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U.S. auto safety regulators probe Ford EcoSport models from 2018-2021 following consumer complaints of oil pump failures. Approximately 240,000 vehicles are under scrutiny for potential engine issues.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation opened the investigation on September 20. The NHTSA aims to evaluate the reports of engine failures and determine the cause and extent of the issue.
The second-generation Ford EcoSport, produced in various regions from 2012 to 2023, has faced criticism for its rear legroom, which is considered insufficient for occupants. Its status as a B-segment crossover has also raised concerns.
In the United States, the India-built EcoSport featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine known as Ti-VCT, referencing Ford's twin independent variable cam timing system. The engine requires 4.16 liters of engine oil.
According to the NHTSA, they have received 95 complaints from EcoSport owners reporting sudden engine failures due to oil pressure loss. In some instances, owners experienced a low engine oil pressure warning light before a significant reduction or loss of engine power.
These engine failures pose an increased risk of potential crashes, and the specific nature of the failures necessitates engine replacements. The NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has compiled a list of reference numbers for the 95 consumer-submitted complaints.
For instance, one complaint (reference number 11539163) was filed on August 17, 2023. The owner experienced an oil pump failure at 144,841 kilometers despite the vehicle being less than two years old. The dealer recommended replacing the engine, which incurred costs exceeding $6,500.
Another complaint (reference number 11538993) was filed on August 16, in which the owner reported an oil pump failure while driving at 113 kilometers per hour. This incident occurred in a 2018 EcoSport model that had only traveled 114,263 kilometers.
The 2022 models of the EcoSport, which marked its final year in the U.S. market, came with a five-year powertrain warranty. However, Ford will honor the warranty only if the subcompact crossover has covered fewer than 96,561 kilometers.
One consumer filing complaint number 11532558 experienced engine failure at 98,170 kilometers. The consumer subsequently encountered another failure at 99,779 kilometers with a replacement engine.
Photo: Abigail Ducote/Unsplash
