 ODI 11717303

Feb 9, 2026Engine & 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 ODI 11716720

Feb 4, 2026Engine

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 ODI 11715487

Feb 3, 2026Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngineFire

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 ODI 11715191

Jan 20, 2026Engine & 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 ODI 11712176

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Working with the data? Download all 451 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 15, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2019 Ford Ecosport verdict →