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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 · Feb 8, 2024
Engine

I hope this message finds you well. My name is [XXX] and I am writing to bring to your attention a critical issue I am currently facing with my Ford Ecosport 2018 WIN : [XXX] , which I purchased in August 2023. On [XXX], my daughter encountered a low engine oil pressure warning along with a strange noise while driving to sch…

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I hope this message finds you well. My name is [XXX] and I am writing to bring to your attention a critical issue I am currently facing with my Ford Ecosport 2018 WIN : [XXX] , which I purchased in August 2023. On [XXX], my daughter encountered a low engine oil pressure warning along with a strange noise while driving to school on the highway suddenly stopped. We promptly towed the car to the dealer, Gillman Honda, as we have an extended warranty. To our dismay, they asked for $1000 to investigate the issue, revealing a faulty oil pump tensioner that caused the belt to disintegrate. This led to small belt fragments clogging the oil pickup, resulting in engine oil starvation. Regrettably, the extended warranty does not cover this problem, and we were quoted $7500 for an engine replacement. Subsequently, I discovered that Ford has issued a recall for the exact issue affecting my vehicle. When contacting the Ford dealership, I was informed that the recall is incomplete, and a remedy is not yet available. They told me that I have to wait until I receive recall . My car is not working and since December I have been waiting . Given the urgency of the situation and my inability to afford the $10,000 repair cost, I am seeking your assistance in expediting the recall repair process for my Ford Ecosport. The car is currently inoperable, and I am facing a significant financial burden. However, your prompt attention and guidance on expediting the repair process would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your assistance. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11570727

Mileage unknown · Feb 7, 2024
Engine

The engine oils drive belt tensioner failed, I took it to dealer to have it diagnosed. This can result into a crash with my two children whom I always have in the car with me and hurting not only them but other drivers around me. The problem has been diagnosed by the dealer where I have always took it since I got it brand new 0 …

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The engine oils drive belt tensioner failed, I took it to dealer to have it diagnosed. This can result into a crash with my two children whom I always have in the car with me and hurting not only them but other drivers around me. The problem has been diagnosed by the dealer where I have always took it since I got it brand new 0 miles from dealership. I heard a very loose rattle loud noise from the vehicle Saturday and my car started to drive funny and took it straight to the dealership and has been there since. They said they are unable to fix this recall right now.

NHTSA ODI #11570659

Mileage unknown · Feb 7, 2024
EnginePower Train

Complete engine failure due to recall on oil pump belt tensioner (the known recall issue, issued Jan 2024) and Ford refuses to fix my vehicle because the "parts aren't ready yet" and won't be until the 3rd quarter of 2024. They have not provided a solution, offered compensation, etc. I am at a total loss considering I still have…

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Complete engine failure due to recall on oil pump belt tensioner (the known recall issue, issued Jan 2024) and Ford refuses to fix my vehicle because the "parts aren't ready yet" and won't be until the 3rd quarter of 2024. They have not provided a solution, offered compensation, etc. I am at a total loss considering I still have a loan out on the car and have only had it for three years. I have taken great care of my vehicle and have kept up with the necessary maintenance, oil changes, etc. I am under the mileage warranty but I believe the 5 year warranty is out. Regardless, there is a known recall for this exact issue and the diagnostic test came back that this is what caused the engine failure, yet Ford offers no solution, no timeline, no compensation, nothing. They didn't even offer to cover my tow or a rental. Simply put, I want them to take the vehicle back and pay my loan off.

NHTSA ODI #11570603

Mileage unknown · Feb 6, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion System

I bought this car 6 months ago and on December 13 While my daughter driving the car suddenli Low oil engine pressure popped on and strange noise came from the car. She stopped the car and towed the car to the dealership. They informed us to pay $1025 to open the engine for the diagnose and we had to agreed they told us once they…

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I bought this car 6 months ago and on December 13 While my daughter driving the car suddenli Low oil engine pressure popped on and strange noise came from the car. She stopped the car and towed the car to the dealership. They informed us to pay $1025 to open the engine for the diagnose and we had to agreed they told us once they pulled down the engine oil pan they found plastic and metal pieces. they first thought this was the timing belt tensioner that had come apart. later learned that it was the oil pump tensioner that gave out causing belt to come apart. The small pieces of belt clogged the oil pick up and starved the engine of oil. They told me my extended warranty doesn't cover the charges that I owe which is $1025 plus tax and replacement cost $7500 . I bought this car for my daughter with loan amount of $13,000 and this mechanical issue happened and cost us around $10,000 which is we cannot afford this . Thank you.

NHTSA ODI #11570244

Mileage unknown · Feb 4, 2024
Engine

The first and last time I drove my vehicle with this issue was [XXX]. I was driving over the pass in WA state and all sides of me were semi's and other vehicles going over the pass. I had a warning message stating I had low oil pressure and to pull over asap. I came to a stop when I could and stopped the car and while I was w…

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The first and last time I drove my vehicle with this issue was [XXX]. I was driving over the pass in WA state and all sides of me were semi's and other vehicles going over the pass. I had a warning message stating I had low oil pressure and to pull over asap. I came to a stop when I could and stopped the car and while I was waiting for the tow truck, I looked up possible issues on my phone and everything I found was very disturbing and accurate. I tried to get an appt. the same day this happened but none of the dealerships close to my hoe had any openings. In order to have AAA pay for the tow, I had to have it towed to a dealership or a certified mechanic on the AAA list. I was over 100 miles from home but I was able to get it towed to a certified mechanic that day. That day was the last time I drove my car. I've tried to get an appt. at a local Ford dealers but nobody returns my calls. They will have to have my car towed to their dealership because it does not run also. The mechanic that did the diagnostic the next day determined the engine had been affected by what he felt was the failure of the oil pump. I submitted a complaint when it happened and was notified of the recall that has since been issued. In my opinion, that recall is more geared to the cars that have not had engine failure yet. It really doesn't address the cars that the engine has already failed due to the oil pump failure. Because this problem is not specifically being addressed on the recall, they will use that as an excuse to not help me at all. Getting the parts they suggest in the recall won't help me with a dead motor. There has to be other alternatives listed in order for me to get help from Ford. They are in total denial as are the dealerships. I don't want to wait until Quarter 2 for the parts when that won't help me at all. I'm getting tired of the runaround and there should be better accountability by ford. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11569855

Mileage unknown · Feb 4, 2024
Engine

Started sounding like a rattle, or vibration, then started getting louder, over next few weeks got louder until it got to the point of sounding like a race car, or one of those kids with the modified exhaust. Today looked under the car and saw a pipe hanging, googled and found hundreds of people with the 2018 with the same issu…

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Started sounding like a rattle, or vibration, then started getting louder, over next few weeks got louder until it got to the point of sounding like a race car, or one of those kids with the modified exhaust. Today looked under the car and saw a pipe hanging, googled and found hundreds of people with the 2018 with the same issue. Ford dealership I bought it from wanted over $150 to “ diagnose “ the issue. When you can clearly see the pipe hanging. And obviously from all the other claims of 2018 flex pipe separating issues. Tried to trade in the car as is and was told by the same dealership that it would cost over $1000 in parts alone. I was so upset knowing I would owe more on the car then the trade in willing to give me I went home and searched the part. On the high end of pricing it was $120. So I decided I needed to write this because clearly Ford knows there is a problem and they are taking advantage of it.

NHTSA ODI #11569753

Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2024
Engine

Oil pump belt tensioner arm is fractured on my 2018 Ford EcoSport and my engine failed as of January 8th 2024. The oil pressure warning light is on as well as the check engine light. I have had this issue inspected and there is a recall for this problem, but parts are not expected to be ready until the 2nd quarter of the year! I…

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Oil pump belt tensioner arm is fractured on my 2018 Ford EcoSport and my engine failed as of January 8th 2024. The oil pressure warning light is on as well as the check engine light. I have had this issue inspected and there is a recall for this problem, but parts are not expected to be ready until the 2nd quarter of the year! I am currently unable to drive my vehicle, and anywhere i need to take it has to be towed. Ive spoken with several Ford dealerships as well as Ford customer service, and all of them said they would not offer me a loaner vehicle in the meantime! I have asked for them to temporarily fix the issue by for now putting in the original part just to get me by, but I was told it could cost upwards of $3000 and I likely would not be refunded, because technically the recall is just an advanced notice! I am now going to be paying on a vehicle that i cannot drive or get fixed until April-June and I've been declined getting a loaner vehicle because it is simply not part of the recall. My only current option is to continue paying on this car, but to not drive it until it gets fixed 2-5 months from now.

NHTSA ODI #11569171

Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2024
EnginePower Train

In June of 2023, engine oil light came on the dash stating low oil pressure, car began to shake really bad. Prior to thatI also was at a stop sign when vehicle shut off on me and had to coast into a gas station with a long line of traffic behind me. Called Ford and filed a complaint. I also called the local Ford dealer when my …

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In June of 2023, engine oil light came on the dash stating low oil pressure, car began to shake really bad. Prior to thatI also was at a stop sign when vehicle shut off on me and had to coast into a gas station with a long line of traffic behind me. Called Ford and filed a complaint. I also called the local Ford dealer when my car didn't want to start anymore and they told me they wouldn't even touch and it would cost them yo to $19,000 for a new motor. Take in mind more than what the car is worth. I was out a vehicle for 7 months and have spent over $4000 to fix andits still not running right. I still lose power and can only 60mph on the highway and car is still shaking.

NHTSA ODI #11569153

98,000 miles · Jan 29, 2024
EngineEngine 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 at approximately 40 MPH, the "Low Oil Pressure" warning light illuminated. The contact drove to the residence and parked the vehicle. The contact called a dealer and was advised to take the vehicle in to the Service Department. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the timing belt had failed and caused the oil pump to fail, causing the engine to seize. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI #11568445

Mileage unknown · Jan 26, 2024
Engine

The engine shut down after five minutes of driving, and only then the oil and check engine warning lights illuminated. We had the car towed to the dealer, the service department said "the entire engine needs to be replaced due to a failed oil pump causing bearing failure. This is at 63,000 Miles. Cost to replace engine is $10,0…

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The engine shut down after five minutes of driving, and only then the oil and check engine warning lights illuminated. We had the car towed to the dealer, the service department said "the entire engine needs to be replaced due to a failed oil pump causing bearing failure. This is at 63,000 Miles. Cost to replace engine is $10,000. Talked to Ford dealership said nothing they can do.

NHTSA ODI #11568039

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.