NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Ford Ecosport Safety Ratings
The 2020 Ford Ecosport scores 74 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 385 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Ford EcoSport achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 74 out of 100, a one-point decrease from the 2019 model's 75 out of 100. This places it in the Average safety band. While its crash protection is solid, the vehicle's score is significantly affected by a near-absent rating for avoidance technology and a record of three recalls. These factors collectively position the 2020 EcoSport firmly within the middle tier of safety performance.
The 2020 Ford EcoSport holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 74/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Ford Ecosport ranks 99 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 74 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 19.1% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 385 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 99 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Ford Ecosport?
The 2020 Ford EcoSport earns an overall Safety Index of 74 out of 100, placing it in the "Average" safety band. This score represents a one-point decline from the 2019 model year's 75, primarily influenced by its defect record. The vehicle scores 11 out of 20 in this component, weighed down by three recall campaigns. Most significant among these is the December 2020 airbag inflator recall, a safety-critical issue that heavily impacts the defect record assessment. Crash protection stands as the 2020 EcoSport's strongest attribute, achieving 61 out of a possible 70. This is supported by a 5-star side-impact rating from NHTSA, complemented by consistent 4-star scores across all other crash-test categories. Conversely, avoidance technology is a clear area of concern, with the EcoSport scoring only 2 out of 10 in this index component. This low score reflects the absence of both forward collision warning and lane departure warning as standard equipment; only electronic stability control is standard. Further contributing to the defect record component are 385 owner complaints, heavily concentrated in engine and engine cooling issues, which align with the oil pump drive belt recall issued years post-sale. These combined factors solidify the 2020 EcoSport's "Average" safety designation.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Ford Ecosport perform in crash tests?
For the 2020 Ford EcoSport AWD, federal data shows a 4 out of 5 star Overall Rating. Its side impact protection earned a perfect 5-star rating. Frontal crash performance was assessed at 4 stars. The EcoSport AWD also received 4 stars in the rollover assessment, with a 19 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14922
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Ford Ecosport have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover the 2020 EcoSport. The earliest, issued in December 2020, targets the frontal driver-side airbag inflator module, a serious safety component. A December 2023 campaign addresses the engine oil pump drive belt, which can fail and cut lubrication. A June 2025 campaign covers back-over prevention software across a broad Ford lineup that includes this model. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is listed in the data, but buyers should verify remedy completion by VIN before purchase.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V442000
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Reported 2025-06-27
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP23V905000
Risk: A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the oil pump tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt, free of charge. If engine failure occurs due to a damaged oil pump belt and/or oil pump belt tensioner, Ford has authorized dealers to replace the engine assembly as an interim repair before the availability of remedy parts for the final repair. This repair will be free of charge (parts and labor). Owner notification let
Reported 2023-12-22
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE20V791000
Risk: Air bag modules missing the first-stage booster propellant will not deploy as intended in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bag module on either the driver or passenger side, free of charge. This recall began February 18, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C26.
Reported 2020-12-17
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Ford Ecosport?
Owners have filed 385 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The dominant alleged problem areas are Engine And Engine Cooling (178 reports) and Engine (159 reports), followed by Power Train (47) and Electrical System (13). These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects. Five alleged crashes and seven alleged fires are included in the total.
385 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Ford Ecosport?
Three distinct recall campaigns affect the 2020 EcoSport, demanding careful review of its history. These include critical safety components such as the airbag inflator and the oil pump belt. Buyers must verify remedy completion for any specific vehicle, using the VIN, through a franchised dealer prior to purchase.
- The 2020 model year carries a specific airbag inflator recall issued in December 2020 covering the driver-side frontal inflator module, a safety-critical component that warrants VIN verification before any used purchase.
- A subsequent December 2023 recall targeting the engine oil pump drive belt on 2018-2022 EcoSport vehicles means this exact model year is covered by two separate powertrain-adjacent or safety-system campaigns beyond the original airbag action.
- The avoidance-tech index component scores just 2 out of 10 for this model year because forward collision warning and lane departure warning are both absent, a meaningful gap compared to competitors that offered these features as standard in 2020.
- Owner-reported complaints to NHTSA total 385, with 178 filed under Engine And Engine Cooling alone, the single largest complaint category for this year, and include unverified allegations of 7 fires and 5 crashes.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Ford Ecosport places
The 2020 Ford Ecosport qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Ford Ecosport safety questions
Was the 2020 Ford Ecosport crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Ford Ecosport, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 74 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Ford Ecosport crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Ford Ecosport earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 19.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Ford Ecosport have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Ford Ecosport. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Ford Ecosport?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 385 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Ford Ecosport. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Ecosport years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14922), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Ecosport 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 99 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.