← 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

What owners actually said

726 reports
Mileage unknown · May 8, 2024
EnginePower Train

I was driving when the Low Engine Oil Pressure alert came on the dash without the check engine light. The engine turned off minutes later after turning into a quick oil change garage so I was towed to the Ford dealer. Two weeks later I am told the oil pump was reading zero psi (not working) and therefore the engine seized and no…

Read full complaint

I was driving when the Low Engine Oil Pressure alert came on the dash without the check engine light. The engine turned off minutes later after turning into a quick oil change garage so I was towed to the Ford dealer. Two weeks later I am told the oil pump was reading zero psi (not working) and therefore the engine seized and now needs to be replaced without even addressing the oil pump issue that caused the engine to seize. I had no warning or indication about any issue while driving. Also, a recall letter from Ford states how this vehicle's engine can stop running when driving. How is anyone supposed to know? Any guidance will be gladly embraced. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI #11587765

Mileage unknown · May 7, 2024
Power Train

In February of 2024, the transmission on this vehicle was bucking and jerking. I took it to Ford and they assessed it as transmission failure. I had the transmission replaced. On Thursday May 2, 2024, having only driven approximately 3,000 miles in the interim, the new transmission went while I was driving 50 mph on a highway. …

Read full complaint

In February of 2024, the transmission on this vehicle was bucking and jerking. I took it to Ford and they assessed it as transmission failure. I had the transmission replaced. On Thursday May 2, 2024, having only driven approximately 3,000 miles in the interim, the new transmission went while I was driving 50 mph on a highway. The vehicle had a loud bang and jerk and would not go more than 10 mph. Nothing on the dash lit up to warn of any problem. Thankfully it was very early in the morning so there was little traffic. I was able to turn around and drive on the shoulder back to my house. During that time I could hear what sounded like parts bouncing around and the vehicle sounded like it was stuck in 2nd gear. I had it taken by flatbed to my mechanic, who confirmed that the transmission is again damaged beyond repair. This vehicle has the same defective transmission as the Focus. It is a lemon and should be subject to recall or at the very least the extension of warranty made by Ford for the Focus. They know that this is a defect in the design and they should be held accountable for their error. Had it been rush hour, I could have been killed or at the very least grievously injured.

NHTSA ODI #11587464

70,000 miles · May 7, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle periodically, the engine oil low message was displayed. 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 local dealer was c…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle periodically, the engine oil low message was displayed. 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 local dealer was contacted and performed an oil change. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #11587444

Mileage unknown · May 5, 2024
EngineUnknown Or Other

As a result of the aforementioned recall, my car stalled in March 2024. The letter I got from Ford stated, word for word, “Ford has not issued instructions to stop driving your vehicle under this safety recall.” I feel they are responsible and should assist me with transportation. This has cause a huge hardship in my family.

NHTSA ODI #11587046

53,000 miles · May 3, 2024
Engine 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 contact stated that…

Read full complaint

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 contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed the vehicle stalled. The low engine oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and then to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the hydraulic oil pump had detached and gone through the engine. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI #11586792

Mileage unknown · May 3, 2024
Engine

engine has siezed up waiting for Ford to issue parts for the recall. can not drive the car safely

NHTSA ODI #11586707

Mileage unknown · May 1, 2024
Engine

My 2018 Ford Ecosport is in recall for oil pump failure which in turn damaged my engine and is not repairable. The recall issued by Ford is attempting to find a fix for the vehicles that have not had the oil pump fail. There's nothing mentioned in the recall about the people whose engines have been destroyed because the oil pu…

Read full complaint

My 2018 Ford Ecosport is in recall for oil pump failure which in turn damaged my engine and is not repairable. The recall issued by Ford is attempting to find a fix for the vehicles that have not had the oil pump fail. There's nothing mentioned in the recall about the people whose engines have been destroyed because the oil pump has already failed. We don't have the luxury of being able to continue to drive our cars and the expenses we have incurred because of this disaster is much more than those cars that have not had it happen. What about us? Ford left out the many reports that if the oil pump failed, the engine would need to be replaced or consider replacement. NHTSA NEEDS TO KEEP THIS RECALL OPEN AND REISSSUE IT WITH THE REMEDY FOR THE ENGINES THAT HAVE HAD CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE DUE TO THE OIL PUMP FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI #11586343

Mileage unknown · May 1, 2024
Service BrakesUnknown Or Other

I received recall letter Feb 2024 regarding engine oil pump drive belt may fracture and may result in brake failure and risk of crash. I have not driven my car since Feb 2024. I do not want to crash and kill myself & other people on the road. I have called my dealership where I bought the car new in 2018 (Skalnek Ford) and they …

Read full complaint

I received recall letter Feb 2024 regarding engine oil pump drive belt may fracture and may result in brake failure and risk of crash. I have not driven my car since Feb 2024. I do not want to crash and kill myself & other people on the road. I have called my dealership where I bought the car new in 2018 (Skalnek Ford) and they have no info on when parts will be in and I called Ford 866-436-7332 and all I get is a recording. This is a serious problem! I am upset that I can not drive my car & have no idea when repair will be done. What can you do to solve this problem with Ford? I am afraid to drive my car for fear of my brakes failing and causing a crash that may kill me and possibly other people. I hope I filled out this form correctly. I had to put a date on when "incident happened" to finish filling out this form. I did not have an "incident". I have not driven my car since I got recall letter Feb 2024. That is the date I put for my "incident". I am hoping you can help me with this problem I have with Ford. Thank you

NHTSA ODI #11586290

Mileage unknown · Apr 30, 2024
Engine 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 dealer was made awa…

Read full complaint

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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI #11586201

36,000 miles · Apr 30, 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingCrashInjury

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while initially accelerating, the vehicle was stalling when approaching 40 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and an unknown warning message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a turbocharger a…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while initially accelerating, the vehicle was stalling when approaching 40 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and an unknown warning message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a turbocharger and under-boost failure. The contact stated that the failure recurred while accelerating the vehicle and making a right turn, the vehicle stalled and another vehicle crashed into the the driver's side door and the front driver's side tire of the contact's vehicle. No police report was filed. The contact received treatment for a concussion and minor muscle tears. The contact stated that there were no known injuries the 3 occupants in the other vehicle sustained. The contact's vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and later towed to a body shop. The vehicle was repaired. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI #11586146

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.