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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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Ecosport years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
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.
What owners actually said
726 reportsThe contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000(Engine and Engine Cooling) advising that the parts needed to complete the recall repair were now available and to contact the local dealer. Upon contacting the local dealer, the contact was informed that no repairs would…
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The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000(Engine and Engine Cooling) advising that the parts needed to complete the recall repair were now available and to contact the local dealer. Upon contacting the local dealer, the contact was informed that no repairs would be performed on the vehicle unless the engine failure had occurred. The contact expressed safety concerns because the recall repair was supposed to prevent the failure from occurring. The contact stated that the engine failure might occur on a busy freeway. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that no repairs would be performed unless the engine failure had occurred. The contact had not yet experienced the failure listed in the recall.
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!!!
Recall work done on 2018 Ford Ecosport. Next day leaking oil at all four corners of oil pan. Took back to dealership and the repaired but didn’t document it. About one week later oil and other fluids leaking from all over. Took back to dealership and they repaired but charged me a deductible stating it wasn’t really due to the r…
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Recall work done on 2018 Ford Ecosport. Next day leaking oil at all four corners of oil pan. Took back to dealership and the repaired but didn’t document it. About one week later oil and other fluids leaking from all over. Took back to dealership and they repaired but charged me a deductible stating it wasn’t really due to the recall work. I think it was. About 11 days later fluids leaking/pouring out from under vehicle. Back at dealership now.
Three days after I purchased the vehicle from ideal cars, I went to Showlow, Arizona and the car on the hill started spitting and sputtering lost power and shut off and I had to pull over to the side about 20 minutes later. It was able to start again and we went Then a week later I went to Payson, Arizona and my vehicle again lo…
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Three days after I purchased the vehicle from ideal cars, I went to Showlow, Arizona and the car on the hill started spitting and sputtering lost power and shut off and I had to pull over to the side about 20 minutes later. It was able to start again and we went Then a week later I went to Payson, Arizona and my vehicle again lost power on the hill and shut off and I had to pull over to the side and wait for it to start again that’s when I called Ford and the car lot I purchased it from which they don’t want anything to do with me, but Ford told me about the recall and how that’s what my car is going to do or could do but I’m telling you it already did it. It’s already made. The transmission sounds whiny, and clunky, and the motor shifting is not better. This is all after the recall repairs.
In January 2024, Ford issued Safety Recall 23S64 / NHTSA Recall 23V905 for my 2018 Ford EcoSport for critical engine oil pump failure causing loss of engine power AND power braking assistance - a defect that has caused crashes and injuries. Parts were not available until August 2025 (19 months later). This defect caused catastr…
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In January 2024, Ford issued Safety Recall 23S64 / NHTSA Recall 23V905 for my 2018 Ford EcoSport for critical engine oil pump failure causing loss of engine power AND power braking assistance - a defect that has caused crashes and injuries. Parts were not available until August 2025 (19 months later). This defect caused catastrophic engine damage in my car requiring complete engine replacement. My vehicle has been out of service for over 75 days. I unknowingly drove with this life-threatening defect for over 2 YEARS since my purchase in June 2023. I purchased this Certified Pre-Owned vehicle in June 2023 for $25,000 from an authorized Ford dealer in Santa Clara, CA, plus spent on CA DMV registration ($638) and auto insurance till now ($3,000). Ford has discontinued the EcoSport due to reliability issues. I have completely lost confidence in this vehicle's safety and have formally requested Ford buy back this defective vehicle for $28,638 (purchase price + registration + insurance costs). Ford customer service and the dealership have been slow and unresponsive. With engine replacement required, this vehicle is unsafe and worthless. I am requesting NHTSA investigate this recall and Ford's resolution for such life threatening defect.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000(Engine and Engine Cooling), and the dealer replaced the engine and the oil pump; however, while driving two days later, the vehicle stalled upon coming to a complete stop at…
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The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000(Engine and Engine Cooling), and the dealer replaced the engine and the oil pump; however, while driving two days later, the vehicle stalled upon coming to a complete stop at a stop sign. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after an hour and drove to the residence. The dealer picked up the vehicle from the residence, and the contact was later informed that the vehicle was diagnosed with wiring harness failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired because the contact believed that the dealer damaged the wiring harness while performing the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,000.
I got my engine replaced during the summer of 2024 since the oil drive belt failed in my engine. This was due to the recall. I took my car to Baumann Ford in Genoa. I got my car back in August of 2024 after this occurred in June of 2024. I went 2.5 months without my car. Once I got it back the check engine light has come on…
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I got my engine replaced during the summer of 2024 since the oil drive belt failed in my engine. This was due to the recall. I took my car to Baumann Ford in Genoa. I got my car back in August of 2024 after this occurred in June of 2024. I went 2.5 months without my car. Once I got it back the check engine light has come on several times for various issues pertaining to the engine. In the last couple of months, my car has stalled twice and it has been refusing to start. I took my car to Tuffy's in Perrysburg to get inspected and they said my starter was going out, my transmission is going out and is leaking fluid, and my coolant is leaking too. All of these components were part of the engine that was put into my vehicle in August of 2024. Another issue is that the gas valve that detects vapors causes my check engine light to come on as well. I do not feel that this vehicle is safe to drive. I was told that the recall was to be fixed by the end of the first quarter of 2025. It is now the last quarter of the year and I just was called to get the recall fixed. The first dealership (Baumann Genoa) said they had no time to fix the issue even though they called me to get me scheduled. This has been over a year of stress with this vehicle and I do not feel like this is safe to be on the road. Ford has taken their time fixing this issue and I do not feel like they have taken this recall seriously when it comes to their consumer safety.
The engine oil pump drive belt and/or tensioner failed, causing the low-oil-pressure warning light to illuminate and creating a risk of sudden engine seizure and loss of motive power while driving. The vehicle is a 2018 Ford EcoSport with approximately 49,000 miles. It had no oil-pressure issues of any kind until two months afte…
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The engine oil pump drive belt and/or tensioner failed, causing the low-oil-pressure warning light to illuminate and creating a risk of sudden engine seizure and loss of motive power while driving. The vehicle is a 2018 Ford EcoSport with approximately 49,000 miles. It had no oil-pressure issues of any kind until two months after the dealer performed the interim repair under open safety recall 23S64. The dealer (Tipton Ford Brownsville) and Ford corporate hotline have both refused to perform the required oil-pan inspection and free engine replacement specified in recall bulletin MT23S64A, even though the recall remains open and this is the exact failure mode described in the recall. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and available for inspection.
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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made a…
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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 unavailable. 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 had not experienced a failure.
Official recalls
223V905000 · 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
1PE23015 · 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.
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