Last updated: 2026-07-26

Ford Ecosport

1 Ford Ecosport Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Ford Ecosport average of 61/100

The Ford Ecosport years to avoid are 2018 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2018 with a reliability score of 56/100. The best Ford Ecosport year to buy is 2022 74/100.

Verdict

The 2018 Ford Ecosport scores significantly below the model average of 61/100. The weakest year is 2018 with a score of 56/100 due to engine and engine cooling (301) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2022 74/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Ford Ecosport Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Ford Ecosport average of 61/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201856/100Mixed2720Engine And Engine Cooling (301)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

56
MixedReliability score: 56 out of 100, rated Mixed

2018 Ford Ecosport

The 2018 Ford Ecosport has mixed reliability. There are 2 recalls and 720 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Ford Ecosport. Severity signals include 18 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine And Engine Cooling (301), Engine (229), Power Train (60).

2 recalls720 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Engine And Engine Cooling (301), Engine (229), Power Train (60), Unknown Or Other (45), Electrical System (24), Vehicle Speed Control (11)

View full 2018reliability report →

What Are Common Ford Ecosport Problems?

Top reported issues across all Ford Ecosport model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

821 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

500 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

179 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

88 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

53 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

SERVICE BRAKES

31 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Ford Ecosport Year to Buy Instead

74
GoodReliability score: 74 out of 100, rated Good

2022 Ford Ecosport

The 2022 Ford Ecosport has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 10 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Ford Ecosport. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Structure (2), Engine (2), Air Bags (2).

Score: 74/100 (Good)2 recalls10 complaints
View full 2022reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Ford Ecosport year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Ford Ecosport Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Ford Ecosport Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2022 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Ford Ecosport years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Ford Ecosport years: 2018 (score: 56/100). These model years score significantly below the Ford Ecosport average of 61/100.
What is the best year for the Ford Ecosport?
The best year for the Ford Ecosport is 2022, with a reliability score of 74/100 ("Good"). It has 2 recalls and 10 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Ford Ecosport have?
Across all years in our database, the Ford Ecosport has a total of 12 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Ford Ecosport worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2022 model year, which scores 74/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 61/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Ford Ecosport problems?
The most common Ford Ecosport problems are engine and engine cooling (821 complaints), engine (500 complaints), power train (179 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Ford Ecosport reliable long-term?
The Ford Ecosport has an average reliability score of 61/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
How much does it cost to maintain a Ford Ecosport?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Ford Ecosport is $775 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2022 Ford Ecosport a good used buy?
Yes, the 2022 Ford Ecosport is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 74/100 ("Good"). It has 2 recalls and 10 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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