Credov's researched list of the 7 faults the Ford EcoSport BK is known for (2013–2016), 7 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
What to look for: Ask for a Ford dealer VIN check showing the timing belt recall was done, and listen at cold idle for rattle.
Why it matters: Loss of engine timing can destroy the engine or stall the car in traffic; the recall was issued as a safety hazard.
What to look for: Look along the metal fuel lines in the engine bay and underneath for rust or weeping, and smell for petrol.
Why it matters: A corroded fuel line is a fire risk and a WOF fail.
What to look for: Look for a flashing gear indicator, a failed start, or the engine revving without the car pulling.
Why it matters: Loss of drive at speed is a safety hazard, and a TCM replacement plus clutch relearn is the typical remedy.
What to look for: Look at the pad under the bonnet for sagging, tears, scorch marks or contact with hot engine parts.
Why it matters: Engine-bay fire.
What to look for: Drive away gently from a stop several times and in stop-start traffic, feeling for judder through the seat or clunky shifts.
Why it matters: This is the single most consequential buy-decision item on small Fords of this era: a regulator-litigated defect pattern, repeat clutch replacements, and a resale market that discounts it. The Federal Court ordered Ford to pay a $10 million penalty in April 2018 over how it handled these complaints.
What to look for: Look under the rear with a torch at the axle pivot bolts for rust streaks or movement, and listen for rear clunks.
Why it matters: Pivot bolt failure lets the rear axle beam move; the register lists an increased accident risk.
What to look for: Ask for a Ford dealer VIN check on the curtain airbag recall, and check the airbag light comes on then goes out.
Why it matters: Curtain airbags that do not deploy correctly in a side impact.
Got a question about a Ford EcoSport BK? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.