2020 FORD ECOSPORT Power Train Problems

The failure involves the engine/powertrain system, specifically the engine oil pressure system, resulting in loss of engine power and a subsequent loss of effective braking assistance. The vehicle displayed a low engine oil pressure warning and a “powertrain system fault” message prior to the loss of braking effectiveness. The vehicle is currently not being driven and is available for inspection upon request. The engine was previously replaced in April 2025 as part of a recall-related interim remedy following an engine failure, yet the same symptoms have since reoccurred. My safety and the safety of others were placed at immediate and severe risk. On December 26, 2025, while driving at highway speed in heavy rain, the vehicle rapidly decelerated from approximately 79 mph to 60 mph, creating a dangerous situation in active freeway traffic. After exiting the freeway, the risk escalated when the vehicle experienced a loss of effective braking. While entering my apartment complex, I was forced to engage in defensive driving to avoid a collision. I narrowly avoided striking a pedestrian who was exiting their vehicle and then had to defensively steer away from the front of my apartment building to avoid crashing into the structure because the vehicle would not stop. A serious injury or fatality to myself or others was narrowly avoided. Yes. In March 2025, after experiencing a serious loss of power while driving, the vehicle was towed to a Ford dealership. The vehicle remained there for approximately one month, during which time the engine failure was confirmed and attributed to an active recall. As a result, the engine was replaced under the recall. This confirms that the issue has been previously verified by an authorized Ford dealership. Despite this repair, the same failure symptoms have reoccurred. The vehicle has been inspected and serviced by an authorized Ford dealership in connection with the recall-related engine failure and replacement in March–April 2025.

I took my 2020ford eco sport to fix the recall at Grapevine Texas Ford dealership. They took about 10 days to work on my car and said that the recall fix is complete. I was able to pick up the car from dealership and drive home, however when I started the car again, it had the Check engine light on. I called the dealership right away and they asked me to bring back the car right away. While I was driving the car back to the dealership, I realized the car would barely accelerate. I was already on the highway while I was figuring out what’s going on. I somehow made it to the dealership and is currently being looked into. I can’t trust if that car is safe anymore and I can’t trust if Ford technicians can fix the problem. They have created a huge safety hazard for me and family. They didn’t tell me about any of these risks when I went to pick up the car after service recall fix. I can’t trust the ford technicians anymore. I’m glad that I’m alive. I’m not sure if the people at the dealership took my problem seriously enough. Anyways I would like to file a complaint to NHTSA hoping someone would help.

My husband and I were driving down the interstate out of town and the oil pressure light came on as we were exiting. We were close to our destination and decided to check the oil when we stopped. Within seconds I could not accelerate beyond 40 MPH with RPMs climbing up to to 5-6. We checked the oil stick which was fine. Tried to drive to the ford dealership which was less than 3 miles away. After getting less than a third of a mile from where we were the dash lit up and went completely dark and wouldn’t start up.

There is a known recall for this vehicle (Reference NHTSA Safety Recall 23V905) related to the engine oil pump drive belt tensioner arm. According to the recall notice, it says "Parts are now available to repair your vehicle" and "please have this recall performed as soon as possible". My local Ford Dealership has denied my request to have this recall serviced, and refused to schedule me a future appointment for this service, and also could not provide me any approximate date on when this service might be available to me. They said they would not perform this recall unless the part has already failed and the vehicle would therefore have to be towed in, which I have in an email communication from the dealership. This obviously is a direct contradiction of the statement issued in the recall notice, so I wanted to report this as a complaint.

On March 13, 2025, while driving, my 2020 Ford EcoSport suddenly lost power and shut down. The vehicle is under Recall 23S64 (oil pump failure). I had to tow it to a shop, which confirmed low oil pressure, then to Ford, who confirmed complete engine failure and replaced the engine parts. I was without a vehicle for 34 days and Ford refused to provide a rental unless it was a Ford-brand, which was unavailable. After the engine replacement, further issues occurred: check engine light, battery failure, overheating, coolant leaks, and multiple installation errors including a missing coolant line bracket (causing leaks), cross-threaded turbo-to-cat converter stud, missing splash shield, and broken overflow line. Repairs cost thousands of dollars out-of-pocket. On May 13, 2025, a new recall was issued on the replacement engine, meaning my car remains unsafe despite the prior recall fix. These failures created unsafe driving conditions (loss of power on the road, overheating, potential engine fire risk). The problems have been confirmed by both Ford and an independent certified shop.

There is an open recall on my 2020 Ford EcoSport (VIN: [XXX] ) involving the engine oil pump. The recall was issued back in 2023, and I have been repeatedly told that the part would be available “at the beginning of the year” — first in 2023, then 2024, and now again in 2025. Each time, no resolution has come, and the part remains unavailable. This delay has made my vehicle unsafe and unreliable. I’ve been unable to drive it confidently or use it for essential transportation. Despite contacting both Ford and the original dealership (Preston Ford West in Randallstown, MD), I have received no specific repair date or clear guidance — only repeated postponements year after year. Meanwhile, I am forced to continue making high monthly loan payments on a vehicle I cannot safely operate. This has become a financial burden as well as a safety risk. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate Ford’s handling of this recall and assess whether consumers like myself should be protected under a buyback, warranty extension, or similar resolution process. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission hesitated to shift as intended, with a whining sound. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,130.

Mileage: 107,130

I was driving my vehicle on the expressway when it started to shake and slow down. A message then appeared on my screen to check the engine oil level. At this point my car could not speed up past 40 mph and my engine was making a loud knocking noise. I took it to Valvoline and they informed me all my fluids were good. When I left the problem persisted, and my car speed dropped to 33 mph in a 55 mph lane.

For the past 3 weeks my check engine light would appear then disappear. On 01-09-25 I scheduled with a in town loco mechanic shop. Gave him my worries about how my check engine light sometimes comes on. I was advised to take my vehicle to the Ford dealership because they could not replace the sensors I needed, only Ford can?? I picked up my car and the check engine light was not on. Today [XXX] in the morning check engine light is on. Once I put the gear in drive my vehicle was struggling for speed. It struggled so much that it made me a bit nervous that I returned home right away. So……I decided to do a little research on my vehicle. It has low mileage. Oh boy. I didn’t know Ford had some recalls. I plan on requesting an inspection from the manufacturer. I was never informed or notified of any specific needs to be repaired as part of a recall?? I hope this makes sense?? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I was on the highway when my car started to light up on the dashboard and the car started to slow down and wouldn’t move. Took it to ford and they had to replace the whole engine but now even after the replacement the car is slow, doesn’t heat up and shakes.

The catalytic converter had to be replaced twice due to a cracked in it and the exhaust fumes keep coming into the vehicle’s cabin through the A/C. Transmission keeps having problems also.

There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. I found out about the recall when I was researching how to operate my vehicle. I made an appointment to have the recall repair made on April 5, 2024. On April 8. 2024, the dealer called back the Service Manager stated, "They aren't processing the recalls unless the vehicle is on the side of the road." I called several other dealers and they stated they also would not repair the vehicle. On [XXX], the engine oil pump drive belt tensioner arm fractured and separated from the tensioner backing plate. The oil pump drive belt lost teeth and the car lost engine oil pressure. There was a loss of motive power and a loss of mechanical vacuum pump the vehicle lost all power and shut down. I was sitting at a light in the middle of the street at 11:30 PM. The vehicle could have shut down on the highway. I had just exited the highway, it was late at night and dark. Someone could have run into the back of my vehicle. I had the vehicle towed to Planet Ford in Spring, TX. After negotiating with them they worked on the engine but the car would not start. Then they said it needed a new battery and once installed the vehicle still did not run properly. They stated I needed to pay for a diagnostic because transmission lights are coming on. I refused because the damage was 100% caused by Ford's irresponsibility and neglect. The Recall stated repairs were supposed to be made at no charge. Planet Ford is now saying they have to put in a request to the Ford Corporation to ask if Ford will assist me with the cost of repairs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

On Tuesday, [XXX] I could have been killed on the highway due to the recall from Ford. I’m thankful I am alive today. I was driving when my engine oil pressure light came on, my speed slowed down, my car was rumbling, my engine locked up and I had to weave through traffic to pull over on the side of the road. I had to spend money to have it towed to a mechanic. The mechanic told me it was most likely caused by the recall. I had it towed to Ford in Crestview, FL. Ford said they are also pretty sure it was due to the recall. Ford Crestview told me it could take WEEKS to diagnose, and then I would have to have a whole new engine/parts in which Ford won’t have until 2025. My car will be sitting at Ford for MONTHS. Ford does not care. They don’t care I almost died. I now do not feel safe in this vehicle. I get married on the [XXX], and I have a honey moon after. I depend on this vehicle for my job, etc. i am my dads caretaker who has cancer, and we had to skip his doctor appointment because my car was not available. His WHEELCHAIR fits in my car. Ford won’t give me a loaner vehicle until they diagnose it, and Ford Crestview informed me that they don’t even know if they will have a loaner vehicle. So what happens now? Cancel the wedding? Cancel the honeymoon? Keep canceling my dads doctor appointments and he will just pass away? Please help expedite this. Why would the dealership even diagnose it, when they technically have until 2025 when parts come in. Ford is not handling this well for over 100,000 people. This is for the OIL PUMP RECALL that almost made me lose my life. Someone take this seriously. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact's mother 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 while her mother was driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started jolting. Additionally, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond and stalled. The check engine warning light, the low oil pressure warning light, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The driver was unable to pull to the side of the road. The highway patrol assisted the contact's mother until the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the oil pump drive belt tensioner arm was fractured and there were metal shavings in the oil. Additionally, the dealer diagnosed that the loss of oil pump pressure had caused engine failure. The dealer determined that the engine and the turbo needed to be replaced. The vehicle was temporarily repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated several times three days after the repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the transmission fluid was low. The dealer replaced the transmission fluid several times; however, the failure persisted. The dealer diagnosed that the transmission front gear box had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 64,150. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mileage: 64,150

Car had known recall and dealership was notified prior to this happening and I was advised that I was fine. Few months later, oil pump failed and seized engine while merging onto I40 with my 2 children in the backseat. Crash had almost happened but I was able to safely stop the vehicle and remove my kids from the smoking car. Small grass fire started under the car as the oil flooded from underneath my car but self estinguished. My car has been at the dealership for almost a month and they plan to put the same recalled part back into my car until remedy is available in November 2025. Front driver airbag also has a recall that it may not deploy if vehicle crashes which vehicle is already at risk for. There was no warning signs or symptoms.

Powertrain failure, low oil pressure light came on, occurred while driving 70 mph on freeway with moderate traffic my car suddenly decelerated to 35-40 mph with a semi truck behind me almost slamming into me and I couldn’t get the car to accelerate to get the the side of road to safety. Loud engine noise now when car is on, not able to accelerate past 30-40 mph. I feel it is not drivable. All dealerships I call tell me these parts have not been made available yet through the recalls received recall letter 3/29/24 from ford notifying that we would hear when we could schedule service to address this recall. This was first I was notified of this issue and my car had this incident on 4/16/24. Ford dealerships refuse to give me a loaner or fix my car until ford provides the parts . They state they all have 4-5 forced ecosports already waiting to be serviced with same issue

I haven't had any problems yet. Ford has known about this for awhile. If and when we have problems my wife and I don't have the funds to thousands to fix it plus still paying a payment on it. We are [XXX] and [XXX]. I want it fixed or they can buy it back. There is no sense in this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

On December 07 2023 while driving off the interstate my vehicle abruptly stopped. It wouldn't accelerate at all and came out of no where. I had my kids in the car but thankfully I was close enough to their school that I was able to pull over and call a tow to take it to a dealership. That same day a service warning came up on the app that I did not see until after my car stalled on me saying there was a "Service Engine Soon Warning" On the app it stated: "The Engine Control system has detected that one of the engines internal components is not responding as expected. This can be caused by improper engine oil pressure or improperly operating engine timing components. The Engine Start/Stop feature (if equipped) may be disabled when this fault is present." The next step was: "Have your vehicle checked by an authorized dealer as soon as possible." It was 830 at night at this point I was not in the position to have it checked at this time but again it was towed to the dealership. At this time there had been ZERO recalls on this vehicle and I am diligent about getting my service done on it. Also I had no reason until this day to look up any issues with this vehicle but when I did I was furious to see that since September 2023 Ford has been made aware of this ongoing issue and had not issues a recall on my or other's vehicles. I am well within my 60K Powertrain warranty thankfully unlike others and my engine was replaced. I picked up my vehicle after repairs on January 03 2024. 1 Month later AGAIN while driving with my children in the car trying to get home in a snow storm my vehicle completely stopped and this time it would not budge. I could not safely get to the side of the road. I could not go in neutral it did nothing. Again it has been towed. Again the engine "has to be replaced" again the same issue is happening and it wasn't until February 23rd did I finally receive an advance notice. I am furious at the lack of safety for myself and my children in this car.

[XXX] while I was driving the low oil pressure warning came on. The car lost power, made terrible loud noise. I parked. The car was towed. It’s been sitting at James Ford Service, 100 Seymour St, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 undriveable awaiting repair. It needs an engine which is not available. 7 months they have been telling me the parts are on backorder with no etd. My safety and others safety was at risk because the vehicle lost power along with braking power when the oil pump failed. FORD had known about this problem for quite some time. I am paying my car payment, insurance, DMV, car rental expenses and no car of my own to drive. I have cancer and had major surgery in November and now have weekly chemotherapy and other doctor appointments that I struggle to have transportation to get to! They have NOT been able to repair my car and they are still lying about the parts. I cannot go on like this and they need to compensate me immediately. The recall of January 4, 2024 further allows them to have more time to lie about the issue with these vehicles. They have known and haven’t been forthcoming whatsoever. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that upon placing the vehicle in reverse(R), there was an abnormal scraping sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure was acknowledged; however, the dealer could not determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 23.

Mileage: 23

Low oil pressure light came on out of nowhere. Had it towed and they said the oil pump belt tensioner belt was damaged. Destroyed my entire engine. Had 72,000 miles. Ford is saying they won’t pay because they don’t know how to fix it. It is the recall issue that ford released. I need help

I was driving on Interstate 10 between Casa Grande and Tucson at around 81 mph, and pushed on the accelerator a bit more to get in front of a car when the warning indicator turned on. It said "Low Engine Oil Pressure". Immediately the car lost all acceleration while I was in the left lane. I had to immediately turn on my hazard lights and get to the right lane, while slowly losing speed. I did not feel safe pulling onto the shoulder and there was an exit about a mile away from where it all started so we essentially were cruising, losing speed, to the exit. We pulled into a gas station parking lot while we figured what was going on. This happened while I was driving in the left lane of a 3 lane interstate with a speed limit of 75mph. I believe that our safety was put into risk because of the nature of the location where it happened and how everyone else was going over 75mph while we were trying to get off the freeway safely. After many tows and having to go back to phoenix, we took it to Chapman Ford in Scottsdale. The oil pump belt snapped, causing the engine to run without oil, and damaging the engine to the point where the dealership says it needs to be replaced. The engine sounds different now and there is rattling present. The Service department quotes the replacement at over $7,000 and the car is just outside the powertrain warranty. No support from Ford Corporate as of now when this is being typed. We do not have the money to get the engine replaced at the moment without having to get a loan. There were no warning lights on prior to this happening, and the car has been maintained well. No symptoms either. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer due to the fact that they are recommending an engine replacement. The car is currently at the dealership in Scottsdale. **** Form is not letting me upload files, I am willing to upload some files to help yall with this****

Driving around town and the low oil pressure warning come on the dash and the vehicle had loss of power. The vehicle was parked the oil was full and oil changed was done 2 weeks earlier. No the vehicle sounds load.

Oil Pressure loss, possible belt failure.

Lost power to my car. Took it to get look at and they told me oil pump pressure belt quit working and caused major engine problems. It tore up the engine as well as the turbo and now I need awhole new engine. I am now paying for a car that I can't drive. Ford told me they can't help me because my warranty just ran out.

Oil pump failed causing engine to seize

I purchased this vehicle in 2020 and for the first 55,000 miles the car was great and after that it became a nightmar. I was driving one day and and lost power and the car would not accelerate properly I took the car to my dealership and after them having it they said the turbo charger had malfunctioned. The dealer fixed it after paying a $100 deductible. A month or so goes by and the car lost power and the engine was knocking. I called the dealer once again and they came and picked it up. A few days went by and the dealer called and said that the oil pump had failed causing the engine to blow. They said they were going to replace the engine and after several days they called and said my car was finished. I went and picked it up. Since then the car has been back in the shop twice because the wrench light kept coming on and having the same powertrain issues. The second time was just in the past few days to be exact Dec,02,2023 the same problem the wrench light hesitation and no acceleration when hitting the gas pedal the dealership once again told me to bring it in. Today Dec,05 I was told to come In about my car and they informed me the battery and the brake linings were the cause of the wrench light. Doing my own research the wrench light is a sign of powertrain issues. The dealership tells me what they want to tell me because I feel like they are tired of dealing with this issue and it's very disheartening to me because this is my only mode of transportation.

I was driving to work and a flashing light came on that said low oil pressure. the car then lost it's power and started to lag down. The cars behind me started breaking and almost hit the back of my car. I finally pulled over on the side of the road. My car is not that old. It should not be having this issue.

Driving down the road and Low Oil Pressure Light comes on car loses all power had to coast to try to get off the road got to a stop. The ford app shows power train malfunction ended up having it towed to a Ford dealership

My 2020 Ecosport with 25k needed the rear differential replaced because the clutch coupling locked causing a grinding noise in the rear. The car was unsafe to drive and the rear axle assembly needed replacement.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and going downhill, she briefly felt the vehicle jerk. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure had since become a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 26,000.

Mileage: 26,000

While driving it’s dropping rpm’s. It feels like it’s going in and out of gear while driving and even does it in cruse. While switching gears on take off it jerks each gear like it’s struggling. Rpm’s jump 500/1000 all the time even at idol.

Oil pump failure causing power loss and damage to engine and transmission, causing both to need to be replaced.

While driving on July 31, 2023 the low oil pressure lamp appeared, loud knocking sound and loss of power occurred. I immediately pulled over, parked, and had car towed to Colma Ford, Colma, CA. The next day they left a vm saying they'll get back to me throughout the week. It probably needs an engine. This was without diagnostics. I then towed it to a reputable shop who also said it needs an engine but they don't want to do the repairs due to this engine having so many problems and the parts not being readily available. Next I towed it to James Ford, Half Moon Bay, CA where they performed diagnostics and confirmed it needs an engine. The engines, however, are on backorder with no estimation of availability. The car remains there at this time. I've had to rent a car the entire time. I bought the car in March 2023 as certified preowned with 58978 miles from Enterprise Car Sales, Redwood City, CA with a 1yr/12000 mile warranty. When breakdown occurred I had 68498 miles so it is under warranty, repairs approved, but parts not available.

Oil pump failure at 90,000 miles, haven’t even had the car for two years. Since oil pumped failed the dealership says the motor is needing to be replaced. Cost is over $6,500.

The engine started knocking while my wife was driving to school . She pulled over I drove to meet her and sent her on to school in my car . I had the car towed to Stivers Ford in Birmingham . They ultimately had to replace the engine due to I think oil pump sudden failure . The date I put as date car failed is approximate .

Vehicle has a knocking sound from.engine went to Ford Service Ctr.on 7/22/2023. [XXX] Was informed INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Car is incessantly jumping/jerking when switch gears. The symptom is so bad it is comparable to hitting a speed bump without slowing down. Sometimes it jumps forward and seems as though you can't stop it. It happens when backing out of the driveway, putting the car in drive from reverse, putting the car in drive from park, putting the car in reverse from park, accelerating after stopping at a stop sign or a light, and more. Dealership the vehicle was purchased from has tried to fix the problem approximately 5 times. Car was at the dealership from July '22 to October '22 and problem still was not fixed. Another Ford certified dealer tried to fix it with no success.

I purchased the 2020 Ford Ecosport in July 2022 from bulter Ford in milledgville ga I have been having problems with the car barely pulling up a hill when driving and I can feel the car jerking while driving feeling like it's going to cut off in the road I have been to the bulter shop 5 times and nothing is working it is still doing the same thing they say they can't find anything wrong I have not had a good ride out of the 8 month I have had the car I need help

Oil pump belt broke at 72000 miles

Was leaving work and suddenly the oil pressure light came on and the engine started making a terrible noise. I pulled over and had the car towed to the Ford dealership. The dealership inspected it and said that the oil pump belt "shredded" and the sudden loss of oil pressure, along with the debris from the oil pump belt, completely ruined both the motor and the turbo requiring full replacement of both at a cost of $6500. Car was purchased new less than 2 1/2 years before but Ford will not pay for the repairs.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated that while the gear shifter was in park, the contact exited the vehicle to retrieve an item and without warning, the vehicle started rolling backwards. The contact ran and entered the vehicle and slammed on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,904.

Mileage: 17,904