What 719 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Ford Ecosport

Complete engine failure due to recall on oil pump belt tensioner (the known recall issue, issued Jan 2024) and Ford refuses to fix my vehicle because the "parts aren't ready yet" and won't be until the 3rd quarter of 2024. They have not provided a solution, offered compensation, etc. I am at a total loss considering I still have a loan out on the car and have only had it for three years. I have taken great care of my vehicle and have kept up with the necessary maintenance, oil changes, etc. I am under the mileage warranty but I believe the 5 year warranty is out. Regardless, there is a known recall for this exact issue and the diagnostic test came back that this is what caused the engine failure, yet Ford offers no solution, no timeline, no compensation, nothing. They didn't even offer to cover my tow or a rental. Simply put, I want them to take the vehicle back and pay my loan off.

NHTSA ODI 11570603

In June of 2023, engine oil light came on the dash stating low oil pressure, car began to shake really bad. Prior to thatI also was at a stop sign when vehicle shut off on me and had to coast into a gas station with a long line of traffic behind me. Called Ford and filed a complaint. I also called the local Ford dealer when my car didn't want to start anymore and they told me they wouldn't even touch and it would cost them yo to $19,000 for a new motor. Take in mind more than what the car is worth. I was out a vehicle for 7 months and have spent over $4000 to fix andits still not running right. I still lose power and can only 60mph on the highway and car is still shaking.

NHTSA ODI 11569153

Vehicle was seemingly losing power speedometer was registering 70 on the highway but car was Not doing that. Also, there were no warning lights or any indicators of a problem inside or outside of the vehicle. Immediately pulled over to wait for tow truck that never showed and vehicle was driven to and dropped off at nearest Ford dealership. (Which was literally right across the street ) Immediately upon drop off service advisor said they already had several other of the same vehicles in the shop and it was probably the drive/tensioner belt this was back on the FIRST CONTACT on [XXX]. After being torn down for multiple insurance inspections the dealer confirmed & advised the failure of this belt subsequently blew the engine & since the engine was then blow there is NO remedy other than a replacement engine (even though even the dealership confirmed verbally & via email my vehicle was fully operational at drop off so I believe they blew my engine while in their care). My extended warranty holds me accountable for the initial cause of failure being the tensioner belt (which Ford is now issuing a recall on) and will only offer a betterment towards the replacement engine. Ford has yet to take accountability for anything as they still want me to pay out the remaining balance on the engine (approx 3800) and have The warranty company pay about 3600 for something that Ford should now be taking fault for since it’s a manufacturing issue. Which is now blatantly obvious with the recall. How dangerous it was at a low speed on a Texas highway! We could of been hit or worse! It is now the end of January and they still have my car neither co has helped with a rental in the last 6 months AND Ford now wants me to call the insurance co yet again so they can be paid. Icing on the cake is Ford has reassured me even with a new engine this problem will inevitably happen AGAIN! Please help! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11567922

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving at unknown speeds for several hours, the vehicle lost acceleration. The driver was able to coast off the freeway. The oil warning light was flashing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who advised that the cam shaft position sensor needed to be replaced. The computer failed to communicate properly with the vehicle. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact called several unknown local dealers, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 99,300.

NHTSA ODI 11566474

I was driving our 2018 Ford Ecosport at highway speed when the "low oil pressure" dashbord light came on. Within a minute or so, the engine stopped and I steered my vehicle to the side of the road. I was unable to restart the engine and had to have it towed to a Ford dealership. After the dealership ran a diagnistic on my vehicle, I was told that the oil pump had failed and that the engine siezed up.

NHTSA ODI 11565016

Oil pump belt failed and caused engine to be bad, per independent service center. I have copy of the invoice, but it would not let me upload. Car drove like normal, then one day got in the car and "engine oil pressure low" message came on and the check engine light came on. Drove a couple blocks to get gas, car broke down on the way back from gas station (less than half a mile) all warning lights on dash came on and engine shut off. Towed to repair shop, estimated repair cost (engine ruined) is $6,419

NHTSA ODI 11563754

While driving on the interstate going 70mph, my Ford EcoSport's Engine oil pump light illuminated. Shortly after, the car began to slow down even though I was attempting to accelerate. This put me at a safety danger due to being in front of another vehicle who was also going around the same speed as I was. I was fortunate enough to be able to get off the road without getting in danger. When taken to Ford, they indicated that there was an issue with the motor and that it would need to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11562658

Car went into limp mode then shut off while driving. Towed to mechanic, who tried to fix the codes that popped up. After fixing the codes, still didn’t turn on. Towed it to ford, it’s still there. They have told me it’s the oil pump and that it fell off. They have also said it just happens with these cars. They are waiting on one last test to confirm, but have told me I need a new engine, and there was nothing I could do to prevent this, that I was lucky to get to 72k miles, as other cars oil pumps fell off at 50k.

NHTSA ODI 11561042

While driving, a warning came on my dashboard that I was unfamiliar with as it had never come up before. It informed me my oil pressure was low. I called someone familiar with cars and they told me I may need an oil change. As there were no gas stations near where I exited, I continued to my destination another ten minutes from when the warning came on during which my car began making a rattling/grinding sound. Additionally, my became nearly impossible to accelerate and took about 30 seconds longer than it usually would to reach a specific speed. I parked, and when someone arrived with oil for me, we discovered the oil level was not low based on the dip stick nor was it leaking. This is when we began to suspect that the oil pump had failed. Upon further investigation, this seems to be a common issue with my type of car as there is a current investigation through this organization into 2018 Ford EcoSports and oil pump failure. In order to prevent further damage, I had it towed to my local Ford dealer who inspected my car and informed me my car had experienced catastrophic engine failure and it would cost $7,000 to replace. My car only has 58,000 miles on it.

NHTSA ODI 11560777

October 10, 2023, vehicle was taking to dealership for oil leaks and check engine light. After inspection, the Mechanic replaced valve cover gaskets, new valve cover, injection o-rings, that was for oil leaks. Check engine light was for VMV valve, thermostat. Dealer had it for 4 days, mileage at 62,043. November 22, 2023, my elderly mom who I bought this car for was driving on a highway, lost complete engine while driving, completely stopped in the middle of the highway, the car is not drivable and suddenly stopped with no engine response to even drive it to the side. ON A HIGHWAY. She had to get people to push her off to the side of the road. Towed the vehicle to the dealer. The car has 63,265 miles and the mechanic has confirmed that the engine is completely defective due to no oil pressure in the car, oil pump wasn't working, so no oil in engine due to the belt breaking inside of the engine. Submitted for replacement of engine, is approved however there is a back order on the engine so we don't know when she will have it repaired. She has no other car. The engine lights came on only when the engine failed. I have read several complaints about the same problem with this car. This car is a danger to my elderly mother which cannot be reliable for her. Ford must repair this defective belt issue with a chain or something where the belt should last longer than 65,000 miles. This is a consumer problem as well, we cannot afford another engine replacement in 2 years after the warranty expires. The engine in this car is not reliable nor made well. We need Ford to address this as soon as possible and make this right to me the consumer in which I paid full price for this car and it is paid off!

NHTSA ODI 11558595

I was on the way home from work when out of no where the engine light and a indicator saying low engine oil pressure came on I totally lost power driving on a highway and the car came to a stop. Mechanic told me it was the oil belt tensioner caused the engine failure and now i have to pay 4000 dollars on top of my monthly car and insurance company for a vehicle that just quite on me.

NHTSA ODI 11558191

THIS HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT A BURDEN WITH THIS CAR. THE ENGINE HAS FAILED MULTIPLE TIMES IT HAS BEEN TAKEN TO FORD AND WAS FIXED MANY TIMES. IT IS AVAILABLE TO BE LOOKED AT ANYTIME. IT CAN'T BE DRIVEN, IT HAS BEEN PARKED IN MY DRIVE FOR MONTHS NOW. THE ENGINE HAS FAILED ON ME MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE DRIVING AND PUT ME AND MY FAMILY AT RISK OF INJURY. THIS ENGINE FAILURE HAS CAUSED ME TO RELY ON OTHER PEOPLE FOR TRANSPORTATION TO WORK AND OTHER MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS. THIS VEHICLE HAS ALSO HAD TO BE TOWED MULTIPLE TIMES AND PUSHED TO A SAFE LOCATION DUE TO THE ENGINE FAILING AND CAUSING MY CAR FROM GOING TOP SPEED TO 20MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. NO WARNING LAMPS WERE GIVEN TO ME AND THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN INSPECTED AND TAKEN TO FORD MULTIPLE TIMES TO BE LOOKED AT AND INSPECTED. DOCUMENTATION CAN BE PROVIDED WITH ALL OF MY VEHICLES PROBLEMS FROM ALERTS ON THE APP, EMAILS, PAPERWORK FROM THE DEALERSHIP.. ETC. I DRIVE OVER AN HOUR TO AND FROM WORK, IT HAS BEEN SUCH AN INCONVENIENCE TO HAVE TO DRIVE MY HUSBAND'S CAR WHICH ISN'T THE MOST RELIABLE AND HAVING A VEHICLE I HAVE TO PAY ON BUT CANNOT DRIVE IS REALLY STRESSFUL AN POINTLESS SINCE IT'S JUST SITTING AND COLLECTING DUST WITH NO HELP. I HAVE REACHED OUT FOR HELP WITH THIS AND NO ONE I MEAN NO ONE HAS HELPED AT ALL. FORD HAS BRUSHED THIS ASIDE AND LEFT ME WITH THIS BURDEN. I ALSO FILED WITH THE OHIO ATTORNEY GENERAL OFFICE AND THEY COULDNT HELP ME.

NHTSA ODI 11557367

I bought my 2018 firs eco sport 3 months ago. Right after my 3rd car payment, the low oil pressure light came on. Took pictures of the dipstick, oil was good! Just had it changed , with receipt, 90% life left. Made it to miles down the road car made a little noise and stalled and would not start. Ford dealer had it Wednesday evening and on Monday they still have not touched my car! 202 complaints on this issues !

NHTSA ODI 11556069

DRIVING DOWN ROAD WAY APPROX 35-40 MPH, SPEEDOMETER WENT UP TO 50MPH, DOWN TO 30MPH, ENGINE WAS SHAKING AND SOUNDED LIKE A LAWN MOWER, THEN ALL THE DASH LIGHTS CAME ON, OIL PRESSURE, CHANGE OIL, CHECK ENGINE, ABS, ALL LIGHTS, CAR DIED AND WILL NOT START.

NHTSA ODI 11554514

I was traveling on the highway around 60-65 miles per hour, then on my infotainment system I got a notification that said "Low Oil Pressure" the car then started slowing down. Even though I was not needing an oil change, I kept driving looking for a place to see if there was someplace open to let me know what is wrong. Then after getting off an exit I drove about another mile before the car just gave out, would not turn on or anything. After getting my car towed at the Ford Dealership they told me that I was going to need a new engine, they said they found metal shavings in my oil from the engine. The way my safety (and the other passengers) was put at risk is by the car immediately slowing down on the highway without any other warning. They replaced the engine but it is the same old one, it is available for inspection.

NHTSA ODI 11553441

Low engine pressure messaged came on and check engine light. Overheating light beeped saying coolant is hot so I turned on heater to cool down and pulled over. Made an appointment with ford dealership for them to tell me cracked cylinder head due to coolant leaking into system. Of course by the time it got looked at the dealership it was slightly over 100000 miles. I’ve read along with hearing from ford that this has been common complaint with this model. Then I’m told to get a new engine that it’s on back order for 6 months to a year! This issue is scary and to think of the possibility of car engulfing with ford not doing anything to fix the issue. Now I’m stuck paying $15,000 left on and low chance to get a new engine if that engine doesn’t cause the same issues!

NHTSA ODI 11551661

In late August 2023 my wife and I were driving her 2018 Ford Ecosport SE down one of our local highways at approximately 70mph. Without any warning the low engine oil pressure light came on and the car alerted to low oil pressure. The vehicle suddenly slowed down and would not travel any faster than 20mph in an instant. I was able to pull safely to a side road about .5 miles from where it initially happened. It was a very hot August day and my 18 month old was in the back of the vehicle. When I parked the vehicle it shut off and never turned on again. We waited for upwards of 2 hours on a tow truck while thankfully we were able to get our child into a cool car after about 45 minutes of waiting for someone to get to us. I had the vehicle towed to the dealership where we bought the car new in 2019. The vehicle at the time of incident had just over 70,000 miles. Upon diagnosis Ford stated there was some type of failure that the suggested repair would be a long block assembly 6006 and turbocharger. This service would cost $7,464.61 but they could not do it because the replacement engine is on backorder with no estimated time of when one would be available. We have since had to have the vehicle towed several times back to our place where it sits just waiting to decide what to do with it and have been forced to purchase a new vehicle since. I have noticed after this happening that I am not the only one that has experienced this problem and that it is a known issue and has been for years. One of the remarks I received from a Ford employee is "you should not have bought a throw away car".

NHTSA ODI 11550816

Vehicle began making strange noise and losing power while driving, thankfully a few feet from daughter’s home. Made it to driveway, made loud noise and lost all power and control of vehicle. My vehicle had recently been serviced and there were no warnings that this would happen. No lights came on to indicate that there was about to be a problem. I had just left a major hwy (441) where speeds average 70 mph and there are a lot of log trucks and transit vehicles. Ford agreed to pay a portion of the repair but it took 3 months and my vehicle isn’t the same since picking it up Friday 10/13:23. I feel I paid a lot of money to replace an engine that was nowhere near the end of its mechanical lifespan. I had to refinance my car in order to do loan for the repair which caused me a loan fee and will result in more interest. It is my understanding that a service bulletin was issued on this problem but Ford took no effort to warn us of the danger or repair ahead of time before it cost us thousands of dollars.

NHTSA ODI 11550543

Failed oil pump. Driving on highway when engine oil pressure light comes on and car starts misfiring and no acceleration. Car drives completely 5 minutes after.

NHTSA ODI 11549874

I was driving on the highway and my oil light came on and it said 'oil pressure low'. I pulled over because the car would not go above 20 mph and the engine was making sputtering noises. Very scary! I had it towed to the dealership who said the oil pump failed and the belt. This was one MONTH after my warranty expired. They quoted me $4,000 as a fix but also said it was not guaranteed it wouldn't happen again. I argued with Ford who agreed to pay some of it. I am very mad that a car I've only had for two years completely died and had no fix. Also very dangerous for a car to completely die while on the highway.

NHTSA ODI 11547953

I came on the on ramp of the interstate, gained speed up to 65 and began passing a slower vehicle, with another vehicle behind me passing them also. Suddenly my speed slowed, my oil light illuminated and digitally said LOW OIL PRESSURE WARNING. I barely made it into the breakdown lane as my vehicle lost all power and the steering wheel seemed to lose power steering also. I had no prior warning of this at all. My mechanic said the engine will have to be replaced due to a broken engine oil pump tensioner belt. There are bits of metal in the engine now so it is unusable. I cannot afford a new motor so the vehicle is sitting on my property currently, since I have 3 more years of payments to make. I have called Ford and was told my VIN number is not included in the current recalls for this issue, even though this is the exact same year and issue I have experienced. My 5 year warranty ended on July 30 2023, and this occurred on September 3 2023, 34 days out of warranty, with 57,365 miles on it. I did cite SSM48093 and SSM49726 which I read to Ford but they will do nothing to issue any sort of recall. I was stuck on the interstate for over 6 hours on a busy Labor Day weekend with the back end of my vehicle within a foot of the white line, every large vehicle coming by would shake the car. It was 94 degrees out, and the vehicle wouldn't run so there was no place to go to get out of the sun or get cooler, and no drink or food for that matter either. I'm so disappointed in Ford for not standing behind their product, now I have seen their are hundreds of people this has happened to also, without a recall.

NHTSA ODI 11546852

I drove 2 hours to see family. As I was leaving my oil pressure light came on, the first time ever. I pulled over and checked my oil and checked for leaks and everything was okay. I started driving it back and only got around the corner when my car stalled and the engine light, low oil pressure light, and battery light turned on. I had it towed to a dealership and the service mechanic says it needs a new engine. The car is 5 years old and only has 54,000 miles on it.

NHTSA ODI 11546686

I got in the car one morning and got a low pressure oil light so I thought it needed more oil so I put more oil in the car and then as I was driving I had low acceleration. Then my brakes started to go out Then my brakes started to go out. Not like they needed to be replaced but they were very hard to press and you needed to press them all the way to the floor but you still didn't have any breaks. My safety and other people safety was put at risk when I was driving the car and my brake started to go out because I didn't have any way to stop my car. The issue has been confirmed by an independent mechanic that I took the car too that I was told I needed to take it to buy my warranty company. It has been taken to a mechanic it's been at the mechanic for 2 plus weeks. I It is currently available to look at but the mechanic is fighting with my warranty company to get a new engine to replace the one I currently have because that's a conclusion that they have come to that i need a new engine. I was told on Thursday the 21st than an inspector from the warranty company was coming out to look at the car to determine whether or not they would approve for me to get a new engine. My check oil light and my check engine light came on as soon as I started having issues and Soon as the check engine light came on as when I started looking in to getting it fixed.

NHTSA ODI 11546170

Brakes were squeaking when I brought vehicle off lot initially. Santa Monica Ford Lincoln Dealership notified me it is likely "dust on the tires, and would wear off in time." It never did. Later, vehicle was stalling in middle of intersections. Starter was replaced. Vehicle began lagging again to restart after idle at lights. Disgusting smell coming from vents described by dealership as "old socks." Brought it in, filter replaced. Smell continued. Brought it back again, issue was never fixed. They told me to run the vents. Shortly after, check engine light appeared with note "Low Oil Pressure." Car began making loud sounds. Brought car to dealership, has been 2 weeks with no diagnosis. Was notified of a rodent infestation. Dealership asked me to get approval from Ford for an engine tear down to find the root of the issue. Ford corporate was notified of this issue and is working with me on repairs. All repairs of past were under warranty. Current issue should be under power train, however, failing to give diagnostic after 2 weeks. I have covered 2 weeks of rentals out of pocket- Ford told me to go through Enterprise which I did. One week in, they notified me it has to be from their preferred Enterprise location. Nothing has been diagnosed or covered, dealership is stalling the issue.

NHTSA ODI 11546111

2018 EcoSport with 64k miles. After highway travel stopped at a gas station, the vehicle had a low engine oil pressure light turn on while idling... With a fast knock noise. During highway travel there were no signed of any issues. After towing to dealership, we found the OIL SUMP TENSIONER BELT BROKE. Dealership said we need a new motor.

NHTSA ODI 11538704