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Verdict

2019 Ford EcoSport: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues

What the public record actually says about the 2019 Ford EcoSport — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.

The read

More reported complaints than most SUV.

Owners filed 451 NHTSA complaints — more complaints than 87% of 2019 SUVs. Engine And Engine Cooling leads the reports (47%). 2 safety recall campaigns on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.

Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2019 SUVs, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.

Complaints filed

451

Reports to NHTSA, 2019

Safety recalls

2

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

26.5

EPA estimate

Complaint volume vs. segment peers

More complaints than 87% of 2019 SUVs

The bar is this car's percentile among 2019 SUVs by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.

Known issues

Engine And Engine Cooling issues lead owner complaints (47% of 451 reports), followed by engine (28%).

Engine And Engine Cooling47% · 210 reports
Engine28% · 127 reports
Power Train10% · 44 reports
Unknown Or Other6% · 25 reports
Electrical System2% · 9 reports
Service Brakes1% · 6 reports
Vehicle Speed Control1% · 6 reports
Air Bags1% · 4 reports

+ 10 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 451 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11590113, ODI 11627929, ODI 11744125, ODI 11729704, ODI 11729708.

Recalls(2)

Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.

SeatsFeb 2019 · 19V023000Details +

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."

Risk: A loose seat back can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy: Ford has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front seat assemblies, free of charge. The recall began May 8, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18C08.

Engine And Engine Cooling · 23V905000Details +

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.

Risk: A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the oil pump tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt, free of charge. If engine failure occurs due to a damaged oil pump belt and/or oil pump belt tensioner, Ford has authorized dealers to replace the engine assembly as an interim repair before the availability of remedy parts for the final repair. This repair will be free of charge (parts and labor). Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S64.

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

1 NHTSA investigation on record

Investigations are agency reviews, not findings that a vehicle is defective.

Oil Pump Failure

On September 20, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-015 to investigate instances of engine failure due to loss of oil pressure in model year (MY) 2018-2021 Ford EcoSport vehicles. Some consumers reported a low engine oil pressure warning lamp immediately preceding a complete loss or reduction of motive power while the vehicle was in motion. The investigation revealed that the engine oil pump drive belt tensioner arm may fracture, separate from the tensioner backing plate, and/or the oil pump drive belt may degrade and lose teeth, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure. A loss of engine oil pressure can result in engine seizure, which can result in a loss of motive power and a loss of mechanical vacuum pump required to provide power braking assist, increase the risk of a crash. On December 22, 2023, Ford filed recall 23V-905 for certain MY 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The recall remedy provides the replacement of the oil pump drive belt tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt with redesigned parts to improve robustness. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Crash-test ratings

2019 Ford EcoSport 4 DR FWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

2019 Ford EcoSport 4 DR AWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
EcoSport FWD1.0L 3-cylFront-Wheel Drive272928
EcoSport AWD2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel Drive232925

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.

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Compare model years

"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.

2019 Ford EcoSport: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2019 Ford EcoSport?

Owners filed 451 NHTSA complaints about the 2019 Ford EcoSport — more complaints than 87% of comparable 2019 SUVs, so it sits toward the weaker end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.

What are the most common problems on the 2019 Ford EcoSport?

The most-reported problem areas are Engine And Engine Cooling (47% of complaints) and engine (28%).

How many recalls does the 2019 Ford EcoSport have?

2 recalls have been issued that affect the 2019 Ford EcoSport, covering components such as seats. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.

What gas mileage does the 2019 Ford EcoSport get?

The EPA rates the 2019 Ford EcoSport between 25 and 28 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.