Electrical complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owned a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact managed to pull over to the shoulder of the road and the vehicle experience a loss of automotive power. The contact stated that black smoke was leaking from under the hood and the driver-side door would not unlock or unlatch to open. In addition, the contact stated that she managed to exit through the front passenger side door before the vehicle caught on fire. The contact sustained a bruise and scrapes on her left leg however, did not seek medical attention. The local fire department arrived to extinguish the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a local tow lot, where it was deemed a total loss. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle restarted after 20 minutes. The Check Engine warning light was illuminated. The "Charging System Failed" message was displayed. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) recall repair. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the EVAP purge system replacement. The vehicle was repaired; however, the Check Engine warning light illuminated while leaving the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer, who informed the contact that a diagnostic test was needed, and that there was no warranty coverage. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 60,688.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the Ford dealer mobile technician replaced the battery, and the vehicle was able to start. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, 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 contacted. 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 issue. The failure mileage was approximately 20,774. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that upon cleaning the vehicle, he noticed water on the floorboard under the front passenger's seat. The contact cleaned up the water; however, the failure recurred on another occasion. The contact stated that there was a significant amount of water under the front passenger's seat. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was inspected. The local dealer determined that the failure occurred because the sunroof drain was clogged. The sunroof drain was cleaned; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the water accumulation had generated rust and unknown electrical failures. …
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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 contact stated that the main control screen had blacked out and the safety features including the back-over prevention camera was inoperable. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the message that the vehicle was overheating was displayed on the dashboard and the vehicle decelerated to 9 MPH. The contact was able to exit the highway and pull over. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the recall repairs would begin in 2025. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 73,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The vehicle was initially taken to the local dealer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V011000 (Equipment). The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the engine had overheated. A diagnostic scanner was used to determine that the head overheat protection was active and there was no coolant in the coolant reservoir. The hose was not connected to the heater cooler. The donut gasket was not attached to the exhaust. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the O-ring had failed to snap in place. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the thermostat had failed. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic, who made the same assessment and informed the contact that the failure could be covered under warranty. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the engine under warranty; however, the failure recurred within 24 hours. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the thermostat and the starter were replaced. The contact stated that while pulling out of a Walmart parking lot the following day, the vehicle shut off. …
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH and attempting to complete a turn, the Auto START/STOP feature activated and turned the vehicle off, with the message "Shift to Park(P) to Manually Restart" was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The battery warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with a piston, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 125,000. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Ecosport years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2018 (35), 2021 (23), 2019 (18) and 2020 (13) model years. Electrical complaints make up 5% of all complaints for the 2018.
Is there a recall for Ford Ecosport electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for any Ford Ecosport model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Ford Ecosport electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 48,000 miles; 61% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the instrument cluster/panel (2 mentions), followed by the alternator/generator/regulator (2).
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.