← New search

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.

About this comparison →

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

Electrical System complaints

35 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Dec 30, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

The oil light kept coming on over the course of a couple weeks. We changed the oil, and it seem to be running better for a few hours. Then the car started beeping at the driver, the acceleration was effected . It was making clicking noises and lots of warning signs. The car would barely move forward and the driver had to pull of…

Read full complaint

The oil light kept coming on over the course of a couple weeks. We changed the oil, and it seem to be running better for a few hours. Then the car started beeping at the driver, the acceleration was effected . It was making clicking noises and lots of warning signs. The car would barely move forward and the driver had to pull off into a neighborhood. We then have the car towed to the Ford dealership where they told us us the engine would need to be replaced due to the timing belt fair and oil pressure issues.

NHTSA ODI #11562770

44,000 miles · Dec 6, 2023
Electrical System

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, the security alarm erroneously activated and could not be deactivated. The alarm eventually shut off independently. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The cause of the failure was not ye…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, the security alarm erroneously activated and could not be deactivated. The alarm eventually shut off independently. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 44,000.

NHTSA ODI #11558736

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…

Read full complaint

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

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 …

Read full complaint

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

Mileage unknown · Nov 10, 2023
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

DRIVING DOWN ROAD WAY APPROX 35-40 MPH, SPEEDOMETER WENT UP TO 50MPH, DOWN TO 30MPH, ENGINE WAS SHAKING AND SOUNDED LIKE A LAWN MOWER, THEN ALL THE DASH LIGHTS CAME ON, OIL PRESSURE, CHANGE OIL, CHECK ENGINE, ABS, ALL LIGHTS, CAR DIED AND WILL NOT START.

NHTSA ODI #11554514

Mileage unknown · Jul 16, 2023
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

Unfortunately bought the car June 2022, heater core needed replaced suddenly October 2022. Thousands of $ spent. Next, the motor needed replaced May 2023, Approx miles 61,000. One month later, new motor already needs replaced at approx 62,000. First cause of motor failure was due to oil pump failure. Second cause still pending. …

Read full complaint

Unfortunately bought the car June 2022, heater core needed replaced suddenly October 2022. Thousands of $ spent. Next, the motor needed replaced May 2023, Approx miles 61,000. One month later, new motor already needs replaced at approx 62,000. First cause of motor failure was due to oil pump failure. Second cause still pending. Electrical system failure frequent as in radio not working. Auto-stop sometimes fails also saying "hill assist not available" while not on a hill at all.

NHTSA ODI #11532558

Mileage unknown · Jul 8, 2023
Electrical SystemEngine

In July 7, 2023 driving on the highway. My 2018 Ford Ecosport SE had the low oil pressure sensor come while driving 75mph. The car instantly lost power, I couldn’t speed up to move over. My car died and wasn’t able to restart. Upon doing research online I’m seeing there have been MANY of these ecosport issues with 2018 and 2019 …

Read full complaint

In July 7, 2023 driving on the highway. My 2018 Ford Ecosport SE had the low oil pressure sensor come while driving 75mph. The car instantly lost power, I couldn’t speed up to move over. My car died and wasn’t able to restart. Upon doing research online I’m seeing there have been MANY of these ecosport issues with 2018 and 2019 models and Ford isn’t recalling or fixing this issue. We the consumer NEEDS HELP!!!

NHTSA ODI #11531065

Mileage unknown · Feb 23, 2022
Electrical System

Vehicle has had numerous electrical issues including loosing power while the vehicle is in motion and at stop lights without any warning. The car shuts off and sometimes can be restarted after it is placed in park and restarted. On other occasions, the vehicle looses all power and must be towed. Per the ford dealership, electric…

Read full complaint

Vehicle has had numerous electrical issues including loosing power while the vehicle is in motion and at stop lights without any warning. The car shuts off and sometimes can be restarted after it is placed in park and restarted. On other occasions, the vehicle looses all power and must be towed. Per the ford dealership, electrical wiring becomes loose. Additionally, while the vehicle is running strange sensors come on and then go off such as "hill assist not available" or "traction control" deactivated but then turns itself back on. Also, the doors randomly lock and unlock on their own without touching the fob or door lock. The security system turns itself on after I enter a building. I have contacted and brought this vehicle into the ford certified dealership where I purchased from. My concerns have been brushed to the side by the local office as well as ford corporate.

NHTSA ODI #11453720

Mileage unknown · Aug 16, 2021
Electrical System

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, the contact was unable to start the vehicle. The contact stated that no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaire…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, the contact was unable to start the vehicle. The contact stated that no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11429290

Mileage unknown · Mar 5, 2021
Electrical SystemExterior LightingUnknown Or Other

REAR CAMERA, RADIO AND USB STOPPED WORKING 10/020

NHTSA ODI #11399371

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.