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2018 Ford Ecosport

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2018 Ford Ecosport do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 395.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

267 reports with mileage · 459 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 355 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 311 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 67 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

18 crash reports2 fire reports7 injury reports

Engine complaints

355 reports
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Mileage unknown · Dec 25, 2023
Engine

Oil pump failure.

NHTSA ODI #11561743

Mileage unknown · Dec 24, 2023
Engine

Engine oil pump failed and didn't give any warning lights until the engine was knocking from the lack of oil. The motor only had 51,216 miles on it. I've changed the oil at regular intervals and never drive it low of oil. Ford wouldn’t do anything for me. So I had to pay $6300 out of pocket.

NHTSA ODI #11561727

Mileage unknown · Dec 23, 2023
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

My car first came on with a check engine light at 53,000 miles. Got it coded that the car prompted and it was reading P015B which indicates bank 1 sensor 1 of O2 sensors experiencing a lean to rich response issue. I scheduled an appointment with a mechanic to have it looked at. It drove fine for 24 hours. The next day my car sta…

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My car first came on with a check engine light at 53,000 miles. Got it coded that the car prompted and it was reading P015B which indicates bank 1 sensor 1 of O2 sensors experiencing a lean to rich response issue. I scheduled an appointment with a mechanic to have it looked at. It drove fine for 24 hours. The next day my car started to run rough and the oil light came on as well with an error message reporting low oil pressure. I recently got an oil change done a week prior. I did take the car back to where I got the oil change. The company did not find any issues with the oil change but proceeded to change it anyway again. They advised me at that point to not drive the car till diagnosed at a dealership. At this point I have had the car towed to a local dealership. I am told over the phone that it may be due to a know issue with my car of a bad oil pump and could risk blowing the engine. I am awaiting further diagnosis after the holidays.

NHTSA ODI #11561652

Mileage unknown · Dec 21, 2023
EngineUnknown Or Other

The oil pump went out and ruined the motor. The low engine oil pressure alarm didn't go off until after the car quit. Had it towed to the dealership. They've had it for 2 months. Waiting on them to call for me to pick it up.

NHTSA ODI #11561239

Mileage unknown · Dec 20, 2023
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

Car went into limp mode then shut off while driving. Towed to mechanic, who tried to fix the codes that popped up. After fixing the codes, still didn’t turn on. Towed it to ford, it’s still there. They have told me it’s the oil pump and that it fell off. They have also said it just happens with these cars. They are waiting on o…

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Car went into limp mode then shut off while driving. Towed to mechanic, who tried to fix the codes that popped up. After fixing the codes, still didn’t turn on. Towed it to ford, it’s still there. They have told me it’s the oil pump and that it fell off. They have also said it just happens with these cars. They are waiting on one last test to confirm, but have told me I need a new engine, and there was nothing I could do to prevent this, that I was lucky to get to 72k miles, as other cars oil pumps fell off at 50k.

NHTSA ODI #11561042

Mileage unknown · Dec 18, 2023
EngineUnknown Or Other

I have a 2018 Ford economy sport. I frequently took good care of this car . I changed the oil regularly. A out 3 weeks ago I was driving my car and the oil pressure light appeared on my car after I just got it fixed. Shortly thereafter the engine went out and left me stranded with no car . I had to come up with $7000 to replac…

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I have a 2018 Ford economy sport. I frequently took good care of this car . I changed the oil regularly. A out 3 weeks ago I was driving my car and the oil pressure light appeared on my car after I just got it fixed. Shortly thereafter the engine went out and left me stranded with no car . I had to come up with $7000 to replace install new engine. I tried to get warranty dept with Ford to fix my car the decl8ned over reasons that have nothing to do with the car engine going. I called the car dealership Matthew's Motors in Wilmington North Carolina and they offered no help . Prior to this fiasco one of my coils blew in the engine. I was stranded 3 days in Virginia. I replaced the coils put new sparkplugs and parts over 600 in repairs. The car ran good for a bit then 3 weeks later no car stranded. I only had the car for 2 and a half years and owe 18,000 on it still. No one wants to help me and I'm frustrated. I took care of the car . Can u please help me

NHTSA ODI #11560802

Mileage unknown · Dec 18, 2023
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control

While driving, a warning came on my dashboard that I was unfamiliar with as it had never come up before. It informed me my oil pressure was low. I called someone familiar with cars and they told me I may need an oil change. As there were no gas stations near where I exited, I continued to my destination another ten minutes from …

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While driving, a warning came on my dashboard that I was unfamiliar with as it had never come up before. It informed me my oil pressure was low. I called someone familiar with cars and they told me I may need an oil change. As there were no gas stations near where I exited, I continued to my destination another ten minutes from when the warning came on during which my car began making a rattling/grinding sound. Additionally, my became nearly impossible to accelerate and took about 30 seconds longer than it usually would to reach a specific speed. I parked, and when someone arrived with oil for me, we discovered the oil level was not low based on the dip stick nor was it leaking. This is when we began to suspect that the oil pump had failed. Upon further investigation, this seems to be a common issue with my type of car as there is a current investigation through this organization into 2018 Ford EcoSports and oil pump failure. In order to prevent further damage, I had it towed to my local Ford dealer who inspected my car and informed me my car had experienced catastrophic engine failure and it would cost $7,000 to replace. My car only has 58,000 miles on it.

NHTSA ODI #11560777

Mileage unknown · Dec 15, 2023
Engine

Was driving down two lane road and all of a sudden oil pressure light came on car started shaking and I was close by a truck stop, pulled in and checked oil, it was fine but the engine seemed real hot, so I knew something was really bad. So called my mother and she came and picked me up after I contacted tow truck to have it tow…

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Was driving down two lane road and all of a sudden oil pressure light came on car started shaking and I was close by a truck stop, pulled in and checked oil, it was fine but the engine seemed real hot, so I knew something was really bad. So called my mother and she came and picked me up after I contacted tow truck to have it towed to Harrisburg Illinois at Jim Hayes where I purchased it on 03/15/2021 and paid the $2,424.00 extended warranty. Yesterday on 12/14/2023 we drove to dealer and was informed it needed new motor. And that we would be refunded the 250.00 dollar tow bill and will only have to pay the 100.00 deductible to have the new motor put in. Plus if they don`t have a loner car come in today 12/15/2023 the warranty will rent us a vehicle and have it delivered to us today since I live some 53 miles away. I am in total shock by all the complaints on here where all these people are having the same problem and people paying out of pocket $8,000 to $9,000 dollars for the same problem, so how long will the next motor last if the company doesn`t correct the defect in these motors????

NHTSA ODI #11560281

Mileage unknown · Dec 13, 2023
Engine

My car is at Ford getting a new engine due to a faulty oil pump. I know there’s a class action suit against Ford for this same issue. My car is a 2018 Ford EcoSport with 22,000 miles. This shouldn’t happen with only 22,000. This is costing me $8600.00 which is crazy.

NHTSA ODI #11559904

Mileage unknown · Dec 12, 2023
EngineFuel/propulsion System

I have purchased this vehicle in June 2019 and the engine went out while I was driving out of town on 07/02/2021; I have had to replace the engine and the turbo, I had to pay a tow of $340 to the nearest Ford dealership (Marietta, Ga-Gary Service Advisor.) They told me the belt jumped the internal valve timing in the engine. I h…

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I have purchased this vehicle in June 2019 and the engine went out while I was driving out of town on 07/02/2021; I have had to replace the engine and the turbo, I had to pay a tow of $340 to the nearest Ford dealership (Marietta, Ga-Gary Service Advisor.) They told me the belt jumped the internal valve timing in the engine. I had to call FORD CORPORATE to beg someone to help me replace the engine because I was at 60,101 miles and the warranty only covered engine repair up to 60K. I was able to get a case manager John Ashley (866-631-3788 ext 79212) and she was able to get ford to cover majority of the $6800 cost of the repairs which I had to wait till November 12 to pick up my car because they said since it was covid the engines and turbos were on back order. At that time I made a payment to Ford for 1875$ for my portion of the repairs. The Warranty that they gave after repairs was for 2 year which the date was 10/10/2023, the car as of 11/27/2023 is back in the shop with the same engine and turbo problem, this time there is oil leaking out of the engine and turbo which need to be replaced. The engine continues to go out while I am driving, it slows down while driving on the interstate and will not allow you to accelerate over 60 mph. There are never any warning lights that come on and my car has been Maintenace at dealerships with receipts.

NHTSA ODI #11559798

Official recalls

2

23V905000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pump

Dec 22, 2023

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the oil pump tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt, free of charge. If engine failure occurs due to a damaged oil pump belt and/or oil pump belt tensioner, Ford has authorized dealers to replace the engine assembly as an interim repair before the availability of remedy parts for the final repair. This repair will be free of charge (parts and labor). Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S64.

18V312000 · Equipment:other:labels; Service Brakes

May 14, 2018

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Ecosport vehicles sold in the United States Federal Territiories. These vehicles were shipped with the European brake reservoir pictogram cap label and the European English language owner's manual kits. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Owners could be confused by the incorrect label on the brake fluid cap, potentially causing them to replace the brake fluid with an incorrect fluid which could affect brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake fluid cap and owner's manual kit, free of charge. The recall began on June 21, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18C04.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Service Brakes

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Ecosport vehicles sold in the United States Federal Territiories. These vehicles were shipped with the European brake reservoir pictogram cap label and the European English language owner's manual kits. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Consequence: Owners could be confused by the incorrect label on the brake fluid cap, potentially causing them to replace the brake fluid with an incorrect fluid which could affect brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake fluid cap and owner's manual kit, free of charge. The recall began on June 21, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18C04.

Equipment:other:labels

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Ecosport vehicles sold in the United States Federal Territiories. These vehicles were shipped with the European brake reservoir pictogram cap label and the European English language owner's manual kits. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Consequence: Owners could be confused by the incorrect label on the brake fluid cap, potentially causing them to replace the brake fluid with an incorrect fluid which could affect brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake fluid cap and owner's manual kit, free of charge. The recall began on June 21, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18C04.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE23015 · Oil Pump Failure

Opened Sep 20, 2023 · Closed Feb 14, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pump

On September 20, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-015 to investigate instances of engine failure due to loss of oil pressure in model year (MY) 2018-2021 Ford EcoSport vehicles. Some consumers reported a low engine oil pressure warning lamp immediately preceding a complete loss or reduction of motive power while the vehicle was in motion. The investigation revealed that the engine oil pump drive belt tensioner arm may fracture, separate from the tensioner backing plate, and/or the oil pump drive belt may degrade and lose teeth, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure. A loss of engine oil pressure can result in engine seizure, which can result in a loss of motive power and a loss of mechanical vacuum pump required to provide power braking assist, increase the risk of a crash. On December 22, 2023, Ford filed recall 23V-905 for certain MY 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The recall remedy provides the replacement of the oil pump drive belt tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt with redesigned parts to improve robustness. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.