Small SUV · 2013–2021 cars
Ford EcoSport reliability
The Ford EcoSport fails 20% of first MOT tests, 28% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 303,904 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Ford EcoSport before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 20%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 28% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 303,904
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 6,800
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
What this means for buyers
The Ford EcoSport has a first-time MOT fail rate of 20%. It has 28% more MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage, and ranks 36 of 40 small SUV models. Lights and electrics are the weak spot, with 147% more fails than cars of the same age and mileage.
The EcoSport can still be a sound buy if you check the right things. The 2018 cars did best, with 10% more MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage. Be wary of 2017 cars, which did worst with 47% more MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage. On the car you're viewing, check a stop lamp not working (4.27% of tests), a dipped beam headlamp not working (1.74% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.34% of tests) and a wiper blade not clearing the windscreen (1.33% of tests).
MOT fail rate by age
How the Ford EcoSport ages
Each point is the share of Ford EcoSports of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Ford EcoSport | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 11.6% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 14.8% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 18.6% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 24% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 27.9% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 31% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 34.6% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 33.7% | 31.8% |
By year
The best and worst Ford EcoSport years
2018 cars come out best and 2017 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 EcoSport | 2,016 | 15% | 46% more fails | 18,673 |
| 2020 EcoSport | 16,204 | 13.1% | 20% more fails | 21,646 |
| 2019 EcoSport | 68,101 | 13.9% | 19% more fails | 23,445 |
| 2018 EcoSport | 78,658 | 14.5% | 10% more fails | 27,919 |
| 2017 EcoSport | 45,505 | 24.2% | 47% more fails | 37,667 |
| 2016 EcoSport | 48,690 | 26.2% | 36% more fails | 45,087 |
| 2015 EcoSport | 35,849 | 30.1% | 34% more fails | 52,714 |
| 2014 EcoSport | 8,849 | 31.7% | 23% more fails | 60,178 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Ford EcoSport
Its weak spot is lights and electrics: 147% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics9.9%147% above avg
- Tyres4.7%2% below avg
- Brakes4.3%51% above avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.2%1% below avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.8%84% above avg
- Body, chassis and structure1.4%88% above avg
- Suspension1.1%56% below avg
- Steering0.9%89% above avg
- Seat belts and airbags0.3%1% below avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Stop lamp not working 4.27% of tests
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
- 2
Dipped beam headlamp not working 1.74% of tests
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
- 3
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.34% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 4
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.33% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 5
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 1.23% of tests
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
- 6
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 0.97% of tests
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
- 7
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 0.92% of tests
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
- 8
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 0.9% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Ford EcoSport's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking10.49%
- Tyre worn close to legal limit10.04%
- Coil spring showing some corrosion5.85%
- Brake pads wearing thin5.12%
- Brake disc pitted or scored3.52%
- Child seat limits belt inspection2.2%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Ford EcoSport
- 1
Stop lamp not working
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
- 2
Dipped beam headlamp not working
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
- 3
Tyre tread below 1.6mm
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 4
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
- 6
The mileage record
A typical Ford EcoSport covers about 6,800 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
- 7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.
Fuel types tested
- Petrol85.5%
- Diesel14.5%
- Other0%
Most common colours
Blue, Grey, White, Black, Silver
Average engine size: 1.1 litres.
Compare
How the Ford EcoSport compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| MINI Countryman | 15.5% | 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| BMW X1 | 16.4% | 27% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Mercedes-Benz GLA | 13.4% | 24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Toyota C-HR | 14.2% | 6% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Renault Captur | 21.4% | 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Ford EcoSport | 20% | 28% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Peugeot 2008 | 25.1% | 33% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every small suv ranked in the small suv reliability index, or all Ford models.
Questions
Ford EcoSport questions, answered
Is the Ford EcoSport reliable?
On MOT results, the Ford EcoSport is well below average: it fails 20% of first MOT tests, 28% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 36 of 40 small suv models in our index.
What fails most on a Ford EcoSport MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Ford EcoSport are stop lamp not working (4.27% of tests), dipped beam headlamp not working (1.74% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.34% of tests). By area, lights and electrics fails 9.9% of its tests.
Which Ford EcoSport year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2018 cars do best (10% more MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2017 cars do worst (47% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Ford EcoSport do a year?
A typical Ford EcoSport covers about 6,800 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.
How do I check a Ford EcoSport before I buy it?
Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.
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