2011 Ford EcoSport
The 2011 Ford EcoSport, primarily sold in South American and Asian markets, is a subcompact SUV known for its affordability and fuel efficiency. Engine options typically include a 1.6L petrol engine (approximately 110 hp and 105 lb-ft of torque) and a 1.5L diesel engine. Transmission options are typically a 5-speed manual and potentially a 4-speed automatic depending on the market. Owners often appreciate its compact size for city driving and its relatively spacious interior for its class. Common complaints revolve around its basic features, limited power, and potentially dated interior design compared to newer vehicles.
Engine
1.6L Petrol Engine
- Excessive Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners report higher than normal oil consumption, requiring frequent top-ups between oil changes. Symptoms include low oil level warnings and potentially blue smoke from the exhaust.
- Solution: In some cases, using a higher viscosity oil or replacing valve stem seals can help. In more severe cases, piston ring replacement might be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Rough Idling and Stalling
- Description/Symptoms: Rough engine idling, hesitation upon acceleration, and occasional stalling, especially at lower speeds or when the engine is cold.
- Solution: Cleaning or replacing the idle air control valve (if equipped), throttle body cleaning, or replacing faulty spark plugs/ignition coils. Also, checking for vacuum leaks is advisable.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
1.5L Diesel Engine
- Turbocharger Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noise from the engine bay (turbo whine), and potentially excessive smoke from the exhaust.
- Solution: Inspect and replace the turbocharger if damaged or worn. Checking for leaks in the intake or exhaust system is also crucial.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Injector Problems
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting, rough idling, misfires, and reduced fuel economy.
- Solution: Replace faulty fuel injectors. Cleaning the injectors can sometimes resolve the issue, but replacement is often necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
5-Speed Manual
- Difficult Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty engaging gears, especially first and reverse. Grinding noises during shifting.
- Solution: Adjust or replace the clutch cable, inspect and replace worn synchronizers, or replace the entire clutch kit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Clutch Slipping
- Description/Symptoms: Engine RPMs increase without a corresponding increase in vehicle speed, especially during acceleration in higher gears.
- Solution: Replace the clutch disc, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing (clutch kit).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $900+
- Recalls: None Found
4-Speed Automatic (If Equipped)
- Harsh Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Noticeable hard shifts between gears, especially during acceleration or deceleration.
- Solution: Perform a transmission fluid flush and filter replacement. If the issue persists, valve body repair or replacement might be needed.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Slipping Gears
- Description/Symptoms: The transmission slips out of gear or hesitates to engage the next gear.
- Solution: This could indicate low transmission fluid, a faulty valve body, or worn clutches. Repair or replacement of the transmission may be required.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $2000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Worn Suspension Bushings
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises coming from the suspension, especially when driving over bumps. Reduced handling stability.
- Solution: Replace worn suspension bushings (control arm bushings, sway bar bushings, etc.).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Damaged Shock Absorbers/Struts
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive bouncing, poor handling, and increased stopping distance. Visible leaks from the shock absorbers/struts.
- Solution: Replace damaged shock absorbers or struts.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially when the vehicle is parked for extended periods. Difficulty starting the engine.
- Solution: Check for parasitic drains (e.g., faulty lights, aftermarket accessories). Replace the battery if necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
- Recalls: None Found
- Faulty Window Regulators
- Description/Symptoms: Windows that operate slowly, erratically, or not at all. Clicking noises from the door when attempting to operate the window.
- Solution: Replace the faulty window regulator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust Issues (Specific Regions)
- Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on body panels, especially in areas prone to salt exposure.
- Solution: Repair or replace rusted panels. Apply rust preventative measures.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Air Conditioning Problems
- Description/Symptoms: Weak or no cold air coming from the air conditioning vents.
- Solution: Recharge the refrigerant, repair leaks in the system, or replace faulty components such as the compressor or condenser.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Dashboard Cracking
- Description/Symptoms: Cracks forming in the dashboard, especially in areas exposed to sunlight.
- Solution: Replacing the dashboard is the only permanent solution, but is costly. Dashboard covers can be used as a temporary fix.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2011 Ford EcoSport can present a range of issues, varying in severity and cost. Engine and transmission problems can be costly, particularly those related to the turbocharger, injectors, or automatic transmission. Suspension and electrical issues are generally less expensive to address. Interior problems such as the air conditioning and cracked dashboard are fairly common. It’s crucial to have a thorough inspection performed on any used 2011 EcoSport before purchase to identify and address potential problems.