Ford · Ecosport · 2018
2
Recalls
711
Complaints
4/5
Safety Rating
The 2018 Ford Ecosport has 2 recalls and 711 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: engine and engine cooling (262 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
Frontal Crash Test

Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
20.4% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
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."
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
I was at stop light went to take my foot off brake to go when light was green car shut completely off. I quickly put hazard lights on then put car in park to restart car. Lucky car didn’t rear in me. Safety recall •Vehicle shuts off in traffic •Unsafe to drive •Loss of wages •No transportation provided •Second recall with long delay
My Ford EcoSport had safety recall 23S64 performed at Diamond Ford in Lancaster, California. The recall involved the oil pump drive belt system. After the recall repair was completed, the vehicle began displaying a low oil pressure warning and the engine started shaking. These symptoms involve the same oil system addressed in the recall. Because the vehicle is now experiencing low oil pressure and engine vibration after the recall repair, I am concerned that the recall remedy did not correct the defect and that engine damage may have occurred as a result of the recalled component.
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
After fueling, codes P0496 will show and car will not start or struggle to start. Stalling when on freeway and rough idle. My vehicle shut off on the freeway causing me to almost crash and had to stop immediatly. In my investigation, it seems I am not the only one suffering this issue. I am on my 2nd engine replacement from the original recall as well.
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 dealer was contacted. The dealer confirmed that parts were 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 and referred the contact to a dealer with parts available. The contact was informed by the dealer that parts were available; however, the contact would be placed on a waitlist. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The affected systems are the engine and powertrain. After completion of Safety Recall 23S64 (NHTSA #23V905) in November 2025, my vehicle began experiencing repeated loss of power, stalling, and reduced-power “limp mode” events. The check engine light illuminated and diagnostic trouble code P0299 (Turbocharger Underboost Condition) was identified. The vehicle remains available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk due to sudden loss of engine power while driving, including hesitation and reduced acceleration in traffic. The vehicle has stalled and entered limp mode unexpectedly, creating a risk of being unable to maintain speed or safely merge. The problem has been reproduced and documented through multiple return visits to the same Ford dealership following the recall repair. The dealership attempted repairs including spark plug replacement and battery replacement, which did not resolve the issue. On the most recent visit, the dealership stated the issue was “unable to duplicate” and returned the vehicle without repair, despite prior documented limp mode behavior. The vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer’s authorized dealership multiple times. Additionally, an independent diagnostic scan confirmed P0299 turbocharger underboost. Warning indicators included the check engine light, reduced engine power, and limp mode behavior, which first appeared after the recall repair was completed. These symptoms have continued despite repeated service visits. Given the vehicle’s history of prior engine failure at approximately 29, 313 miles, and the fact that Recall 23S64 involves oil pump belt failure and oil pressure loss, I am concerned that the recall repair was incomplete or ineffective, potentially allowing residual oil starvation damage affecting the turbocharger and related components.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact had not experienced a failure before the recall repair; however, the contact experienced failures after the recall repair. The contact stated the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal and failed to exceed 30 MPH. An unknown RED warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that whenever the vehicle accelerated above 30 MPH, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with turbocharger failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the grinding sound persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but no cause for the failure was found. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
Vehicle has an open safety recall with no repair available. I have been waiting over two years for parts with no ETA from the manufacturer or dealership. During this time, the vehicle has experienced loss of power while driving, creating a safety risk. The dealership has acknowledged the recall but cannot complete the repair due to parts unavailability. The vehicle remains unsafe to operate, and the manufacturer has not provided a timely remedy.
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.
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
See attached letter!
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 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!!!
My car began rattling. I brough it to Ray Price Ford and was told the Flex Plate is cracked and needs replacement. My car only has 50,000 miles on it and the Flex Plate is a covered repair on other models from the same year. I called Ford and referred to the CSP 22n12 but was told my car is not covered under this program. I requested Good Will assistance and was also denied. I am not sure why several other models of the same year are covered but not my vehicle. It is a 3,000 repair on a part for a vehicle that only has 50,000 and has been serviced since purchase through Ford. This is the second issues with regards to this transmission. All of the hoses came loose around 2 years ago for no apparent reason which also was a full change. It seems they are only covering their most popular model for this issue and it seems as if it a poor manufacturing for the Flex Plate.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that after having the engine replaced in 2023 and being reimbursed following a subsequent recall, the vehicle experienced engine failure. The contact stated that while the official fix was released, the replacement engine that was installed in the vehicle was not equipped with the official fix. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 220,938.
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.
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 not yet available. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
My 2018 Ford EcoSport is affected by Recall 23S64 / NHTSA 23V905. The engine has been replaced and I also had a tune-up, but the vehicle is still experiencing shaking and loss of power while driving. At times it will not accelerate past 50 mph. This has been happening since I bought the vehicle in 2023. This is unsafe and needs review.
Check engine light acceleration on it own and loses power
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
The 2018 Ford Ecosport has 2 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 711 owner-reported complaints for the 2018 Ford Ecosport.
The 2018 Ford Ecosport received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2018 Ford Ecosport are engine and engine cooling (262 reports), engine (207 reports), power train,engine (25 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 2 recalls on record for the 2018 Ford Ecosport. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.