NHTSA Complaint #11556023 — 2018 FORD ECOSPORT

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the thermostat had failed. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic, who made the same assessment and informed the contact that the failure could be covered under warranty. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the engine under warranty; however, the failure recurred within 24 hours. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the thermostat and the starter were replaced. The contact stated that while pulling out of a Walmart parking lot the following day, the vehicle shut off. The contact jumpstarted the vehicle, and the battery was replaced at Walmart; however, the vehicle shut off several times within an hour of replacing the battery. The contact stated that while coming to a complete stop in the highway, the vehicle shut off. The contact was unable to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that she pushed the vehicle to the side of the road with the assistance of bystanders. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was being diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the auto Start/Stop feature seemed to malfunction with the engine turning off when coming to a stop, but the vehicle failed to restart as needed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,0000.