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Ford Ecosport knocking problems

68 of the 1,871 owner complaints about the Ford Ecosport describe engine knocking or ticking, most of them for the 2018 model year.

owner complaints
68
worst model year
2018
typical mileage
64,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Jul 21, 2026 · Engine · 106,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine, and the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact stated that while slowing down, the RPM became extremely elevated, and the low oil pressure warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle failed to accelerate, and the contact pulled over into a nearby parking lot and parked the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.

Filed Jul 6, 2026 · Transmission · KY

There was a recall on these cars do to timing chain issues but mine was not in the recall with the others but ones not in recall are having same issues. Car is a ticking time bomb I want fixed under the recall.

Filed Apr 25, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · IL

My 2019 Ford EcoSport 1.0L EcoBoost engine began making loud noise consistent with oil pressure failure. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Ford dealership. The dealership performed a teardown and confirmed the oil pump belt tensioner had failed — the exact defect described in Safety Recall 23S64. The dealer replaced the oil pump belt, tensioner, and oil pump under Recall 23S64. However, the dealer then stated that the resulting engine damage — severe scoring of connecting rod bearings and crankshaft journals caused by oil starvation — is “not related to the recall” and refused to replace the engine under Recall 23S64. Ford’s own recall documentation states: if engine failure is related to a broken oil pump belt or tensioner, a long block engine replacement is authorized as an interim repair at no charge. The updated Service Action also states the oil pump belt and tensioner no longer need to be replaced before long block installation. The causal chain is direct: tensioner failed (recall defect) → oil pressure lost → engine destroyed. The dealer’s refusal to replace the engine appears to violate Ford’s own Recall 23S64 service procedure. The vehicle has been inoperable for weeks. I continue making monthly loan and insurance payments on a vehicle I cannot drive. My extended warranty claim was also denied because the warranty company requires written confirmation from Ford that the engine damage is not recall-related — a document the dealer says they cannot provide. I am requesting the federal safety agency to investigate whether Ford dealers are systematically denying recall-related engine replacements under 23S64 that they are obligated to perform per Ford’s own recall service procedures. Additionally, prior to the complete engine failure, the vehicle stalled unexpectedly while stopped at a red light in active traffic without any warning. The engine shut off suddenly, consistent with sudden loss of oil pressure caused by the recall defect. This created a dangerous safety situation

Filed Nov 7, 2025 · Engine · 82,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was an abnormal loud ticking sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the wrench symbol was displayed. The contact drove the vehicle back to the residence and then had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the vehicle had not yet been diagnosed, and the dealer was unable to advise when the vehicle would be repaired. The contact was aware that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V905000(Engine and Engine Cooling) and related the failure to the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

Filed Apr 16, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · TX

I am filing this complaint regarding critical safety issues with my 2021 Ford Ecosport that arose immediately after an engine replacement performed under Recall #23S64 (Engine Oil Pump Belt and Tensioner Replacement). On [XXX], I dropped off my vehicle at Covert Ford-Lincoln in Austin, TX, for the recall repair. The dealership replaced the engine, but since then, my vehicle has developed severe defects directly resulting from Ford’s improper repair procedures. On [XXX], I picked up the vehicle. Within 20 miles, it abruptly shut off while in motion and would not restart, creating a serious safety hazard. The vehicle was towed back to the dealership, where they blamed the issue on a faulty battery—despite no prior issues. I paid $300 for a replacement. During a test drive, the check engine light illuminated, and the dealership diagnosed a knock sensor issue, which they claimed was unrelated to the engine replacement. They charged me nearly $200 for the repair, saying it was “bad timing.” On April 11, 2025, after nearly two months without resolution, I visited the dealership to find the vehicle still unrepaired. I also discovered damage to the hood while in their care and was informed of additional issues, including unusual piston sounds from the new engine. These problems, including the engine shutdown, knock sensor failure, and piston damage, were nonexistent before the recall repair and are clear consequences of Ford’s mishandling of the engine replacement. These unresolved defects have rendered my vehicle unsafe and unusable for over two months. I am requesting that Ford replace my vehicle or issue a full refund, as the recall repair has caused systemic and ongoing failures. Ford must take responsibility for ensuring the safety and reliability of their vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 12, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · MI

I was driving my vehicle on the expressway when it started to shake and slow down. A message then appeared on my screen to check the engine oil level. At this point my car could not speed up past 40 mph and my engine was making a loud knocking noise. I took it to Valvoline and they informed me all my fluids were good. When I left the problem persisted, and my car speed dropped to 33 mph in a 55 mph lane.

Filed Mar 3, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 26,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ecosport. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, and the transmission failed to shift above second gear. In addition, the contact became aware of an abnormal ticking sound. The contact stated the sound was like the sound of a sewing machine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not inspected. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. 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 failure. The failure mileage was 26,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Feb 27, 2025 · Engine · 49,000 miles · CT

The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while at a stop light and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. There was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was taken to be diagnosed; however, the technician was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the engine was replaced; however, the contact was informed that the repair was temporary. The contact stated that after the engine was replaced, the vehicle was retrieved; however, three weeks later the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 49,000.

Filed Feb 19, 2025 · Engine · 49,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2018 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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the oil pressure warning light illuminated with an abnormal, knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact's husband immediately pulled over and left the vehicle on the side of the highway. The vehicle was later towed to a local dealer where it was confirmed that the failure was related to the recall; the vehicle remained with the dealer. 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 and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

Filed Jan 14, 2025 · Engine · 30,546 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2018 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 while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started making a ticking sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to Midas to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed, and the contact was informed to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired with the same recalled parts and the engine was replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,546. VIN tool confirms part not available.

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine: oil/lubrication: pumpReported December 22, 2023 · 139,730 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.
Risk
A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the oil pump tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt, free of charge. If engine failure occurs due to a damaged oil pump belt and/or oil pump belt tensioner, Ford has authorized dealers to replace the engine assembly as an interim repair before the availability of remedy parts for the final repair. This repair will be free of charge (parts and labor). Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S64.

Recall number 23V905000 · Recall details

Questions about the Ford Ecosport knocking

Which Ford Ecosport years have engine knocking or ticking problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2018 (26 complaints), 2020 (20 complaints) and 2019 (18 complaints).

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