2020 Ford EcoSport Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

Air bag & engine issues are among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners

Updated on November 15th, 2023 Author: Brian Jones

Smaller SUVs are all the rage over the last few years, with the 2020 Ford EcoSport. Newer models claim to allow customers to “feel good, do everything.” However, customers continue to complain about the defective air bags, malfunctioning engine and shoddy powertrain.

Click on other model year to view more problems: 2019

Problems with the Air Bags

Air bags are designed to keep occupants safe during an accident. However, they don’t seem to work well in the 2020 EcoSport.

One NHTSA complaint reads, “The contact owns a 2020 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated that while stopped and attempting to make a left turn, another vehicle ran a red light and T-boned his vehicle. Due to the impact, his vehicle slammed into a guardrail on a bridge, nearly knocking the vehicle over the bridge. The contact stated that all curtain side airbags were deployed; however, his driver and passenger side airbags did not deploy. The contact stated that he was trapped in the vehicle and had to wait for authorities to assist him out of the vehicle. The contact was rushed to the hospital but decided to leave after a long wait in the emergency room. The contact stated that he did have soreness to his right shoulder and right arm. A police report was filed (210066310). The whereabouts of the other driver were unknown. The vehicle was towed to an independent body shop where it remained in their possession after the contact was given an estimate for repair. Upon investigation, the contact linked his failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V791000(Air Bags). The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 20,310.”

The recall being referred to revealed that some front air bag modules were missing the first-stage booster propellant and sleeve. Without these parts, the air bags could fail to deploy during an accident, leading to a higher chance of injury. These are basic principles that should never be overlooked, but Ford manages to take the cake with this defect.

2020 Ford EcoSport Complaint Summary

Engine Problems

One of the top complaints about the 2020 EcoSport centers always around the engine, its power and reliability.

One Edmunds customer writes, “1. 2 weeks after getting car kept getting warning message regarding engine temperature, car would go into reduced power mode while I was in traffic. 2. Took a road trip was climbing steep grade, speed limit was 75. Received a warning g regarding engine coolant high temp. Received this 3 times after stopping to let things cool down a bit. Had driven less then 300 miles. I use the car for work keep engine running 10 hours or more in 115 degrees no problem. 3. Drove from Phoenix to Tucson, looking at houses, on the way back stopped at Rest Area while getting back on highway (again 75 mile an hour speed limit. Was getting up to speed when the Engine Coolant High temp warning came on, this time engine went into Reduced Power mode. Check engine light came on. Obviously this is an unreliable/unsafe vehicle at speeds over 65. It’s now at the dealer with a 2 week wait before they even get around to looking at it.”

Despite how many complaints are filling up the internet forums, Ford claims to find nothing wrong with the engines. Instead, customers are left on their own, dealing with the problems and regretting every minute of the purchase. It won’t be long before Chevy finds itself with many more buyers.

Problems with the Powertrain

Working hand-in-hand with the engine, it turns out that the powertrain in the 2020 EcoSport is just as defective.

Here’s another Edmunds review worth reading. “I’m currently in the process of enacting the Ohio Lemon Laws for this car. I’ve had it since November 2019 and have had TWO transmissions fully rebuilt into the car in the past year. Do not buy unless you want a headache and lawsuit on your hands.”

When it comes to the transmission, Ford is acknowledging some things, which is progress. SSM 49821 states that small debris can cause the VCT solenoid to stick, causing many error codes and drivability concerns. However, automakers should expect vehicles to deal with small forms of debris, considering it is driving down the road. Most vehicles are designed to deal with debris and contaminants without failing, but not the EcoSport. From what has been shown, it’s hard to imagine this SUV doing anything that feels good unless customers enjoy paying for expensive repairs and waiting weeks for the vehicle to be fixed.

Your Lemon Law Legal Rights

Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Ford pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.

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