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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
Mileage unknown · Nov 20, 2023
EnginePower Train

I bought my 2018 firs eco sport 3 months ago. Right after my 3rd car payment, the low oil pressure light came on. Took pictures of the dipstick, oil was good! Just had it changed , with receipt, 90% life left. Made it to miles down the road car made a little noise and stalled and would not start. Ford dealer had it Wedne…

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I bought my 2018 firs eco sport 3 months ago. Right after my 3rd car payment, the low oil pressure light came on. Took pictures of the dipstick, oil was good! Just had it changed , with receipt, 90% life left. Made it to miles down the road car made a little noise and stalled and would not start. Ford dealer had it Wednesday evening and on Monday they still have not touched my car! 202 complaints on this issues !

NHTSA ODI #11556069

81,000 miles · Nov 20, 2023
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated while his daughter was driving into a parking area, she heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed that the engine oil was at sufficient levels. The low-oil pressure warning light w…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated while his daughter was driving into a parking area, she heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed that the engine oil was at sufficient levels. The low-oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the oil pump causing damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE23015 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

NHTSA ODI #11556066

42,000 miles · Nov 20, 2023
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the thermostat had failed. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic, who made the same assessment and infor…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the thermostat had failed. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic, who made the same assessment and informed the contact that the failure could be covered under warranty. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the engine under warranty; however, the failure recurred within 24 hours. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the thermostat and the starter were replaced. The contact stated that while pulling out of a Walmart parking lot the following day, the vehicle shut off. The contact jumpstarted the vehicle, and the battery was replaced at Walmart; however, the vehicle shut off several times within an hour of replacing the battery. The contact stated that while coming to a complete stop in the highway, the vehicle shut off. The contact was unable to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that she pushed the vehicle to the side of the road with the assistance of bystanders. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was being diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the auto Start/Stop feature seemed to malfunction with the engine turning off when coming to a stop, but the vehicle failed to restart as needed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,0000.

NHTSA ODI #11556023

Mileage unknown · Nov 17, 2023
Engine

The engine failed at 57,000 miles due to an oil pump failure. There was no warning light or check engine light. I was on the freeway and the car started to shake I was able to get off the freeway but this could have ended badly if I was unable to control the car on the freeway. The car has been at the dealer for over five wee…

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The engine failed at 57,000 miles due to an oil pump failure. There was no warning light or check engine light. I was on the freeway and the car started to shake I was able to get off the freeway but this could have ended badly if I was unable to control the car on the freeway. The car has been at the dealer for over five weeks now waiting on a replacement engine that I am responsible for paying for even though it was not my fault to the tune of $8,500. The engines are going out on several of these cars and they need to be recalled it is a huge burden of expense and also accidents that are happening even resulting in death.

NHTSA ODI #11555640

Mileage unknown · Nov 17, 2023
Engine

I just bought the car and a year later it started showing low engine oil and then the whole car stopped running in the middle of the road. The engine went out.

NHTSA ODI #11555578

Mileage unknown · Nov 16, 2023
Engine

I have had my vehicle's oil changes done regularly and have copies of those receipts. It only has 64,961 miles. While driving to work on 11/6/23 on a busy road my car gave me a "dangerously low oil pressure" warning light and I could hear a loud noise from my engine. The car behind me almost hit me as I began to slow; very glad …

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I have had my vehicle's oil changes done regularly and have copies of those receipts. It only has 64,961 miles. While driving to work on 11/6/23 on a busy road my car gave me a "dangerously low oil pressure" warning light and I could hear a loud noise from my engine. The car behind me almost hit me as I began to slow; very glad I was not on the interstate yet. We had not had any problems with the engine before and have had no comments of concerns from mechanics during regular maintenance. We had it towed to the Ford dealership where I bought it, Steve Marsh in Milan, TN. They diagnosed the problem as being a failure of the oil pump belt and said I need a new engine that will cost $6,200. This belt is not due to be replaced until 150,000 miles per my owner's manual. It is still at the dealership and is available for inspection. It is not covered by factory warranty and I don't have a service plan. The dealership and I have both contacted Ford separately and were told they do not have any assistance to pay for this problem at this time. I have case # [XXX] from Ford. From my research online, what I was told by the dealer and a separate mechanic, this is a known problem with this engine and there is no way to know it is going bad until it happens. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11555418

48,176 miles · Nov 16, 2023
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low-pressure oil warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had received an oil change approximately five days prior to the failure. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the local Midas where the …

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low-pressure oil warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had received an oil change approximately five days prior to the failure. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the local Midas where the contact was informed that the oil pump was not processing the engine oil. The contact was advised not to start the vehicle, and to have it towed to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an oil pump failure. The contact was informed that the engine, oil pump, wet belt, and turbo needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The manufacturer advised the contact that the warranty had expired and to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 48,176.

NHTSA ODI #11555414

35,000 miles · Nov 15, 2023
Engine

The contact's employer owns a 2018 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated that while his employee was driving at approximately 75 MPH, the oil pressure and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the driver observed an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was steered to the side of t…

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The contact's employer owns a 2018 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated that while his employee was driving at approximately 75 MPH, the oil pressure and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the driver observed an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and turned off. The vehicle was not able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

NHTSA ODI #11555234

41,000 miles · Nov 13, 2023
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at approximately 60–65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The …

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at approximately 60–65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. Two days prior to the failure, the vehicle had received a routine oil change and maintenance service at the dealer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The wrench symbol was displayed. The Ford pass indicated there was a power train failure. The oil was changed prior to the failure. The local dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. No assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Action Number: PE23015 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 41, 000.

NHTSA ODI #11554807

141,426 miles · Nov 12, 2023
Electrical SystemEngine

I am writing to you as I have many concerns about my Ford EcoSport. As I commute to my job or drive to pick up errands, my car suddenly stops. I would make a complete stop and I forget to press the Start/Stop button to disable it from shutting off the engine. This has happened several times and I have taken in my car before and …

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I am writing to you as I have many concerns about my Ford EcoSport. As I commute to my job or drive to pick up errands, my car suddenly stops. I would make a complete stop and I forget to press the Start/Stop button to disable it from shutting off the engine. This has happened several times and I have taken in my car before and all of the Ford dealerships and service workers have no idea of what the problem is or why it is doing this so frequently. I try to start my car and for some reason, it is not starting properly. It continues to make the sounds of it possibly starting and then it shuts off completely. This is the only vehicle that I have to commute with and do my daily errands. I am very concerned about this vehicle and how it is not a reliable source for me to get from place to place. What if something happens then what? I am in search of another car, which is so sad because it is a 2018 year car, which should be able to hold up and last for another 10+ years. I am very concerned for others who are seeing the same problem as myself. I have a brand-new engine, oil parts, and battery. I have had several oil changes within the same month directly at Ford's service centers. I do not know what I should do next. I am an educator, I help many students with different exceptionalities. When parents need help, I am here for them and support them in any assistance that I can. I know I will always be there for my students. I want to know if YOU can be here for ME and the other 93 individuals who have made reports on our investment in having this troublesome car. What would you do if you had no answers to a looming problem without knowing the exact problem? I appreciate the time and consideration that this report can be made useful for anyone who can help in assisting us. Again, thank you very much. I am looking forward to hearing from you!

NHTSA ODI #11554751

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.