Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owned a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25-30 MPH, the vehicle ahead applied the brakes. The contact then depressed the brake pedal; however, the brakes were inoperable, causing the vehicle to rear-end the vehicle in front. The contact further stated that the parking brake was applied but was also inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle sustained front-end damage, including impact to the center of the bumper, radiator damage, and hood intrusion into the engine compartment. The other vehicle sustained damage to the trunk and rear bumper. The airbags did not deploy, and no warning light illuminated before or during the incident. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and was later towed to a junk yard. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. No injuries were reported. …
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and contacted her son. The contact's son inspected the oil pump and oil filter but could not determine the cause of the failure. The contact then drove to the residence; however, while attempting to pull into the driveway, the power steering and the brakes failed to function as needed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer advised the contact to repair the vehicle at her own expense, and she might be reimbursed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The vehicle was driven to a nearby independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and several unknown DTCs were retrieved. The vehicle remained with an independent mechanic. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced at the dealer six days prior to the failure. The contact stated that the failure occurred while the contact was traveling out of town. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
The low brake fluid warning came on my dash as I tried to stop at a stop sign. I tried again to depress the brake pedal and the brake pedal was not moving. It was like it was locked in place. The second time I tried to push the brake, the warning flashed that I had no brake fluid. I managed to avoid traffic and the treeline, but sailed over a guide sign and into a cluster of power lines. Two of the lines were pulled out of the ground from the force of the impact. I checked the brake fluid reservoir and I do in fact have brake fluid within the specified range. My brakes should have worked.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes seized and the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine, battery, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact replaced the battery; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
I was having issues where accelerating was difficult for a couple weeks. Then I was going 70 on the highway and began dropping speed quickly (down to 30 mph within 30 seconds). I was pressing on the gas and nothing was happening. My check engine light turned on and the wrench light showed up, my screen when black and I had to pull over, felt like car stalled. Turned car off and then back on to try to get somewhere safer. Far would not go over 20 pulled into parking spot and breaks didn't work. Got towed to my family mechanic and he drove it and said the same thing happened (he thought it was electric so send me to ford dealer). Dealer could not find anything wrong except a software update was needed. Problem was resolved but I found it hard to believe that was it. Fast forward 10 months later same thing happens. Lights turned on then off. Auto stop/start no longer working. …
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving 5-10 MPH and depressing the brake pedal to come to a complete stop, the vehicle failed to respond and crashed into another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. Additionally, the contact stated that the brake pedal fractured, causing her right foot to go through the pedal. The contact sustained whiplash, and cuts and bruises on the right foot. The other driver did not sustain injuries. The contact was able to continue driving. No police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an oil leak, but the source of the leak could not be determined. The check engine warning light was illuminated. …
While driving toward the freeway on January 16, 2026, I pressed my brakes and the vehicle failed to slow or stop. Instead, the vehicle accelerated. I reacted quickly to avoid a head-on collision but was involved in a crash. When pressing on my brakes there were audible sounds from from my hood. As if my car wanted to stop but wouldn't. My engine previously failed for the same reason. When the second and third decal came out I called my local dealership. After my last oil change my car began to show show signs of concern. I emails and called the dealership, I brought my car in however they had no one to work on my car and wouldn't offer a rental. Told me as long as my car is drivable I'll be fine. This vehicle has an open recall related to engine/performance defects. History includes: Complete engine failure in 2024 (vehicle retained for two months). …
Related recalls (1)
Service brakes
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Ecosport vehicles sold in the United States Federal Territiories. These vehicles were shipped with the European brake reservoir pictogram cap label and the European English language owner's manual kits.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake fluid cap and owner's manual kit, free of charge. The recall began on June 21, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Ecosport years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2018 (33), 2021 (15), 2019 (14) and 2020 (13) model years. Brake complaints make up 5% of all complaints for the 2018.
Is there a recall for Ford Ecosport brake problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 18V-312 (service brakes, May 14, 2018). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Ecosport brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles; 47% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock › abs warning light (1 mentions).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.