NHTSA Complaint #11656283 — 2018 FORD ECOSPORT

To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2018 Ford EcoSport, which is affected by Recall 23S64 related to a serious engine defect. I am currently making payments on this vehicle, yet it continues to be unsafe and unreliable, with repeated engine issues that have not been resolved despite temporary repairs. I purchased the car in May 2024 from a dealership. Within two hours of driving it off the lot, the car began to shake, and the check engine light started flashing. It could not accelerate properly or keep up with traffic, and I had to return it for repairs, where it stayed for approximately two weeks. More recently, while driving two hours away from home, I experienced another severe incident. The car again began to shake, and multiple warning lights appeared on the dash: the check engine light, engine oil pressure light, and the "See Manual" warning. Once again, the vehicle was unable to accelerate safely, putting me and others on the road at serious risk. I was told this was connected to Recall 23S64, and an interim engine replacement was performed. However, even after this, I am still experiencing ongoing engine issues, including shaking, poor acceleration, and a flashing check engine light. This recall has been open since December 2023, and Ford initially stated that remedy parts would be available by the end of Q1 2025. It is now late April 2025, and there are still no parts available and no updated timeline. I have reached out to Ford and the dealership multiple times, and both have refused to offer a buyback or permanent solution, even though I have explicitly stated that I no longer feel safe in the vehicle. I fear that Ford is waiting for someone to be seriously injured before taking meaningful action. Meanwhile, I am stuck making monthly payments on a car that I cannot rely on and do not feel safe driving. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate this matter and pressure Ford to take responsibility.