2016 Ford EcoSport

The 2016 Ford EcoSport is a subcompact SUV that offered a blend of affordability and practicality for city driving. It was available with two engine options: a 1.0L EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 123 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque and a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that puts out 145 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often appreciated the EcoSport’s maneuverability, fuel efficiency (especially with the 1.0L engine), and ease of parking. However, common complaints included a lack of power, especially when fully loaded, a cramped interior, and subpar ride quality.

Engine

1.0L EcoBoost

• Coolant Loss
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners reported experiencing coolant loss, leading to potential overheating. The cause is often difficult to pinpoint, but can be caused by a cracked coolant reservoir or hoses.
  • Solution: Inspect the entire cooling system for leaks, and replace any damaged components like hoses or the coolant reservoir.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners reported experiencing turbocharger failure, leading to a loss of power.
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1200 - $1800+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L Engine

• No Issues Found

Transmission

• 6-Speed Automatic Transmission (Both Engine Options)
  • Harsh Shifting/Slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported harsh or erratic shifting, slipping between gears, or difficulty engaging gears. This can be caused by wear in the valve body, a faulty shift solenoid, or low transmission fluid.
    • Solution: A transmission fluid flush and filter replacement might resolve minor issues. More severe problems may require valve body replacement or a transmission rebuild.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (fluid flush) - $3000+ (rebuild)
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Bushing Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Front and rear suspension bushings may wear out prematurely, leading to clunking noises, reduced handling precision, and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace worn bushings. In some cases, the entire control arm may need to be replaced if the bushings are not available separately.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $600+ per side, depending on the part replaced
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system (SYNC) may freeze, crash, or become unresponsive, especially the earlier versions. This can affect navigation, audio, and other vehicle functions.
  • Solution: Software updates can sometimes resolve the issue. In other cases, replacement of the infotainment system module may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software Update) - $800+ (Module Replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced unexplained battery drain, leading to difficulty starting the vehicle. This can be caused by parasitic draw from a faulty module or accessory.
  • Solution: Diagnose the source of the parasitic draw and repair or replace the offending component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Exterior door handles, particularly the rear hatch handle, are prone to breaking or malfunctioning, making it difficult to open the doors.
  • Solution: Replacing the door handle assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seatbelt Retractor Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The seatbelt retractors may become weak or fail to retract the seatbelt properly.
  • Solution: Replace the seatbelt retractor assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Ford EcoSport has some notable issues that potential buyers should be aware of. Transmission problems, particularly harsh shifting, can be expensive to repair. Electrical issues with the infotainment system and battery drain can also be frustrating. Suspension bushing wear can affect handling and ride quality. While the EcoSport offers affordability and city-friendly dimensions, it’s crucial to thoroughly inspect the vehicle for these common issues before purchasing. Depending on the repair needed, the cost can range from a few hundred dollars for minor fixes to several thousand for major transmission or engine work.