Problem Lookup › Ford › Ecosport › 2018
Car problem report
2018 Ford Ecosport problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2018 Ford Ecosport has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated November 2, 2026.
- 2safety recalls
- 727owner complaints
- 18crash reports
- 2fire reports
- 15%fail the UK MOT
The most complained-about Ford Ecosport year on file: 727 complaints, against an average of 283 for the other 4 model years.
Every Ford Ecosport model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
Buying a 2018 Ford Ecosport? Get the pre-purchase checklist →
What goes wrong with the 2018 Ford Ecosport?
The components named most often in the 727 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2018 Ford Ecosport owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 727 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2018 Ford Ecosport stall, lose power or shut off while driving?159 owners · 21.9%
- Has the 2018 Ford Ecosport had engine failures?147 owners · 20.2%
- Why is my 2018 Ford Ecosport burning or losing oil?136 owners · 18.7%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2018 Ford Ecosport?109 owners · 15%
- Why does my 2018 Ford Ecosport idle rough, misfire or hesitate?29 owners · 4%
- What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2018 Ford Ecosport engine?26 owners · 3.6%
- Why won't my 2018 Ford Ecosport start?23 owners · 3.2%
Fault codes 2018 Ford Ecosport owners mention
Diagnostic trouble codes owners wrote in their complaints. Open a code to see what it meant on other cars and whether a recall names it.
Has the 2018 Ford Ecosport been recalled?
2 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
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.
Fix: 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.
Equipment: Other: Labels 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."
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 the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Is the 2018 Ford Ecosport recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSACrossCar: Sync3 Rear-View Camera Software Update
Risk: On affected vehicles a software problem may result in issues with the rear-view camera that reduce the driver’s view or with it remaining on after a reversing event.
Fix: Update the vehicle software to the latest level.
UK DVSAX-Car Powertain Control Module (PCM) Software Update
Risk: Affected vehicles may develop a crack in the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).
Fix: Update software to prevent a cracked DPF. Test and replace DPFs that are already cracked.
How often does the 2018 Ford Ecosport fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2018, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2018 Ford Ecosport owners report?
12 of the 727 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
Vehicle equipped with 1.0 L eco-boost engine suffered a catastrophic internal cylinder head fracture leading to antifreeze flooding two cylinders income, complete engine failure. This is a known widespread manufacturing defect that mirrors, Fords large eco-booth, coolant intrusion crisis.
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.
I have had issues in the past with the transmission of this car for the past few months, it initially started to give me issues around 49k miles in this car, so I got it flushed out by a mechanic and it ran fine for a few months. Just a few days ago, I was headed home and my transmission went completely out as I was about to enter a state highway and I had to pull over into a neighborhood to get it towed. I had to send it over to my mechanic again, and he said the transmission is completely done for. My car could've almost went out on me completely if I kept pushing it, but I knew it was a…
I had a Purge valve put in about a year ago and was told that that was the problem for my gas gauge going completely to empty while driving and losing power while driving
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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
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…
The contact owned a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while her son was driving at 35 mph, he attempted to avoid a dog in the road, swerved into the oncoming lane of a two-lane road, and then crashed into a fence. During the failure, the contact lost control of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. No injuries were sustained, and medical attention was not required. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot and deemed totaled. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), the VIN was included, and the…
2018 Ford Ecosport: questions owners ask
Is the 2018 Ford Ecosport reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 727 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Ford Ecosport; the most common categories were engine (356, 49%), engine and engine cooling (311, 42.8%), power train (67, 9.2%). There are 2 safety recalls. 18 complaints mention a crash, 2 mention a fire, 10 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Ecosport?
Across 727 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (49% of complaints), engine and engine cooling (42.8% of complaints), power train (9.2% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (5.5% of complaints), electrical system (4.8% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2018 Ford Ecosport have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Ford Ecosport; the most recent (campaign 23V905000, 2023-12-22) concerns Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine: Oil/Lubrication: Pump. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2018 Ford Ecosport stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
159 of the 727 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Ford Ecosport (21.9%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11734254, April 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2018 Ford Ecosport had engine failures?
147 of the 727 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Ford Ecosport (20.2%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "Vehicle equipped with 1.0 L eco-boost engine suffered a catastrophic internal cylinder head fracture leading to antifreeze flooding two cylinders income, complete engine failure." (NHTSA complaint 11771542, October 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is my 2018 Ford Ecosport burning or losing oil?
136 of the 727 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Ford Ecosport (18.7%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "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, September 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2018 Ford Ecosport?
109 of the 727 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Ford Ecosport (15%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "The car suddenly lost oil pressure and the engine light came on. I immediately pulled to the side of the road and my vehicle was trailered to a Ford service center. They termined that the engine needed to be replaced." (NHTSA complaint 11680839, August 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2018 Ford Ecosport idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
29 of the 727 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Ford Ecosport (4%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11727824, March 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2018 Ford Ecosport engine?
26 of the 727 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Ford Ecosport (3.6%) describe a knocking, ticking or rattling engine noise. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11748439, July 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why won't my 2018 Ford Ecosport start?
23 of the 727 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Ford Ecosport (3.2%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11727824, March 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Ecosport
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), retrieved November 2, 2026. Model year 2018 only. How these reports are made.