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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

Fuel/propulsion System complaints

40 reports
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Mileage unknown · Nov 2, 2025
Fuel/propulsion System

Check engine light acceleration on it own and loses power

NHTSA ODI #11697032

Mileage unknown · Aug 5, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion System

As I was driving in the highway the car began to loose power... it began to slip, it speeds up then goes down etc, once I slowed down but before coming to a complete stop the car shut down while I was exiting the highway. We could have been hit from behind if it wasn't that i had already been slowing down because the car didn't…

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As I was driving in the highway the car began to loose power... it began to slip, it speeds up then goes down etc, once I slowed down but before coming to a complete stop the car shut down while I was exiting the highway. We could have been hit from behind if it wasn't that i had already been slowing down because the car didn't feel right. It has happened more than once, the slippage of power is constant. According to the codes and the diagnostic it was the turbo that needed replacement along with other things I have a video summary of the issues. However, this began right after my warranty expired and the engine had already been replaced due to another issue not even a year before. This car seems to be nothing but problems. You get the check engine light that comes and goes amd the "see manual" light which doesn't tell you anything other than it could be anything. This car is not even 10 years old... it's not high mileage. They seem to know that the turbocharge is an issue but nothing is done about it.

NHTSA ODI #11678502

Mileage unknown · Jul 10, 2025
Fuel/propulsion System

RECALL IS OVER A YEAR AND A HALF OLD WITH NO REMEDY

NHTSA ODI #11672443

Mileage unknown · May 14, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

I had brought my vehicle multiple times in 2024 to the Route 23 auto mall prior to me receiving a recall notice. The check engine light kept coming on and off and they told me that there was nothing wrong with my vehicle. I then received a recall notice in around the end of July 2024 and contacted them to complete the recall. I …

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I had brought my vehicle multiple times in 2024 to the Route 23 auto mall prior to me receiving a recall notice. The check engine light kept coming on and off and they told me that there was nothing wrong with my vehicle. I then received a recall notice in around the end of July 2024 and contacted them to complete the recall. I brought my vehicle in August 2024 and they told me that they would not be receiving the parts for the recall until March of 2025. I was told that I can still drive the car until then as it was not a safety hazard. That same day I went home and parked my car in front of my house. I was leaving to go to work and the car would not start. I had to call a tow truck to tow the car to the dealership. The manager told me that I would need to get a new motor and it would only take a few days. I asked for a rental car in the mean time. I then got my car back with the new motor almost 6 months later. I picked up my car from them and they gave me a certificate for the new motor. Fast forward to April of 2025 and my car again would not start. I had to have it towed to the dealership once again and this time it took 3 weeks to get it fixed. They said that the hose was ripped in half which causes anti-freeze to leek. They told me that it had nothing to do with the recall and that I had to pay $200.00 out of pocket. The car is still not fixed as per recall because the same parts were put on the car. I tried to get rid of the car and no dealership will by it. I looked online and noticed that there is a class action lawsuit against ford for the same exact issues. Ford itself will not buy the car back. What can I do now? I have attachments but its too large to fit on here. I can email it.

NHTSA ODI #11660993

Mileage unknown · May 5, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

8/14/21 car purchased at Pacifico Ford 9/10/22 broke down, at a red light, car just turned off, had to physically push it off the road and get towed, no warning Rattling engine sounds always while car was running after the first breakdown 2018 EcoSport Recall Item Affected: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: ENGINE: OIL / LUBRICATI…

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8/14/21 car purchased at Pacifico Ford 9/10/22 broke down, at a red light, car just turned off, had to physically push it off the road and get towed, no warning Rattling engine sounds always while car was running after the first breakdown 2018 EcoSport Recall Item Affected: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: ENGINE: OIL / LUBRICATION: PUMP A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash. Manufacturer's report date: 1/8/24 Started receiving multiple letters about recall which stated parts were unavailable. Called Pacifico to inquire about bringing car in - was told there was nothing that could be done, parts were unavailable and stated basically needs to breakdown and have a total failure before they could help me. Crazy since the recall states an increasing risk in crash. March 2024 broke down yet again, brought to the dealer and they assessed it was the recall. Parts still unavailable. Put in a rental from around April - 11/13/24. Every month I had to come back to dealership and pay $200 for rental then it would be reimbursed a week later. 11/13/24 got car back after 8 months - was told the car’s engine was replaced completely since the parts never became available/ everything was done and fixed. A week or so later check engine light came on again. Brought back to Pacifico told it was a computer issue and to drive it 50 miles to reset. November 27th check engine light still on, was told to drive another 100 miles. December 2024 inspection was done, they cleared engine light/ said nothing was wrong with it. 3/19/25 Check engine light comes on yet again - brought it directly to shop and they said yet again NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT. TURNED LIGHT OFF. 5/2/25 driving to work, the car just turned off/ broke down while I was actively driving, no warning, no nothing. I am lucky I was not involved in accident for I take major highways everyday. Car currently at shop diagnosis; bad purge valve

NHTSA ODI #11659112

Mileage unknown · Apr 23, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2018 Ford EcoSport, which is affected by Recall 23S64 related to a serious engine defect. I am currently making payments on this vehicle, yet it continues to be unsafe and unreliable, with repeated engine issues that have not been resolved despite temporary repa…

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To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2018 Ford EcoSport, which is affected by Recall 23S64 related to a serious engine defect. I am currently making payments on this vehicle, yet it continues to be unsafe and unreliable, with repeated engine issues that have not been resolved despite temporary repairs. I purchased the car in May 2024 from a dealership. Within two hours of driving it off the lot, the car began to shake, and the check engine light started flashing. It could not accelerate properly or keep up with traffic, and I had to return it for repairs, where it stayed for approximately two weeks. More recently, while driving two hours away from home, I experienced another severe incident. The car again began to shake, and multiple warning lights appeared on the dash: the check engine light, engine oil pressure light, and the "See Manual" warning. Once again, the vehicle was unable to accelerate safely, putting me and others on the road at serious risk. I was told this was connected to Recall 23S64, and an interim engine replacement was performed. However, even after this, I am still experiencing ongoing engine issues, including shaking, poor acceleration, and a flashing check engine light. This recall has been open since December 2023, and Ford initially stated that remedy parts would be available by the end of Q1 2025. It is now late April 2025, and there are still no parts available and no updated timeline. I have reached out to Ford and the dealership multiple times, and both have refused to offer a buyback or permanent solution, even though I have explicitly stated that I no longer feel safe in the vehicle. I fear that Ford is waiting for someone to be seriously injured before taking meaningful action. Meanwhile, I am stuck making monthly payments on a car that I cannot rely on and do not feel safe driving. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate this matter and pressure Ford to take responsibility.

NHTSA ODI #11656283

Mileage unknown · Oct 16, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion System

Vehicle keeps breaking down and constant maintenance is needed. From oil pump to engine and alternator issues. Worst purchase ever

NHTSA ODI #11620208

Mileage unknown · Aug 7, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

I have a 2018 Ford EcoSport (Recall 23s64). I had asked the dealer about this recall during my last oil change that was apprx 1 month prior to breaking down. I was told I would contacted when the vehicle is ready to be brought in. I was out of town on [XXX] in CT when the dashboard warning indicated "Low Engine Oil Pressure." T…

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I have a 2018 Ford EcoSport (Recall 23s64). I had asked the dealer about this recall during my last oil change that was apprx 1 month prior to breaking down. I was told I would contacted when the vehicle is ready to be brought in. I was out of town on [XXX] in CT when the dashboard warning indicated "Low Engine Oil Pressure." The car began to decelerate and I took the next exit in Wallingford Ct and called a Tow. There was no Ford Dealer in the area that would see me. My care was towed to Firestone where they diagnosed the issue as being related to the recall. I needed to get the car towed home, get a rental car, and hotel for one night because rental cars were not available until the next day. I have been in touch with Ford and the Ford Dealership. The information they are providing me is sketchy related to covering expenses related to these extenuating circumstances. I spoke with the Ford and Ford dealership about rental reimbursement 2 weeks ago. Only today was I advised that rental would only be reimbursed for Ford vehicles. I pushed back and asked for escalation at Ford. I would like clear and concise information from Ford and the Ford Dealer but they are not particularly forthcoming with information. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11606986

Mileage unknown · Jun 26, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

the vehicle flashed a light regarding the oil pressure and then as i began to make a right turn the car puttered and wouldn’t allow me to accelerate and began to turn off in traffic.

NHTSA ODI #11596931

Mileage unknown · Jun 23, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemService Brakes

This issue has not been corrected and this car is unsafe to drive.

NHTSA ODI #11595968

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.