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Ford Ecosport transmission failure problems

13 of the 1,871 owner complaints about the Ford Ecosport describe complete transmission failure, most of them for the 2019 model year.

owner complaints
13
worst model year
2019
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Apr 21, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · CA

Engine and Transmission failed at 46,000 miles even though under a extended warranty Ford short changed us to where we had to pay $7200.00 to get the car fixed. This car is the worst for failures of the powertrain. Never will buy another Ford ever.

Filed Jul 28, 2025 · Transmission · 15,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked abnormally while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was serviced under warranty, and the transmission was replaced. Despite the transmission replacement, the failure persisted and became more frequent. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.

Filed Jul 2, 2025 · Transmission · RI

Before 58000 miles my 2019 Ford EcoSport began experiencing serious drivetrain issues. The car grinds when going uphill, shakes and shudders when accelerating, and the RPMs surge up and down erratically. A certified Ford dealer diagnosed it as a transmission-related problem, (torque converter which I understand to be an issue with these cars)and Ford has only offered partial financial assistance (45%) for a $3,000 repair. These symptoms pose a potential safety issue, especially while merging, climbing hills, or accelerating in traffic. Additionally, the infotainment system failed—backup camera and USB ports stopped working—raising more concerns about overall electrical system reliability. This transmission failure occurred far too early for normal wear and raises serious concerns about possible manufacturing defects. This should not be happening this soon and no engine lights came on or anything.

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, Suspension · OH

I have been waiting on the recall to be fixed for almost 2 years now. I've contacted Ford more times than I can remember, and they don't do anything other than say it's not available yet. I have had to replace the transmission, had many small repairs thinking it was something other than the recall. (I've paid over 2.5k in repairs and 1k in Ubers out of pocket) has 49000 miles, and I do not feel safe driving it at all. I will go somewhere that's within 5 miles, so I know I won't be stuck too far or on the highway, so it is causing MANY inconveniences as well as money for Uber etc. It is paid off and I'm going crazy trying to get this fixed. This is absolutely ridiculous, and I'm beyond FED UP! I keep looking to find a car similar that is NOT a Ford, but they're all too expensive and I don't think it's right I have to pay for FORD'S mistake!

Filed Feb 2, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · GA

Purchased the 2021 Ford EcoSport from Courtesy Ford (new), where I have the regularly serviced the vehicle. However, my ownership experience has been marked by repeated mechanical failures that have escalated to the point where, after only three years of ownership, I am being asked to replace the transmission—a repair I believe is both premature and unjustified given the circumstances outlined below. Timeline of Issues and Repairs: July 17, 2023: First experienced significant engine performance problems, particularly with the Auto Start feature malfunctioning, which led to the engine stalling while driving. Despite multiple tests, these issues persisted. Eventually, the engine was replaced, but I continued to experience jerking and misfiring after the replacement. October 2023 – January 2024: Despite having the engine replaced, the car began showing worsening jerking and misfiring, especially at higher speeds (60-65 mph or above). February 2024: During routine maintenance, I was informed that a catalytic converter needed replacement due to damage caused by the engine misfiring. I also learned that the starter motors were not replaced during the engine swap, despite it being common to get a tune up at about 80,000 and expecting thorough work after a engine replacement (Is that too much to ask) also being that I get ALL repairs and maintenance done here just for the service “ADVISOR’ to tell me you were been supposed to get a tune up, hysterical October 2024 – January 2025: The engine started losing power and struggling to rev, similar to before the new engine and catalytic converter replacement. After two weeks, I received a $3500 estimate for starters, coils, plugs, a coolant flush, and code P0128. After waiting for recall plans and assistance, I was informed that the technicians had added the two coils and plugs they initially had on the $3500 estimate and said after test driving it w/ those, they see that a new transmission is needed for $7500.

Filed Aug 6, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · 64,150 miles · OH

The contact's mother 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 while her mother was driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started jolting. Additionally, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond and stalled. The check engine warning light, the low oil pressure warning light, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The driver was unable to pull to the side of the road. The highway patrol assisted the contact's mother until the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the oil pump drive belt tensioner arm was fractured and there were metal shavings in the oil. Additionally, the dealer diagnosed that the loss of oil pump pressure had caused engine failure. The dealer determined that the engine and the turbo needed to be replaced. The vehicle was temporarily repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated several times three days after the repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the transmission fluid was low. The dealer replaced the transmission fluid several times; however, the failure persisted. The dealer diagnosed that the transmission front gear box had failed and needed to be replaced. 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 made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 64,150. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Jul 29, 2024 · Transmission · WI

Vehicle exhibits transmission issues at 70k miles. When put into reverse, very sharp and sudden jerking is present. When shifting between gears there is hesitation, lagging, and slipping. No previous issues and all Ford scheduled maintenance has been followed. Local mechanic diagnosed transmission failure, and Ford dealership has had the car for almost a week with no answers. Ford customer service has been no help so far. Car shows no warning codes or error messages on dash. Car is 5 years old and 70k miles. First transmission service on owners manual is 100k miles for a fluid change.

Filed Jun 7, 2024 · Engine · 47,000 miles · FL

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 that while driving at an undisclosed speed, and depressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle went into LIMP mode and would not restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed May 7, 2024 · Transmission · NJ

In February of 2024, the transmission on this vehicle was bucking and jerking. I took it to Ford and they assessed it as transmission failure. I had the transmission replaced. On Thursday May 2, 2024, having only driven approximately 3,000 miles in the interim, the new transmission went while I was driving 50 mph on a highway. The vehicle had a loud bang and jerk and would not go more than 10 mph. Nothing on the dash lit up to warn of any problem. Thankfully it was very early in the morning so there was little traffic. I was able to turn around and drive on the shoulder back to my house. During that time I could hear what sounded like parts bouncing around and the vehicle sounded like it was stuck in 2nd gear. I had it taken by flatbed to my mechanic, who confirmed that the transmission is again damaged beyond repair. This vehicle has the same defective transmission as the Focus. It is a lemon and should be subject to recall or at the very least the extension of warranty made by Ford for the Focus. They know that this is a defect in the design and they should be held accountable for their error. Had it been rush hour, I could have been killed or at the very least grievously injured.

Related recalls

Power train: axle assembly: axle shaftReported February 28, 2025 · 18,648 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 EcoSport vehicles. The front axle half shafts may disconnect from the transmission, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Risk
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. In addition, a disconnected half shaft can result in a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the half shafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S12.

Recall number 25V126000 · Recall details

Questions about the Ford Ecosport transmission failure

Which Ford Ecosport years have complete transmission failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2019 (6 complaints), 2018 (5 complaints) and 2020 (1 complaints).

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