Avoid: No year grades F. Weakest: 2018
Best: 2022
5 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 5 model years, the Ford EcoSport has 1,852 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 12 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and engine cooling and engine. 2018 drew the most complaints (726), 2022 the fewest (10).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Ford EcoSport vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $9,900–$13,240.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Highest: 2018 (726 complaints). Lowest: 2022 (10).
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment with a strong consensus on poor reliability, particularly for models equipped with the 1.0L 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine.
Leads to complete loss of oil pressure and engine destruction, subject to a major recall. Very frequent.
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.
After engine replacements, owners report issues like engines not bolted down properly, subsequent exhaust leaks, turbo problems, and sensor failures. Recurrent.
Described as "neither Eco nor Sport," with real-world mileage around 22-25 MPG, considered poor for the segment. Recurrent.
Owners report being on their 3rd or 4th replacement engine, or 2nd/3rd transmission, within a short ownership period. Very frequent.
Owner insights cover all generations of the EcoSport. Individual model years are broken down above.
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy