2020 Ford Ecosport: sudden loss of power

Filed Aug 30, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · MD

​Statement of Problem & Safety Risk: I am filing a complaint regarding a persistent, critical safety defect on my 2020 Ford EcoSport. This vehicle previously suffered an engine failure linked to Ford Recall 23S64 / the federal safety agency Campaign 23V‑905 (oil pump drive belt/tensioner failure causing loss of oil pressure). An engine assembly replacement was performed under the recall around 58,000 miles. ​Despite having the recall service performed, the replacement engine has now experienced a secondary failure. The vehicle’s wrench light illuminated, and the car went into severe "Limp Mode" while being driven, resulting in an immediate loss of accelerator power and engine torque. ​This creates an extreme safety hazard, causing a sudden loss of drive power in traffic and exposing the engine to potential oil starvation, complete engine seizure, and loss of power braking assist. ​Manufacturer & Dealership Non-Compliance: Both Ford Motor Company customer service and local Ford dealership management have stonewalled our requests to diagnose and address this recurring safety hazard under the active federal recall. They have refused to assist or provide appropriate loaner transportation while the vehicle remains unsafe to operate. ​I request that the federal safety agency document this failed recall repair, investigate repeat oil pump belt/engine failures on vehicles serviced under Campaign 23V‑905, and compel Ford Motor Company to honor its safety recall obligations. This is an ongoing problem these cars are junk and the consumer is stuck paying for it. I am not sure what date to put underneath here because the issue is ongoing

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 Jul 3, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

My 2020 Ford EcoSport (1.0L EcoBoost) is covered by Recall 23S64 / the federal safety agency 23V905 (engine oil pump drive belt). The defect causes sudden loss of motive power at highway speed (65+ mph), usually after 40+ minutes of driving, with the powertrain warning light and code P0299 (turbo underboost). Losing power in Los Angeles freeway traffic is the safety hazard. The recall remedy has failed repeatedly. In Oct 2025 the dealer tore down the engine, confirmed the oil pump belt had disintegrated and clogged the oil pickup, and replaced the complete engine (long block) under the recall in Dec 2025. The recall now shows as completed for this vehicle, but since that repair, with under 500 miles driven: (1) the turbocharger failed again and was replaced under warranty in Feb 2026, about 77 miles after the new engine; (2) in Apr 2026 the dealer found a cracked valve cover leaking oil into cylinder 3 (codes P0313, P0299); (3) on May 23, 2026 I picked the car up and the same power-loss condition returned THE SAME DAY - the dealer then found a loose air charge pipe; (4) on Jun 20, 2026 I picked the car up again and it failed THE SAME DAY. Both same-day failures are corroborated by round-trip rideshare receipts. The vehicle has been at the dealer since Jun 20, 2026, and the service advisor has not answered my written requests for diagnosis or coverage for over a week. Before the recall was confirmed, the same defect caused repeated repairs from Jun 2024 on (13 shop visits, 9 to Ford dealers). In Aug 2025 Ford's own technical hotline directed an engine teardown to find the root cause; the dealer advisor declined it. The remedy under Recall 23S64 has not remedied the defect: the recall-replaced engine has failed component by component within 500 miles and the vehicle remains out of service. All components are available for inspection at the dealer. Full repair orders, invoices, and dated records are available on request.

Filed May 22, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · MN

Vehicle experienced sudden severe loss of motive power consistent with Ford Safety Recall 23S64 (the federal safety agency Campaign 23V905000). Prior to repair, the vehicle entered limp mode and could not accelerate beyond approximately 30 to 35 MPH. Low oil pressure warning indicators and check engine light illuminated repeatedly. Engine produced abnormal grinding and strained startup noises. Vehicle also experienced hesitation, shaking, and difficulty maintaining safe roadway speeds. While I was trying stop at a red light the vehicle struggles to brake although the brakes are applied, after coming to a full stop the vehicle shutdowns and would have restart. During operation, vehicle struggled to accelerate in traffic and braking performance became concerning due to severe engine power loss and unstable operation. On multiple occasions, the engine nearly stalled or shut down completely after stopping at intersections. Vehicle was delivered to Ford dealership for Recall 23S64 repair. Dealer completed the recall repair and stated oil pressure had been restored; however, the vehicle continued exhibiting the same severe loss of power and limp mode symptoms after completion of the recall procedure. Dealer later performed additional diagnostics and identified DTC P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low) and a broken intake camshaft requiring major engine repairs estimated at approximately $9,000. Dealer stated the engine damage was not covered or related under the recall despite the vehicle originally presenting with the same low oil pressure, loss of motive power, and drivability symptoms described in Recall 23S64. Vehicle remains unsafe to operate due to unresolved loss of power and internal engine damage. Concern exists that the recall related oil pressure failure may have caused consequential internal engine damage that was not fully corrected by the recall repair procedure. Problem has been confirmed by authorized Ford dealership inspection and diagnostic testing.

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 Dec 28, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · MI

The failure involves the engine/powertrain system, specifically the engine oil pressure system, resulting in loss of engine power and a subsequent loss of effective braking assistance. The vehicle displayed a low engine oil pressure warning and a “powertrain system fault” message prior to the loss of braking effectiveness. The vehicle is currently not being driven and is available for inspection upon request. The engine was previously replaced in April 2025 as part of a recall-related interim remedy following an engine failure, yet the same symptoms have since reoccurred. My safety and the safety of others were placed at immediate and severe risk. On December 26, 2025, while driving at highway speed in heavy rain, the vehicle rapidly decelerated from approximately 79 mph to 60 mph, creating a dangerous situation in active freeway traffic. After exiting the freeway, the risk escalated when the vehicle experienced a loss of effective braking. While entering my apartment complex, I was forced to engage in defensive driving to avoid a collision. I narrowly avoided striking a pedestrian who was exiting their vehicle and then had to defensively steer away from the front of my apartment building to avoid crashing into the structure because the vehicle would not stop. A serious injury or fatality to myself or others was narrowly avoided. Yes. In March 2025, after experiencing a serious loss of power while driving, the vehicle was towed to a Ford dealership. The vehicle remained there for approximately one month, during which time the engine failure was confirmed and attributed to an active recall. As a result, the engine was replaced under the recall. This confirms that the issue has been previously verified by an authorized Ford dealership. Despite this repair, the same failure symptoms have reoccurred. The vehicle has been inspected and serviced by an authorized Ford dealership in connection with the recall-related engine failure and replacement in March–April 2025.

Filed Aug 24, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · NC

On March 13, 2025, while driving, my 2020 Ford EcoSport suddenly lost power and shut down. The vehicle is under Recall 23S64 (oil pump failure). I had to tow it to a shop, which confirmed low oil pressure, then to Ford, who confirmed complete engine failure and replaced the engine parts. I was without a vehicle for 34 days and Ford refused to provide a rental unless it was a Ford-brand, which was unavailable. After the engine replacement, further issues occurred: check engine light, battery failure, overheating, coolant leaks, and multiple installation errors including a missing coolant line bracket (causing leaks), cross-threaded turbo-to-cat converter stud, missing splash shield, and broken overflow line. Repairs cost thousands of dollars out-of-pocket. On May 13, 2025, a new recall was issued on the replacement engine, meaning my car remains unsafe despite the prior recall fix. These failures created unsafe driving conditions (loss of power on the road, overheating, potential engine fire risk). The problems have been confirmed by both Ford and an independent certified shop.

Filed Apr 22, 2025 · Engine · NY

The flex plate on the engine broke causing a loss of power and the vehicle stalled and was unable to be restarted.

Filed Mar 2, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · GA

-The oil pump failed while I was driving on the interstate. My vehicle suddenly lost power without warning. There was moderate traffic, and I almost did not make it to the shoulder in time, having to swerve around vehicles. -My vehicle was towed to a Ford Dealership and their service department told me "The engine tore itself apart from the inside" and that repairs would be "About $7000". From there it was towed to my driveway. It has been sitting in my driveway since July 2023. I've been forced to continue making payments on it this entire time. -I attempted to have the recall repair scheduled three times at a Ford dealership, but each attempt failed: *December 2024 (in-person visit): I was turned away and told to schedule later. *January 2025 (phone call): Provided my information, but never received a follow-up. *February 2025 (online service request): Ford never responded. ---Because of Ford’s lack of response, the issue has not been officially confirmed by a dealer, but it matches the symptoms of the oil pump recall (which affects my VIN). -No, the vehicle has not been inspected because Ford has refused to schedule an appointment despite multiple attempts. -No, there were no warning lights, messages, or prior symptoms before the failure. The vehicle suddenly lost power without any prior indication, which made the situation even more dangerous.

Filed Nov 4, 2024 · Brakes, Engine · TX

There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. I found out about the recall when I was researching how to operate my vehicle. I made an appointment to have the recall repair made on April 5, 2024. On April 8. 2024, the dealer called back the Service Manager stated, "They aren't processing the recalls unless the vehicle is on the side of the road." I called several other dealers and they stated they also would not repair the vehicle. On [XXX], the engine oil pump drive belt tensioner arm fractured and separated from the tensioner backing plate. The oil pump drive belt lost teeth and the car lost engine oil pressure. There was a loss of motive power and a loss of mechanical vacuum pump the vehicle lost all power and shut down. I was sitting at a light in the middle of the street at 11:30 PM. The vehicle could have shut down on the highway. I had just exited the highway, it was late at night and dark. Someone could have run into the back of my vehicle. I had the vehicle towed to Planet Ford in Spring, TX. After negotiating with them they worked on the engine but the car would not start. Then they said it needed a new battery and once installed the vehicle still did not run properly. They stated I needed to pay for a diagnostic because transmission lights are coming on. I refused because the damage was 100% caused by Ford's irresponsibility and neglect. The Recall stated repairs were supposed to be made at no charge. Planet Ford is now saying they have to put in a request to the Ford Corporation to ask if Ford will assist me with the cost of repairs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 4, 2024 · Engine · CA

As I was driving home 8/2/24 at approximately 12:00pm the engine died in my 2020 Ford EcoSport. The automobile will not start, resulting in my having to get it towed. Powertrain Malfunction/ Reduced Power. P0012 A Camshaft position timing over - Retarded Bank 1 P0014 B Camshaft position Timing Over - Advanced or System Performance Bank 1 P0299Turbocharge/Supercharger Underboost P0340 Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Bank 1 or Single Sensor

Filed Jul 1, 2024 · Engine · OH

The pressure light came on and car started shaking and lost power. Called Ford to be told parts not available to call a dealership and they said they can’t do anything at this time or provide me with a loaner. And I have to literally have my car towed because I was stuck on the side of the highway. If this is a recall Ford or the dealership are not doing anything to help me.