What 719 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Ford Ecosport

As I was driving in the highway the car began to loose power... it began to slip, it speeds up then goes down etc, once I slowed down but before coming to a complete stop the car shut down while I was exiting the highway. We could have been hit from behind if it wasn't that i had already been slowing down because the car didn't feel right. It has happened more than once, the slippage of power is constant. According to the codes and the diagnostic it was the turbo that needed replacement along with other things I have a video summary of the issues. However, this began right after my warranty expired and the engine had already been replaced due to another issue not even a year before. This car seems to be nothing but problems. You get the check engine light that comes and goes amd the "see manual" light which doesn't tell you anything other than it could be anything. This car is not even 10 years old... it's not high mileage. They seem to know that the turbocharge is an issue but nothing is done about it.

NHTSA ODI 11678502

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the turbo charger. The contact was informed that the turbo charger need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that a failure with the turbo charger had occurred less than a year prior and was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11675135

ON YOUR VEHICLE, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE FOR THE ENGINE OIL PUMP DRIVE BELT TENSIONER ARM TO FRACTURE, SEPARATE FROM THE TENSIONER BACKING PLATE, ANDOR THE OIL PUMP DRIVE BELT MATERIAL MAY DEGRADE AND LOSE TEETH, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF ENGINE OIL PRESSURE.

NHTSA ODI 11673077

My 2018 Ford EcoSport is subject to Safety Recall 23S64, concerning a defective oil pump belt and/or tensioner that can lead to engine failure. My VIN is listed in this recall. The engine has symptoms consistent with this recall, including performance loss, mechanical noise, and diagnostic codes such as P0014 (camshaft timing over-advanced), P0303 (cylinder misfire), and U0100 (lost communication with ECM/PCM). The vehicle is currently located at an authorized Ford dealership (Sunrise Ford of North Hollywood). However, the dealer has refused to perform the required diagnostic inspection unless I pay $1,084. This is a direct violation of federal law under 49 U.S.C. § 30120, which mandates that both diagnosis and remedy of safety-related recalls must be provided free of charge. I have also documented communication from the dealership and a written inspection from an independent licensed repair shop showing the engine is in as-found condition and that no repairs were attempted. I am seeking enforcement action to ensure that the recall is honored as required by law. Dealership: Sunrise Ford of North Hollywood Address: 5500 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601 Service Advisor Name: Bruno Rivero

NHTSA ODI 11669147

I purchased this vehicle on [XXX] Serra Ford in Farmington Hills, MI. It was certified by the manufacturer Ford Motor Company. I was told they remedied all issues/recalls. On [XXX] I experienced loss of power and oil pressure. We immediately returned it to the dealer for evaluation and repair. On May 12th they informed me that the vehicle needed a new engine. On May 27th I was told that they were waiting on parts. I was told on June 9th that the engine had arrived and it would be about 10 days to repair. Finally on June 18th I was told that they would not be replacing my engine and that they are unable to fix the recall that was causing all these issue. I reached out to the dealership and was not provided details offering oil pressure level read off the diagnosys to ensure the vehicle is safe. The recall states that loss of power braking increases the risk of a crash. For the safety of my family, I am hoping to avoid that. Refusing to remedy the recall by the manufacturer is unacceptable. THe dealership selling a vehicle that is not safe is also unacceptable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11668092

We noticed rattling and misfiring sounds from the motor but no warning indications on the dash. 2 days later when my wife was coming home the car started losing power and "died". Would not restart but no warning lights on dash. The app did send a notice about loss of pressure to turbo. Had my wife not been near someplace to pull into she would have been stranded in the road in a disabled vehicle. Traffic was backed up behind her while she was trying to get out of the road. Had the car "died" while she was on the interstate doing 70 it would have been COMPLETELY without power steering AND brakes. The car has ONLY been serviced by our local Ford dealer. So we had it towed there. This morning they are telling us it's a problem with the "integrated exhaust manifold" that allowed water into the cylinders and ruined the engine. Believe they called that a cracked block years ago? Something that shouldn't happen to a car with only 66K miles. They assured us it wasn't the oil pump from the recall. We just paid it off a couple months ago. Now it needs a new $6,300 motor. Not something senior citizens only a year from retirement can easily swing. There NEVER was ANY indication (warning lights, etc) or warning from the dealer after service of any problems. It seems that Ford has more problems with this motor than just the oil pump!!

NHTSA ODI 11666508

Loss of engine oil pressure, makes a very loud noise in the engine and causes the vehicle to become inhibited and cannot be used.

NHTSA ODI 11665709

Sine there is a recall for my vehicle, it can no pass an emissions state inspection so i can register my vehicle

NHTSA ODI 11665372

Ford dealership does not have parts to fix recall issue, having engine issues with this 3rd engine and dealership is trying to charge $1100 dollars saying it is unrelated to engine recall issue. This is the 3rd engine on the vehicle. Was told parts would be ready 1st quarter 2025. Still no parts ready and dealership is trying to charge me for repair.

NHTSA ODI 11661518

I had brought my vehicle multiple times in 2024 to the Route 23 auto mall prior to me receiving a recall notice. The check engine light kept coming on and off and they told me that there was nothing wrong with my vehicle. I then received a recall notice in around the end of July 2024 and contacted them to complete the recall. I brought my vehicle in August 2024 and they told me that they would not be receiving the parts for the recall until March of 2025. I was told that I can still drive the car until then as it was not a safety hazard. That same day I went home and parked my car in front of my house. I was leaving to go to work and the car would not start. I had to call a tow truck to tow the car to the dealership. The manager told me that I would need to get a new motor and it would only take a few days. I asked for a rental car in the mean time. I then got my car back with the new motor almost 6 months later. I picked up my car from them and they gave me a certificate for the new motor. Fast forward to April of 2025 and my car again would not start. I had to have it towed to the dealership once again and this time it took 3 weeks to get it fixed. They said that the hose was ripped in half which causes anti-freeze to leek. They told me that it had nothing to do with the recall and that I had to pay $200.00 out of pocket. The car is still not fixed as per recall because the same parts were put on the car. I tried to get rid of the car and no dealership will by it. I looked online and noticed that there is a class action lawsuit against ford for the same exact issues. Ford itself will not buy the car back. What can I do now? I have attachments but its too large to fit on here. I can email it.

NHTSA ODI 11660993

On Monday, [XXX] the ‘low engine oil pressure’ light came on in my car. It quickly turned off but then came back on and flickered off a second time. The third time it came on, it stayed on and my car slowed of its own accord before coming to a complete stop due to engine failure. I was on [XXX] (a major state highway with 65mph speed limits) on my way home from work. I was able to get over to the shoulder just milliseconds before the engine completely stopped working. Thankfully I was able to move over safely because I could’ve been hit by other motorists on the highway had my car come to a standstill in the middle of the lane. This issue has been confirmed by my local Ford dealer (Haldeman Ford Hamilton) to be related to the recall on the vehicle. Ford has been pushing back the availability for replacement parts for this recall for months. They still don’t have the parts available even though the recall notice was initially sent out in 2023. The dealership told me it could be 3-6 months before the parts are available to fix my car. I was told they had no loaner cars available for me because of all the other customers who are also having these issues with their Ford EcoSports and are currently using loaner cars. I was informed I’d have to wait 2-3 weeks for a loaner car to become available and in the meantime, I was responsible for finding my own transportation to/from work. Ford informed me they would not reimburse me for the cost of a ride-share service like uber nor would they reimburse me if I rented my own car as it had to be a Ford loaner vehicle. I also had to pay out of pocket for towing services to get my car towed off [XXX] and to the dealership. I have asked to be reimbursed for the towing services but Ford refuses to do so. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11660106

8/14/21 car purchased at Pacifico Ford 9/10/22 broke down, at a red light, car just turned off, had to physically push it off the road and get towed, no warning Rattling engine sounds always while car was running after the first breakdown 2018 EcoSport Recall Item Affected: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: ENGINE: OIL / LUBRICATION: PUMP A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash. Manufacturer's report date: 1/8/24 Started receiving multiple letters about recall which stated parts were unavailable. Called Pacifico to inquire about bringing car in - was told there was nothing that could be done, parts were unavailable and stated basically needs to breakdown and have a total failure before they could help me. Crazy since the recall states an increasing risk in crash. March 2024 broke down yet again, brought to the dealer and they assessed it was the recall. Parts still unavailable. Put in a rental from around April - 11/13/24. Every month I had to come back to dealership and pay $200 for rental then it would be reimbursed a week later. 11/13/24 got car back after 8 months - was told the car’s engine was replaced completely since the parts never became available/ everything was done and fixed. A week or so later check engine light came on again. Brought back to Pacifico told it was a computer issue and to drive it 50 miles to reset. November 27th check engine light still on, was told to drive another 100 miles. December 2024 inspection was done, they cleared engine light/ said nothing was wrong with it. 3/19/25 Check engine light comes on yet again - brought it directly to shop and they said yet again NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT. TURNED LIGHT OFF. 5/2/25 driving to work, the car just turned off/ broke down while I was actively driving, no warning, no nothing. I am lucky I was not involved in accident for I take major highways everyday. Car currently at shop diagnosis; bad purge valve

NHTSA ODI 11659112

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.

NHTSA ODI 11656283

My vehicle was identified as part of the safety recall in 2023. In 2024 my car started struggling and the low engine oil pressure warning started showing on my dash. The check engine light and service soon indicator lights started showing on the dash as well. The car was just past 71,000mi. When I purchased the car it was at about 60,000mi. Since the issues seemed related to the recall I went to a Ford dealer. My car was checked with the dealer and I was given a loaner vehicle. I was told that my car’s engine needed to be replaced. I drove a loaner car from September 2024 to April 2025 as my car waited for an engine to be sent to my dealer. Once the engine was replaced I was told that I also would have to purchase a battery since my car hadn’t been driven for so long. I now have my car returned to me but I am nervous to drive it with the same recall issue still outstanding. Parts for the recall remedy were announced to be available by the end of the first quarter of 2025 but they are not. There is also not any updates to when parts will be available.

NHTSA ODI 11655551

I had a recall for my 2018 Ford EcoSport vehicle. while driving my vehicle the car just lost power and stopped. I was in the middle of the road when this happened, I tried to make it to the side as best as i could. The car was not drivable so i had to call a tow truck. I did know there was a recall, but was never told what, nor that it could cause engine failiure and possibly a crash. My safety was put at risk, this car should have been placed on a STOP SALE as this could have been more serious. My engine had to be replace however; now the transmission and torque converter are bad, i feel this is due to the engine seizing up and it affected the transmission. I am told i have to pay for this to be fixed now, how is this even happening. I have driven this vehicle for 4 months out of 6. My engine light came on and then the care just stopped working, i had little to no warning. I don't even want this car now as i am scare more will go wrong with it. THIS SHOULD HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD WITHOUT THE RECALL OF AN ENGINE BEING FIXED FIRST. THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A HORRIBLE ACCIDENT, THANK GOD IT DIDNT. PLEASE HELP!!!!!! I have no documents yet as I was told they would email them hours ago and still nothing. The only reason i knew about the STOP SALE, was the sales person stated that it should have had this on the vehicle and he is not sure why it didn't.

NHTSA ODI 11655002

Today (March-25-2025) a light came on saying "LOW ENGINE OIL PRESSURE" when I was driving home from work. I pulled in the driveway and turned the car off, checked the oil and noticed it was completely full. I am still waiting on a recall for this vehicle since last year, and since my wife and I both work, and have kids to take care of, not having a vehicle is definitely a problem.

NHTSA ODI 11650635

Manufacturer Recall Number 23S64 and NHTSA Recall Number 23V905

NHTSA ODI 11649685

I have been waiting on the recall to be fixed for almost 2 years now. I've contacted Ford more times than I can remember, and they don't do anything other than say it's not available yet. I have had to replace the transmission, had many small repairs thinking it was something other than the recall. (I've paid over 2.5k in repairs and 1k in Ubers out of pocket) has 49000 miles, and I do not feel safe driving it at all. I will go somewhere that's within 5 miles, so I know I won't be stuck too far or on the highway, so it is causing MANY inconveniences as well as money for Uber etc. It is paid off and I'm going crazy trying to get this fixed. This is absolutely ridiculous, and I'm beyond FED UP! I keep looking to find a car similar that is NOT a Ford, but they're all too expensive and I don't think it's right I have to pay for FORD'S mistake!

NHTSA ODI 11645354

My engine lost power paid 2000 for repairs but it is continuously happening and it is related to recall

NHTSA ODI 11643763

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 contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started making a ticking sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to Midas to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed, and the contact was informed to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired with the same recalled parts and the engine was replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,546. VIN tool confirms part not available.

NHTSA ODI 11635872

I was involved in a front end collision [XXX] that caused my vehicle to be totaled and me to be transported to the hospital via an ambulance. I purchased the vehicle with the understanding that it had numerous safety features including airbags throughout. During this accident my impact completely crumpled my engine compartment and left portions of my engine were left lying around. The only airbag to deploy was the skirt one below the steering wheel column. The curtain one over my driver door and the steering wheel one did not deploy. I sustained a concussion, post concussion syndrome, chest wall injury, hematoma and abrasions to my left arm and both legs. The bruises sustained to my abdomen make it look like I am still wearing my seatbelt. The post concussion syndrome has caused me memory loss for the entire day, before and after the accident other than a moment here or there. I cannot remember the accident or what led up to it. I continue to have headaches and nausea. I am really just looking for answers on why my other airbags did not deploy. Ford has declined to inspect the airbags unless I agree to have the vehicle brought to one of their inspection locations. Thank you [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11634730

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The message that there was “No Oil Pressure” was displayed. The vehicle decelerated and stalled. The vehicle was restarted but failed to accelerate above 20 MPH. The contact pulled over safely. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. After the engine replacement, the mechanic informed the contact that there was engine oil leaking onto the ignition coil. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the additional repairs would be an out-of-pocket expense. The manufacturer was contacted, and opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

NHTSA ODI 11626766

My partner lost acceleration on the highway, abruptly and without warning. We took the while to a Ford dealership for diagnostics. They found that the turbocharger had come loose and was grinding against the engine. Metal infiltrated into the oil, large pieces settled in the oil pan. The dealership says the vehicle needs a new engine and turbocharger, wants us to pay $8,100 for it. The dealership denies the issue is related to the active recall and ongoing class-action lawsuit, even though the circumstances align perfectly down to the mileage range in which this issue is expected to occur.

NHTSA ODI 11626909

My mother was driving my car when it randomly had displayed the check engine light and low oil pressure light. My mother immediately stopped driving it and we had it towed to my mechanic. My manic said the Engine is very noise, but oil is full. Said the wet belt timing system and the oil pump are inside the crankcase and need to be inspected, but to avoid breakage extensive testing needs to be done, but before that can happen the oil pan must be removed. After speaking with a master tech at Ford he let her know it will need an engine and possible turbo replacement, and this is a common issue in these vehicles.

NHTSA ODI 11626265

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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11625520