2018 Ford Ecosport engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

637 owners have reported engine problems with the 2018 Ford Ecosport, 90% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 68,000 mi.

Engine complaints
637
Crashes
8
Fires
1
Injuries
4
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
68,000 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine351
Engine and engine cooling298
Engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pump7
Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger3
Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:pump2
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system1
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:catalytic convertor1
Engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:seals/gaskets1
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe1

Engine complaints across Ford Ecosport years

637201840020193452020216202122022
Engine complaints by model year. The 2018 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

5Under 10k910k–30k8030k–60k12960k–100k28100k–150k3150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 23V905000Dec 22, 2023139,730 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP

    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.

    Risk: 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.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 3, 2026FLEngine
    While having oil changed at the Ford dealership, I was told there was a small oil leak. I made an appt for a diagnostic test for the following week. I was told the diagnostic test showed a cracked valve cover. I had it repaired while they had the vehicle.
    NHTSA complaint #11761983 · source
  2. Filed Sep 1, 2026OKEngine
    1.0L EcoBoost suffered a repeat failure following Recall 23S64, Metro Ford of OKC confirmed in writing that prior dealer workmanship caused the failure, and Ford Corporate (Case # CXH-08846832) is completely unresponsive, leaving the vehicle inoperable and unsafe.
    NHTSA complaint #11761274 · source
  3. Filed Aug 12, 202671,000 miINTowedEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11756562 · source
  4. Filed Jul 31, 2026KSEngine
    On XXX, my 2018 Ford EcoSport experienced a sudden loss of engine oil pressure and loss of power while driving on [XXX], consistent with the failure mode described in Ford Safety Recall 23S64 / NHTSA Recall 23V905 (engine oil pump drive belt tensioner arm fracture and/or oil pump drive belt degradation). The vehicle lost motive power on a public highway and had to be towed to Olathe Ford Lincoln, Olathe, KS for repair. The dealer has confirmed the failure is covered under…
    NHTSA complaint #11754007 · source
  5. Filed Jul 21, 2026106,000 miILEngine
    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,…
    NHTSA complaint #11751843 · source
  6. Filed May 19, 2026VAEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11738826 · source
  7. Filed Apr 28, 2026TXElectrical SystemEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11734254 · source
  8. Filed Apr 23, 2026SCElectrical SystemEngineSuspension
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11733464 · source
  9. Filed Mar 24, 2026220,938 miNMEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11726730 · source
  10. Filed Mar 23, 2026OKEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11726312 · source
  11. Filed Mar 12, 2026NDBrakesEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11723753 · source
  12. Filed Mar 9, 2026CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11723056 · source

Other 2018 Ford Ecosport problem areas

Back to all 2018 Ford Ecosport problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology