MODEL
Ford Ecosport
NHTSA safety across every Ford Ecosport model year we cover.
Across the 4 model years of the Ford Ecosport we cover (2019 to 2022), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2022 at 80 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2021 at 74. 10 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Ford EcoSport is a subcompact SUV that slotted into Ford's lineup as an entry-level urban crossover, targeting budget-conscious buyers and city drivers who want an elevated ride height in a compact footprint. Sold in the United States from the 2019 through 2022 model years before Ford discontinued it, the EcoSport competed in one of the most crowded segments in the market, where safety credentials matter as much as practicality.
At MotorCaliber, we evaluate vehicles strictly on their safety record, and the Ford EcoSport presents a mixed but readable picture across its 2019 to 2022 run. The best NHTSA Safety Index we recorded is 80 out of 100, achieved by the 2022 model year, placing it in the Strong band at its peak. Crash-test performance tells a similar story of moderate-to-solid results: a 4-out-of-5 frontal star rating, a standout 5-out-of-5 side rating, and a 4-out-of-5 rollover rating in its best year. The side score is genuinely reassuring for a vehicle of this size and height, but the frontal and rollover ratings leave room for improvement compared to top-rated competitors in the subcompact SUV segment. The recall picture is a genuine concern. Ten recalls across just four model years is a notable volume for a vehicle with a relatively short U.S. sales window, and shoppers should verify all open recalls through NHTSA's database before purchasing. Owner complaints add further texture: 1,098 total complaints were filed across the covered years, including 20 alleged crashes, 10 alleged fires, 14 alleged injuries, and 3 alleged deaths. These are unverified allegations, not confirmed findings, but the volume and severity of the complaint categories warrant attention. The EcoSport improved meaningfully by 2022, but its overall safety record across the generation is best described as average, with late-model examples offering the strongest standing.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Ford EcoSport as a functional but underwhelming entry in the subcompact SUV segment. They tend to acknowledge its compact maneuverability and ease of urban use while consistently pointing to a cramped interior, a modest driving experience, and feature content that trails stronger rivals. Most professional assessments place it toward the lower half of its competitive set overall.
- The EcoSport recorded 10 recalls across just four covered model years, an above-average recall frequency for this segment. Any used example should be checked against NHTSA's recall database to confirm all campaigns have been completed before purchase.
- The 2022 model year achieved the highest NHTSA Safety Index in the covered range at 80 out of 100, earning a Strong band rating. If safety is a priority, the 2022 model is the clear choice within this generation.
- Side-impact crash protection is the EcoSport's strongest crash-test result, earning 5 out of 5 stars in its best year. However, the 4-out-of-5 frontal rating means it does not match the top frontal performers in the subcompact SUV class.
- Owner complaints across 2019 to 2022 total 1,098, with alleged crashes, fires, injuries, and deaths among the reported categories. These are unverified allegations filed with NHTSA, not confirmed incidents, but the complaint volume is high enough that prospective buyers should review the specific complaint categories on NHTSA's website for the model year they are considering.
Most-recalled year on record: 2021 Ford Ecosport with 3 recalls.