EcoSport (1st)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
1.0-I3-Gas
1.0L 3-cyl / 123 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
2.0-I4-Gas
2.0L 4-cyl / 166 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Ford EcoSport Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Ford EcoSport, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport
On a used 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (1,606), the cooling system (839) and the transmission and drivetrain (221). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 1,606 owner complaints on the 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport about the engine, all engines combined.
- With the engine cold, check the coolant level and color, then watch the temperature gauge on the drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 839 owner complaints on the 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport about the cooling system, all engines combined.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 221 owner complaints on the 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 119 owner complaints on the 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport about the fuel system, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 90 owner complaints on the 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport about the electrical system.
Recalls (6)
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, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 EcoSport vehicles. The front axle half shafts may disconnect from the transmission, which can result in a loss of drive power.
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.
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 requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The front seat frames may have been improperly welded, resulting in the seat back being improperly secured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems," and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Show 1 older recall
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Ecosport vehicles sold in the United States Federal Territiories. These vehicles were shipped with the European brake reservoir pictogram cap label and the European English language owner's manual kits. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Alternatives in Subcompact SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport complaints?
Owners have filed 1,855 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport. The systems they name most often are the engine, the cooling system and the transmission.
Is the 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 1,855 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport have?
NHTSA has 1,855 owner complaints on file for the 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls covering some 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Ford EcoSport?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the cooling system and the transmission, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the EcoSport?
The 2022 Ford EcoSport received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (19.1% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,855 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.