The Ford Ecosport spans 2018–2026 with 12 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2018, 2019, 2020 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2023, 2024, 2025. It delivers up to 28 mpg combined and 4-star NHTSA safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Ford Ecosport is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2018 to 2026 across multiple generations.
How to read a Ford Ecosport VIN — every digit explained
Every Ford Ecosport carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Ford and the country it was built in (real Ford codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Ecosport.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- USA1F1 · 1F7 · 1FA · 1FB · 1FM · 1FT
- Canada2FA · 2FM · 2FT · 2LM · 2LN · 2ME
- Mexico3FA · 3FB · 3FM · 3FT · 3LN · 3MA
- GermanyWF0 · WF1
- Norway1FL
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Ecosport, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Ford Ecosport have?
The Ford Ecosport has 12 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2018–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2022 Ford Ecosport recalls 2
Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. In addition, a disconnected half shaft can result in a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the half shafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S12.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pump
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. 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.
2021 Ford Ecosport recalls 3
Back Over Prevention:software
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. In addition, a disconnected half shaft can result in a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the half shafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S12.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pump
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. 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.
2020 Ford Ecosport recalls 3
Back Over Prevention:software
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pump
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. 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.
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
What's wrong. 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."
Risk. Air bag modules missing the first-stage booster propellant will not deploy as intended in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bag module on either the driver or passenger side, free of charge. This recall began February 18, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C26.
2019 Ford Ecosport recalls 2
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pump
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. 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.
Seats
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. 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.
2018 Ford Ecosport recalls 2
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pump
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. 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.
Equipment:other:labels
What's wrong. 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."
Risk. Owners could be confused by the incorrect label on the brake fluid cap, potentially causing them to replace the brake fluid with an incorrect fluid which could affect brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake fluid cap and owner's manual kit, free of charge. The recall began on June 21, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18C04.
Best and worst years for the Ford Ecosport
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 9 tracked years, the worst years are 2018, 2019, 2020 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2023, 2024, 2025.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Ecosport | Engine | Avoid | |
| 2019 Ecosport | Engine And Engine Cooling | Avoid | |
| 2020 Ecosport | Engine And Engine Cooling | Avoid | |
| 2021 Ecosport | Engine And Engine Cooling | Average | |
| 2022 Ecosport | Structure | Average | |
| 2023 Ecosport | — | Best | |
| 2024 Ecosport | — | Best | |
| 2025 Ecosport | — | Best | |
| 2026 Ecosport | — | Average |
What are the most common Ford Ecosport problems?
The most-reported Ford Ecosport problems are Air (1 reports), Seats (3 reports) and Tires (2 reports) — out of 1,822 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Ford Ecosport specifications & dimensions
The 2026 Ford Ecosport. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Ford Ecosport window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
How the Ecosport's size changed by generation:
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 161″ | 69″ | 65″ | 99″ | 3,300 lb |
| 2018 | 162″ | 68″ | 65″ | 99″ | 3,020 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Ford Ecosport cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Ecosport holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Ford Ecosport tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Ford Ecosport get?
The Ford Ecosport returns up to 28 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,200/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2021 Ford Ecosport (1L 3-cyl) gets 28 mpg combined and costs about $2,200/yr to fuel, emitting 318 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 6/10, smog 5/10).
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Ecosport | 27 | 29 | $2,200 | 318 | 5/10 | 1L 3-cyl | |
| 2020 Ecosport | 27 | 29 | $2,200 | 318 | 5/10 | 1L 3-cyl | |
| 2019 Ecosport | 27 | 29 | $2,200 | 316 | 5/10 | 1L 3-cyl | |
| 2018 Ecosport | 27 | 29 | $2,200 | 314 | 3/10 | 1L 3-cyl |
The 2022 Ford Ecosport (2L 4-cyl) gets 25 mpg combined and costs about $2,500/yr to fuel, emitting 351 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 5/10, smog 5/10) — about $1,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Ecosport | 23 | 29 | $2,500 | 351 | 5/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2021 Ecosport | 23 | 29 | $2,500 | 355 | 5/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2020 Ecosport | 23 | 29 | $2,500 | 355 | 5/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2019 Ecosport | 23 | 29 | $2,500 | 355 | 5/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2018 Ecosport | 23 | 29 | $2,500 | 353 | 5/10 | 2L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Ecosport stacks up against the most fuel-efficient SUVs, or calculate this Ecosport's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Ford Ecosport have? Power & range
The Ford Ecosport is offered with 2 powertrains — 1L 3-cyl, 2L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-cyl | 1.0L · 3-cyl | Automatic (S6) | FWD | Regular |
| 4-cyl | 2.0L · 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | AWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Can a Ford Ecosport tow? Towing & payload
As an SUV, the Ford Ecosport is built to tow and haul. The exact maximum towing capacity and payload depend on the engine, drivetrain and whether it has the factory tow package.
What sets your Ecosport's tow & payload rating:
- Engine — a larger or turbocharged engine tows more than the base unit.
- Drivetrain & axle — 4WD/AWD and the axle ratio shift the rating.
- Tow package — the factory towing package (hitch, wiring, transmission cooler) raises the max.
- Payload & GVWR — GVWR caps the combined load; more passengers and cargo lower how much you can tow.
Exact towing capacity, payload and GVWR are added per engine, drivetrain and trim — decode your VIN above, or check the driver's door-jamb and hitch labels. Curb weight from vehicle specifications.
How much does a Ford Ecosport cost to own?
A used Ford Ecosport sells for a median of about $13,900 for a 2021 — most listed between $9,500 and $15,995, from 112 real US listings we track. That real market price is what depreciation eats into, so it's the true anchor of the cost to own:
| Year | Typical price | Market range | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Ecosport | $9,500–$15,995 | 6 | |
| 2020 Ecosport | $2,995–$10,995 | 35 | |
| 2019 Ecosport | $5,500–$15,980 | 34 | |
| 2018 Ecosport | $5,800–$12,995 | 37 |
For every model year mileage-adjusted, trade-in vs private-party vs dealer pricing and a good-deal check, see what a Ecosport is worth today, or browse used-market prices across all models.
A Ford Ecosport holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Ecosport loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $11,000 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Ecosport ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
How much is a Ford Ecosport to insure?
A Ford Ecosport costs about $1,957 a year to insure for a typical driver on full coverage — roughly 36% above the average car. That's from its real HLDI insurance-loss index (136, where 100 = average car); your own rate moves with state, age, record and coverage.
Estimate = US-average premium × the Ecosport's HLDI loss index. See Ford insurance cost by model, cost by state, or compare any car.
Is the Ford Ecosport safe?
The Ford Ecosport earns up to 4-star NHTSA overall safety — real government crash-test data. Ratings by year:
| Year | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Ecosport | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2021 Ecosport | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2020 Ecosport | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2019 Ecosport | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2018 Ecosport | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested model years.
Want the safest pick? Compare crash-test scores across the safest cars and SUVs.
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How many miles does a Ford Ecosport last?
A well-maintained Ford Ecosport typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.5/5.
Check your Ford Ecosport’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Ecosport’s VIN free →All Ford Ecosport model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Ford Ecosport — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Ecosport | 0 | — | |
| 2025 Ecosport | 0 | — | |
| 2024 Ecosport | 0 | — | |
| 2023 Ecosport | 0 | — | |
| 2022 Ecosport | 2 recalls | ★★★★☆ | |
| 2021 Ecosport | 3 recalls | ★★★★☆ | |
| 2020 Ecosport | 3 recalls | ★★★★☆ | |
| 2019 Ecosport | 2 recalls | ★★★★☆ | |
| 2018 Ecosport | 2 recalls | ★★★★☆ |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Ecosport?
By owner-complaint volume, 2018, 2019, 2020 drew the most reports. 2023, 2024, 2025 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Ecosport have?
12 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2018–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
What MPG does the Ecosport get?
Up to 28 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
Is the Ecosport safe?
The Ecosport earns up to 4-star NHTSA overall crash-test safety; ratings vary by model year.
How many miles does a Ecosport last?
A well-maintained Ecosport typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Ecosport reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Ecosport is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Ford Ecosport warranty?
New Ford models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Ford dealer.
Where is the Ford Ecosport made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Ecosport's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Ford may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Ecosport have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.