Last updated: 2026-07-26

2019 Ford Ecosport Reliability Report
The 2019 Ford Ecosport scores 58/100 ("Mixed"). With 2 recalls and 451 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.
Recalls
2
Complaints
451
Complaint Rate
74.4per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$775
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,150–$2,400
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.
Top Issues to Watch
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (210)
- ENGINE (127)
- POWER TRAIN (44)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is 1 year after the 2018 facelift refresh.
- Year 2 in the Second generation (B515; 2012) (2018–2022).
- 2nd generation Ecosport (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
2018: Second generation (B515; 2012) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2019: This Model Year
2019 is 1 year after the 2018 facelift refresh.
2021: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2019 Ford Ecosport?
A 58/100 score puts the 2019 Ford Ecosport in the "Mixed" tier. Buyers should approach with eyes open. 2019 is 1 year after the 2018 facelift refresh.
Complaint volume sits above average at 451 owner complaints alongside 2 recalls. Issues in engine and engine cooling (210) tend to be the costly ones.
Treat an extended warranty as non-negotiable and put engine and engine cooling (210) at the top of the inspection checklist.
Compared to the 2020 Ford Ecosport, which scored the same. See also the 2018 Ford Ecosport for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Low recall count
- +4-star NHTSA crash rating
Cons
- −Below-average reliability score
- −Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- −ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING issues reported (210 complaints)
- −ENGINE issues reported (127 complaints)
- −1 fatality report in owner complaints
- −2 fire incidents reported in owner complaints
Compare 2019 Ford Ecosport With

2019 Jeep Renegade
Reliability: 75/100

2019 Toyota C-HR
Reliability: 70/100

2019 Buick Encore
Reliability: 76/100

2019 Cadillac XT4
Reliability: 70/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (210)
- ENGINE (127)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2019 Ford Ecosport carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
74.4
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 21.2
Safety Incidents
7
Crashes
2
Fires
5
Injuries
1
Deaths
NHTSA 4/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Ford Ecosport Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Ford Ecosport. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
SEATS
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.
Buying a used 2019 Ford Ecosport? Check its history first
Every 2019 Ford Ecosport has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2019 Ford Ecosport NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 20.4%
Safety Technologies
Ford EcosportRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$775
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
25–28 MPG
Running cost: $2,350–$2,600/yr
Fuel + repair
23–27 city / 29 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2019 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EcoSport FWD 1.0L 3-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 27 | 29 | 28 | $2,150 |
| EcoSport AWD 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 23 | 29 | 25 | $2,400 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Ford Ecosport.
Check for low oil pressure warning lights
Inspect transmission for shuddering or hesitation
Test infotainment system for touchscreen and radio functionality
Verify completion of all recall repairs
Examine engine for unusual noises or stalling
Check for fluid leaks under the vehicle
Test vehicle acceleration and power delivery
2019 Ford Ecosport Common Problems by Component
451 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
210 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the 2019 Ford EcoSport's engine and engine cooling, particularly involving sudden loss of power and engine stalling, often accompanied by illuminated warning lights such as the check engine and low oil pressure indicators. Complaints frequently mention these problems occurring between 19,800 and 119,000 miles. Many owners describe the vehicle failing to accelerate or starting difficulties, with a subset of reports indicating engine failure requiring replacement. Safety implications include one reported crash and one fire incident, highlighting potential risks for buyers considering this model. Additionally, several complaints relate to delays in recall repairs, which may affect the resolution of these issues.
ENGINE
127 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Ford EcoSport frequently report issues related to engine failure, often linked to the oil pump belt and tensioner. Typical symptoms include low oil pressure warnings, engine stalling, and loss of acceleration, with several reports indicating engine seizure while driving. These problems are commonly noted around 40,000 to 60,000 miles, and many complaints mention ongoing issues despite recall-related repairs. There are significant safety implications, with multiple owners describing vehicle stalls on highways and loss of control, posing risks of accidents. Buyers should be aware of these recurring engine issues and the potential for unresolved recall repairs affecting vehicle safety and reliability.
POWER TRAIN
44 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent powertrain issues with the 2019 Ford Ecosport, including transmission failures and engine problems. Symptoms commonly described include loss of power while driving, abnormal shuddering, jerking during acceleration, and sudden transmission slipping or hesitation. These issues often appear around 46,000 to 115,000 miles, with some owners experiencing multiple engine replacements or persistent transmission faults despite repairs. Safety implications are notable, with one complaint involving a crash and another involving a fire, as well as reports of vehicles stalling unexpectedly, which could lead to loss of control. Buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and the potential for unresolved recall repairs impacting vehicle performance and safety.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
9 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Ford EcoSport frequently report issues with the electrical system, particularly involving the APIM module and Sync 3 system. Common symptoms include the failure of the touchscreen and radio, loss of Bluetooth connectivity, and inability to use USB ports and the rear camera. Complaints often mention these problems arising shortly after the vehicle's warranty period, with some owners citing repair costs around $3,000 to $4,000. Additionally, multiple reports describe instances where low engine oil pressure warnings lead to significant engine damage, with some vehicles experiencing sudden shutdowns and loss of power, raising potential safety concerns. These issues often occur in vehicles with mileage ranging from 55,000 to under 90,000 miles.
SERVICE BRAKES (6 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
6 complaintsOwners report that the 2019 Ford EcoSport frequently experiences issues related to engine oil pump belt tensioner failure, which is linked to a recall. Common symptoms include sudden loss of engine power, low oil pressure alerts, and brake system malfunctions, often accompanied by illuminated warning lights such as check engine and ABS. These issues typically manifest around 55,000 miles or later, with some reports mentioning extended repair times due to part availability. Safety concerns arise from instances where the vehicle stalls unexpectedly or brakes fail, posing potential risks during operation. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and verify whether recall repairs have been completed.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (6 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
6 complaintsOwners report several issues with the 2019 Ford Ecosport's vehicle speed control, including sudden deceleration and difficulty maintaining speed. Common symptoms include the vehicle unexpectedly dropping from highway speeds to as low as 30 mph, sluggish acceleration, and stalling. Multiple complaints also describe warning lights activating, such as the check engine and wrench lights, alongside difficulties with gear shifting and cruise control malfunction. These issues often occur without warning, sometimes leading to the vehicle becoming undrivable until repaired. The problems are noted at various mileage points, though one report specifies a failure occurring at approximately 9,300 miles. Safety implications are evident as the sudden loss of speed and control can pose risks in traffic situations.
STEERING (4 complaints)
STEERING
4 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Ford Ecosport frequently report issues related to engine failure, often associated with coolant leaks into the head gasket and oil pressure problems. Complaints describe symptoms such as unexpected engine shutdowns, inability to accelerate or decelerate properly, and persistent unusual noises following repairs. These issues often occur without warning lights and have been reported following recall-related repairs, with some owners experiencing multiple engine replacements. Additionally, one owner reports erratic vehicle behavior, including unintended steering and braking actions, though this is less commonly mentioned. The reported problems often arise after several years of ownership, with some complaints indicating unresolved issues even after multiple dealership visits, potentially affecting vehicle safety and reliability.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
4 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Ford Ecosport report issues primarily related to the fuel pressure sensor and oil pump system. Complaints frequently mention the failure of the fuel pressure sensor around 19,800 miles, leading to significant repair costs. Additionally, multiple owners describe problems with the oil pump drive and sensor, resulting in loss of oil pressure and engine failure, with one case noting a prolonged service delay due to part unavailability. Symptoms such as the engine oil light activation, gasoline smell inside the vehicle, and loss of drivability are commonly reported. Some owners express safety concerns, particularly regarding engine failures that render the vehicle undrivable and potential gasoline leaks. These issues typically arise within the first 20,000 miles, suggesting early-onset problems for potential buyers to consider.
AIR BAGS (4 complaints)
AIR BAGS
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Ford Ecosport frequently report issues with airbag deployment during crashes. Three out of four complaints involve crashes where airbags did not deploy, resulting in injuries. These incidents occur at various mileage levels, with one noted at approximately 17,200 miles. Additionally, one owner mentions a persistent airbag sensor light on the dashboard, indicating a potential malfunction. The safety implications are significant, as the failure of airbags to deploy in multiple crash scenarios is a common pattern among these reports.
SUSPENSION (2 complaints)
SUSPENSION
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Ford Ecosport report issues related to the suspension, with one complaint involving a crash that resulted in a fatality. One owner describes rear tires showing significant wear from the inside, with metal wires protruding, at approximately 15,000 miles, which was attributed to improper maintenance by a dealer. Another owner reports a severe crash where the vehicle struck a pole and rocks, bending the left front control arm and frame, causing the drivetrain to be pushed backward and resulting in a fatal injury. Safety implications include the crash and injury, with the airbags reportedly not deploying. Buyers should note the potential for significant suspension-related damage and the serious safety consequences described.
When Do 2019 Ford Ecosport Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Ford Ecosport Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Ford Ecosport Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Ford Ecosport year is 2022 with a reliability score of 74/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2021 (60/100) and 2020 (58/100).
Ford Ecosport Years to Avoid
The worst Ford Ecosport year is 2018 with a score of 56/100, primarily due to engine and engine cooling (301) issues.
Ford Ecosport Reliability Score Trend
Ford Ecosport reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 64/100 compared to 57/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 56/100 | Mixed |
| 2019 | 58/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 58/100 | Mixed |
| 2021 | 60/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 74/100 | Good |
Ford Ecosport Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Ford Ecosport reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Ford Ecosport?
How many recalls does the 2019 Ford Ecosport have?
Is the 2019 Ford Ecosport expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2019 Ford Ecosport without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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