Which Ford Ecosport years should I avoid?

NHTSA data points to 2018 and 2020 as the years to avoid, with Complaint Index scores of 100 and 75, the two highest among all Ecosport years covered. Engine problems are the top complaint category in both years.

What is the best year for the Ford Ecosport?

The 2022 Ecosport is the best year, with a Complaint Index of 0 and only 10 total complaints reported to NHTSA.

What is the most common problem with the Ford Ecosport?

Engine issues are the top problem area across all model years, accounting for 1,613 of 1,852 total complaints, or 87%.

Does the Ford Ecosport have engine recalls?

Yes. NHTSA recall 23V905000 covers 2018-2022 Ecosport models for a possible oil pump drive belt or tensioner failure that can cause loss of engine oil pressure.

Is the 2019 Ford Ecosport reliable?

The 2019 Ecosport is rated Caution, with a Complaint Index of 50, ranking third-worst out of the five model years covered, behind 2018 and 2020.

Ford Ecosport Best and Worst Years (2018–2022)

Avoid the 2018 and 2020 Ford Ecosport; both carry Complaint Index scores of 100 and 75 and rank worst for engine complaints, with median engine failure mileage around 65,000-71,000 miles. The 2022 model, with a Complaint Index of 0, is the best year.

Avoid 2018 Avoid 2020 Best 2022

Model years: 5; 2018–2022
NHTSA complaints: 1,852
Recall campaigns: 6
Crashes reported: 40
Fires reported: 13
Top problem area: Engine

Ecosport Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Ford Ecosport problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2018	Avoid	100	726	18	2	2	Engine	26.5	4★
2019	Caution	50	460	7	2	2	Engine	26.5	4★
2020	Avoid	75	398	7	8	3	Engine	26.5	4★
2021	Good	25	258	6	1	3	Engine	26.5	4★
2022	Best	0	10	2	0	2	Airbags	25	4★

Ecosport years to avoid: what went wrong

2018 Ford Ecosport Index 100 · 726 complaints · 2 recalls

The 2018 Ecosport ranks worst of all model years, with a Complaint Index of 100 and 726 total complaints. Engine problems dominate, making up 89% of complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 66,500 miles. Owners also reported transmission and fuel system issues. NHTSA recorded two recalls, including one for an oil pump drive belt or tensioner failure that can cause loss of engine oil pressure, and a brake fluid cap labeling recall. The year saw 18 crashes and 2 fires linked to complaints, with 10 injuries reported.

2018 engine problems →2018 transmission & powertrain problems →2018 fuel system problems →

2020 Ford Ecosport Index 75 · 398 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2020 Ecosport ranks second-worst, with a Complaint Index of 75 and 398 complaints. Engine issues account for 87% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 71,000 miles. NHTSA lists three recalls for this year, including the oil pump drive belt/tensioner issue shared with the 2018, a rearview camera software update, and an airbag module missing a bolt on the driver or passenger side. This year also recorded 8 fires and 26 injuries, the highest injury count among all Ecosport years covered.

2020 engine problems →2020 transmission & powertrain problems →2020 fuel system problems →

Most common Ford Ecosport problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Engine1,613 (87%)
Transmission & Powertrain221 (12%)
Other151 (8%)
Fuel System119 (6%)
Electrical System93 (5%)
Brakes77 (4%)
Airbags29 (2%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires22 (1%)
Structure & Body18 (1%)
Steering16 (1%)

Frequently asked questions

Which Ford Ecosport years should I avoid?: NHTSA data points to 2018 and 2020 as the years to avoid, with Complaint Index scores of 100 and 75, the two highest among all Ecosport years covered. Engine problems are the top complaint category in both years.
What is the best year for the Ford Ecosport?: The 2022 Ecosport is the best year, with a Complaint Index of 0 and only 10 total complaints reported to NHTSA.
What is the most common problem with the Ford Ecosport?: Engine issues are the top problem area across all model years, accounting for 1,613 of 1,852 total complaints, or 87%.
Does the Ford Ecosport have engine recalls?: Yes. NHTSA recall 23V905000 covers 2018-2022 Ecosport models for a possible oil pump drive belt or tensioner failure that can cause loss of engine oil pressure.
Is the 2019 Ford Ecosport reliable?: The 2019 Ecosport is rated Caution, with a Complaint Index of 50, ranking third-worst out of the five model years covered, behind 2018 and 2020.