2018 FORD ECOSPORT — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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4/5

★★★★

Safety Rating

937

Owner Complaints

31 Crashes 3 Fires

2

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

44

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2018 FORD ECOSPORT

The 2018 FORD ECOSPORT has received a total of 937 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 4 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP, SERVICE BRAKES. 44 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine (343 complaints), Engine And Engine Cooling (296 complaints), and Power Train (61 complaints).

Recalls for the 2018 FORD ECOSPORT

NHTSA has recorded 4 recalls for the 2018 FORD ECOSPORT, potentially affecting up to 280,006 vehicles.

Recall 23V905000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP

| 139,730 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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...

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Recall 23V905000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP

| 139,730 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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...

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Recall 18V312000 — SERVICE BRAKES

| 273 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: 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.

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 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is...

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Recall 18V312000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

| 273 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: 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.

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 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is...

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Owner Complaints for the 2018 FORD ECOSPORT

937 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2018 FORD ECOSPORT. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Engine
Complaints: 343 8 Crashes 2 Fires 3 Injuries
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 296 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Power Train
Complaints: 61 2 Crashes
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 58 1 Crash 1 Fire
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 36 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Electrical System
Complaints: 28 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Service Brakes
Complaints: 27 6 Crashes 2 Injuries
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 17 1 Crash
Air Bags
Complaints: 10 5 Crashes 3 Injuries
Wheels
Complaints: 9
Engine And Engine Coolingengineoillubricationpump
Complaints: 7
Structurebody
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 1 Injury
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 4
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 1 Injury
Steering
Complaints: 4
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolineturbosupercharger
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systempump
Complaints: 2
Back Over Prevention Sensing System Camera
Complaints: 1
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 1
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingengineoillubricationsealsgaskets
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingbrake Lightsbulbs
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
Complaints: 1
Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control
Complaints: 1
Lane Departure Warning
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
Complaints: 1
Seat Belts
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgate
Complaints: 1
Suspension
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemcompressor
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 1
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11719250 | ENGINE | | N/A miles Crash
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.
#11719250 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | | N/A miles Crash
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.
#11719250 | SERVICE BRAKES | | N/A miles Crash
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.
#11716151 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | | N/A miles
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.
#11716313 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | | 93,000 miles
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.

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Safety Rating for the 2018 FORD ECOSPORT

The 2018 FORD ECOSPORT received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Test Category Rating
Overall Rating ★★★★ (4/5)
Frontal Crash ★★★★ (4/5)
Side Crash ★★★★★ (5/5)
Rollover ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2018 FORD ECOSPORT

Ford Motor Company has issued 44 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2018 FORD ECOSPORT. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

TSB 20-2419 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some 2018-2020 EcoSport vehicles equipped with a 1.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a reoccurring illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P04DB. This may be due to the software in the powertrain control module (PCM). To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to reprogram the PCM.

TSB 20-2419 — EQUIPMENT

Some 2018-2020 EcoSport vehicles equipped with a 1.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a reoccurring illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P04DB. This may be due to the software in the powertrain control module (PCM). To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to reprogram the PCM.

SSM 49288 — ENGINE

Some 2018 EcoSport/Expedition/Explorer vehicles equipped with a telematics control unit (TCU) module may exhibit an inoperative remote start with a Vehicle Failed To Start message when using the Ford Pass mobile application. This message may be observed even if the vehicle has been driven immediately prior to the remote start...

SSM 49288 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some 2018 EcoSport/Expedition/Explorer vehicles equipped with a telematics control unit (TCU) module may exhibit an inoperative remote start with a Vehicle Failed To Start message when using the Ford Pass mobile application. This message may be observed even if the vehicle has been driven immediately prior to the remote start...

SSM 49200 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Some 2018-2019 EcoSport vehicles equipped with a 1.0L EcoBoost with an engine build date on or before 3-Apr-2019 and a 6F15 automatic transmission may exhibit an illuminated oil pressure warning lamp with a loss of engine oil pressure. This may be due to an engine oil pump belt tensioner which...

SSM 49152 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Some 2018-2019 EcoSport vehicles built on or before 01-Jul-2019 may have the auto lock feature disabled. To enable this feature, use the FDRS scan tool and reprogram the body control module (BCM). For claiming, use causal part 15604 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time...

SSM 48260 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some 2017-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a TCU may exhibit inoperative remote features via Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app, incomplete user authorization and/or accessory protocol interface module (APIM) DTC U0198 or no modem electronic serial number (ESN) displayed. To correct this condition prior to programming, remove the TCU...

SSM 48093 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Some 2018-2019 EcoSport vehicles equipped with a 1.0L EcoBoost engine and a 6F15 automatic transmission and built on or before 3-Apr-2019 may exhibit a loss of engine oil pressure with an illuminated oil pressure warning lamp. This may be due to a broken/failed engine oil pump belt tensioner which leads...

TSB19-2164 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Some 2018-2019 EcoSport vehicles equipped with a 1.0L EcoBoost engine build on or before 16-May-2019 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P051B. This may be due to sensor drift on the crankcase ventilation sensor thresholds. To resolve the condition, follow the Service Procedure...

SSM 47803 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some 2018 EcoSport vehicles equipped with a dealer installed remote start feature and built on or before 20-Mar-2018 may exhibit an intermittent illuminated wrench indicator lamp along with DTC P166A and a See Manual message on the information display in the instrument panel cluster (IPC). This may be due to...

Showing 10 of 44 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2018 FORD ECOSPORT

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the FORD ECOSPORT

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Other FORD Models

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