What 390 owners told NHTSA about the 2020 Ford Ecosport

It was a recall oil pump tensor bar. They fixed that blew the engine.I had to wait for them to fix what they messed up with the engine.They fixed that drove forty miles away from the dealer and the engine overheated

NHTSA ODI 11749561

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 ODI 11748784

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 ODI 11748806

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 ODI 11748321

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 ODI 11748099

Fuel injectors, hand brake when reversing, spuddering when push on gas, windshield crack when cleaning from the inside accidently hit rear view mirror.

NHTSA ODI 11745387

I had my car fixed from a recall for an engine oil pump or something like that. After it was fixed, my car will shut off when I’m at a stop light or while I’m driving. It is not safe and scares me. My check engine light will come on and off, and my local dealership won’t help unless the check engine light is on when I bring it in. This has been going on since early May.

NHTSA ODI 11743081

Backup Camera Blue Screen Failure. Does Not Work; Happened within time frame of the other ford vehicle recalls for backup camera safety concerns.

NHTSA ODI 11742515

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 ODI 11742159

My name is Ms. [XXX] I filing a complaint against Honolulu Ford (Dealer) and Ford Motor Company for not informing me of a major recall and failure to set an appointment to repair the major recall, so I wrote a letter of complaint to Ford Motor Company XXX and a follow up XXX, XXX and XXX. As a loyal Ford customer since 1998, I respectfully request an update regarding Case #XXX and the status of my appeal. On XXX I requested reconsideration of Ford's decision denying my vehicle buyback request. I previously submitted supporting documentation by certified mail on XXX, which was received and signed for at Ford's Executive Office. I also submitted a follow-up letter on XXX requesting a status update. Per my telephone conversation with Ms. Bradley on XXX, I offered Ford provide repair assistance. and I requested a written confirmation that my Ford EcoSport will be repaired by Ford-authorized personnel, all recall-related concerns will be addressed, and a loaner vehicle will be provided during the repair process. My concern remains the major recall affecting my vehicle and the potential safety risk it presents to my family and other motorists. My goal is to have the vehicle restored to a condition that reflects its approximate Kelley Blue Book value of $15,000. Please provide a written status update, to my request by XXX. If I do not receive a response, I will consider all available options, including seeking legal counsel. (see my attachments) [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Email: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11742221

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 contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of drive power. The engine oil, check engine, and transmission warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to drive the residence. The dealer's mobile service technician performed an oil change at the contact's residence. After the oil change, the vehicle lost motive power while driving, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who related the failure to the recall but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,950.

NHTSA ODI 11741464

My 2020 Ford EcoSport is subject to Safety Recall 23S64 for failure of the engine oil pump drive belt and/or tensioner. What component failed: The engine oil pump drive belt and/or tensioner failed, resulting in loss of oil pressure and major engine damage. Date of failure: Approximately [XXX] (Repair Order opened January 13 2026, mileage at failure: approximately 98000). Safety risk: This defect caused sudden engine failure, creating a serious safety hazard while driving. Confirmation: The failure was confirmed and documented by All Star Ford dealership (Service Advisor Nicholas Borne), as well as Ford Motor Company. The vehicle has been at the dealership since January 13, 2026 and remains out of service for 130 days as of May 23, 2026 due to parts backorder for the recall repair. Prior symptoms: No warning lamps or symptoms were noticed prior to the sudden failure. Additional issues: - Ford’s official Recall 23S64 guidance requires a no-cost rental or loaner vehicle for customers with engine failure. - The dealer submitted and received pre-approval for $1,200 rental reimbursement (Approval Code [XXX], 30 days from 01/26/2026 – 02/24/2026), but I have not been reimbursed. - The dealer has also refused to provide me with a rental car from the dealership. • I sent a formal written notice to both Ford Motor Company and All Star Ford Denham Springs on April 20, 2026, giving them 14 days to resolve the issues. That deadline has passed with no adequate response. • This has caused significant financial and personal hardship (lost wages, maxed credit cards, emergency loan taken out). I am requesting NHTSA assistance to enforce proper recall remedies, including rental reimbursement/loaner vehicle and a permanent resolution of the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11739716

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 ODI 11739634

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated while starting the vehicle up she noticed that it hesitate was turning on and noticed the oil pressure warning light illuminated, and stated while accelerating the vehicle starts to shake and would not go above 30 MPH, and while trying to 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. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed to have a broken intake camshaft and bank 1, causing the engine block to be repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: (23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) however, the dealer would not repair the recall due to the extensive issues caused by the pending recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 57,000.

NHTSA ODI 11739040

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 ODI 11736528

Document attached that includes dates.

NHTSA ODI 11736228

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 ODI 11734946

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 ODI 11733642

My vehicle has been non-operable since June 2025 due to an engine failure requiring engine replacement. Ford has stated the engine is on backorder, and the vehicle has now been out of service for over 10 months. My request for a buyback was denied several times because it is technically out of the Lemon Law period. I am submitting a complaint against Ford and would like them to buy back the vehicle. There is no set date when the engine will be ready. Additionally, replacing the engine will significantly impact the vehicle’s resale value, placing me at a financial disadvantage through no fault of my own, as this issue stems from a manufacturer's recall.

NHTSA ODI 11730284

Unknown

NHTSA ODI 11729839

The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up. After several attempts, the vehicle still failed to start up. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact requested a buyback three times, but the manufacturer denied the request. The failure mileage was 41,376.

NHTSA ODI 11728515

My light engine comes on a few times. First it was the coolant, then the engine light came off. The next is when I was fueling my gas tank. I try to start it, it won’t turn on all the way. Third time it has happen. Went to ford they want to charge almost $900 just to fixed the vehicle. It had a recall in 2020. Bought the car used at Crain in Fayetteville Arkansas. They fix the belt and fuel pump. After they got it fixed I’ve been having the light engine comes on constantly. Now I’m stuck with no vehicle because I don’t feel safe driving it. 12/15/2025 the first engine light came on. For a coolant, then 1/24/2026 light came back on. For another coolant code, they check it and they said my coolant was fine. 3/04/2026 service engine soon alert is on because an issue has been detected with your vehicles’ s emissions system. 3/11/2026 service engine soon alert is on because an issue has been detected with your vehicles’ s emissions system. 3/12/2026 The Engine system has detected a fault. 3/12/2026. Came back on The Engine system has detected a fault. 3/20/2026 Your service engine soon alert is on because an issue has been detected with your vehicles’ s emissions system. I took it the shop on the 3/27/2026 They put a diagnosis on the computer The code came for P0496 EVAP System High Purge Flow 02 Sensor Signal Biased/Stuck Rich - Bank 1, Sensor 1 ABS Anti-lock Brake System U0155-00 Lost Communication With Instrument Panel Cluster They said it wasn’t part of the 80,000 warranty for the federal law. I’ve done research and it came up on the same code I got. So now they want almost $900 dollars with a $250 dollar diagnostic when I’ve already told them we went to auto part to get the code. They had to hook it up again to see if it’s the same code.

NHTSA ODI 11728678

Incident Date: 12/28/2025 Location: [XXX] Related Recall: 23V905 / 23S64 On December 28, 2025, while driving at highway speeds on [XXX] , my 2020 Ford EcoSport suffered a sudden engine fire. There were no prior dashboard warnings or "Check Engine" lights until the fire began, the vehicle speed started to slow down itself, and I immediately pulled over on the side of the interstate. I turned off the vehicle, and lifted the hood, since I saw smoke, and there was a fire under the hood. I called [XXX] , and the [XXX] /Cobb County Fire Department responded to the scene and inspected the vehicle under the hood. I have video evidence of the fire department on-scene and the emergency inspection of the burning engine. This vehicle is subject to Safety Recall 23V905 (Ford 23S64) for oil pump belt/tensioner failure leading to engine seizure. Crucially, a recall "repair" had been previously performed on this vehicle, yet the engine still suffered a catastrophic thermal event. This indicates either an ineffective remedy or a negligent installation. The vehicle was towed to Hennessy Ford [XXX] ). Their diagnosis confirmed: "COIL PACK BURN AND BURNED THE #2 INJECTOR AND HARNESS AND VALVE COVER." Despite the federal mandate that recall-related failures be handled at no cost, the dealership attempted to charge me over $2,000 for the diagnosis and repairs. Furthermore, Ford Customer Relationship Center (escalated 03/27/2026) has stalled the case by moving it to legal counsel with a 15-day waiting period. I am reporting this as a serious safety defect and a failure of a prior recall remedy. I am requesting a full investigation into the fire and a manufacturer buyback as the vehicle's safety integrity is now compromised. Also, I filed a claim with Ford Customer Relationship Center, here is my case number: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11727714

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 ODI 11727602

Backup camera becomes distorted. Has also turned into a blank blue screen.

NHTSA ODI 11727152