FORD Ecosport Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used FORD Ecosport options? We analyzed 5 model years (2018–2022) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the FORD Ecosport has 1,843 owner complaints and 12 safety recalls across model years 2018–2022. The most reported issue area is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. 2018 drew the most complaints; 2022 drew the fewest.
- Make
- FORD
- Model
- Ecosport
- Model years analyzed
- 2018–2022 (5 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 1,843
- Safety recall campaigns
- 12
- Crash-related complaints
- 38
- Fire-related complaints
- 13
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2018 (725 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2022 (10 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
FORD Ecosport: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe FORD ECOSPORT has 1,843 NHTSA complaints and 12 recalls on record. 38 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 1,843 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 12 federal recall campaigns
- 38 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
12 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
SEATS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2018–2022. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 1,843 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
1,843 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
The vehicle was built at the Chennai, India plant on April 22, 2022. Official NHTSA recall 25V126 (Ford 25S12) covers 2021‑2022 EcoSports built between April 1, 2021 and July 20, 2022—my build date falls inside that window. The vehicle exhibits the exact symptoms described in the recall: a jolt/clunk when shifting into reverse and a shudder from the transmission area during road driving. A Ford dealer technician documented “felt shudder from converter will need checked” during a road test. The dealer confirmed the build date and the symptoms but refused to inspect or repair the half‑shafts under the safety recall. They stated they “cannot perform a recall that does not apply to the specified vehicle” because their internal Ford OASIS system does not yet show the recall for this VIN - despite the fact that the recall is defined by the production window and this vehicle matches that window. If the half‑shaft disengages, it could cause loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when parked, both of which create an unreasonable safety risk. The problem is reproducible and the vehicle is currently at the dealer awaiting diagnosis. No warning lamps appeared; symptoms began with a jolt in reverse and a shudder while driving.
The left‑side roof rail trim detached from the vehicle while driving, creating a road hazard that could have struck another vehicle or pedestrian. The remaining right‑side trim is now lifting and is likely to detach as well. Ford has previously issued safety recalls (21S22, 24S02) for roof rail and pillar trim detachment on other models (e.g., Explorer) because loose trim can fly off and cause crashes. A Ford dealer was asked to address this safety concern under goodwill or warranty, but the request was ignored. The problem is visible and the vehicle is currently at the dealer. No warning lamps are associated. The detached trim is no longer available for inspection, but the remaining lifting trim can be inspected upon request. Because one piece has already detached and the other is loose, there is a clear safety risk to other motorists, especially at highway speeds
I bought a 2022 Ford Ecosport. The seatbelts are not working and I am currently down to one seatbelt in the rear seats that work. I haul 3 children regularly and now am having to transport without a seatbelt which is against the law and totally unsafe. I called Ricart’s in Columbus Ohio and they want $100 per seatbelt to fix. At this point I am expecting the other seatbelts not to work soon. I called the Ford customer service number and was told that is not on the recall list and unfortunately they cannot assist me even though I am hauling small children. I t is a MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE being these are children and if I get into and accident we all know What will happen and I will take this issue to court against Ford which I do not want to do. I actually said to the customer service agent “So Ford does not actually stand behind their products”. How do I redo this? If I pay the $200 can I be reimbursed by Ford because this is negligence on their part? Plus, I work with children at my employment and have to transport them also.
My License Plate Lights fall down in front of the license plate. I have had them fixed 5 times by the dealer during the time I have owned the car- which is almost 3 years. My warranty will be expiring 13 August 2025. I have been told by the dealership if this happens after my warranty is up, I will be responsible for the cost of repair plus labor. I do not feel this is fair. The lights falling out are not due to any neglect on my part. I contacted FORD & they suggested I contact you so that possibly this could be checked into for a safety recall. The dates of the repairs are: 21 Jan 2023 driver side 06 July 2023 both 29 Sep 2023 both 10 Aug 2024 both 10 July 2025 driver side
The contact owns a 2022 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determine that the catalytic converter was cracked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage is 34,835.
The vehicle frequently loses power yet it is not consistent enough to determine a pattern. Sometimes I am simply backing out of my driveway, sometimes I am accelerating after a stop sign, sometimes I am accelerating while entering on the freeway, sometimes I am simply driving down the freeway. What is consistent are the symptoms. The vehicle loses power, like it’s running out of gas. I cannot accelerate for a brief moment. If I press on the gas pedal to give it more power, sometimes it works and powers through the problem, sometimes it does not. It typically happens either in reverse, or when I am accelerating between 0 to 70. One time I was getting on the freeway, and the car would not go over 60. There is a car quickly approaching behind me and a Semi in the far left lane, so the car behind me had to honk the horn and slam on the brakes, because my car lost power right at the bottom of the entrance ramp. It continued until I let off, I posted for a couple moments, and then tried to slowly accelerate. I was able to get up to 70 before it lost power again.
Read 14 more owner reports
The swing gate ajar light comes on and the swing gate opens slightly (doesn’t fully open) while driving. This causes me to pull off the road and open, then close the door. This has happened while driving on the expressway and late at night which causes a safety concern. I have brought it to 2 different dealerships, but neither was able to reproduce it. There is no warning or reason this happens. It just random.
The vehicle (MAJ6S3KL1NC474743) was impacted on the passenger side and the air bags failed to deploy. the safety risk caused hospital visit and numerous doctor visits. The problem was confirmed by enterprise, PO Box 801770, Kansas City Mo. 64180 Damage Recovery Unit. (866) 300-3239. The following have infer inspection of the vehicle: enterprise, police and the insurance companies. There were no signs of warnings or malfunction or other symptoms prior to the impact from the on coming vehicle.
I have owned this car for a month less than 3,000 miles on it and Today RESTRAINTS INDICATOR LAMP WARNING came on.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated that while at a stop, the brake pedal was depressed when the vehicle inadvertently lunged forward. Due to the failure, the vehicle crashed into the side of her daughter’s house. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 2,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly started shaking slowly and felt that the shaking was coming from the rear end. The contact stated that over time, the shaking was felt in the front end of the vehicle, and the steering wheel was wobbling, and the front seats were shaking abnormally. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V126000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.
For 14 months, I attempted to get active recalls fixed on the car at Downtown Sacramento Ford, which claimed to be certified pre-owned per Folsom Lake Ford but had existing recalls and issues when I bought it in March of 2024. My car finally broke down on 07/11/26 and was towed on 07/12/26 to the Elk Grove Ford dealership and "looked at" on 07/13/26. Today is 07/26/26, and I am still in a rental that takes a lot more gas than my regular car. I was told that they fixed the recall, but there is an issue with the turbo boost, and it is covered under warranty. They do not know when they are getting the part, but they are "working on it". I missed 4 days of work just from 07/11/26 to today 07/26/26 ontop of another 20 missed days since purchasing the car due to maintenance and engine issues related to the ongoing recall.
Unknown how it happened. After parking noticed back driver side tire was tilted. Took picture next morning under car to see that the cross arm was broken in half. Car was not drivable and was towed to a Ford dealership Seems like arm just snapped without notice.
Oil low pressure,oil pump is not working
Manufacturer has delayed repaired vehicle under campaign 23V905. Loss of use / unable to use this unsafe vehicle. It has been at the dealership and supposedly awaiting parts since September 2025. Manufacturer’s customer service people cannot provide additional details around delivery dates. Customer service both at the dealership and manufacturer have been polite; however, the dealer has provided no remedy or assistance and the manufacture’s customer service line has admitted to providing misinformation that caused additional financial hardship in order to dispose of a call. At this point, we would welcome any reasonable remedy from the Ford Motor Company in order to either repair and remunerate.
Safety Recall 23S64 was completed on my 2021 Ford EcoSport on approx. Oct 19, 2025. After ~15,000 miles, the same system failed again on [XXX], causing loss of power and loss of braking assist. Fredericktown Pettus Ford diagnosed shredded timing belt material, drained the oil, and removed the catalytic converter (placed in trunk). They were respectful and tried to order a replacement engine, but Ford Motor Co. blocked their access to the system. The vehicle has now been out of service for over 3 months, and we have paid for two ~100‑mile tows because Ford refused to authorize repairs or provide a loaner/rental after a second engine failure. On June 18 the car was towed to Bommarito Ford, who falsely accused us of “destroying the car” and removing the catalytic converter, despite written confirmation from Pettus Ford that THEY removed it during diagnosis. Bommarito refused recall work, claimed the car was “out of warranty,” and ordered us to remove it from their lot or face storage fees. Ford Corporate opened cases [XXX] and [XXX]. The second rep was rude, accusatory, did not return calls, and repeated false claims. Ford denied coverage using a 12k‑mile parts warranty, even though this is a federal safety recall. Ford Corporate also misidentified the owner and listed my vehicle incorrectly as a “Ford Edge.” After notifying Ford Executive Office, Tier 2, the Missouri Attorney General, and legal counsel, Pettus Ford’s access to Ford’s system was suddenly restored. Pettus Ford continued to help, but Ford still refused to authorize the repair. We have now towed the car back to Pettus Ford in Fredericktown, MO. We have been without a vehicle for nearly 4 months and have spent significant time and money on towing. Ford only began to respond after the Missouri Attorney General complaint and after Ford Corporate threatened legal action instead of providing assistance. Pettus Ford has been the only party acting professionally throughout this:INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine failed after repair of15000 miles with same break down The dealership did not clean out shredded timing belt and the second belt was shredded
Car had an interim engine placed in March 2024, for Ford recall 23S64. Then car stalled again in May 2026, took in it to have it checked and they repaired the engine and replaced the catalytic converter as per Ford recall 23S64. We replaced at our cost ther cam sensors. 7 days after picking up the vehicle, it shut down in the middle lane of the Southfield Freeway causing a safety issue to me and those around me. One the vehicle was safely on the side of the road thanks to some construction workers, I called for a tow. After 30 minutes I tried to start the car and it did not start. After 40 minutes the car started AAA and I was able to get it to Dean Seller Ford if Troy. They refused to check the work the did week prior and are saying that they can not test it until we replace the battery and starter. You don't need those to visually inspect. I do not feel the car is safe to drive at this point as it is a huge safety risk to myself and drivers around me
The contact owned a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25-30 MPH, the vehicle ahead applied the brakes. The contact then depressed the brake pedal; however, the brakes were inoperable, causing the vehicle to rear-end the vehicle in front. The contact further stated that the parking brake was applied but was also inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle sustained front-end damage, including impact to the center of the bumper, radiator damage, and hood intrusion into the engine compartment. The other vehicle sustained damage to the trunk and rear bumper. The airbags did not deploy, and no warning light illuminated before or during the incident. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and was later towed to a junk yard. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. No injuries were reported. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The Ford App indicated that during and after the crash, the app alerted that there was an issue with the vehicle; however, it could not be tested since the vehicle was totaled due to the failure not being covered by the manufacturer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle restarted after 20 minutes. The Check Engine warning light was illuminated. The "Charging System Failed" message was displayed. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) recall repair. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the EVAP purge system replacement. The vehicle was repaired; however, the Check Engine warning light illuminated while leaving the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer, who informed the contact that a diagnostic test was needed, and that there was no warranty coverage. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 60,688.
Showing 20 of 1,843 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact FORD Ecosport
These pages show model-year patterns across 5 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used FORD Ecosport, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The FORD Ecosport has 1,843 complaints on record across 5 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The FORD Ecosport has 12 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 38 of the FORD Ecosport's 1,843 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all FORD Ecosport vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two FORD Ecosport vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The FORD Ecosport has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used FORD Ecosport.
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FORD Ecosport reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the FORD Ecosport reliable?
Poor. The FORD Ecosport has 1,843 NHTSA owner complaints and 12 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which FORD Ecosport years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2018 (725 complaints), 2019 (458 complaints), 2020 (393 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common FORD Ecosport problems?
Top reported issues: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (839 complaints); ENGINE (797 complaints); POWER TRAIN (218 complaints).
Does the FORD Ecosport have recalls?
Yes — 12 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the FORD Ecosport. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.