Ford Ecosport hesitation problems

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 May 1, 2026 · Transmission · GA

On 7/25 I responded to the Recall & drove my 2021 Ford Eco-Sport vehicle into dealership due to1st Recall regarding the "Front Half Shaft" where there is obvious contact with transmission. However, the maintenance receipt showed passed inspection. Yet again, I received the 2nd Recall regarding the "Oil Pump Drive Belt/Tensioner" I responded to the notice & drove it to the dealership on March 26 exactly 8 months after the 1st Recall with the "Front Half Shaft" transmission issue. It was deemed as repaired, however, not in my opinion. Upon picking my vehicle up from the Gerald Jones Auto Group Dealership April 2026 and heading out of town I noticed that the vehicle was driving a lot rougher than I'd expected especially after an entire month of having the vehicle to repair completely, of course, I canceled my trip and immediately called the dealership and explained my concerns regarding the feel of the roughness of the vehicle & that I was not comfortable because I hadn't experienced this before. I was asked to bring it back. After waiting for the recheck I was informed that there was a hose disconnected in the rear afterwards I was advised to call the dealership with any other problems. I started home noticed that there was still a slight skipping or hesitation around the 15-50mp range I called & got voice mail & I left a detailed message about problems. I had to run an errand, on the way home as I moved onto the busy interstate the vehicle really started skipping & hesitating much worse than before & a noisy fan sound coming from the mid right side dash area that hadn't been there! I called the dealership back as instructed & left another message. I waited an entire day no one returned my call. I called again on the next day was told to bring the car in again a 2rd time. The 3rd time car was checked there I was informed it was a transmission issue not part of Recall the cost of repair would be totally my responsibility according to Manager, which is not fair!

Filed Feb 3, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · TX

The affected systems are the engine and powertrain. After completion of Safety Recall 23S64 (the federal safety agency #23V905) in November 2025, my vehicle began experiencing repeated loss of power, stalling, and reduced-power “limp mode” events. The check engine light illuminated and diagnostic trouble code P0299 (Turbocharger Underboost Condition) was identified. The vehicle remains available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk due to sudden loss of engine power while driving, including hesitation and reduced acceleration in traffic. The vehicle has stalled and entered limp mode unexpectedly, creating a risk of being unable to maintain speed or safely merge. The problem has been reproduced and documented through multiple return visits to the same Ford dealership following the recall repair. The dealership attempted repairs including spark plug replacement and battery replacement, which did not resolve the issue. On the most recent visit, the dealership stated the issue was “unable to duplicate” and returned the vehicle without repair, despite prior documented limp mode behavior. The vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer’s authorized dealership multiple times. Additionally, an independent diagnostic scan confirmed P0299 turbocharger underboost. Warning indicators included the check engine light, reduced engine power, and limp mode behavior, which first appeared after the recall repair was completed. These symptoms have continued despite repeated service visits. Given the vehicle’s history of prior engine failure at approximately 29, 313 miles, and the fact that Recall 23S64 involves oil pump belt failure and oil pressure loss, I am concerned that the recall repair was incomplete or ineffective, potentially allowing residual oil starvation damage affecting the turbocharger and related components.

Filed Aug 19, 2025 · Engine · 8,000 miles · DC

The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road, and the vehicle was able to restart. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving, and the check engine warning light had become constantly illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that upon starting the vehicle after the vehicle was refueled, the vehicle hesitated to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair, but the dealer informed the contact that the recall repair could only be completed after the engine had completely failed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 approximately 8,000.

Filed Jul 8, 2025 · Engine · OH

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 at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and jerked while attempting to accelerate. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Jun 17, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · NJ

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The issue appears to be related to the powertrain system, specifically the belt tension or transmission shifting components. A “Powertrain Malfunction / Reduced Power” warning message appeared through the FordPass app, and I have also been experiencing jerking or hesitation when applying pressure to the gas pedal, particularly during gear shifts. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. ⸻ How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The unexpected jerking and reduction in power while driving could pose a serious safety risk, especially when merging onto highways or changing lanes, where smooth acceleration is critical. This behavior could result in a loss of control or increase the likelihood of a rear-end collision in traffic. ⸻ Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? An independent mechanic has reviewed the issue and suspects that it may be related to the previously reported belt tension recall, although my specific vehicle VIN was not included in that recall group. The mechanic observed the jerking and powertrain alert and recommended further inspection. ⸻ Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not yet. I am currently in the process of filing this report and seeking guidance from the manufacturer to determine the next steps for inspection and resolution. ⸻ Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. The “Powertrain Malfunction / Reduced Power” message appeared via the FordPass app. Prior to the alert, I had noticed intermittent jerking and hesitation during acceleration, which became more noticeable within the last few weeks leading up to the warning

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.