Ford EcoSport
Ford 1.5L Duratorq TDCi 75/95 hp. Used in B-Max and EcoSport II.
SUV Disappointment
A 90 hp diesel in an SUV is a joke. The added weight makes it even slower. No driving fun.
Engine Weaknesses 6
Ford recalled approximately 8,400 vehicles (production October 2014 to April 2015) because the camshaft sprocket can fracture due to material fatigue and damage the engine.
The EGR cooler develops cracks under extreme thermal cycling. Coolant enters the intake tract and forms black foam in the expansion tank. In the worst case a hydraulic lock results.
Symptoms: Black or oily foam in the coolant expansion tank, coolant loss with no external leak, white exhaust smoke, tendency to overheat.
The 1.5 TDCi frequently suffers from DPF clogging. Regeneration temperature is not reached on short trips, resulting in failed regeneration cycles and fuel dilution of the oil. Widely reported as the most common warranty complaint.
Symptoms: Check engine light, power loss, raised oil level, DPF warning lamp
As with PSA-related 1.6 TDCi engines, oil sludge and coked oil passages can damage the turbocharger. Regular oil changes at shortened intervals are strongly recommended.
Symptoms: Whistling turbo noise, power drop, increased oil consumption
The 1.5 TDCi in the EcoSport requires motorway driving for DPF regeneration. Short-trip use prevents complete regeneration cycles and leads to filter clogging. Replacement costs several hundred euros.
Symptoms: MIL on, power reduction via limp mode, increased fuel consumption, frequent requests for a regeneration run
The EGR valve on the 1.5 TDCi is prone to soot clogging in urban use. Power loss and hesitation at part throttle follow. Cleaning or replacement every 100,000–120,000 km recommended.
Symptoms: Hesitation at part throttle, check engine light, power loss at low rpm
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
Ford recalled the EcoSport in May/June 2017 because the front control arm weld seam could fracture. A fracturing control arm can cause sudden front wheel lock-up and loss of control.
All EcoSport brake hoses become porous and crack with age, which can lead to brake pressure loss and in extreme cases complete brake failure. Regular visual inspection and preventive replacement no later than 10 years is strongly recommended.
In urban use the EcoSport's rear brakes are barely used, so the callipers and discs corrode and seize. Premature brake pad and disc wear is typical from 80,000 km.
Like many Ford models of this era, the EcoSport shows increased oil consumption, particularly with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine. Up to 0.5 litres per 1,000 km is possible. Oil level should be checked regularly between oil changes.
The EcoSport's front headlights fail or misalign more often than average. Inspection testers flag lighting faults and headlight defects more frequently than the class average. The potting compound in the headlight housing ages quickly.
The Ford Sync infotainment system in the EcoSport tends toward frequent Bluetooth drop-outs and occasional screen freezes. Software updates usually fix the problem, but are often not yet applied on early models.
The EcoSport's stop-start system frequently fails or deactivates permanently. The causes are a weak or defective AGM battery and a faulty battery sensor. Replacement is comparatively inexpensive but irritating due to frequent system failures.
Reports & Tests
1761 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2013–2022). Most reported: Engine & Cooling (825), Engine (749), Powertrain (196).