Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 25V126000 (Power Train); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that there was a loud thumping sound coming from the drive shaft while the transmission was changing gear. The contact stated that the oil level was checked, and the contact was informed that the engine had low oil pressure. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle would not be repaired until the part became defective. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000. …
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) and 25V126000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. The oil warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that if felt like the transmission was slipping; however, the regained power and speed. The contact went to the dealer and asked about the parts for the recall repairs; however, the contact was informed that parts were still not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered the contact an Extended Customer Satisfaction warranty. …
On April 3, 2026, this vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic mechanical failure as I was driving on US-169, in Kansas City, Mo.,l The engine seized and the fuel line ruptured resulting in an undercarriage fire with small explosions. I had to be physically extracted from the burning vehicle by a Clay County Sheriff's Deputy, Clay County Sheriff's Department, Liberty, Missouri (Report #CC2600810). This catastrophic asset and recall remedy failure is the direct result of a recognized federal safety defect (Ford Safety Recall 23S64 / NHTSA Campaign 23V905). The original engine blew from an oil pump failure in October 2024 and was towed to certified Ford dealer Smithville (Mo.) Ford on October 9, 2024 as per the recall. The new engine was not re-installed until May 24, 2025 due to delay in getting parts At the time of the recall reinstallation, the vehicle had 61,556 miles on it. …
Car had known recall and dealership was notified prior to this happening and I was advised that I was fine. Few months later, oil pump failed and seized engine while merging onto I40 with my 2 children in the backseat. Crash had almost happened but I was able to safely stop the vehicle and remove my kids from the smoking car. Small grass fire started under the car as the oil flooded from underneath my car but self estinguished. My car has been at the dealership for almost a month and they plan to put the same recalled part back into my car until remedy is available in November 2025. Front driver airbag also has a recall that it may not deploy if vehicle crashes which vehicle is already at risk for. There was no warning signs or symptoms.
I have tried multiple times to reach Ford Corporate since 6-6-22. They say they called me and there was not voicemail option so they closed my case. I keep opening case numbers with them. On Jun2 2nd, my car was parked, idling in the driveway on an incline. I opened the driver's side door and pushed the off button, the car then started to roll backwards. The door hit me and the car dragged me down the driveway into the street. The car then continued to roll into a neighbor's yard and hit the front of their house. It took out a support beam, the porch, the front brick wall and a window. I opened a claim with my insurance, called the cops. The police did not issue me a ticket since I was not driving the car when the incident happened. I had to go to the ER for multiple injuries where the front tire ran over my leg, a cut head and multiple burns from being dragged on pavement. …
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that before receiving the recall notice, the oil pump had failed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had no parts to complete the recall repair. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the oil pump, timing belt, and water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at approximately 35 MPH, after picking up the vehicle from the independent mechanic, her daughter noticed that the vehicle was hesitating before shifting gear. The contact stated that later her son had driven the vehicle to a local shop and while returning to the residence, the "check engine" warning light was illuminated. …
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH with her husband in the front passenger's seat and her infant in a car seat in the rear seat, the vehicle began to lose motive power and was making abnormal loud cranking sounds. The message "Power Train Malfunction -Reduced Power" was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated upon attempting to exit the highway and avoid incoming traffic, the front passenger side of the bumper struck a guard rail. There was no injury sustained. The contact was able to continue driving at 35 MPH and pulled into a fire station. The contact turned off the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle with assistance. The contact then drove to her residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer the following day. …
The contact owned a 2018 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle rolled down the hill and backed into a tree. No one was injured. A police report was filed. The vehicle was deemed totally lost by the insurance company. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed and advised to contact NHTSA and file a complaint. The failure mileage was 31,000.
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Ecosport years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2018 (67), 2020 (53), 2019 (51) and 2021 (51) model years. Transmission complaints make up 9% of all complaints for the 2018.
Is there a recall for Ford Ecosport transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 25V-126 (axle shaft, Feb 28, 2025). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Ecosport transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles; 42% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (1 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission › torque converter (1).
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.