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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

Service Brakes complaints

29 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jun 12, 2026
Power TrainService BrakesCrashInjury

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The braking system failed, preventing the vehicle from stopping properly. The vehicle is currently at a tow yard and is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Because the …

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What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The braking system failed, preventing the vehicle from stopping properly. The vehicle is currently at a tow yard and is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Because the brakes failed, I was unable to stop at a traffic light. The vehicle entered oncoming traffic and was involved in a collision, placing my safety and the safety of other motorists at risk. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No. I previously took the vehicle to the dealership several times for misfire and powertrain-related issues. The dealership was unable to identify the underlying problem and advised that the spark plugs were not tightened properly. Similar issues have occurred multiple times over the past few years. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle is currently at a tow yard and is awaiting inspection by the insurance company. Additional inspections may be conducted as part of the claim investigation. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. Warning lights appeared earlier this week, and I brought the vehicle to the dealership for diagnosis. The dealership was unable to determine the cause of the warnings. I picked up the vehicle on June 11, 2026. On June 12, 2026, the brakes failed, resulting in the accident.

NHTSA ODI #11743832

Mileage unknown · Mar 12, 2026
EngineService BrakesVehicle Speed Control

2018 eco sport , 1 L engine . Bought this car 2 years ago(April 2024) used (58xxx) miles from Corwin Honda in Fargo nd and test drove and asked about the car . Asked if safe for my family , recalls ,history ..they said no issues ,recalls or crashes . All were untrue we are just finding out . I was driving imin the dark and sud…

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2018 eco sport , 1 L engine . Bought this car 2 years ago(April 2024) used (58xxx) miles from Corwin Honda in Fargo nd and test drove and asked about the car . Asked if safe for my family , recalls ,history ..they said no issues ,recalls or crashes . All were untrue we are just finding out . I was driving imin the dark and suddenly,no warning etc my car says low engine oil pressure . I had kids in the car, on the highway (80mph) when my car suddenly stops at not exactly a slow decline . It is dark , it’s a long high way. Luckily we made it home . But now the dealership I hit it from and Luther family ford of Fargo nd do NOT WANT TO TOUCH MY CAR. Ford company said they have reached out to Luther to tell them to tow my car and inspect etc but Luther ford keeps hanging up in them . We owe 12k still on this car and insurance. We can’t not drive it, I have to uber and use DoorDash . My hubby goes out of town for work and I work night shift so we can not use his beater of a work car. We also scheduled roadside assistance today for 330pm and THEY DID NOT COME TO GET THE CAR. I rescheduled again for the am and hopefully so but I feel they black listed my vin or any recalls with this car. It is unsafe to drive , their is no replacements thought they keep promising year after year I have read . It’s is stressful, it is unsafe and it is wrong to leave ppl hanging when I am doing all I can on my part . We can’t not afford a car payment on a broken car that is dangerous and doesn’t drive . Where is our rights? Who cares about my safety? MY KIDS SAFETY? That night on the highway ? Thankfully a lady in a truck helped us get home . This is so cruel

NHTSA ODI #11723753

Mileage unknown · Feb 19, 2026
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemService BrakesCrash

While driving toward the freeway on January 16, 2026, I pressed my brakes and the vehicle failed to slow or stop. Instead, the vehicle accelerated. I reacted quickly to avoid a head-on collision but was involved in a crash. When pressing on my brakes there were audible sounds from from my hood. As if my car wanted to stop but wo…

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While driving toward the freeway on January 16, 2026, I pressed my brakes and the vehicle failed to slow or stop. Instead, the vehicle accelerated. I reacted quickly to avoid a head-on collision but was involved in a crash. When pressing on my brakes there were audible sounds from from my hood. As if my car wanted to stop but wouldn’t. My engine previously failed for the same reason. When the second and third decal came out I called my local dealership. After my last oil change my car began to show show signs of concern. I emails and called the dealership, I brought my car in however they had no one to work on my car and wouldn’t offer a rental. Told me as long as my car is drivable I’ll be fine. This vehicle has an open recall related to engine/performance defects. History includes: Complete engine failure in 2024 (vehicle retained for two months). Recurring symptoms reported to dealership. Check engine light illuminated; dealership advised vehicle was safe to drive. Vehicle retained again without repair completion. No technician availability; recall repair not completed before crash. I relied on dealership assurances that the vehicle was safe. This defect creates a serious risk of unintended acceleration and loss of braking control. I am concerned other drivers may face similar danger. I am requesting investigation into recall effectiveness and manufacturer handling of repair delays.

NHTSA ODI #11719250

Mileage unknown · Jan 28, 2026
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes

I received the recall Notice 23S64/NHTSA23V905 from the dealership where I purchased my Ford Ecosport in August 2025. I called the dealership to schedule the repair on August 28, 2025. I spoke with Brandon from the service dept. He told me that they would need the car for two weeks to even determine IF the part in my vehicle ind…

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I received the recall Notice 23S64/NHTSA23V905 from the dealership where I purchased my Ford Ecosport in August 2025. I called the dealership to schedule the repair on August 28, 2025. I spoke with Brandon from the service dept. He told me that they would need the car for two weeks to even determine IF the part in my vehicle indeed needed to be replaced and then, if so, they would have to see if the part was available to them and then they could fix it free of charge. He said they could not give me a loaner car during the two week inspection period. And only could offer a loaner car if the part did need to be replaced. Leaving me without a vehicle for at least two weeks. I work and needed transportation for my commute. The issue was at no fault of my own. He also stated that it was not a big deal and the worst that could happen if the part was defective was that the car would just stall. I called back in September if 2025 and was told they still did not have the part available to them. The notice said there was no order to stop driving the car. However, about the time I received the 2nd notice to have the recall service scheduled immediately. My car began showing signs of engine problems. It has been at the dealership since Jan 20th. I was told they have no loaner vehicle. I am without a car due to this repair. I called moments ago and was told the damage to the car was extensive due to the recall part the engine will have to be replaced and they are waiting on parts. I again asked for a loaner vehicle. I was told again, they did not have any to offer me. But said that it’s be a few weeks before my car was repaired! Again, this is by no fault of my own. The car was purchased, paid for entirely. And it is my only means of transportation to ensure a way to work. The recall letter plainly states the dealer has been authorized to give me a loaner vehicle while the repairs related to the recall are being completed. The service manager said it is recall

NHTSA ODI #11713999

Mileage unknown · Jan 17, 2026
EngineService BrakesSteering

On July 9th, 2025, our car's engine failed. It was discovered that it was due to the safety recall 23S64 (Engine Oil Pump Failure). We were ill advised by Ford motor company customer relations specialist and ended up paying almost 1,000 for a rental car that should have been covered by the recall. We waited almost 5 months, to r…

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On July 9th, 2025, our car's engine failed. It was discovered that it was due to the safety recall 23S64 (Engine Oil Pump Failure). We were ill advised by Ford motor company customer relations specialist and ended up paying almost 1,000 for a rental car that should have been covered by the recall. We waited almost 5 months, to receive the car back fixed. It took us begging for the car to be shipped back to our home dealership in Cleveland TN, for the car to finally be fixed. The car sat at the dealership in Ripley, WV for 5 months. Bad customer service issues as well as no parts available.

NHTSA ODI #11711623

Mileage unknown · Dec 23, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemService Brakes

Vehicle is not running and was at the dealership for recall and dealership said that ford denied claim and ford said dealership denied claim. Dealership said it’s something from oil and that it’s not issue from recall however all problems and issues fall within the recall damage. I called ford and they said the dealership are t…

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Vehicle is not running and was at the dealership for recall and dealership said that ford denied claim and ford said dealership denied claim. Dealership said it’s something from oil and that it’s not issue from recall however all problems and issues fall within the recall damage. I called ford and they said the dealership are the ones who denied it. They also caused and did more damage to the vehicle in process. Doesn’t make any sense new engine was put in 2 yrs 20,000 miles ago. Also paperwork from dealership actually states that the outside of the oil pump belt looked to be in rough shape!! Which is the recall!!!

NHTSA ODI #11706850

Mileage unknown · Apr 18, 2025
EngineService BrakesVehicle Speed Control

My vehicle was identified as part of the safety recall in 2023. In 2024 my car started struggling and the low engine oil pressure warning started showing on my dash. The check engine light and service soon indicator lights started showing on the dash as well. The car was just past 71,000mi. When I purchased the car it was at abo…

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My vehicle was identified as part of the safety recall in 2023. In 2024 my car started struggling and the low engine oil pressure warning started showing on my dash. The check engine light and service soon indicator lights started showing on the dash as well. The car was just past 71,000mi. When I purchased the car it was at about 60,000mi. Since the issues seemed related to the recall I went to a Ford dealer. My car was checked with the dealer and I was given a loaner vehicle. I was told that my car’s engine needed to be replaced. I drove a loaner car from September 2024 to April 2025 as my car waited for an engine to be sent to my dealer. Once the engine was replaced I was told that I also would have to purchase a battery since my car hadn’t been driven for so long. I now have my car returned to me but I am nervous to drive it with the same recall issue still outstanding. Parts for the recall remedy were announced to be available by the end of the first quarter of 2025 but they are not. There is also not any updates to when parts will be available.

NHTSA ODI #11655551

Mileage unknown · Apr 16, 2025
EngineService BrakesUnknown Or Other

I had a recall for my 2018 Ford EcoSport vehicle. while driving my vehicle the car just lost power and stopped. I was in the middle of the road when this happened, I tried to make it to the side as best as i could. The car was not drivable so i had to call a tow truck. I did know there was a recall, but was never told what, nor …

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I had a recall for my 2018 Ford EcoSport vehicle. while driving my vehicle the car just lost power and stopped. I was in the middle of the road when this happened, I tried to make it to the side as best as i could. The car was not drivable so i had to call a tow truck. I did know there was a recall, but was never told what, nor that it could cause engine failiure and possibly a crash. My safety was put at risk, this car should have been placed on a STOP SALE as this could have been more serious. My engine had to be replace however; now the transmission and torque converter are bad, i feel this is due to the engine seizing up and it affected the transmission. I am told i have to pay for this to be fixed now, how is this even happening. I have driven this vehicle for 4 months out of 6. My engine light came on and then the care just stopped working, i had little to no warning. I don't even want this car now as i am scare more will go wrong with it. THIS SHOULD HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD WITHOUT THE RECALL OF AN ENGINE BEING FIXED FIRST. THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A HORRIBLE ACCIDENT, THANK GOD IT DIDNT. PLEASE HELP!!!!!! I have no documents yet as I was told they would email them hours ago and still nothing. The only reason i knew about the STOP SALE, was the sales person stated that it should have had this on the vehicle and he is not sure why it didn't.

NHTSA ODI #11655002

Mileage unknown · Mar 27, 2025
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes

I am writing to you about my 2018 EcoSport. I have been waiting for the parts to come into the dealership since the recall, and yet the parts still have not arrived. I have been having problems with my car before I got it fixed. Now I am having problems with my breaks. I've asked one of the service workers if it was ok to drive …

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I am writing to you about my 2018 EcoSport. I have been waiting for the parts to come into the dealership since the recall, and yet the parts still have not arrived. I have been having problems with my car before I got it fixed. Now I am having problems with my breaks. I've asked one of the service workers if it was ok to drive it, which he said it was okay. When I left the dealership, I was close to having a wreak, hence why I am writing to you all to let you know that someone needs to notify the dealership to make them aware that I need a rental car until they can fix my car completely before I get into an accident. Please get back with me as soon as possible,

NHTSA ODI #11650989

38,000 miles · Jan 13, 2025
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The brake pedal was depressed; however, the brakes failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of N…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The brake pedal was depressed; however, the brakes failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. 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 vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was not provided. The vehicle was repaired. 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 failure mileage was approximately 38,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI #11635647

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.