2020 Ford EcoSport · symptom sheet

Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing

86owner reports
64,444median miles
$4,000median quote
0involved a crash

Newest report Sep 3, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

342 of the 394 complaints on this car are about the engine. 86 of those describe engine failure, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2020 EcoSport.

Tick what matches of 86 reports

a knocking or ticking noise first

the engine seized

oil light or low oil

the engine was replaced

it was covered by a warranty or extension

I was denied coverage

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (84 reports) and the turbo (9 reports).

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the engine covers the 2020 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

23V-905Dec 22, 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.

Risk and remedy

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.

NHTSA investigations into the engine on the EcoSport

PE23-015opened Sep 20, 2023

Engine And Engine Cooling · model years 2018 to 2021

Oil pump failure. Closed feb 14, 2024, led to recall 23V-905.

NHTSA summary

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.

What owners paid

17 of the 86 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $578 to $6,000.

$578$4,000$6,000

$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 55,000 and 78,000 miles, from the 42 reports that gave a mileage.

122

3023

3324

1125

1126

What owners wrote

“Our company has purchased 8- 2018-2022 Ford EcoSports similar to the VIN on this complaint. 5 of the 8 purchased have required engine replacement due to oil pressure related issues. One had just 20k miles, one had mid 40K miles, one had 52K miles and another 68k miles. And we had another today with just 58K miles. This seems to be a chronic issue with these engines.”
Filed Dec 28, 2023 · 20,000 miles

“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.”
Filed Dec 12, 2023

“Check engine light came on dash on Tueday and Thursday morning was notified of needing a new engine due to some type of blowback. Should not need a new engine on a 3 year old vehicle with proper oil changes done”
Filed Nov 10, 2023

“Vehicle had oil change prior to oil change date/miles, drove vehicle less than 2 miles away from Oil shop. low oil pressure light turned on. Was unable to drive it back home. Was taken to ford dealership and was notified I need a new engine due to "metal shavings found in engine"”
Filed Oct 24, 2023

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 86 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.