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2019 Ford Ecosport Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2019 Ford Ecosport carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering seats and pump. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Oil pump drive belt tensioner failure.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SEATS

Campaign #19V023000 · Feb 1, 2019

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The front seat frames may have been improperly welded, resulting in the seat back being improperly secured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems," and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."

Risk: A loose seat back can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Ford has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front seat assemblies, free of charge. The recall began May 8, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18C08.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP

Campaign #23V905000 · Dec 22, 2023

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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 data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2019 Ford Ecosport.

Reported to NHTSA

Oil pump drive belt tensioner failure

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

37 NHTSA complaints · 2024-07 → 2026-04

“THE ENGINE OIL PUMP DRIVE BELT TENSIONER ARM FRACTURED, SEPARATED FROM THE TENSIONER BACKING PLATE, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF ENGINE OIL PRESSURE. THE FORD DEALERSHIP HAS CONFIRMED AND DOES NOT HAVE PARTS FOR REPAIR UNTIL 2025”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11616301
“The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11640893
“The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the "Low Oil Pressure" warning was illuminated. The contact pulled over, stopped the vehicle, checked the oil, and observed that the oil dipstick showed that the oil level was normal”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11602853

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Recall 23V905 repair parts unavailable

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

74 NHTSA complaints · 2024-06 → 2026-05

“The contact received notification of NHTSA 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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11675375
“The contact stated that he contacted several unknown local dealers for a year and eight months, and it was confirmed that the recall parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11678463
“I was informed that the required recall parts are on indefinite backorder and that there is no estimated date for availability. This leaves my vehicle unrepaired for a known safety defect with no clear timeline for remedy”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11718976

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission shudder and shift hesitation

POWER TRAIN

7 NHTSA complaints · 2024-07 → 2025-09

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11605289
“The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was hesitating before shifting gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the transmission was slipping”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11645331
“The contact stated while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11652023

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

APIM module failure disabling screen and camera

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2024-08 → 2025-05

“The screen appeared as if the system was rebooting, then it went dark and would not come back on, no longer displaying the camera feed from the rear camera when the transmission is put in reverse”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11660103
“Vehicle is 5 years old and the APIM went. Expensive part/repair and a main function of the vehicle. Cannot fix, update, or even reset the radio now”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11653100
“The contact stated that the main control screen had blacked out and the safety features including the back-over prevention camera was inoperable”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11630573

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine failure requiring engine replacement

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

47 NHTSA complaints · 2024-07 → 2026-08

“While driving the vehicle the engine lost power and check engine light came on. The vehicle RPM's increased but had no power. Was able to drive the vehicle home but was at inconstant speeds / RPMS could not get above 40 MPH. Low oil light came on while driving home as well”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11754811
“The contact stated that while his son was driving 35 MPH, the engine seized. The check engine and oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11603684
“I have had to put a new engine in my 2019 ford ecosport 3 times due to the open recall on the vehicle. It is currently at the ford dealership due to coolant leaking into the head gasket. The problems with the vehicle have been confirmed by the dealers”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11722109

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Loss of motive power while driving

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

19 NHTSA complaints · 2024-07 → 2026-06

“The contact stated that while driving approximately 60-65 MPH, the vehicle jerked, lost automotive power, or stalled on several occasions. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11725227
“The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine and the powertrain malfunction warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over to a family member’s residence. The contact was not able to restart the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11628660
“The contact stated that on four separate occasions, the vehicle would stall upon the depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and resume normal driving”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11605097

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

F-150 4x4 and Bronco 4x4: replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

31 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

7

complaints mentioning a crash

2

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2019 Ford Ecosport reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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