2018 Ford Ecosport Powertrain & Transmission Problems

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.

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.

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.

Ford still does not have a fix for this issue and my check engine light is now illuminated.

My engine light came on in September 2024. I took it to the Ford dealership and they told me it was my purge valve. I had my mechanic replace my purge valve and my engine light went off. 24 hours later my engine light came back on. I took it to the Ford dealership and they said the valve was loose and they fixed it. My engine light was off when they gave me my vehicle back. 2 fays layer my engine light came back on. While driving on I-45 my car shut off and stalled. I talked with the Ford corporate office and they informed me about my car's safety recall and that they will not have the parts until next year. I wanted to have my car be a total loss and purchase a 2024 Ford Escape. I was not approved and Ford is trying to give me my car back. I no longer feel safe driving behind the wheel of a car that has an increasing chance of shutting off and causing a crash.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and jerked abnormally while the transmission was shifting gear. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed there were metal shavings found inside the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission and torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

While driving down the road the car started to make a weird clunking sound and started to jerk when I made a turns and continued to jerk until stopped. * Independent service removed and replaced the rear differential * There were no warning signs

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.

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.

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.

Kept getting a message on the dash saying low oil pressure then the car just completely stopped on me and wouldn't start no longer

My car stop running completely. It's at the dealership for about 3 months and they have fix but the engine are on backorder. Looking at the 2nd quarter of next year to be fixed. My family and I will be without a vehicle for almost an year. I don't have the money for a rental which they said they would reimburse me which isn't an option for me at this time

In Jan 2024 my car started running rough. In Feb 2024 I was mailed the 23V-905 recall notice. Late Feb I had the oil changed in my car. This didn't help the rough running. Mar 4 2024 a warning came on indicating "low engine oil pressure". I took it back to the oil change shop, who looked at everything, showed me it had a safe oil level...it was not dripping oil on my driveway. I was then told about the recall notice and to have it diagnosed at a dealership. Every dealer I called advised it an advance notice only, it's okay to drive my car, until parts are available - In July. I called Ford who gave me a service ticket CAS48387851. My dealership did a diagnosis and said there is metal in the oil with coes P0012, Intake camshaft position timing over re-tarded P0014, low or contaminated oil P0299, Turbo under boost condition P0303, cylinder 3 misfire detected P0316, Engine misfire Detected on start up P0340, camshaft position sensor A circuit P0344." They said I need my engine replaced for $7266.XX - and that this isn't recall related. I need NHTSA to upgrade the Ford recall to expedite repairs. There are many people without use of their vehicles, still making payments, and no replacement car due to Ford's inadequate response to a problem known since Feb 2022 when Critical Concern Reviewed the oil pump issue. Thank you

Known Ford recall for 2nd quarter fix planned. My vehicle is broken down now due to issue and Ford not willing to assist with fix due to no plan yet? Engine oil pump and drive belt faulty causing oil pressure to drop and undriveable vehicle due to this issue.

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.

wife was driving in rush hour traffic about 8am , noticed the warning light low engine oil pressure light on the dash, from the left lane she made her way to the right of the 4 lane highway to the breakdown lane due, to the traffic it took her a couple of mins to make it to the right at which time the car stopped running.car,it was towed. to a ford dealership in Lees Summit missouri it appears that the oil pump failed, the car is at that dealership for inspection .the wife's safety was put at risk due to this oil pump failure in rush hour traffic the dealership has stated that the engine is locked up we have a extended warranty with fidelity warranty services,inc and someone from there has to inspect the motor first before the ford dealer can made any repairs Bob Sight ford is the dealership in Lees Summit MO, there was no advance warning of the problem until the warning light came on

My vehicle stopped accelerating in the middle of the road in traffic & completely shutdown...it would not crank & I couldn't get it out of the road...the check engine light & auto start button started to flash really fast & then the low oil pressure message came on

I was driving our 2018 Ford Ecosport at highway speed when the "low oil pressure" dashbord light came on. Within a minute or so, the engine stopped and I steered my vehicle to the side of the road. I was unable to restart the engine and had to have it towed to a Ford dealership. After the dealership ran a diagnistic on my vehicle, I was told that the oil pump had failed and that the engine siezed up.

The recall on the oil pump has really put a halt in my life. I was driving home when my vehicle cut out. I lost control of the vehicle for a second. Thank goodness I was not on a highway and was able to get it going again to drive home. My dash lit up with all different lights, one being low oil. The vehicle is now sitting at a Ford Dealership where we wait for parts for the EcoSport. This was several months ago. I was told multiple times I could not get a loaner car and that I would have to pay for a loaner if that is what I needed. I ended up going to another dealership and financed another vehicle as my job requires me to travel. I have been in contact with the Ford Support and the Ford dealership and nothing seems to be getting done about it.

While driving on the interstate going 70mph, my Ford EcoSport's Engine oil pump light illuminated. Shortly after, the car began to slow down even though I was attempting to accelerate. This put me at a safety danger due to being in front of another vehicle who was also going around the same speed as I was. I was fortunate enough to be able to get off the road without getting in danger. When taken to Ford, they indicated that there was an issue with the motor and that it would need to be replaced.