Ford EcoSport Transmission Problems

The Ford EcoSport is a popular compact SUV known for its fuel efficiency and versatility, as is evident by its name.

It was first introduced to the market in 2003 and has become a popular choice for drivers looking for a small SUV with good fuel economy.

The EcoSport offers a range of features, including a spacious interior, advanced technology, and various engine options.

However, there were some Ford EcoSport transmission problems that were reported by many owners.

These can be very frustrating to deal with, and it can seriously affect the vehicle’s driving experience.

Some of the most common problems are mention below:

1. Jerky Acceleration
2. Transmission Fluid Leaking
3. Transmission Overheating
4. Rough Shifting
5. Clutch Pedal Sticking
6. CEL Turned On
7. Issues With The Transmission Solenoid
8. Entering Limp Mode
9. Complete Transmission Failure

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, then you are in luck. You will finally understand the cause of these issues, so you can take steps to fix them.

9 Signs Of Transmission Problems In A Ford EcoSport

One of the first steps in addressing transmission issues is recognizing signs of something being wrong.

It’s important to pay attention to your vehicle and any changes in its performance, as early detection can often lead to a more straightforward and less costly repair process.

In this section, I will explain some of the usual signs that you may be experiencing transmission problems in your SUV.

By staying alert and aware, you can notice these transmission issues before they become major problems.

1. Erratic Acceleration

One possible sign of transmission problems could be erratic acceleration.

This can reveal itself when the vehicle suddenly starts speeding up or slowing down unexpectedly while driving, or it becomes difficult to accelerate from a stop.

These issues can be caused by problems with the transmission control module or low transmission fluid.

The transmission control module is responsible for controlling the gears and ensuring smooth shifting, so if it is not functioning properly, it can result in uneven acceleration.

Similarly, low transmission fluid can lead to shifting problems and difficulty accelerating. This is because there may be too much friction among the gears.

2. Transmission Fluid Leaking

Another possible indication of transmission problems is leaking transmission fluid. A puddle of fluid can be identified under the vehicle or a low fluid level in the transmission.

A damaged transmission pan, broken seals, or a cracked fluid line are common reasons for this problem.

The transmission pan can be damaged by debris on the road, leading to fluid leakage. Similarly, faulty seals and a cracked fluid line can allow transmission fluid to escape.

They can harden up over time, which is completely normal. This may lead to cracks being formed and the fluid not being retained.

3. Transmission Overheating

If the transmission becomes too hot, it can lead to serious problems and reduce its lifespan.

Several factors can cause the transmission to overheat, including low, too much, or contaminated transmission fluid.

Insufficient transmission fluid can result in inadequate cooling, leading to overheating. Similarly, excess fluid can increase pressure and temperature in the transmission.

When the fluid is contaminated, it loses its features, including cooling capabilities. This contamination can lead to similar symptoms as when there is no fluid.

So, if you see that the fluid level is good and there is still the issue of your transmission’s temperature going up, this could be a possible reason.

4. Rough Shifting

Hard shifting can reduce the drive quality of the Ford EcoSport considerably. This happens because there is difficulty in shifting gears.

The factors that could lead to the problem are cold weather, damaged transmission components, and a damaged shift cable linkage.

Cold weather can cause the transmission fluid to thicken, making it more difficult to shift gears smoothly.

Damaged transmission components, such as the gears or bearings, can also create shifting problems, as they may not sync.

A damaged shift cable can also cause this. This final problem may also result in a grinding or squealing sound. You need to be on the lookout for these issues.

5. Clutch Pedal Sticking

This problem means the clutch does not come back from the floor after being pressed. Now this problem is only found in the manual variants of the SUV.

Common issues that can cause this are a bent clutch fork, low transmission fluid level, or a broken clutch cable.

A damaged clutch fork can cause the pedal to stick or feel resistant when pressed.

Moreover, it will also emit a noise when you press the clutch. Similarly, a low transmission fluid level will result in low hydraulic force, preventing the clutch from returning.

A broken clutch cable can also prevent normal pedal function or prevent it from coming back up in its entirety.

6. CEL Turned On

The Ford EcoSport, like any other vehicle, has a Check Engine Light (CEL) to warn of potential issues.

Transmission issues can result in it turning on but what people don’t know is the exact issue that may result in that.

This can be caused by several issues, including transmission problems such as overheating or a faulty sensor.

If the transmission overheats, it can trigger the CEL as a warning to the driver. Similarly, a faulty sensor in the transmission can cause the CEL to turn on.

It’s important to pay attention and ensure that the light stays off. It may not be on due to transmission issues, but there is a possibility that it might.

7. Issues With The Transmission Solenoid

The transmission solenoid is designed to control the flow of fluid in the transmission. It is electrically controlled and can get damaged or can malfunction.

This can manifest as delayed gear shifting or a feeling of pulling or slipping when attempting to shift gears.

Several potential causes of this issue include incorrect voltage applied to the coil or dirty transmission fluid.

Incorrect coil voltage on the solenoid valve can cause the solenoid to malfunction, leading to it not functioning as intended.

Similarly, dirty transmission fluid can cause it to remain open or closed, resulting in shifting problems.

When this happens, the EcoSport will be increasingly difficult to control when driving, which can be pretty dangerous.

8. Entering Limp Mode

Limp mode is a protective function that the Ford EcoSport’s computer system activates when it detects a problem with the transmission.

When the vehicle is in limp mode, it will typically have limited acceleration and may only be able to drive in a single gear. This is done to protect the transmission from further damage.

Furthermore, the limp mode of the SUV can be activated when there is low transmission fluid, improperly adjusted linkage, or bad solenoids.

Low transmission fluid can result in transmission failure, leading to limp mode.

Similarly, a linkage that has not been modified properly or bad solenoids can cause shifting issues.

To prevent the risk of accidents, the transmission limits itself. This is a useful feature and something one certainly cannot miss.

9. Complete Transmission Failure

A complete failure is one of the most significant transmission problems that can occur in the Ford EcoSport. This happens when the vehicle cannot shift gears or move at all.

Complete transmission failure can result from several factors, including a lack of maintenance, severe damage to the transmission, and more.

Neglecting routine maintenance, such as changing the transmission fluid and replacing the filter, can result in transmission failure.

Similarly, serious transmission damage, such as an accident or a major mechanical issue, can also result in complete failure.

Finally, driving conditions that exceed the capabilities of the transmission, such as towing heavy loads or driving in extreme temperatures, can also lead to transmission failure.

These issues contribute to failure, but it is never instant. It happens over time.

Should I Replace Or Rebuild The Transmission?

If you are facing transmission problems, you may wonder whether you should replace or restore the transmission.

Both options can be effective, depending on the specific circumstances of your situation.

Here are some factors that should be taken into account when deciding whether to replace or rebuild the transmission:

1. The Severity Of The Problem

If the transmission problem is severe, such as complete failure or extensive damage, it may be more cost-effective to replace the transmission rather than rebuild it.

However, if the problem is less severe, such as a faulty sensor or a minor mechanical issue, rebuilding the transmission may be a more viable option.

2. Age And Condition Of The Vehicle

If your Ford EcoSport is an older model with high mileage, it may make more sense to change the transmission.

In this case, the cost of a rebuild may be higher than the value of the vehicle, and it may be more practical to simply replace the transmission.

Plus, replacing it will give the aging model a new lease on life.

3. Cost

One of the main factors to consider when deciding between replacing or rebuilding the transmission is cost.

Rebuilding a transmission can be more labor-intensive and may require specialized parts, so it can be more expensive than replacing the transmission.

However, replacing the transmission may be more expensive in the long run if the new one fails early on. This is possible, especially if the design is flawed.

It is important to weigh all options to ensure that you make the correct decision.

Although both are viable and may lead to the EcoSport being functional again, it is best to choose one that is more cost-effective.

Which Year Did Ford EcoSport Have Transmission Issues?

Although EcoSport has been around for a long time, the main models that people are concerned about are the ones that were introduced in the last decade.

So, this section will take a look at those models and their problems.

2014 Ford EcoSport

Unfortunately, EcoSport could not achieve a three-year streak of having no transmission issues.

This model had issues, and the one reported was that it would shudder when the SUV would accelerate from a stop. This happened in new vehicles, so it was a transmission fault.

2015 Ford EcoSport

The same issue was seen in this next model too. The transmission would shudder when shifting from the first gear.

It could be a fault with the transmission or the programming. Regardless, it really makes the driving experience less enjoyable.

2017 Ford EcoSport

There was only one report of this model having shifting issues. So, there is nothing conclusive about that.

The 2017 model, in general, was almost problem free. So, it could be trusted as a daily driver.

2018 Ford EcoSport

The 2018 Ford EcoSport was very different when it came to reliability. There were many issues with it, which included the transmission too.

There were complaints that it would hesitate while accelerating. With people who had the issue, Ford recommended a complete replacement, which meant that it was defective.

2019 Ford EcoSport

Ford, after many years of unreliability, came back to its senses in 2019.

From many complaints to none, this model had a fantastic transmission. No one knows what Ford did, but it sure did improve in a huge manner.

2020 Ford EcoSport

The shifting of the 2020 EcoSport, was unreliable. It would cause issues such as skipping gears.

This made driving this SUV difficult and possibly dangerous too. But this issue was reported by only one consumer, so it certainly was not widespread.

Related: https://taxihack.com/best-and-worst-years-for-ford-ecosport/

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can EcoSport’s Transmission Problems Be Covered By Warranty?

Ford does cover the EcoSport’s transmission under warranty. It lasts for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.

During this time period, any issue or fix will be covered by Ford completely, and you will not have to pay anything from your pocket.

The warranty also covers the engine and the drivetrain too. But with the EcoSport’s discontinuation, there will be no new models with this warranty.

Existing ones will also run out after a few years if they have not already.

Q2. Is It Necessary To Use A Specific Type Of Transmission Fluid In My Ford EcoSport?

It is important to use the correct transmission fluid in your Ford EcoSport in order to ensure proper operation.

You should consult your owner’s manual or consult with a mechanic or dealership to find out the appropriate kind of transmission fluid to use in your specific model of Ford EcoSport.

Using the wrong type of transmission fluid can cause problems as the consistency not matching can introduce various problems.

If doing this causes issues with the transmission, then it will not be covered under warranty too.

Q3. Can I Fix Transmission Problems, Or Do I Need To Take My Ford EcoSport To A Mechanic?

The transmission is a complex system of gears, clutches, and fluids, which can be difficult to diagnose and repair without the proper tools and knowledge.

In addition, if you’re unfamiliar with the system, you can do more harm than good if you try to fix the problems yourself.

Some minor transmission problems, such as low transmission fluid levels or leaks, can be easily fixed. But anything other than these will require a professional touch.

Q4. Can Driving Habits, Such As Sudden Stops Or Fast Acceleration, Cause Transmission Problems In My Ford EcoSport?

Yes, driving habits such as sudden stops and fast acceleration can potentially contribute to transmission problems.

Slamming on the brakes can put additional strain on the transmission and may cause it to wear out more quickly while accelerating too quickly can cause the system to work harder and may cause it to overheat.

It is generally recommended to drive smoothly and avoid such practices, ensuring the transmission remains in optimal condition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, like any vehicle, Ford EcoSport transmission problems are a possibility and a reality too.

These issues can present themselves in a range of ways and can be caused by a variety of factors.

It is important to be aware of these problems and to address them promptly in order to prevent further damage.

By following routine maintenance schedules and paying attention to your vehicle, you can ensure the smooth function of your Ford EcoSport and avoid costly repairs for as long as possible.