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2018 Ford Ecosport: problems, recalls and reliability

2 recalls and 722 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (42% of complaints).

Data updated weekly · 5 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Dec 2023

2
recalls
722
owner complaints
2
fire reports
65,428
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

NHTSA crash testOverall ★★★★Front ★★★★Side ★★★★★Rollover ★★★★
4-star NHTSA overall safety ratingOne of the most complained-about Ecosport years (#1 of 5, age-adjusted)Weak spot: engine and engine cooling (42%)2 fire reports

Common problems

Computed from 722 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)42% · 288 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)40% · 271 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)5% · 34 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)3% · 19 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System (fuel pump, tank, lines)3% · 18 complaints
Service Brakes (brakes)2% · 12 complaints
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the failure occurred a year after the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then to the dealer, where it was determined that the engine and turbocharger needed to be replaced due to internal bearing failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine, and the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact stated that while slowing down, the RPM became extremely elevated, and the low oil pressure warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle failed to accelerate, and the contact pulled over into a nearby parking lot and parked the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.Owner report · Engine · Jul 2026
There was a recall on these cars do to timing chain issues but mine was not in the recall with the others but ones not in recall are having same issues. Car is a ticking time bomb I want fixed under the recall.Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
Shifting into and out of first gear causing the front end to slam down almost sending my daughter and myself threw the windshield. It clunks and slams into gears causing the car to buck, shaking when trying to start moving.Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2026
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 delayOwner report · Unknown Or Other · Mar 2026
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.Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2026
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.Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Feb 2026
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.Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2026
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.Owner report · Engine · Jan 2026
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!!!Owner report · Service Brakes · Dec 2025

When filing, owners marked a crash in 18 of these complaints and injuries in 10 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 2 campaigns

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS18V312000 · May 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."

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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP23V905000 · Dec 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.

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.

Trouble codes owners mention

OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.

How other years compare

Check your exact Ecosport by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Ford Ecosport reliable?

NHTSA has 722 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2018 Ford Ecosport. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (42% of complaints).

At what mileage do 2018 Ford Ecosport problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 65,428 miles or less.

Does the 2018 Ford Ecosport have open recalls?

2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning equipment:other:labels. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.