2020 Ford EcoSport · symptom sheet

Burns oil or oil level rises

82owner reports
71,670median miles
$6,000median quote
0involved a crash

Newest report May 22, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

345 of the 394 complaints on this car are about the engine. 82 of those describe oil consumption. Only engine failure is reported more often on this car.

Tick what matches of 82 reports

adding oil between changes

oil smells like gas

the oil level rises

low oil light came on

the dealer called it normal

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the piston rings (16 reports), the turbo (10 reports) and the engine (8 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

16 of the 82 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $3,775 to $6,800.

$3,775$6,000$6,800

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

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 63,000 and 82,950 miles, from the 53 reports that gave a mileage.

122

2423

4424

925

426

What owners wrote

“Low oil pressure light came on out of nowhere. Had it towed and they said the oil pump belt tensioner belt was damaged. Destroyed my entire engine. Had 72,000 miles. Ford is saying they wonât pay because they donât know how to fix it. It is the recall issue that ford released. I need help”
Filed Jan 19, 2024 · 72,000 miles

“At just over 5600 miles low oil pressure light came on while driving . Vehicle lost power and systems including brakes started failing. Managed to get safely off of road. Engine needs to be rebuilt. (barely still under warranty )”
Filed Dec 9, 2023 · 5,600 miles

“While driving it begins decreasing speed to 40 mph and then loses an acceleration and I drifted to the side of the highway. The low oil pressure message appeared on the dash. I was driving through a very desolate area on 31 in Indiana busy with semis and holiday traffic. The car only has 67,000 miles and the mechanic said it had a bad cylinder and the engine would need to be replaced at $5,700.”
Filed Nov 30, 2023 · 67,000 miles

“Received a low oil pressure notice, followed by a bangining sound and a check engine light. Towed it to a dealership and was informed I needed a new motor due to my oil pump failing”
Filed Oct 30, 2023

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 82 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.