2018 Ford Ecosport
The Verdict
The 2018 Ford Ecosport has 671 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (596 complaints) and body (37 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 16/100, it earns a "Total Klunk" rating. If you're shopping for a Ford Ecosport, consider the 2022 model year which has 98% fewer complaints.
Safe Bet
The 2022 has 98% fewer complaints
View the 2022 Ford Ecosport dashboard →
Klunk Score: Total Klunk
Among the most complained-about vehicle years on record. Strongly consider alternatives.
How is this calculated?
The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.
Recalls 1
Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.
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 c...
Risk
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 ...
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-...
Reported Apr 10, 2026
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Under the Hood
Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.
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Worst Problems
Complaints
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.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The braking system failed, preventing the vehicle from stopping properly. The vehicle is currently at a tow yard and is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Because the brakes failed, I was unable to stop at a traffic light. The vehicle entered oncoming traffic and was involved in a collision, placing my safety and the safety of other motorists at risk. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No. I previously took the vehicle to the dealership several times for misfire and powertrain-related issues. The dealership was unable to identify the underlying problem and advised that the spark plugs were not tightened properly. Similar issues have occurred multiple times over the past few years. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle is currently at a tow yard and is awaiting inspection by the insurance company. Additional inspections may be conducted as part of the claim investigation. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. Warning lights appeared earlier this week, and I brought the vehicle to the dealership for diagnosis. The dealership was unable to determine the cause of the warnings. I picked up the vehicle on June 11, 2026. On June 12, 2026, the brakes failed, resulting in the accident.
Safety defect involves an extreme structural hazard caused by the improper execution and assembly of components under open Federal Safety Recall Campaign 23V905 (Ford Recall 23S64) on a 2018 Ford EcoSport.The vehicle previously underwent the authorized interim engine replacement mandated by Safety Recall 23S64. Following a recent diagnosis by certified technicians to investigate severe vehicle noise, it was discovered that all but one of the main front engine subframe (cradle) bolts are completely missing from the vehicle.The front subframe must be completely dropped and reinstalled to execute this specific recall's interim repair. The missing hardware is a direct result of critical structural fasteners being left loose or entirely uninstalled during the official recall service.As a direct consequence of the detached subframe shifting dynamically while driving, the vehicle has suffered severe structural and tire damage and tracking misalignment. The vehicle has been officially deemed entirely unroadworthy and unsafe to drive due to an imminent risk of structural collapse or catastrophic steering and control failure.The consumer is currently facing a refusal of accountability regarding this safety failure. The manufacturer's customer service division is classifying this severe hazard as a localized dealership workmanship dispute rather than a critical failure of federal safety recall integrity, leaving an unsafe, recalled vehicle unaddressed and grounding the consumer.
Bought in Dec 2022, in February engine seized due to oil pressure issues, was told it needed a new engine. In communications with Ford, they were aware of issue, but it was not a recall issue at that time. I believe that if this issue occurred before recall, that they were replacing these parts with ones known to be faulty. Approximately, 60,000 miles later, I am dealing with the same issue that I did in 2023. I was without a vehicle for over 6 weeks in February 2023 . On Saturday, May 16, 2026, my daughter was driving on interstate 81 in Virginia when the engine once again seized. I took my vehicle to a Ford dealership in Aptil 2025 to see if the recall had been satisfied with the 2023 repair, they assured me that it had been satisfied. I would have gotten my vehicle in for the recall if I wasn't lied to, and my daughter would have not had to gone through that ordeal had I not been lied too. Also, when talking with Ford in 2023, I asked if they knew about these problems with the oil pressure why it wasn't in recall status, they told me because no lives had been lost due to the issue
My vehicle experiences a loss of power while driving. The vehicle will unexpectedly lose acceleration and power during normal driving conditions, including when merging or driving in traffic. This creates a serious safety concern because the vehicle does not respond properly when attempting to accelerate. The issue occurs intermittently but repeatedly and makes it difficult and unsafe to drive, especially at higher speeds or in traffic situations. Ford has declined financial assistance for repair due to mileage and vehicle age, and no resolution has been provided. This issue creates a safety risk while operating the vehicle, as it may suddenly lose power without warning in traffic.
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.
When I realized there was a recall, I could not get in right away due to the fact that parts were on back order. I finally got in at Tidelands Ford in Pawleys. They had my vehicle for two weeks and said it was repaired. I knew immediately it wasn’t driving right and the engine was loud. I told the service manager about it who had the tech look at it and he said he reconnected something and the sound went away for the moment, but the engine has not run the same since. The transmission slips and jumps, at one point I almost ran in the back of someone. The engine has been smoking. I took it back and they called me and told me that they repaired a “oil gasket” and that solved the problem. However, as I stated before, the transmission is not operating correctly and is dangerously to drive.
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.
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
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.
In mid-2024, I was notified of a recall (23S64 / 23V905) involving the engine oil pump belt. When I attempted to schedule repairs, I was told parts were not available. I was instructed to watch for loss of oil pressure and speed and to pull over immediately if it occurred. In January 2025, my vehicle lost oil pressure and speed while driving. I pulled over and had it towed. Ford directed me to a dealer, but multiple dealers within 200 miles said parts would not be available until March 2025. I brought my vehicle to a Ford dealer in [XXX] in March 2025. It remained there over 7 months until October 17, 2025. I was told parts were unavailable, and instead of fixing the defect, the engine was replaced with another engine subject to the same recall. Shortly after, the vehicle broke down again due to issues related to the repair. I later received another recall notice and returned the vehicle on February 25, 2026. As of March 23, 2026, the dealer still has my vehicle and cannot complete repairs due to lack of parts. This recall causes sudden loss of oil pressure and engine power, creating a serious safety risk. Ford has not provided a timely or effective remedy. My vehicle has approximately 50,000 miles and has been out of service for extended periods. All repair documentation is in my car that is currently at the dealership. They do not email or text or give digital proof. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, while the vehicle was stopped at a traffic signal, it stalled. After several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The “Service Vehicle Soon” warning light was illuminated, and an unknown, orange-colored light was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving uphill. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had worsened. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer contacted four dealers and confirmed that parts were not available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
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
671 total