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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 →

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 · Feb 14, 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…

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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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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 #11571968

65,000 miles · Feb 14, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated, and the vehicle began shaking violently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. On another occasion, th…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated, and the vehicle began shaking violently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. On another occasion, the contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on over 10 occasions where the check engine warning light was cleared without addressing the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated the while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact continued to drive with the hazard light on and the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that an unidentified component was cracked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ODI #11571821

71,600 miles · Feb 13, 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 contact stated that …

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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 contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil pressure pump warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with failed cylinders. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started the following day, the vehicle independently turned off. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,600.

NHTSA ODI #11571648

Mileage unknown · Feb 10, 2024
Engine

Lost oil pressure to engine

NHTSA ODI #11571151

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

71,000 miles · Feb 7, 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while depressing the brake pedal, the pedal was firm. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact pulled off the highway, and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent me…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while depressing the brake pedal, the pedal was firm. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact pulled off the highway, and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the failure was related to the engine and referred her to the Ford dealer. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who tested the vehicle and was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was contacted and referred to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

NHTSA ODI #11570557

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

80,000 miles · Feb 6, 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 manufacturer was ma…

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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment and then the "Low Oil Pressure" warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started losing motive power. The driver exited the highway and was able to stop the vehicle in a parking lot. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The contact stated that the dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that Part Number: SSM49918 which was related to the oil pump had failed and caused the engine to seize. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI #11570236

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.