The 2019 Ford EcoSport lasts around 120,000 miles with some serious engine and brake system problems reported. At $14,250 to $21,999, it’s cheaper than other small SUVs, but not worth buying when you’ll spend a fortune fixing it if it breaks.
Is the 2019 Ford EcoSport a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2019 is a bad year for the Ford EcoSport since there are a lot of mechanical issues that are expensive to fix. Owner reviews complain about limited power, broken interior panels, and a lot of warning lights.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are relatively cheap and basic, the seats are supportive on long drives, cargo space is also decent for an SUV of its size.
- Reliability 6/10 – There are still some widespread engine and transmission issues found on the 2019 EcoSport. Models from 2018–2020 have a lot of problems, while 2021–2022 are more reliable.
- Performance 6/10 – The base three-cylinder engine is very slow for a small SUV, while the optional four-cylinder motor is similar to the competition.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2019 EcoSport is safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests, it comes standard with a rearview camera while parking sensors and blind spot monitoring are available as optional upgrades.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 28 MPG, giving 386 miles of range out of the 13.8 gallon tank. Gas costs are $20 cheaper than average at $190 per month.
- Value 7/10 – The 2019 Ford EcoSport is cheaper than many other small SUVs on the market, but rapid depreciation and some expensive issues make it a bad value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Ford EcoSport?
- Consumer Reports says the 2019 Ford EcoSport is a nice alternative to compact sedans, but owner satisfaction scores drop as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the 2019 EcoSport at 4.1/5, enjoying the above-average cargo space for its size, but doesn’t like the jittery ride on rougher road surfaces.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the EcoSport a 4.1/5, praising the elevated driving position for its size, but owners don’t like the limited rear legroom.
What Common Problems Does the 2019 Ford EcoSport Have?
Common problems found on the 2019 Ford EcoSport include a loss of oil pressure, heavy brake pedal feel, along with some door latch issues. Overall, these problems are worse than a lot of other small SUVs on the market, leading to expensive repair costs as the EcoSport ages.
A loss of oil pressure is the most widespread and serious problem reported by 2019 EcoSport owners, showing up within the first 40,000 miles. The engine oil pump belt tensioner is known to fail, which will lead to a total loss in pressure, and destroy the engine. The only way to fix the problem is by replacing the entire engine assembly, which costs over $6,000 depending on local labor rates.
Heavy brake pedal feel is another complaint from some EcoSport owners at around 30,000 miles. The problem is usually caused by a worn-out brake booster, which makes the brakes harder to use. Replacing the brake booster is a fairly involved process, costing around $850.
Door latch issues have also been found on some 2019 EcoSport models within the first 2,000 miles. The latches simply get out of alignment with the door catches and have to be realigned. Re-aligning the door latches is fairly easy for a shop to do, costing under $100.
There is only one recall on the 2019 Ford EcoSport, which is better than some other small SUVs from the same year. The recall covers insufficient front seat frame welds. Ford will replace the front seat assemblies on affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2019 Ford EcoSport Last?
A well-maintained 2019 Ford EcoSport may last around 120,000 miles before something becomes too expensive to repair, which is much shorter than other small SUVs like the Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than some competitors, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $438 per year.
As a used 2019 EcoSport reaches 80,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the fuel pressure sensor for $170, mass airflow sensor costing $275, along with the A/C compressor which costs over $1,000.
So far it has been a very reliable vehicle for my family. We have taken it on a couple trips to Kentucky without a problem. I really enjoy it just wish it was a bit more roomy in the backseat it is very hard to get three people back there with two car seats.
Very reliable haven't had any problems thus far seems to travel well on snow no slipping or sliding or fishtailing travels smoothly down the highway.
The vehicle is really reliable so far. I have had it for 3 months and I haven't had any problems the car has plenty of power and is all around a great car.
I have only had the car for a month so it is too soon to speak about reliability. However, so far, so good.
Very reliable and haven't had any problems it's a great car to own it's very roomy and has fold down back seats and Bluetooth it handled great when driving
The ecosport is very reliable. I have not had any issues with the car at all since leasing it. I do wish the gas mileage was better
So far I have only had one issue with it and that has been the passenger seatbelt. It won't retract properly.
How Is the Technology?
Standard entertainment technology is worse than some competitors, only offering a relatively small 4.2-inch central display screen. Optional upgrades include larger 6.5-inch or 8-inch touch screens with Sync3, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity.
Safety technology features found on all models are pretty basic, offering a rearview camera, along with MyKey.
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear parking sensors
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Rear cross traffic alert
Is the 2019 Ford EcoSport a Good Value?
No, the 2019 Ford EcoSport is a bad value since it still suffers from the same engine problems from last year, making it more expensive to own. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $14,250 to $21,999, making it less than a Subaru Forester or Mazda CX-5. When new, the price range was $19,995 to $27,610. Depreciation is worse than some other SUVs, losing about 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Ford EcoSport?
There are four main models of the 2019 Ford EcoSport offered, from the entry-level EcoSport S to the more luxurious EcoSport Titanium. The EcoSport comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade on any model.
S is the entry-level model with:
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Automatic headlights
- Rearview camera
- Cruise control
- Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
- Height-adjustable front seats
- 60/40-split rear seats
- Cargo cover and removable cargo floor panel
- Bluetooth with a 4.2-inch central display screen
- Six-speaker audio system with two USB ports
SE is a popular choice which has:
- LED running lights and fog lights
- Windshield wiper de-icer and rear privacy glass
- Body-colored exterior accents and roof rails
- Rear parking sensors and sunroof
- Keyless entry and ignition
- Automatic climate control and upgraded driver info display
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Power-adjustable driver seat and heated front seats
- Upgraded cloth upholstery
- 5-inch touchscreen with Sync 3, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto
SES is a step up, adding:
- Includes SE’s Convenience package features
- 0-liter engine/AWD combo and 17-inch wheels
- Heated mirrors and rear spoiler
- Sport-tuned suspension and black exterior styling elements
- Automatic wipers and auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Heated steering wheel with wheel-mounted shift paddles
- Leather upholstery with cloth inserts
- Optional Black Appearance package with black roof and hood decal
Titanium is the flagship model which has:
- Builds off SE with the Convenience package
- 17-inch wheels and chrome exterior trim
- Body-colored bumpers and heated mirrors
- Automatic wipers and auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Heated steering wheel and full leather upholstery
- 10-speaker B&O Play premium audio system with HD radio
Note: A keyless entry keypad and remote engine start are available as stand-alone options across all trim levels.
What Engines Come In the Ford EcoSport?
- 1.0-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine: This turbocharged engine generates 123 horsepower and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, getting up to 28 MPG. As for acceleration, the EcoSport equipped with this engine takes around 10.5 seconds to sprint from 0-60 MPH.
- 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine: Producing 166 horsepower, this naturally aspirated engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission at up to 25 MPG. With this engine under the hood, the EcoSport can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in a slightly quicker time, roughly around 10 seconds.
What Colors Does the Ford EcoSport Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Ford EcoSport?
The 2019 Ford EcoSport, designed as a subcompact SUV, prioritizes both functionality and comfort for its occupants. With a raised driving position, drivers get a good view of the road, adding to driving comfort. Inside, the seats are designed to offer decent support, especially on short to medium-length journeys.
The cabin incorporates soft-touch materials in key areas, which enhances the overall feel and ambiance of the interior. The suspension is set up to absorb most road imperfections, providing a smooth ride in typical urban and highway settings. For rear passengers, legroom and headroom are satisfactory for a vehicle of its size. On the tech front, the available SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen is user-friendly and adds to the convenience and comfort of both the driver and passengers. However, like any vehicle, comfort can be subjective, and while many find the EcoSport cozy and adequate for daily commutes and trips, some might find it a tad compact compared to larger SUVs.
How Much Storage Space Does the Ford EcoSport Have?
The 2019 Ford EcoSport offers a versatile amount of storage space suitable for city driving and weekend adventures alike. In the rear, with the back seats in their upright position, the EcoSport provides about 20.9 cubic feet of cargo room. This is spacious enough to comfortably accommodate grocery bags, a stroller, or a couple of suitcases for a short trip.
If you need more space for bigger items or additional luggage, the back seats can be folded down to expand the cargo area to an impressive 50 cubic feet. With this expanded space, it’s possible to transport large items such as a bicycle, larger pieces of furniture, or even a set of golf clubs with ease. This flexibility in storage makes the 2019 Ford EcoSport a practical choice for those who need both a compact urban vehicle and a car with ample storage capacity.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The first generation of the Ford EcoSport was introduced in 2018 as a smaller SUV which sits below the Escape in Ford’s lineup.
2018: First model year for the Ford EcoSport, which has a new engine, styling, and technology.
2019: More standard features across all models.
2020: 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot is now standard on all models, new 8-inch touchscreen standard on SE models.
2021: Standard power driver’s seat on SES and Titanium models, small exterior styling changes.
2022: All-wheel drive is now standard on all models, base turbocharged engine removed.
How Does the Ford EcoSport Compare to the Competition?
The 2019 Ford EcoSport is a bad small SUV since there are a lot of serious mechanical problems found on it, making it expensive to own, and one that buyers should stay away from.
The Ford Escape is another compact SUV offered by Ford, which costs about $2,500 more. Passenger and cargo space are both better in the Ford Escape, while the Ford EcoSport fits better in small parking areas found in large cities. We recommend the Ford Escape since it has better reliability ratings as it ages.
The Honda CR-V is a popular competitor which can be found for around $4,000 more. Standard technology is much better in the Honda CR-V, while the steering is more responsive in the Ford EcoSport. We recommend the Honda CR-V since it lasts much longer, and has lower ownership costs as it ages.
Do Owners Recommend the Ford EcoSport?
Yes, it seems to be pretty reliable I have had it for 2 months now. I enjoy that it has enough space for me and my children and that it will get me where I need to go. I also like the color of mine it is grey.
Yes very reliable and seems to do well on snow n ice very comfortable to drive all components are easy to reach really like the visual parts of showing the tire pressure the speed n temp up front where you can see it good.
Yes it is spacious for its size handles well the roads really well and it has great gas mileage it has a nice body layout to.
It has a smooth ride and drives well. Inside is plan be functional. Small vehicle which might not accommodate all families.
Yes it is a wonderful vehicle. I have enjoyed it so much that I am looking into extending my lease/ purchasing
Yes! It is small enough to my liking, it gets good gas mileage and has four wheel drive for those winter months in New Jersey. I love the Apple Carplay and the ambient lighting gives it flare!