What 719 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Ford Ecosport

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal grinding sound again. The parking assist message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who referred the contact to the local dealer. The contact called the local dealer and had the vehicle towed, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11594095

The recall on the oil pump has really put a halt in my life. I was driving home when my vehicle cut out. I lost control of the vehicle for a second. Thank goodness I was not on a highway and was able to get it going again to drive home. My dash lit up with all different lights, one being low oil. The vehicle is now sitting at a Ford Dealership where we wait for parts for the EcoSport. This was several months ago. I was told multiple times I could not get a loaner car and that I would have to pay for a loaner if that is what I needed. I ended up going to another dealership and financed another vehicle as my job requires me to travel. I have been in contact with the Ford Support and the Ford dealership and nothing seems to be getting done about it.

NHTSA ODI 11593969

I've already addressed what happened to my vehicle and a recall has since been issued in Dec 2023. The problem I have is the recall doesn't address the vehicles that have already failed due to the defective oil pump. Mine failed and totaled my engine leaving me without a vehicle on October 17, 2023. You even state in your description of the safety risk if this were to happen by saying it could damage your engine and possibly seize. It needs to be more prominent and highlite the fact that if this happens, your engine is gone, no more engine and no more car. It's more geared to the cars in the recall that haven't had it fail yet! Ford hopes to fix a part in those oil pumps and make it all better. But what about me!! At least everybody else still has a car to drive. I don't. It's gone and I'm still financing it. Ford has repeatedly told me they have no program for me. Nothing they can do. I still am part of that recall and they are breaking the law by not doing something. I need them to replace my car and pay me for everything I've had to incur due to this failure. They have no sense of urgency at all. It doesn't bother them one little bit that people are devastated when something like this happens because how do we get around. How do we get to work. Why can they get away with doing nothing for me and not held responsible. Recalls need to be split when they have vehicles damaged beyond repair for the exact issue the recalls address. They are more for just stating the safety issue if any instead of addressing what happened to each person and how they need to fix it or make it right for the consumer. I'm sick of this and I need to have them make this right.

NHTSA ODI 11592536

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up as needed. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. 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 local dealer was not contacted. 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 failure mileage was unavailable. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11592672

At the end of December of 2023, the low oil pressure light turned on, on my 2018 Ford Ecosport. I took it into Pepboys to have it checked and had a normal oil change completed. When the light did not turn off after having an oil change done, I took it in again and they informed me that it was beyond an oil change and would need to run diagnostics, so it was better if I took it into my dealership. After running diagnostics with Ford, I was told that I would need to replace my engine and that the cost would be up to 9k. At the time, I was unable to drive my only vehicle as I did not have the funds to repair it. A week after that, I was called from Ford letting me know that the issue my car had was actually a recall and I could bring it in, and the repairs would be completed within a month. Days prior to me learning about the recall I felt unsafe driving and being in the car. The car would rattle and shake, and the engine would produce a loud sound when driving. On January 2nd I took in the car and expected for it to be completed within a month as told. The day after, I reached out to hear updates, I was told that it could now take a year to repair my car. After multiple calls and emails with Ford, they have failed to provide me with any update aside from "you have to wait." I do not have the funds to purchase a car while I wait for my car, and my job relies on me driving from place to place. I have been denied a rental, or any update on the status of my car. I have had multiple cases opened up because I have been forced to call multiple different numbers. When I arrived at the head, they let me know that no case has been opened or documented as it has all been through calls. I have resorted to emails for documentation, and I have yet to hear back from them even after stating I prefer emails. I am tired of waiting and need information about the status of my car or at least a way to navigate.

NHTSA ODI 11591611

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinders, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was advised to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 29,011.

NHTSA ODI 11590301

Around the 4th of January 2024 I got into my Ford Eco sprot. I started the engine and it started shaking. I drove to the dealership that is about .3 miles from my home. As I pulled in the service area the check engine light came on. The service advisor told me they had just had a recall notice on the oil tensioner pump and she would check it out. She communicated with on March 1st that they had identified the problem as that part and it had caused the engine to seize. She stated that Ford was refusing to cover it as the recall had not yet been issued and requested I pay $8000.00. She told me there was nothing they can do until Ford releases the recall. She followed on May 8th with the same message.

NHTSA ODI 11590314

Feb 2024 in the mail regarding an upcoming recall for my vehicle I called my local Ford dealer asked them what I needed to do. They told me parts were currently unavailable and that I should continue to drive my car as normal and give them a call back in May or call them if a light came on my dash. May 15, 2024 I drove my vehicle to Birmingham Alabama. [XXX] I got in my vehicle drove it approximately 500 feet. The low oil pressure light came on two seconds later my engine failed. I was towed to a local Ford dealer in Birmingham, Alabama, where I was told that Because of the current recall on my car, it has made my engine fail now I am in need of a new engine and I live in Springfield Illinois. My car is currently 8 1/2 hours away from me sitting at a dealership and I have no car to drive , I have reached out to manufacturer three days in a row with no hope or answers on how this would be resolved. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11590489

Kept getting a message on the dash saying low oil pressure then the car just completely stopped on me and wouldn't start no longer

NHTSA ODI 11589670

On or about October 2023, as I was driving my car it started to lose power. I had to pull over, out of traffic, into a parking lot. The car then stalled out and would not start. I had to call AAA to have it towed to SunAuto in North Las Vegas to have it inspected as to the problem. The manager subsequently called me to tell me the engine would have to be replaced as they found metal fragments in the engine cause by the oil pump. The car was out of warranty. I had to replace the engine at an out of pocket cost of $7,300!! Luckly I wasn't driving on the highway at 65 MPH when the engine died!!

NHTSA ODI 11589465

On March 8th, 2024, I was traveling full speed northbound on I-95 returning home from a family funeral. I heard a loud "whipping" noise come from the engine, then immediately received a notification on the dash alerting me to "low engine oil pressure". Within seconds, there was a loss of all acceleration capability. The car had to coast off of the highway onto the shoulder. I was in a construction zone, and luckily had just enough room on the shoulder to pull off in between the concrete dividers. Once the car was put in park, I could smell burning oil. I tried turning the car off and back on. The dash would turn on with power, but the engine would not turn over. I had to call AAA to have my car towed to the nearest Ford dealership.

NHTSA ODI 11589071

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low engine oil pressure warning light illuminated. In addition, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine oil pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

NHTSA ODI 11588679

I was driving when the Low Engine Oil Pressure alert came on the dash without the check engine light. The engine turned off minutes later after turning into a quick oil change garage so I was towed to the Ford dealer. Two weeks later I am told the oil pump was reading zero psi (not working) and therefore the engine seized and now needs to be replaced without even addressing the oil pump issue that caused the engine to seize. I had no warning or indication about any issue while driving. Also, a recall letter from Ford states how this vehicle's engine can stop running when driving. How is anyone supposed to know? Any guidance will be gladly embraced. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11587765

As a result of the aforementioned recall, my car stalled in March 2024. The letter I got from Ford stated, word for word, “Ford has not issued instructions to stop driving your vehicle under this safety recall.” I feel they are responsible and should assist me with transportation. This has cause a huge hardship in my family.

NHTSA ODI 11587046

engine has siezed up waiting for Ford to issue parts for the recall. can not drive the car safely

NHTSA ODI 11586707

My 2018 Ford Ecosport is in recall for oil pump failure which in turn damaged my engine and is not repairable. The recall issued by Ford is attempting to find a fix for the vehicles that have not had the oil pump fail. There's nothing mentioned in the recall about the people whose engines have been destroyed because the oil pump has already failed. We don't have the luxury of being able to continue to drive our cars and the expenses we have incurred because of this disaster is much more than those cars that have not had it happen. What about us? Ford left out the many reports that if the oil pump failed, the engine would need to be replaced or consider replacement. NHTSA NEEDS TO KEEP THIS RECALL OPEN AND REISSSUE IT WITH THE REMEDY FOR THE ENGINES THAT HAVE HAD CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE DUE TO THE OIL PUMP FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI 11586343

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ODI 11586011

Engine inconsistently stutters and stalls. Ignition coils, fuel injector, and spark plugs all had to be replaced multiple times. Problem has been reproduced by repair places but not fixed and the source of the problem has not been found. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership, they advise to replace ignition coils again for the fourth time and still do not know what is causing the problem or how to fix it. Problem is inconsistent and happens at random, engine light turns on an blinks also at random, not when problems and stalling happens. UNKNOWN cause

NHTSA ODI 11585763

I purchased this car on [XXX] and the car ran good for two weeks. On [XXX] I drove the car from Fort Worth Tx to Houston which is roughly 290 miles. I got 30 mins to my destination and and the oil pressure light came on. I thought it was maybe because of the long drive so I pulled over at a Mcdonalds and let the car sit for about 15 mins. I turned the car back on and now both the oil pressure light and check engine light was on. I got back on the road but decided not to get back on the highway after about 5 mins of driving the car shut off at a light and would not cut back on. My family was stuck on side of the road for over 3 hours with the car in the middle of the street waiting for a tow truck. I had the car towed to my destination and called a mobile mechanic to come out the next morning to stated the timing chain or belt bad broken in the engine. I called the dealership and they were rude and would not allow me to speak to the owner. I called the bank and they said nothing could do. I called Ford and was informed of the recall but there was no parts available. I was told that the recall would not be fully in effect until the second quarter ; May or June. I am a [XXX] student working part time who saved up enough money for a down payment. Now I am on the hook for paying over $700 a month for insurance and a car I cannot drive. I am back to paying for daily ride shares. This was my first time buying a car and what a terrible experience it has been. I am stuck between ruining my credit or waiting on Ford to fix the problem. I filed a report to Ford and received a case #[XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11585596

THE ENGINE STARTED TO SPUTTER AND THE LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON, CAUSING THE CAR TO NOT ACCELERATE

NHTSA ODI 11584906

When driving on the highway my car slowed down and then completely shut off, nearly causing multiple car accidents. In an effort to get my car off the road, the car started up for a few seconds, In which I CRASHED into a tree on the side of the road. The system error that popped up on my dashboard read: low engine oil pressure. It has been almost THREE MONTHS and FORD has yet to remedy this situation. They claim there’s nothing they can do until the recall officially opens. The delay on this recall has cost me so much money! Im paying a car note AND insurance for a car I can’t even drive!!! Nor will anyone assist me with a rental!!!! I’m not even able to get to work!!!!!!!!! I’ve made so many efforts to receive any type of assistance from FORD but every time I call they basically tell me to kick rocks and deal with it, there’s nothing they will do!!!!! Im so disgusted with FORD. This is a problem CAUSED BY THEM, and they won’t even give me the slightest of assistance with a rental. This has been so stressful, and all I’m asking for is rental assistance so I can get to work- and they won’t even accommodate that. How will I pay my car note IF I CANT GET TO WORK?!!!!!?!!!!!! This makes me regret my decision buying this car.

NHTSA ODI 11584689

Engine oil pressure caused the engine to seize while driving oil pressure warning lights came on

NHTSA ODI 11584193

I was driving to work then my vehicle said I had low oil pressure but I was on a main road couldn't stop then my vehicle just died on me and pulled to side of the road

NHTSA ODI 11583957

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated the vehicle failed to start. The contact had to depress the Push-to-Start button three times before the vehicle would start. After driving for 15 minutes, the engine overheated. The contact pulled over. The vehicle was restarted, but there was smoke detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. 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 not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

NHTSA ODI 11584085

Oil light came on, then 10 mins later engine light came on. Car started to jerk back and forth. Engine was making a loud rough noise.

NHTSA ODI 11584116