The Used SUV You Really Do Not Want to Buy Today

Here’s a recent warning about one discontinued SUV that is under investigation for repeated engine failure complaints while driving on the highway.

One of the surest ways to have an accident on a busy highway is to significantly slow down or put on your brakes with little warning to the traffic behind you. An even surer way is for your car’s engine to seize coming to a grinding halt with no brake light warning at all.

That’s what happened recently to a 2019 Ford EcoSport SUV owner---a traveling nurse who depends on reliable transportation to take her safely from job to job.

Related article: Consumer Reports Most Reliable New Midsized SUVs You Can Buy Right Now

Is the Ford EcoSport a Good SUV?

While auto reviewers gave the nod to the fact that the now-discontinued 2022 Ford EcoSport with the four-cylinder turbocharged three-cylinder engine and AWD has loads of cargo space, that’s just about it when it comes to anything good to say about this model with complaints ranging from a lack of features, dull acceleration, and a rough ride.

According to U.S. News & World Report, “No, the Ford EcoSport is not a good subcompact SUV. It has a down-market cabin, tight rear seats, and few standard amenities. There aren’t many safety features available either. On the road, the ride can be harsh, and acceleration comes slowly. Fuel economy is subpar too. There are some positives – such as a spacious cargo hold for the class, easy maneuverability, and an easy-to-use optional infotainment system – but these aren’t enough to outweigh the Ford’s faults.” 

However, when it comes to the earlier models from 2019 to 2021 the EcoSport has an even worse history with car owners with the 123-horsepower, turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine with front-wheel-drive engine.

According to a recent ABC News 5 Cleveland story, owners of the 2019 to 2021 Ford EcoSport models need to aware that many complaints about the 2019-2021 models stalling in traffic have been voiced and attracted the attention of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that has now began an investigation into the problem.

The source of the defect has been attributed to a failing oil pump belt that breaks, resulting in loss of oil pressure and nearly immediate catastrophic failure of the engine.

The ABC News Story

Here’s a short news story video of what happened and why buying a used EcoSport from 2019 to 2021 (the 2022 model appears not to have this problem) is a red flag for used car shoppers who might unwittingly buy a model an owner unloading one cheap to avoid the problem.

Northeast Ohio Ford EcoSport Owners Issue Engine Failure Warning

Best Subcompact SUVs for 2023 and 2024

If you are looking for a slightly used or new subcompact SUV, U.S. News & World Report offers this list of 17 recommended subcompact models in overall ranked order and highlighted as the best subcompact SUVs available today ranging in price from under $20,000 to $43,800

1. 2024 Kia Soul: MSRP $19,990 - $24,290 
2. 2024 Kia Seltos: MSRP $24,390 - $29,990 
3. 2024 Mazda CX-30: MSRP $24,995 - $36,800 
4. 2024 Hyundai Kona: MSRP $24,100 - $33,150 
5. 2023 Volkswagen Taos: MSRP $24,155 - $34,535 
6. 2024 Buick Encore GX: MSRP $25,600 - $33,500 
7. 2024 Honda HR-V: MSRP $24,100 - $29,700
8. 2024 Subaru Crosstrek: MSRP $24,995 - $31,995 
9. 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer: MSRP $22,100 - $27,700 
10. 2023 Nissan Kicks: MSRP $20,290 - $22,850 
11. 2023 Hyundai Venue: MSRP $19,500 - $22,750 
12. 2024 MINI Cooper Countryman: MSRP $32,650 - $43,800 
13. 2024 Chevrolet Trax: MSRP $20,400 - $23,900 
14. 2023 Jeep Renegade: MSRP $29,745 - $32,445 
15. 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross: MSRP $23,610 - $29,135 
16. 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: MSRP $22,995 - $28,045 
17. 2023 FIAT 500X: MSRP $28,965 - $31,955

For additional articles related to recent new and used car recommendations, here are three for your consideration:

• 10 Most Reliable 2024 Car Models and What They Will Cost You
• Consumer Reports Best Used SUVs, Sedans, Small Cars, and Trucks Guide for Shoppers
• Consumer Reports Recommends These 10 Cheap Cars

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on  “Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair” website, the Zen Mechanic blog and on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites  and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

COMING UP NEXT: Consumer Reports Best Hybrid SUVs That Cost $35,000 to $45,000

Image source: Deposit Photos