FORD ECOSPORT · model year

2020 FORD ECOSPORT

465 NHTSA complaints, 7 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2020FORDECOSPORT carries 465 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 7 crashes, 11 fires, 8 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2020 ECOSPORT is engine and engine cooling with 168 filings, followed by engine (147) and power train (43). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2020 ECOSPORT. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

465
Complaints
7
Crashes
11
Fires
8
Injuries
0
Deaths
2020 FORD ECOSPORT — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2020 FORD ECOSPORT. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

465 filings

Crashes Reported

7 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 — Strong NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING168
ENGINE147
POWER TRAIN43
UNKNOWN OR OTHER30
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM16
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL9
SERVICE BRAKES8
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM8
AIR BAGS7
SUSPENSION4
STRUCTURE:BODY3
STEERING3
SEAT BELTS3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM2

Recalls (3)

25V44200027/06/2025

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

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, 2021-2

23V90500022/12/2023

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP

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.

20V79100017/12/2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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 r

Recent Complaints

20260204ENGINE

I took my vehicle into Apple Ford in Columbia, MD for a safety recall. They proceeded to tell me that my engine, the crankshaft, and the turbo also need to be replaced but will not cover it even though these issues were caused by the safety recall. Everything online says that with this recall the engine should be replaced under the recall. We had small issues with the car about a year ago that were taken care of. This safety recall is also unresolved according to Ford so how can i even get anything fixed?

20260204UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I took my vehicle into Apple Ford in Columbia, MD for a safety recall. They proceeded to tell me that my engine, the crankshaft, and the turbo also need to be replaced but will not cover it even though these issues were caused by the safety recall. Everything online says that with this recall the engine should be replaced under the recall. We had small issues with the car about a year ago that were taken care of. This safety recall is also unresolved according to Ford so how can i even get anything fixed?

20260204POWER TRAIN

I took my vehicle into Apple Ford in Columbia, MD for a safety recall. They proceeded to tell me that my engine, the crankshaft, and the turbo also need to be replaced but will not cover it even though these issues were caused by the safety recall. Everything online says that with this recall the engine should be replaced under the recall. We had small issues with the car about a year ago that were taken care of. This safety recall is also unresolved according to Ford so how can i even get anything fixed?

20260127ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer where the vehicle was recently purchased. The dealer had not yet diagnosed the vehicle. The contact was aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) from the Manufacturer App. However, when the contact asked the dealer about the recall, she was advised that the part to complete the recall repair was on a national back order. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that parts were available, and the dealer only needed to order the parts. The contact stated that the dealer was not cooperating to get the vehicle repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Mileage: 85,000

20260126ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal odor entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the odor was entering the vehicle through the vents. The contact stated that the odor caused headaches and was stuck in the contact’s clothing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with manifold failure. The contact was informed that the manifold needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with purge valve failure. The contact was informed that the purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that due to the odor inside the interior of the vehicle, the contact had to drive the vehicle with the windows open. The contact stated that the odor smelled like carbon dioxide inside the vehicle. In addition, the conta

20260116ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the low oil warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was sluggish while driving. The contact had previously received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle did not require the recall remedy because no failures related to the recall had been identified at that time. The contact later noticed that while the vehicle was parked, oil was leaking from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that a significant amount of oil located near the transmission was leaking, and the low oil warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the oil pan was off-center, creating a gap that allowed oil to leak. The dealer informed the contact that the oil pan needed to be repositioned, oil ad

Mileage: 57,831

20260106CrashAIR BAGS

My concern is in regards to nhtsa recall number 20v-719, the 2020 Ford ecosport. The recall states that there are 10 ecosport vehicles that have airbag module issues where the airbags won't deploy. I have a 2020 Ford ecosport and I was just in a crash this past weekend. The airbags should have deployed because I hit some big trees. But no airbags deployed. There was Major front end damage. I have photos of everything. I believe that there could be more than just 10 vehicles involved and the mine is potentially included in that bunch. I see below in this form that I can attach files. So I will try to attach some photos there of the damage to the vehicle.

20260105ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked. Most recently, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not inspected or diagnosed. The contact was informed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact was informed that parts would possibly be available within one year and that there was a long waiting list. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was worsening. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Mileage: 85,000

20251228ENGINE

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

20251228SERVICE BRAKES

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

20251228POWER TRAIN

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

20251222ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The contact stated that a month later, the dealer informed the contact that the recall repair had been performed and the vehicle was ready for pick up. The contact stated that the vehicle was picked up and driven to the residence; however, the vehicle later failed to start. A mobile technician from the dealer arrived at the residence and continuously pushed the START button until the vehicle started. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the spark plugs were replaced; however, the failure recurred upon retrieving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the battery was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer determined that the failure was occurring due to a coolant leak. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer ha

Mileage: 82,800

20251219ENGINE

At 56k miles, it failed to start, had it towed to the dealership july 2nd. Told it was the engine and was under warranty and ford would send a new short block with an eta of 7-10 days. It’s been 5, going in 6 months now and no engine. They gave me a loaner but today asked for it back and they don’t have another loaner for me, so I’m on foot now and have to work. 5 going on 6 months is a crazy long time to wait

20251211ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact received a recall notification letter for NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed that parts were not available and were on back order. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.

20251117ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

20251117ENGINE

Repair due to Recall associated with Ecoboost Engine. From 9/30/25 to 11/13/25 car was at dealership to receive a new engine to replace faulty one. Not even 30 minutes after getting car back check engine light came back on. Was informed by Ford Corporate that the dealership will not make another attempt at repair. Faulty engine was replaced with another bad engine. Safety is at risk with mechanical issues. Vehicle does not qualify for Lemon Law but in good faith Ford should buy car back. There is no solution for recall.

20251107ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was an abnormal loud ticking sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the wrench symbol was displayed. The contact drove the vehicle back to the residence and then had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the vehicle had not yet been diagnosed, and the dealer was unable to advise when the vehicle would be repaired. The contact was aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000(Engine and Engine Cooling) and related the failure to the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

Mileage: 82,000

20251017ENGINE

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

20251017POWER TRAIN

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

20251015ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact 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 driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered. The check engine oil warning light was illuminated. An unknown message related to the engine oil pump was displayed. In addition, the contact stated that while at a stop light that then turned green, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was taken to a local service center; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, waiting for parts to become available. 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. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

Mileage: 79,000

Compare 2020FORDECOSPORT to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2020 FORD ECOSPORT have?
The 2020 FORD ECOSPORT has 465 NHTSA complaints, 7 crashes, 11 fires, 8 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2020 FORD ECOSPORT?
The 2020 FORD ECOSPORT received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2020 FORD ECOSPORT?
Yes, the 2020 FORD ECOSPORT has 3 recall(s). The most common affected component is BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 FORD ECOSPORT?
The most-complained component for the 2020 FORD ECOSPORT is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING with 168 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and POWER TRAIN.
Is the 2020 FORD ECOSPORT safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2020 FORD ECOSPORT has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.