2020 Ford Ecosport: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Aug 7, 2026 · Engine · DC

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 dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed that parts were unavailable. The contact later received a letter stating that parts were available; however, the dealer stated that due to a limited supply, they could only service the recall if the vehicle had experienced the failure. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer to be repaired. Upon inspection, the mechanic discovered that the engine oil pump drive belt tensioner arm was fractured, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

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 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 May 20, 2026 · Engine · 57,000 miles · MN

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated while starting the vehicle up she noticed that it hesitate was turning on and noticed the oil pressure warning light illuminated, and stated while accelerating the vehicle starts to shake and would not go above 30 MPH, and while trying to 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. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed to have a broken intake camshaft and bank 1, causing the engine block to be repaired. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: (23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) however, the dealer would not repair the recall due to the extensive issues caused by the pending recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 57,000.

Filed Jun 10, 2025 · Transmission · 107,130 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission hesitated to shift as intended, with a whining sound. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,130.

Filed Nov 12, 2024 · Engine · 73,000 miles · AZ

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 local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil, and experienced acceleration hesitation and loss of motive power. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not repaired. The failure mileage was 73,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Jul 3, 2024 · Engine · 30,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the vehicle hesitated while responding. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact related the failure to 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 not contacted. 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 failure mileage was approximately 30,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed May 30, 2024 · Engine · 43,000 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. As the failure persisted, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that there was heavy black smoke coming from the exhaust pipe upon starting the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where they discovered that the engine oil pump drive belt tensioner arm had fractured and caused metal shavings to enter the engine cylinders. The vehicle remained in the dealer's possession and 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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Apr 4, 2024 · Engine · 44,000 miles · IL

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 that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the oil pressure and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that while accelerating, the vehicle hesitated before accelerating. The dealer was made aware of the failure but was not able to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Dec 5, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · MD

I purchased this vehicle in 2020 and for the first 55,000 miles the car was great and after that it became a nightmar. I was driving one day and and lost power and the car would not accelerate properly I took the car to my dealership and after them having it they said the turbo charger had malfunctioned. The dealer fixed it after paying a $100 deductible. A month or so goes by and the car lost power and the engine was knocking. I called the dealer once again and they came and picked it up. A few days went by and the dealer called and said that the oil pump had failed causing the engine to blow. They said they were going to replace the engine and after several days they called and said my car was finished. I went and picked it up. Since then the car has been back in the shop twice because the wrench light kept coming on and having the same powertrain issues. The second time was just in the past few days to be exact Dec,02,2023 the same problem the wrench light hesitation and no acceleration when hitting the gas pedal the dealership once again told me to bring it in. Today Dec,05 I was told to come In about my car and they informed me the battery and the brake linings were the cause of the wrench light. Doing my own research the wrench light is a sign of powertrain issues. The dealership tells me what they want to tell me because I feel like they are tired of dealing with this issue and it's very disheartening to me because this is my only mode of transportation.

Filed May 15, 2023 · Fuel system · 21,550 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the MAP (Manifold Absolute Pressure) sensor was cleaned and the air filter was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,550.