Ford EcoSport 2nd generation (2013–2022)
Generation-specific owner insights from 243+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy one?
1,852
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2013–2022
12
recall campaigns
engine and engine cooling
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
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
The version owners recommend
The 2.0L Duratec engine paired with the 6-speed automatic and AWD is consistently identified as the best configuration, with owners describing it as "one of the better drivetrains of modern Ford cars" and noting that dealerships rarely see them for major issues. The 1.0L EcoBoost is widely advised against due to oil pump belt failures and engine replacement needs.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Chevrolet Trax, Hyundai Kona, Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3 and Mazda 3.
Is a 2013–2022 EcoSport right for you?
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Overall sentiment
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. A vocal minority of owners defend the vehicle as a practical, feature-rich, affordable commuter, particularly when equipped with the 2.0L engine. The 1.0L EcoBoost three-cylinder is widely criticized for being underpowered and prone to serious engine issues, while the 2.0L Duratec is generally regarded as the more durable choice. Later model years (2019-2021) show recurring complaints about transmission and electrical problems, while earlier years (2014-2016) draw criticism for transmission failures and oil leaks.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners consistently position the EcoSport as inferior to nearly every competitor in the subcompact crossover segment, describing it as slow, poorly packaged, and offering terrible fuel economy for its size. The Ford Escape is frequently cited as a better alternative within the same brand, with owners noting it offers more space and better drivetrain options for similar money. The Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V, and Hyundai Kona are repeatedly recommended as superior choices. Some owners note the EcoSport's traditional 6-speed automatic as an advantage over the CVT transmissions found in many competitors, and its AWD availability and low price are cited as redeeming factors.
Recommended configurations
Owners strongly recommend the 2.0L engine over the 1.0L, with one owner stating "With the 2.0 it's a good car. Avoid with the 1.0 engine." AWD models with the 2.0L are preferred for their durability and capability. For higher-mileage examples, owners advise completing coolant flushes, transmission fluid changes, PTU fluid service, and spark plug replacement at 100k miles. The 2019 Titanium trim with the 2.0L is mentioned positively by several owners.
General recommendations
This generation is best suited for budget-conscious buyers who need basic transportation and are willing to accept compromises in performance and refinement. Owners advise avoiding the 1.0L EcoBoost entirely and recommend the 2.0L for anyone planning to keep the vehicle long-term. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is strongly advised, particularly checking transmission fluid history and looking for signs of deferred maintenance. Owners suggest paying off the vehicle quickly and trading it in before major issues arise, with one noting "pay it off ASAP then trade it in." The 2019-2021 model years with the 2.0L are preferred over earlier years, though transmission issues are reported across all years.
Remarks
The EcoSport was designed for emerging markets and brought to the US to capitalize on the subcompact SUV craze, a fact owners frequently cite when criticizing its packaging and driving dynamics. The 2.0L Duratec engine is not an EcoBoost and is considered notably more reliable than the 1.0L EcoBoost. Owners report that the vehicle is easy to work on and has good ground clearance. The side-opening rear liftgate is a polarizing feature. Some owners report their EcoSports have been reliable past 100k miles with proper maintenance, while others report major failures well before that. Analysis based on approximately 243 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| 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 |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
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.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.