VehicleVerdict

2019 Ford Ecosport problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2019 Ford Ecosport sits mid-pack among Ecosport years: 584 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 433, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 10 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 69% of all reports (400 of 584), far ahead of transmission at 49. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

584

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

10

Injuries

3

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2019 compare to other Ecosport years?

Ecosport NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted961 complaints2005: 2 complaints2018: 961 complaints2019: 584 complaints2020: 509 complaints2021: 355 complaints2022: 12 complaints
Ecosport NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ecosport years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Ford Ecosport problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine40068%
Transmission498%
Fuel System336%
Other295%
Electrical System193%
Brakes142%
Speed Control122%
Airbags51%
Driver Assistance51%
Steering41%
Body & Structure31%
Seat Belts20%
Latches & Locks20%
Seats20%
Suspension20%
Tires & Wheels20%
Visibility & Wipers10%

Does the 2019 Ford Ecosport have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V905000EngineDecember 22, 2023 · 139,730 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

19V023000SeatsJanuary 2, 2019 · 63 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated that while the daughter was driving approximately 20 mph the check engine and oil pressure warning lights had illuminated, a burning odor was present inside the vehicle and white smoke was coming from the exhaust pipes. The daughter was…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 26, 2024 · fire

“I have tried multiple times to reach Ford Corporate since 6-6-22. They say they called me and there was not voicemail option so they closed my case. I keep opening case numbers with them. On Jun2 2nd, my car was parked, idling in the driveway on an incline. I opened the driver's side door and…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 2, 2022 · crash

“I received a recall on my vehicle February 2024 and still the parts are not available. Now I am having issues with my vehicle making it unsafe for me and my son to get to and from school and work etc. This is my only vehicle I have! I need my car repaired ASAP and I need another vehicle until mine…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 1, 2025

“I have tried multiple times to reach Ford Corporate since 6-6-22. They say they called me and there was not voicemail option so they closed my case. I keep opening case numbers with them. On Jun2 2nd, my car was parked, idling in the driveway on an incline. I opened the driver's side door and…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 2, 2022 · crash

“I bought a used 2019 Ford Ecosport SE in January 2022. I received a recall notice (#23S64: “ENGINE OIL PUMP BELT AND TENSIONER REPLACEMENT FINAL REPAIR”). A paper notice I received from Ford dated June 2024 mentioned a remedy expected in Q1 2025. The estimation was pushed back, and parts were…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 29, 2025 · fire

2019 Ford Ecosport — common questions

Is the 2019 Ford Ecosport reliable?

It is close to typical for the Ecosport: 584 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2019 Ecosport problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (400 complaints), transmission (49 complaints), fuel system (33 complaints).

Does the 2019 Ford Ecosport have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 Ford Ecosport. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2019 Ford Ecosport under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Ecosport years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ecosport years to avoid are 2018. The cleanest record among Ecosport years belongs to 2005.

How safe is the 2019 Ford Ecosport?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2019 Ford Ecosport earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.