2020 Ford Ecosport acceleration problems

Filed Jul 7, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · MI

The affected component is the powertrain system in my 2020 Ford EcoSport. The vehicle has experienced repeated powertrain-related failures and is available for inspection upon request. In May 2025, the vehicle required a full engine replacement, yet I am continuing to experience serious powertrain-related issues. The vehicle has displayed powertrain malfunction warnings and has experienced improper acceleration, hesitation, loss of power, and instances where the vehicle has stopped at intersections. These issues create a serious safety risk because the vehicle may not respond when acceleration is needed, including when entering traffic, turning, merging, or attempting to avoid hazards. A vehicle that loses power or stops unexpectedly at intersections creates a risk of collision and puts myself, my passengers, and other motorists in danger. This issue has occurred multiple times and has required repeated service attention. The vehicle is scheduled to be inspected again due to the ongoing powertrain failure concern. Despite significant repairs, including a complete engine replacement, the underlying issue appears to remain unresolved. Prior to the failures, the vehicle displayed warning messages related to the powertrain system. The symptoms have included reduced acceleration, hesitation, loss of power, and the vehicle stopping unexpectedly while driving. The vehicle has been inspected by Ford service providers, including the prior engine replacement performed in May 2025. I am submitting this complaint because repeated powertrain failures, loss of acceleration, and unexpected stopping while operating the vehicle present a significant safety concern. I believe this issue warrants investigation to determine whether there is a broader defect affecting 2020 Ford EcoSport vehicles.

Filed May 8, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · MI

I was on my way home from work approaching a red light coasting to a stop, I tried to slow down then I realized the car was accelerating and I pushed the brakes and pulled into a parking lot by the time I got in the parking lot the car was surging, really trying to takeoff. It went all the way to 5,000 rpm’s while I was in park.

Filed Apr 30, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · IN

The primary failure is the engine assembly and turbocharger, specifically caused by the failure of the oil pump drive belt and tensioner system (subject of Safety Recall 23S64 / the federal safety agency 23V‑905). Despite an attempted recall "remedy" on August 25, 2025, the engine suffered internal oil starvation due to belt debris (rubber fibers) remaining in the oil passages. The dealership has confirmed in writing that the turbocharger failed and the engine requires a "long block replacement" due to "debris in the oil passages" and a "clogged turbo oil feed filter." The vehicle is currently held at dealership, and the failed components are available for inspection. The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of motive power while in operation, a condition specifically cited in the safety risk section of Recall 23S64. This loss of power occurred during acceleration, creating an immediate risk of a rear-end collision or being stranded in active traffic. Additionally, per the recall notice, this failure path can lead to a loss of the mechanical vacuum pump, which provides power braking assist. A sudden increase in braking effort combined with a stalled engine significantly increases the risk of a crash. The problem has been confirmed by the dealership. On January 5, 2026, the service department diagnosed a failed turbocharger then on April 17th 2026, the service department diagnosed the problem to be a internal engine debris clogging oil feed lines. They verified the engine has oil pressure at the pump but is failing to deliver oil to critical components (turbo/upper block) due to contamination from the defective belt system.The vehicle has been inspected by the authorized Ford manufacturer representative at the dealership. I have also escalated the case to Ford Customer Relationship Center, though they have yet to provide a $0-cost safety remedy as required by federal law. October 9, 2025: "Powertrain Malfunction Light" message appeared. Then later "check engine light" as well as "battery"

Filed Aug 5, 2025 · Acceleration, Brakes · 81,000 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The vehicle was driven to a nearby independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and several unknown DTCs were retrieved. The vehicle remained with an independent mechanic. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was linked to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced at the dealer six days prior to the failure. The contact stated that the failure occurred while the contact was traveling out of town. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

Filed Jan 11, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · TX

For the past 3 weeks my check engine light would appear then disappear. On 01-09-25 I scheduled with a in town loco mechanic shop. Gave him my worries about how my check engine light sometimes comes on. I was advised to take my vehicle to the Ford dealership because they could not replace the sensors I needed, only Ford can?? I picked up my car and the check engine light was not on. Today [XXX] in the morning check engine light is on. Once I put the gear in drive my vehicle was struggling for speed. It struggled so much that it made me a bit nervous that I returned home right away. So……I decided to do a little research on my vehicle. It has low mileage. Oh boy. I didn’t know Ford had some recalls. I plan on requesting an inspection from the manufacturer. I was never informed or notified of any specific needs to be repaired as part of a recall?? I hope this makes sense?? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 6, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · TX

The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to depress the accelerator pedal; however, there was a loss in automotive power. The failure occurred on several occasions. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. A dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jun 30, 2024 · Acceleration, Engine · TX

On [XXX] @ 8:45 pm my vehicle was at a stop light. I started to go forward and hill assist start notification came up as vehicle turned back on from sitting idle due to the ecosport design. As slowly accelerating the wrench icon came on, check engine light came on. Vehicle lost power and speed dropped to less than 5 miles an hour. I had to floor the gas pedal to get enough speed to switch lanes and get off the road safely. I had to pay to have the vehicle towed to a dealership. This all occurs after the following previous events. On 6/25/24 my Vehicle was serviced for sporadic check engine lights that would come and go quickly. The dealership had some reprogramming done, an oil change, and a a transmission inspection. Stated all good and the vehicle was returned on Friday, June 28th. Back in April 2024 the vehicle had a similar situation with loss of power and similar warning lights. The engine was replaced due to total failure of the engine oil pump belt. This occurring when transitioning on a ramp from one highway to another. Another dangerous situation. This vehicle is not safe. I have been in the vehicle both times with [XXX] . Two major events in less than 3 months. I anticipate another total engine loss. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 17, 2024 · Acceleration, Engine · OH

Powertrain failure, low oil pressure light came on, occurred while driving 70 mph on freeway with moderate traffic my car suddenly decelerated to 35-40 mph with a semi truck behind me almost slamming into me and I couldn’t get the car to accelerate to get the the side of road to safety. Loud engine noise now when car is on, not able to accelerate past 30-40 mph. I feel it is not drivable. All dealerships I call tell me these parts have not been made available yet through the recalls received recall letter 3/29/24 from ford notifying that we would hear when we could schedule service to address this recall. This was first I was notified of this issue and my car had this incident on 4/16/24. Ford dealerships refuse to give me a loaner or fix my car until ford provides the parts . They state they all have 4-5 forced ecosports already waiting to be serviced with same issue

Filed Mar 30, 2024 · Acceleration, Engine · TX

The system of my car kept saying that low oil pressure and I was confused because I just got my car oil changed two weeks ago. So I went to Jiffy Lube to get my oil checked. They said it was full and that I had a mass flow light on and they stated that there was something wrong with the oil pressure due to the airflow or something, so then my car stopped on side of the road 2 minutes after I left jiffy lube. I almost got to into a wreck. Someone almost hit my car because my car was accelerating slow, so I had to pay a tow truck to take my car home then I have to pay for a mobile mechanic to come out to my house to see the issue. he said that it was , the vacuum pump, the engine oil pressure was low due to the airflow just like jiffy lube said and also the timing belt or chain tension needed to be replaced. Now I have been without a car for a week and every time I call the dealership they said that there is no parts in stock. I have also called the vehicle safety hotline 1‑888‑327‑4236 and the number is out of service. So I don’t know what to do. I am without a car I don’t know how to rent a car because I don’t have the money for it because I just paid over $600 (Tow truck, oil service and diagnosis test). I don’t know if you guys can trade my car in for something else or give me a loaner car but something has to be done. You guys have to help me out some kind of way due to this recall. This is acceptable especially since I have to Uber my kids to and from school and daycare and I have to Uber myself to work, pick up my kids and home every day. Please contact me as soon as possible [XXX] so this issue can be resolved. Thanks [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 20, 2024 · Acceleration, Engine · TN

In February, while I was driving on the interstate, I started to lose the ability to control the speed of my car. I pulled over and shut off my car. When I tried to start the car again, it wouldn't start. After I towed it home, I tried jump starting and an error message popped up stating it was the engine oil pump belt tensioner. After speaking with Ford customer service and a Service manager, I was told it could be by August before my car could be fixed.