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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

What owners actually said

726 reports
102,284 miles · Feb 25, 2024
Engine

I purchased the vehicle and not even two weeks goes by before I am going 55mph and the entire car started shutting down. I managed to get off the road. I had the vehicle towed to Klaben Ford in Warren where it took months to replace the engine and turbo. I finally get it back and not even 24 hours went by before it stalled going…

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I purchased the vehicle and not even two weeks goes by before I am going 55mph and the entire car started shutting down. I managed to get off the road. I had the vehicle towed to Klaben Ford in Warren where it took months to replace the engine and turbo. I finally get it back and not even 24 hours went by before it stalled going over railroad tracks. Klaben tells me they left a clamp on my engine and gave it back. I had it for two days before I had a loss of power again while turning left in an intersection. Luckily the oncoming traffic were extremely quick to respond and were able to stop before hitting me. This time they had my car for a week or two and gave it back finally working. Unrelated to this exact case, but Klaben also in that time had my vehicle catch on fire when another vehicle exploded next to it. They took it to their own body shop without my consent originally. Since it was already there I agreed to have them estimate repairs. Little did I realize they would cut their labor costs to be able to not total out the vehicle. Looking back I should of had an unrelated body shop estimate the repairs to have the [XXX] car totaled out and replaced. Fast forward about two years where I have my car finally running and seems great. January 2024 comes and the engine light warning comes across my car while I am on [XXX] driving 70 miles per hour with my 1 and 3 year old in the car. I stop and I have it taken to my mechanic who told me to drive it as little as possible because the engine would need replaced. I then call Ford to tell them about it and asked about a buy back. This was TWO DAYS before I get the advance recall letter. Not once in the phone call did they tell me how dangerous my car was at this point and never said anything about the recall. I try to go to work the next day and my oil light then comes on. I then finally get the recall to find out I would still have to pay about $7,500 out of pocket for engine and turbo as well at $1,800 a month in rental cost. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE F

NHTSA ODI #11573840

80,000 miles · Feb 23, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was no…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced a failure. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the oil pump had failed, and the engine long block and the turbo charger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact recently received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and related the failure to the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI #11573587

40,257 miles · Feb 23, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was ma…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle began to lose motive power. The contact stated that the "low oil pressure" warning light was illuminated, and there was an audible chime heard. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated to 20 MPH. The contact was able to pull off the highway and stopped and then had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine long block and the turbo charger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that after the engine failure she received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact related the failure to the NHTSA Campaign. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,257. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI #11573534

Mileage unknown · Feb 22, 2024
EngineUnknown Or Other

In October 2023, my oil pump failed while on the freeway, resulting in total engine and turbo failure, severe emotional distress, and a substantial financial burden. I had to pay out of pocket to replace both components. In February 2024, the transmission failed on the freeway, increasing the financial burden already on my shoul…

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In October 2023, my oil pump failed while on the freeway, resulting in total engine and turbo failure, severe emotional distress, and a substantial financial burden. I had to pay out of pocket to replace both components. In February 2024, the transmission failed on the freeway, increasing the financial burden already on my shoulders as Ford notified me they would not consider reimbursement for the money already spent on the engine and turbo replacement until 6-8 weeks after I file a report, and they will not allow me to file the reimbursement request until some point in April-June of this year. I drive for work and am now in an extremely difficult position due to the failure of multiple components resulting in serious mental, emotional, and financial duress. My safety was endangered in both cases as I was driving on the freeway in traffic. I do not believe a car less than 6 years old should have an engine, turbo, and transmission failure all just outside of the 5 year warranty within a few months of each other. I believe this violates the implied warranty of merchantability and presents a serious hazard for other owners of this make and model.

NHTSA ODI #11573492

Mileage unknown · Feb 21, 2024
Engine

This vehicle is currently under recall number Manufacturer Recall Number 23S64 and NHTSA Recall Number 23V905. This recall has caused the engine to seize up. The dealership I bought it from will not help with the recall and states that I could pay to have the engine replaced myself for 6000.00. The dealership acknowledges there …

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This vehicle is currently under recall number Manufacturer Recall Number 23S64 and NHTSA Recall Number 23V905. This recall has caused the engine to seize up. The dealership I bought it from will not help with the recall and states that I could pay to have the engine replaced myself for 6000.00. The dealership acknowledges there is a recall on my car, they are having trouble getting the parts, but will not provide me with a loaner car until the parts arrive, and tried to pressure me into paying for a replacement engine out of pocket. They also charged me 138.99 to look at car and determine it is part of the recall. I had to pay to have it towed back to my house due to their inadequate service and non-help in this recall situation.

NHTSA ODI #11573139

100,000 miles · Feb 20, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving 40–55 MPH, the vehicle started bucking. The driver was able to pull over and oil light was illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the oil pump had failed and caused the engine to be …

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving 40–55 MPH, the vehicle started bucking. The driver was able to pull over and oil light was illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the oil pump had failed and caused the engine to be blown. The vehicle was repaired. The Insurance Company covered the repair. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact called the manufacturer, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #11572962

Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2024
Engine

I've just purchased the above-noted vehicle. It will be registered and titled to me within the next two weeks. The recall details note that the defect could result in engine seizure. When I reported this to my local Ford dealer (Team Ford, Las Vegas, NV, 2-19-2024) they could not tell me when replacement parts would be received …

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I've just purchased the above-noted vehicle. It will be registered and titled to me within the next two weeks. The recall details note that the defect could result in engine seizure. When I reported this to my local Ford dealer (Team Ford, Las Vegas, NV, 2-19-2024) they could not tell me when replacement parts would be received to remedy the problem. Furthermore, any associated expenses would be my responsibility. I am seeking some acknowledgement of my complaint to avoid the possible expenses on my behalf.

NHTSA ODI #11572915

50,000 miles · Feb 20, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while her son was driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power upon depression of the accelerator pedal with several messages displayed on the instrument panel. The contact's son coasted the vehicle to a parking lot and the vehicle was later towed to a local dealer.…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while her son was driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power upon depression of the accelerator pedal with several messages displayed on the instrument panel. The contact's son coasted the vehicle to a parking lot and the vehicle was later towed to a local dealer. The contact was later informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI #11572912

Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2024
Engine

The low engine oil light came on at around 73000 miles and the turbo stopped working, I was only able to go up a hill at 10 miles per hour, I was able to get my car to a safe spot but the car is undrivable now due to the oil pump and the turbo boost going out.

NHTSA ODI #11572894

Mileage unknown · Feb 19, 2024
EngineService BrakesUnknown Or Other

I was losing oil quickly. One Ford dealership said there was a leak in my engine. 2 other Ford dealerships couldn't find said leak. On [XXX] I was taking my car in for an oil change when about 8 miles out my brakes stopped working. Per Jennifer Wilkes at Ford this was the issue "Good afternoon, I had to submit a claim to replac…

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I was losing oil quickly. One Ford dealership said there was a leak in my engine. 2 other Ford dealerships couldn't find said leak. On [XXX] I was taking my car in for an oil change when about 8 miles out my brakes stopped working. Per Jennifer Wilkes at Ford this was the issue "Good afternoon, I had to submit a claim to replace the long block of the motor as well as the turbo assembly and the vacuum brake booster. They are all bad and need to be replaced. I submitted a claim today to Ford for the repairs with your extended warranty. I am holding for approval at this time Allan Vigil Ford Lincoln" Per this recall, I should not have been charged for this repair. This was all related to the recall and I was charged $200 after my warranty. Please refund me. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11572713

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.