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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

What owners actually said

726 reports
62,000 miles · Feb 6, 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the low oil pressure message was displayed. The oil and engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle failed to accelerate and coasted to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the d…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the low oil pressure message was displayed. The oil and engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle failed to accelerate and coasted to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the drive belt had fractured, causing the engine to seize. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and offered to help with the repairs. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was 62,000.

NHTSA ODI #11570232

Mileage unknown · Feb 4, 2024
Engine

The first and last time I drove my vehicle with this issue was [XXX]. I was driving over the pass in WA state and all sides of me were semi's and other vehicles going over the pass. I had a warning message stating I had low oil pressure and to pull over asap. I came to a stop when I could and stopped the car and while I was w…

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The first and last time I drove my vehicle with this issue was [XXX]. I was driving over the pass in WA state and all sides of me were semi's and other vehicles going over the pass. I had a warning message stating I had low oil pressure and to pull over asap. I came to a stop when I could and stopped the car and while I was waiting for the tow truck, I looked up possible issues on my phone and everything I found was very disturbing and accurate. I tried to get an appt. the same day this happened but none of the dealerships close to my hoe had any openings. In order to have AAA pay for the tow, I had to have it towed to a dealership or a certified mechanic on the AAA list. I was over 100 miles from home but I was able to get it towed to a certified mechanic that day. That day was the last time I drove my car. I've tried to get an appt. at a local Ford dealers but nobody returns my calls. They will have to have my car towed to their dealership because it does not run also. The mechanic that did the diagnostic the next day determined the engine had been affected by what he felt was the failure of the oil pump. I submitted a complaint when it happened and was notified of the recall that has since been issued. In my opinion, that recall is more geared to the cars that have not had engine failure yet. It really doesn't address the cars that the engine has already failed due to the oil pump failure. Because this problem is not specifically being addressed on the recall, they will use that as an excuse to not help me at all. Getting the parts they suggest in the recall won't help me with a dead motor. There has to be other alternatives listed in order for me to get help from Ford. They are in total denial as are the dealerships. I don't want to wait until Quarter 2 for the parts when that won't help me at all. I'm getting tired of the runaround and there should be better accountability by ford. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11569855

Mileage unknown · Feb 4, 2024
Engine

Started sounding like a rattle, or vibration, then started getting louder, over next few weeks got louder until it got to the point of sounding like a race car, or one of those kids with the modified exhaust. Today looked under the car and saw a pipe hanging, googled and found hundreds of people with the 2018 with the same issu…

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Started sounding like a rattle, or vibration, then started getting louder, over next few weeks got louder until it got to the point of sounding like a race car, or one of those kids with the modified exhaust. Today looked under the car and saw a pipe hanging, googled and found hundreds of people with the 2018 with the same issue. Ford dealership I bought it from wanted over $150 to “ diagnose “ the issue. When you can clearly see the pipe hanging. And obviously from all the other claims of 2018 flex pipe separating issues. Tried to trade in the car as is and was told by the same dealership that it would cost over $1000 in parts alone. I was so upset knowing I would owe more on the car then the trade in willing to give me I went home and searched the part. On the high end of pricing it was $120. So I decided I needed to write this because clearly Ford knows there is a problem and they are taking advantage of it.

NHTSA ODI #11569753

58,855 miles · Feb 2, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and then lost motive power. The Low Engine Oil Pressure message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made …

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and then lost motive power. The Low Engine Oil Pressure message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 58,855. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ODI #11569510

85,000 miles · Feb 2, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated to 20 MPH. The contact was uncertain there were any warning lights illuminated. Despite the failure, the contact managed to pull off to the shoulder of the highway and slowly drove the vehicle to the residence. Th…

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated to 20 MPH. The contact was uncertain there were any warning lights illuminated. Despite the failure, the contact managed to pull off to the shoulder of the highway and slowly drove the vehicle to the residence. The next day, the vehicle was towed to the dealer and the failure was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooler) 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 not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI #11569472

Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2024
Engine

Oil pump belt tensioner arm is fractured on my 2018 Ford EcoSport and my engine failed as of January 8th 2024. The oil pressure warning light is on as well as the check engine light. I have had this issue inspected and there is a recall for this problem, but parts are not expected to be ready until the 2nd quarter of the year! I…

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Oil pump belt tensioner arm is fractured on my 2018 Ford EcoSport and my engine failed as of January 8th 2024. The oil pressure warning light is on as well as the check engine light. I have had this issue inspected and there is a recall for this problem, but parts are not expected to be ready until the 2nd quarter of the year! I am currently unable to drive my vehicle, and anywhere i need to take it has to be towed. Ive spoken with several Ford dealerships as well as Ford customer service, and all of them said they would not offer me a loaner vehicle in the meantime! I have asked for them to temporarily fix the issue by for now putting in the original part just to get me by, but I was told it could cost upwards of $3000 and I likely would not be refunded, because technically the recall is just an advanced notice! I am now going to be paying on a vehicle that i cannot drive or get fixed until April-June and I've been declined getting a loaner vehicle because it is simply not part of the recall. My only current option is to continue paying on this car, but to not drive it until it gets fixed 2-5 months from now.

NHTSA ODI #11569171

Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2024
EnginePower Train

In June of 2023, engine oil light came on the dash stating low oil pressure, car began to shake really bad. Prior to thatI also was at a stop sign when vehicle shut off on me and had to coast into a gas station with a long line of traffic behind me. Called Ford and filed a complaint. I also called the local Ford dealer when my …

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In June of 2023, engine oil light came on the dash stating low oil pressure, car began to shake really bad. Prior to thatI also was at a stop sign when vehicle shut off on me and had to coast into a gas station with a long line of traffic behind me. Called Ford and filed a complaint. I also called the local Ford dealer when my car didn't want to start anymore and they told me they wouldn't even touch and it would cost them yo to $19,000 for a new motor. Take in mind more than what the car is worth. I was out a vehicle for 7 months and have spent over $4000 to fix andits still not running right. I still lose power and can only 60mph on the highway and car is still shaking.

NHTSA ODI #11569153

98,000 miles · Jan 29, 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 manufacturer was ma…

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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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the "Low Oil Pressure" warning light illuminated. The contact drove to the residence and parked the vehicle. The contact called a dealer and was advised to take the vehicle in to the Service Department. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the timing belt had failed and caused the oil pump to fail, causing the engine to seize. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI #11568445

Mileage unknown · Jan 26, 2024
Engine

The engine shut down after five minutes of driving, and only then the oil and check engine warning lights illuminated. We had the car towed to the dealer, the service department said "the entire engine needs to be replaced due to a failed oil pump causing bearing failure. This is at 63,000 Miles. Cost to replace engine is $10,0…

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The engine shut down after five minutes of driving, and only then the oil and check engine warning lights illuminated. We had the car towed to the dealer, the service department said "the entire engine needs to be replaced due to a failed oil pump causing bearing failure. This is at 63,000 Miles. Cost to replace engine is $10,000. Talked to Ford dealership said nothing they can do.

NHTSA ODI #11568039

Mileage unknown · Jan 26, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

Vehicle was seemingly losing power speedometer was registering 70 on the highway but car was Not doing that. Also, there were no warning lights or any indicators of a problem inside or outside of the vehicle. Immediately pulled over to wait for tow truck that never showed and vehicle was driven to and dropped off at nearest Ford…

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Vehicle was seemingly losing power speedometer was registering 70 on the highway but car was Not doing that. Also, there were no warning lights or any indicators of a problem inside or outside of the vehicle. Immediately pulled over to wait for tow truck that never showed and vehicle was driven to and dropped off at nearest Ford dealership. (Which was literally right across the street ) Immediately upon drop off service advisor said they already had several other of the same vehicles in the shop and it was probably the drive/tensioner belt this was back on the FIRST CONTACT on [XXX]. After being torn down for multiple insurance inspections the dealer confirmed & advised the failure of this belt subsequently blew the engine & since the engine was then blow there is NO remedy other than a replacement engine (even though even the dealership confirmed verbally & via email my vehicle was fully operational at drop off so I believe they blew my engine while in their care). My extended warranty holds me accountable for the initial cause of failure being the tensioner belt (which Ford is now issuing a recall on) and will only offer a betterment towards the replacement engine. Ford has yet to take accountability for anything as they still want me to pay out the remaining balance on the engine (approx 3800) and have The warranty company pay about 3600 for something that Ford should now be taking fault for since it’s a manufacturing issue. Which is now blatantly obvious with the recall. How dangerous it was at a low speed on a Texas highway! We could of been hit or worse! It is now the end of January and they still have my car neither co has helped with a rental in the last 6 months AND Ford now wants me to call the insurance co yet again so they can be paid. Icing on the cake is Ford has reassured me even with a new engine this problem will inevitably happen AGAIN! Please help! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11567922

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.