What 719 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Ford Ecosport

Vehicle is not running and was at the dealership for recall and dealership said that ford denied claim and ford said dealership denied claim. Dealership said it’s something from oil and that it’s not issue from recall however all problems and issues fall within the recall damage. I called ford and they said the dealership are the ones who denied it. They also caused and did more damage to the vehicle in process. Doesn’t make any sense new engine was put in 2 yrs 20,000 miles ago. Also paperwork from dealership actually states that the outside of the oil pump belt looked to be in rough shape!! Which is the recall!!!

NHTSA ODI 11706850

Recall work done on 2018 Ford Ecosport. Next day leaking oil at all four corners of oil pan. Took back to dealership and the repaired but didn’t document it. About one week later oil and other fluids leaking from all over. Took back to dealership and they repaired but charged me a deductible stating it wasn’t really due to the recall work. I think it was. About 11 days later fluids leaking/pouring out from under vehicle. Back at dealership now.

NHTSA ODI 11706546

Three days after I purchased the vehicle from ideal cars, I went to Showlow, Arizona and the car on the hill started spitting and sputtering lost power and shut off and I had to pull over to the side about 20 minutes later. It was able to start again and we went Then a week later I went to Payson, Arizona and my vehicle again lost power on the hill and shut off and I had to pull over to the side and wait for it to start again that’s when I called Ford and the car lot I purchased it from which they don’t want anything to do with me, but Ford told me about the recall and how that’s what my car is going to do or could do but I’m telling you it already did it. It’s already made. The transmission sounds whiny, and clunky, and the motor shifting is not better. This is all after the recall repairs.

NHTSA ODI 11706336

In January 2024, Ford issued Safety Recall 23S64 / NHTSA Recall 23V905 for my 2018 Ford EcoSport for critical engine oil pump failure causing loss of engine power AND power braking assistance - a defect that has caused crashes and injuries. Parts were not available until August 2025 (19 months later). This defect caused catastrophic engine damage in my car requiring complete engine replacement. My vehicle has been out of service for over 75 days. I unknowingly drove with this life-threatening defect for over 2 YEARS since my purchase in June 2023. I purchased this Certified Pre-Owned vehicle in June 2023 for $25,000 from an authorized Ford dealer in Santa Clara, CA, plus spent on CA DMV registration ($638) and auto insurance till now ($3,000). Ford has discontinued the EcoSport due to reliability issues. I have completely lost confidence in this vehicle's safety and have formally requested Ford buy back this defective vehicle for $28,638 (purchase price + registration + insurance costs). Ford customer service and the dealership have been slow and unresponsive. With engine replacement required, this vehicle is unsafe and worthless. I am requesting NHTSA investigate this recall and Ford's resolution for such life threatening defect.

NHTSA ODI 11704386

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000(Engine and Engine Cooling), and the dealer replaced the engine and the oil pump; however, while driving two days later, the vehicle stalled upon coming to a complete stop at a stop sign. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after an hour and drove to the residence. The dealer picked up the vehicle from the residence, and the contact was later informed that the vehicle was diagnosed with wiring harness failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired because the contact believed that the dealer damaged the wiring harness while performing the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,000.

NHTSA ODI 11703892

I got my engine replaced during the summer of 2024 since the oil drive belt failed in my engine. This was due to the recall. I took my car to Baumann Ford in Genoa. I got my car back in August of 2024 after this occurred in June of 2024. I went 2.5 months without my car. Once I got it back the check engine light has come on several times for various issues pertaining to the engine. In the last couple of months, my car has stalled twice and it has been refusing to start. I took my car to Tuffy's in Perrysburg to get inspected and they said my starter was going out, my transmission is going out and is leaking fluid, and my coolant is leaking too. All of these components were part of the engine that was put into my vehicle in August of 2024. Another issue is that the gas valve that detects vapors causes my check engine light to come on as well. I do not feel that this vehicle is safe to drive. I was told that the recall was to be fixed by the end of the first quarter of 2025. It is now the last quarter of the year and I just was called to get the recall fixed. The first dealership (Baumann Genoa) said they had no time to fix the issue even though they called me to get me scheduled. This has been over a year of stress with this vehicle and I do not feel like this is safe to be on the road. Ford has taken their time fixing this issue and I do not feel like they have taken this recall seriously when it comes to their consumer safety.

NHTSA ODI 11703454

The engine oil pump drive belt and/or tensioner failed, causing the low-oil-pressure warning light to illuminate and creating a risk of sudden engine seizure and loss of motive power while driving. The vehicle is a 2018 Ford EcoSport with approximately 49,000 miles. It had no oil-pressure issues of any kind until two months after the dealer performed the interim repair under open safety recall 23S64. The dealer (Tipton Ford Brownsville) and Ford corporate hotline have both refused to perform the required oil-pan inspection and free engine replacement specified in recall bulletin MT23S64A, even though the recall remains open and this is the exact failure mode described in the recall. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and available for inspection.

NHTSA ODI 11702769

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 unavailable. 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. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11698985

During a trip out of town, the vehicle suffered a complete engine and mechanical breakdown on a busy highway, becoming inoperable and posing a serious safety hazard. The vehicle had been routinely serviced and received an oil change two days prior to the incident. On the same day, another service company reviewed the oil system and confirmed the concern. The vehicle has been in the possession of Jim Hudson Ford in Lexington, SC since October 25, 2025 and remains unrepaired. Ford has confirmed that only ten (10) parts are currently on order nationwide and that no loaners will be available until February 2026. The dealership reported that another EcoSport affected by the same recall has been on their lot since July with no repair parts available. We live approximately 68 miles away and have no transportation. The registered owner is a disabled individual with a pacemaker, creating an extreme hardship due to limited financial flexibility and dependence on disability income. We have repeatedly requested permission to pick up a loaner vehicle from another Ford dealership closer to home or to receive a third-party rental (Enterprise, Avis, etc.) at Ford’s expense, consistent with public recall guidance. Ford has refused all such accommodations and has declined to confirm that the delay is due to back-ordered parts.

NHTSA ODI 11698739

My 2018 Ford EcoSport is affected by Recall 23S64 / NHTSA 23V905. The engine has been replaced and I also had a tune-up, but the vehicle is still experiencing shaking and loss of power while driving. At times it will not accelerate past 50 mph. This has been happening since I bought the vehicle in 2023. This is unsafe and needs review.

NHTSA ODI 11698049

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 check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

NHTSA ODI 11697893

Check engine light acceleration on it own and loses power

NHTSA ODI 11697032

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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11696107

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 available. The contact later received notification that parts were available. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that due to a high service volume, the vehicle could not be serviced immediately. The contact called several other dealers for assistance and was provided the same information. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. While driving at 65 MPH, the check engine and "Low Engine Oil Pressure" messages were displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the mechanic linked the failure to the unrepaired recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact back to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 70,450.

NHTSA ODI 11696124

Two dealers telling different thing to fix the recall on my car. The first dealer who did my interim repair did a replace long block engine. And the new dealer who about to do the final repair is saying that the engine failure now is not part of the recall.

NHTSA ODI 11692424

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the recall repair was performed. The vehicle was returned to the contact; however, the contact was informed that the alternator was not spinning. The contact was informed that the alternator had seized and needed to be replaced. The dealer ordered the replacement alternator; however, the repair was denied by the manufacturer. The dealer then applied a lubricant to the alternator, and the alternator unseized; however, the contact was that the lubrication was a temporary fix. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11692136

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, shook and vibrated, and then stalled. During the failure, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the oil pressure message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the engine had failed due to a faulty oil pump drive belt tensioner. The engine was replaced, but later the replacement engine experienced an oil pressure failure. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but had not yet been repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

NHTSA ODI 11691551

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine completely failed less than a month after purchase at approximately 58,000 miles. The vehicle is currently at Wicklund Auto in Rolla, MO for inspection and repair, and the engine is available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A complete engine failure caused the vehicle to shut off while driving, which could have resulted in a sudden loss of power, stalling in traffic, or inability to accelerate or brake properly, creating a serious risk of a collision or other accidents. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Wicklund Auto has confirmed catastrophic engine failure. The dealership, Arizona Car Sales in Mesa, AZ, has not taken responsibility but may have inspected the vehicle. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has been inspected by Wicklund Auto, and repair documentation is available. The manufacturer and dealership have been notified but have not assumed responsibility. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? On August 10, 2025, at approximately 8:07 PM, the LOW ENGINE PRESSURE indicator illuminated. I exited to a Mobil gas station and waited for 30 minutes. During this time, the FULL ACCESSORY POWER ACTIVE indicator turned on, and shortly afterward, the vehicle shut down completely and became inoperable. No prior warning lamps or messages appeared before this date. Additionally, I was not informed of any relevant recall at the time of purchase from Arizona Car Sales, which could have affected the safety and reliability of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11690367

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 and 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11689434

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and 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. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11689207

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 contact stated that while the transmission was shifted into reverse, or while diving during rainy weather, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear wheels. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired out-of-pocket. The local dealer was contacted on several occasions about the recall repair; however, 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 not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 400.

NHTSA ODI 11687319

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the oil pump drive belt material had degraded and lost teeth. The engine was replaced; however, the compressor for the A/C failed to function as intended once the new engine was installed. The dealer informed the contact that the failure of the compressor was not related to the recall. The contact disagreed with the assessment. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired due to the compressor failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,600.

NHTSA ODI 11686451

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 contact associated the failure with the recall consequence. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 24,000.

NHTSA ODI 11683747

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that two dealers were contacted, and the contact was informed that the manufacturer would not approve the repair if the vehicle was not actively experiencing the failure associated with the recall. The contact was also informed by a dealer that if the repair was performed, the vehicle might still experience the failure because the dealer had seen other vehicle with the failure after the repair was performed. However, the contact was informed that the part to do the recall repair was 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 confirmed that the repair would not be repaired without a failure being experienced. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11683088

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, after contacting several local dealers, the contact was advised that the vehicle would not be inspected unless a failure had occurred that was related to the recall, and then the recall repair would be provided. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11682054