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Ford EcoSport
SUV · Gas · 8 versions · owner report
Ranked #12 of 15 used subcompact SUVs on owner data, price and fuel economy
Every generation
Power
Combined, EPA 2022
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment with a strong consensus on poor reliability, particularly for models equipped with the 1.0L 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine.
7 problems reported · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Catastrophic 1.0L EcoBoost engine failure due to oil pump drive belt tensioner failure
Leads to complete loss of oil pressure and engine destruction, subject to a major recall. Very frequent.
- Transmission failure
Includes complete transmission replacement on automatic models, with reports of failures around 101,000 km (63,000 miles). Codes such as P0700 (TCM) cited. Recurrent.
- Poor post-repair quality
After engine replacements, owners report issues like engines not bolted down properly, subsequent exhaust leaks, turbo problems, and sensor failures. Recurrent.
+ 4 more issuesShow fewer
- Poor fuel economy
Described as "neither Eco nor Sport," with real-world mileage around 22-25 MPG, considered poor for the segment. Recurrent.
- General unreliability and multiple major failures
Owners report being on their 3rd or 4th replacement engine, or 2nd/3rd transmission, within a short ownership period. Very frequent.
- Build quality and fit-and-finish issues
Includes faulty instrument clusters, infotainment connectivity problems (CarPlay), misaligned body panels, and cheap interior materials. Recurrent.
- Lack of spare tire
Some trims come with only a can of fix-a-flat, noted as a practical drawback. Isolated.
The version owners recommend
The 2.0L 4-cylinder engine variant (often in 4x4/AWD configuration) is the only version with any marginally positive feedback. Owners of this powertrain acknowledge its shortcomings but consider it a more reliable alternative to the problematic 1.0L EcoBoost. The 2.0L is noted for using a traditional automatic transmission instead of the problematic Powershift DCT or other unreliable units associated with other engines. No specific trim level is recommended as "best."
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Volkswagen T-Cross, Nissan Juke, Chevrolet Trax, Ford Escape and Ford Fiesta.
Is the EcoSport right for you?
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Overall sentiment
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment with a strong consensus on poor reliability, particularly for models equipped with the 1.0L 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine. Owner feedback is dominated by reports of catastrophic engine failures, transmission problems, and significant post-repair complications. The vehicle is described as having "0 redeeming qualities" and is frequently labeled as "straight up junk." A minority of owners with the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine report more tolerable experiences, describing the vehicle as a basic, functional appliance that is "not great either." Positive remarks are extremely rare and isolated, typically focusing on initial purchase price, seating position, or storage flexibility, but these are heavily overshadowed by pervasive mechanical failure narratives.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as an entry-level subcompact SUV but consistently criticized for being inferior to competitors in nearly every metric. It is described as less reliable than the Volkswagen T-Cross and is grouped with other models known for major defects, such as the Chevrolet Trax. Within the Ford lineup, it is considered a significant step down in quality from models like the Ranger or Everest. The consensus is that competing vehicles in the segment offer better fuel economy, driving dynamics, build quality, and long-term reliability.
Recommended configurations
Avoid the 1.0L 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine at all costs due to the widespread oil pump failure recall and catastrophic engine failure risk. Opt for the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine if considering an EcoSport. AWD/4x4 is mentioned as an available option but adds weight and reduces fuel economy. No specific trim recommendations are made, though higher trims may include features like Sync 3/Android Auto.
General recommendations
Not recommended for purchase by the vast majority of owner feedback. Described as a vehicle to avoid "with a 50 foot pole." If purchase is absolutely unavoidable, only consider a 2.0L 4-cylinder model with a thorough pre-purchase inspection and verification of full service history. Owners strongly advise researching common failure modes and joining owner communities to understand the extent of potential issues. For those who already own a 1.0L EcoBoost model, selling the vehicle is frequently suggested, even at a financial loss, to avoid repeated, costly engine replacements. Consider extended warranty coverage if available, but be aware of widespread reports of dealership and manufacturer repair hassles.
Remarks
The primary failure point is the 1.0L 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine with a wet timing belt (oil pump drive belt) that degrades and fails, causing sudden, catastrophic engine failure. This is a known design flaw leading to a major recall (e.g., recall 23S64 in the US for 2018-2022 models). The problem is so prevalent that entire owner communities are filled with reports of multiple engine replacements. The 2.0L 4-cylinder engine appears to avoid this specific failure mode but is still part of a vehicle platform with widespread criticism for overall quality and reliability. The EcoSport has been discontinued, which owners note will further negatively impact parts availability and resale value. Analysis based on approximately 24 substantive owner discussions and comments.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
EcoSport II2013–20221,852 complaints · 12 recallshigh confidenceRead report
Most-reported areas (NHTSA): engine and engine cooling (839) · engine (803) · power train (221)
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment for the 2013-2022 EcoSport is sharply divided and largely negative, with the most common complaints centering on poor fuel economy, weak acceleration, and a cheap-feeling interior.
14 problems reported (2 very frequent, 5 recurrent, 7 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentPoor fuel economy (10-12 MPG reported by some owners, with most seeing low 20s)
- Very frequentWeak acceleration and difficulty merging
- RecurrentTransmission failure or harsh shifting
+ 11 more issuesShow fewer
- Recurrent1.0L EcoBoost oil pump belt failure leading to engine destruction
- RecurrentElectrical issues including infotainment glitches, alarm false triggers, and volume stuck at zero
- RecurrentRecall-related issues after engine replacement including hesitation
Jerky acceleration, and EVAP purge valve failure.
- RecurrentInterior rattles and squeaks
- IsolatedOil leaks from rear main seal or transmission case seal
- IsolatedSuspension/shock rattling over uneven roads
- IsolatedCoolant pump issues on EcoBoost engine
- IsolatedSeatbelt getting stuck
- IsolatedExhaust flex pipe failure
- IsolatedWrench light with loss of acceleration (electronic throttle body)
- IsolatedVehicle fire after driving with known engine issue
Is a 2013–2022 EcoSport right for you?
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Complaints and recalls by model yearNo year grades F. Best year: 2022Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 10 | 2 | structure |
| 2021 | 258 | 3 | engine and engine cooling |
| 2020 | 398 | 3 | engine and engine cooling |
| 2019 | 460 | 2 | engine and engine cooling |
| 2018 | 726 | 2 | engine |
| 2005 | 1 | 0 | steering |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices12 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2022 · engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pumpcampaign 23V905000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.
2022 · power train:axle assembly:axle shaftcampaign 25V126000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 EcoSport vehicles. The front axle half shafts may disconnect from the transmission, which can result in a loss of drive power.
2021 · engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pumpcampaign 23V905000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.
2021 · power train:axle assembly:axle shaftcampaign 25V126000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 EcoSport vehicles. The front axle half shafts may disconnect from the transmission, which can result in a loss of drive power.
2021 · back over prevention:softwarecampaign 25V442000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
2020 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 20V791000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 EcoSport and 2019-2020 Transit Connect vehicles. Depending on the model, either the driver side or passenger side frontal air bag modules are missing the first-stage booster propellant and sleeve. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2020 · engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pumpcampaign 23V905000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.
2020 · back over prevention:softwarecampaign 25V442000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
2019 · seatscampaign 19V023000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The front seat frames may have been improperly welded, resulting in the seat back being improperly secured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems," and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
2019 · engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pumpcampaign 23V905000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.
2018 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 18V312000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Ecosport vehicles sold in the United States Federal Territiories. These vehicles were shipped with the European brake reservoir pictogram cap label and the European English language owner's manual kits. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
2018 · engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pumpcampaign 23V905000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.
Specifications
2.0 Ti-VCT
2.0L 4-cylinder · 166 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2017–2022