2020 Ford Ecosport: engine stalls while driving

Filed Oct 29, 2026 · Engine · NC

"Our 2020 Ford EcoSport has suffered multiple catastrophic engine failures directly caused by the defective oil pump drive belt covered under the federal safety agency Recall 23V905000 / Ford Recall 23S64. The authorized recall remedy completely failed to permanently resolve the safety hazard on this vehicle, leading to repeated, highly dangerous highway emergencies. On 5/22/24 We towed the car to the dealer after sudden loss of oil pressure on highway during rush-hour traffic creating a stressful and dangerous stalling hazard. (93,601 Miles) On 7/31/24 An Interim engine (#2) was installed without the fix due to a lack of parts. On 8/28 - 9/24/25 We left our car for a month to complete the recall remedy. (131,635) On 8/21/26 We brought our car to the dealer after severe overheating occurred on the highway creating a dangerous situation. (164,934 Miles) On 8/25/25 the dealer misdiagnosed this recall symptom as a simple sensor issue and replaced the cylinder head temp sensor. We paid $2,659.57. On 10/1/26 (168,664) Just 3,730 miles after the misdiagnosis, the engine catastrophically blew during rush-hour traffic with the total loss of vehicle power creating a very dangerous situation.This final failure occurred exactly 1 year and 7 days after the recall fix date—just one week past the warranty window confirmed by Ford Corporate. The interim engine failed at exactly 75,063 miles since its 2024 install, matching the known premature failure window for these interim blocks. On 10/10/26 The local dealership denied us warranty coverage forcing us to pay $7,538.04 out-of-pocket for the engine alone. On top of the $2,659.57 for the sensor, plus $260.00 for a car rental, we paid $10,457.61 in forced costs for a recurring federal safety defect. Please investigate the premature failure of Ford's 23S64 replacement engines and remedy parts, as they present an ongoing highway stalling risk.

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 Mar 28, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · GA · fire

Incident Date: 12/28/2025 Location: [XXX] Related Recall: 23V905 / 23S64 On December 28, 2025, while driving at highway speeds on [XXX] , my 2020 Ford EcoSport suffered a sudden engine fire. There were no prior dashboard warnings or "Check Engine" lights until the fire began, the vehicle speed started to slow down itself, and I immediately pulled over on the side of the interstate. I turned off the vehicle, and lifted the hood, since I saw smoke, and there was a fire under the hood. I called [XXX] , and the [XXX] /Cobb County Fire Department responded to the scene and inspected the vehicle under the hood. I have video evidence of the fire department on-scene and the emergency inspection of the burning engine. This vehicle is subject to Safety Recall 23V905 (Ford 23S64) for oil pump belt/tensioner failure leading to engine seizure. Crucially, a recall "repair" had been previously performed on this vehicle, yet the engine still suffered a catastrophic thermal event. This indicates either an ineffective remedy or a negligent installation. The vehicle was towed to Hennessy Ford [XXX] ). Their diagnosis confirmed: "COIL PACK BURN AND BURNED THE #2 INJECTOR AND HARNESS AND VALVE COVER." Despite the federal mandate that recall-related failures be handled at no cost, the dealership attempted to charge me over $2,000 for the diagnosis and repairs. Furthermore, Ford Customer Relationship Center (escalated 03/27/2026) has stalled the case by moving it to legal counsel with a 15-day waiting period. I am reporting this as a serious safety defect and a failure of a prior recall remedy. I am requesting a full investigation into the fire and a manufacturer buyback as the vehicle's safety integrity is now compromised. Also, I filed a claim with Ford Customer Relationship Center, here is my case number: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 18, 2025 · Engine · 60,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The oil light was illuminated. The message “Oil Engine Pressure Failure” was displayed. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with an oil tension pulley failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Filed Sep 12, 2025 · Engine · 105,000 miles · MS

The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact observed smoke coming from the engine compartment, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not able to restart. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was informed that parts were on back order, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

Filed Jul 3, 2025 · Engine · FL

The contact's girlfriend owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was no longer being driven due to safety concerns. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), which the contact related to the failure; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer and AutoNation Ford Orange Park(7700 Blanding Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32244) were contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

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 Feb 14, 2025 · Engine · 72,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while stopped at an intersection, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle started shaking. The contact smelled an abnormal burned plastic odor and observed that there was white smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated that the "Low Oil Pressure" warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) which was associated with the VIN. The contact stated that prior to the failure there were other unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument cluster. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

Filed Feb 7, 2025 · Engine · 72,000 miles · IN

The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while at a complete stop, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road with assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer the following week. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the failure was related to the recall. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced as an interim recall repair. The dealer informed the contact that a diagnostic report with photos of the failure had been sent to the manufacturer, and the engine was ordered. The contact stated that upon following up with the dealer, the dealer advised the contact that no further information was available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Sep 25, 2024 · Engine · 64,765 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil pump tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,765. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Sep 23, 2024 · Engine · 78,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the light turned green and the contact depressed the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle and the vehicle was towed to her sister's residence. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 78,800. VIN tool confirms parts not available.