What 719 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Ford Ecosport

I had to have my 2018 Ford ecosport towed to the Ford dealership after the low engine oil pressure light came on and wouldn't start. Ford dealership stated it would be 6700 to even look at it and that was nothing they could do engine miles are 89000 and will not start

NHTSA ODI 11561963

Oil pump failure.

NHTSA ODI 11561743

Engine oil pump failed and didn't give any warning lights until the engine was knocking from the lack of oil. The motor only had 51,216 miles on it. I've changed the oil at regular intervals and never drive it low of oil. Ford wouldn’t do anything for me. So I had to pay $6300 out of pocket.

NHTSA ODI 11561727

My car first came on with a check engine light at 53,000 miles. Got it coded that the car prompted and it was reading P015B which indicates bank 1 sensor 1 of O2 sensors experiencing a lean to rich response issue. I scheduled an appointment with a mechanic to have it looked at. It drove fine for 24 hours. The next day my car started to run rough and the oil light came on as well with an error message reporting low oil pressure. I recently got an oil change done a week prior. I did take the car back to where I got the oil change. The company did not find any issues with the oil change but proceeded to change it anyway again. They advised me at that point to not drive the car till diagnosed at a dealership. At this point I have had the car towed to a local dealership. I am told over the phone that it may be due to a know issue with my car of a bad oil pump and could risk blowing the engine. I am awaiting further diagnosis after the holidays.

NHTSA ODI 11561652

The oil pump went out and ruined the motor. The low engine oil pressure alarm didn't go off until after the car quit. Had it towed to the dealership. They've had it for 2 months. Waiting on them to call for me to pick it up.

NHTSA ODI 11561239

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

I have a 2018 Ford economy sport. I frequently took good care of this car . I changed the oil regularly. A out 3 weeks ago I was driving my car and the oil pressure light appeared on my car after I just got it fixed. Shortly thereafter the engine went out and left me stranded with no car . I had to come up with $7000 to replace install new engine. I tried to get warranty dept with Ford to fix my car the decl8ned over reasons that have nothing to do with the car engine going. I called the car dealership Matthew's Motors in Wilmington North Carolina and they offered no help . Prior to this fiasco one of my coils blew in the engine. I was stranded 3 days in Virginia. I replaced the coils put new sparkplugs and parts over 600 in repairs. The car ran good for a bit then 3 weeks later no car stranded. I only had the car for 2 and a half years and owe 18,000 on it still. No one wants to help me and I'm frustrated. I took care of the car . Can u please help me

NHTSA ODI 11560802

Was driving down two lane road and all of a sudden oil pressure light came on car started shaking and I was close by a truck stop, pulled in and checked oil, it was fine but the engine seemed real hot, so I knew something was really bad. So called my mother and she came and picked me up after I contacted tow truck to have it towed to Harrisburg Illinois at Jim Hayes where I purchased it on 03/15/2021 and paid the $2,424.00 extended warranty. Yesterday on 12/14/2023 we drove to dealer and was informed it needed new motor. And that we would be refunded the 250.00 dollar tow bill and will only have to pay the 100.00 deductible to have the new motor put in. Plus if they don`t have a loner car come in today 12/15/2023 the warranty will rent us a vehicle and have it delivered to us today since I live some 53 miles away. I am in total shock by all the complaints on here where all these people are having the same problem and people paying out of pocket $8,000 to $9,000 dollars for the same problem, so how long will the next motor last if the company doesn`t correct the defect in these motors????

NHTSA ODI 11560281

My car is at Ford getting a new engine due to a faulty oil pump. I know there’s a class action suit against Ford for this same issue. My car is a 2018 Ford EcoSport with 22,000 miles. This shouldn’t happen with only 22,000. This is costing me $8600.00 which is crazy.

NHTSA ODI 11559904

I have purchased this vehicle in June 2019 and the engine went out while I was driving out of town on 07/02/2021; I have had to replace the engine and the turbo, I had to pay a tow of $340 to the nearest Ford dealership (Marietta, Ga-Gary Service Advisor.) They told me the belt jumped the internal valve timing in the engine. I had to call FORD CORPORATE to beg someone to help me replace the engine because I was at 60,101 miles and the warranty only covered engine repair up to 60K. I was able to get a case manager John Ashley (866-631-3788 ext 79212) and she was able to get ford to cover majority of the $6800 cost of the repairs which I had to wait till November 12 to pick up my car because they said since it was covid the engines and turbos were on back order. At that time I made a payment to Ford for 1875$ for my portion of the repairs. The Warranty that they gave after repairs was for 2 year which the date was 10/10/2023, the car as of 11/27/2023 is back in the shop with the same engine and turbo problem, this time there is oil leaking out of the engine and turbo which need to be replaced. The engine continues to go out while I am driving, it slows down while driving on the interstate and will not allow you to accelerate over 60 mph. There are never any warning lights that come on and my car has been Maintenace at dealerships with receipts.

NHTSA ODI 11559798

In December of 2021 my vehicle started to feel like it was "trying to die" for lack of a better words. On December 18th I took it to Firestone in Tulsa, Ok to have it check and the mechanic at the time told me to take it directly to Bill Knight Ford in Tulsa, Ok where it was purchased. On the way there the vehicle completely shut down while on the highway with every warning light coming on. It was left in a parking lot that night and was towed to Bill Knight the following Monday. They said there was a manufacturing issue with the engine and that it was known to Ford and that a new engine would need to be put in the vehicle. Not sure if this truly qualifies but was told there is a lawsuit pending because so many people have encountered this problem.

NHTSA ODI 11559527

Engine failed without ever showing a check engine light or any other warning. One day there was a rattle coming from the engine, so we took the car to the ford dealership. Then they told us that the oil pump failed and that the car needed a new engine.

NHTSA ODI 11559227

The vehicle had an intense loss of power and slowed down to a few miles per hour even with the gas pedal pushed down all the way. This put us in harms way until we could get out of the way of moving traffic. In a parking lot, the vehicle stopped and would not start. The engine light came on briefly before the event. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The service department indicated that the engine was bad and a new one would be needed. The vehicle was held by the service department for about a month until another engine became available. The failed engine was then replaced. The service documentation indicated that there was debris in the failed engine. Due to the extended warranty in place, only the $100 deductible fee was paid. While we are grateful that we did not have to pay the full price for the repair, our main concern is the sudden failure of the engine.

NHTSA ODI 11559064

I was doing 60 mph on a back road when I had sudden loss of engine power and the oil pump light came on. Car is now in the shop and cannot be driven due to oil pump failure and needing a whole new engine. The oil pump light was ONLY flickering and would not STAY ON the whole time until I had my check engine light come on and lost power. It has been inspected by Gallery Ford in Pekin, Illinois and I was told a new engine was required but they are on back order and no one new when they would get it in. They have a 2019 sitting on the lot for 7 months due to this same issue. This started happening on the freeway and it puts myself in the line of danger when people. When I am going slow or even stopped someone could easily not pay any mind and hit the car and seriously hurt my family and myself. I live in Ohio and just BARELY made it to my fathers house in Manito Illinois. I had to get it towed to the dealership.

NHTSA ODI 11558817

My car’s “low engine oil pressure” light came on at the end of a long road trip. I immediately began getting off the highway and trying to exit. That’s when the car stopped accelerating and I coasted to a stop in a neighborhood right off the road. I drove for less than 3 minutes after the light came on. My car was towed and the mechanic at the dealership told me it was a problem with the engine and I had no oil. I called my insurance, assuming a large pothole I hit on the road trip caused damage. But the adjuster found no evidence of damage at all. It turns out, the engine’s oil pump belt was shredded due to a tensioner problem. I googled this issue in my model car and discovered that the NHTSA is apredatory investigating this problem across 2018-2021 Ecosports. This is extremely concerning bc my car is barely 5 years old and only has 38,000 miles. Ford says the belt should last through 150,000 and it barely made it 1/4 of that. Because it wasn’t damaged and the vehicle isn’t recalled yet, I will likely have to pay nearly $8,000 out of pocket to repair my car.

NHTSA ODI 11558849

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

10/27/23 Driving and "Low Engine Oil Pressure Warning" came on. Pulled over as soon as I could. Husband loaded it up on a trailer the next morning to the Ford dealership. They called that afternoon to tell us that a NEW ENGINE is required!!!! It took until 11-24-23 and OVER $5,500 for a new engine to get my vehicle back! There is a 3 year warranty on the new engine, but no reassurance that this will not occur again. The vehicle had only 58,xxx miles on it.

NHTSA ODI 11558127

11/19-While driving on interstate received "Low Engine Oil Pressure Warning" while trying to work through traffic to get off the interstate vehicle slowed from `65mph to `25mph would not accelerate and was almost rear ended and hit by other vehicles. Vehicle was towed to Ford dealer and was told that the Engine would need to be replaced. Research is showing a flaw in the Engine Oil pump design and many customers are reporting same issues. Repairs are estimated at $6,100 with No assurance from Parts Dept. at dealership that the replacement engine will have been updated and corrected this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11557630

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 car brand new Ford ecosport. Car was running good until couple of weeks ago. My engine broke down in middle of high way 15 and 805 free way in California. Oil pressures which I tow the car to mechanic that night. The mechanic called me the next day and told me and said oil pump issues which led to break engine. I called and went to Ford dealer they won't work with me. My car is 74k miles which is they told is out warranty. My issue is the car has major mechanical issues. I didn't any warning signs before ford broke down. I would like to file complaint. So please let me know what I need to do . There is over 95 complaint with the same issue.

NHTSA ODI 11557368

This model of the Ford Ecosport needs to be recalled due to a faulty engine. My engine had to be replaced at 70k miles because of a design flaw. As I was driving, the car indicated low oil pressure and stopped accelerating. The engine had to be completely replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11557474

Our 2018 Ford EcoSport with less then 50,000 miles had an engine failure while driving on the highway. This was due to the loss of oil pressure. We were out of the warranty by just a few weeks and Ford provided no help or support. We found out that this was a common problem with the engine on this style car but again there was zero support or help from Ford. The old pressure light came on while on a road trip with my wife. Once the light came on the car stopped accelerating so we pulled off the highway and took or car to the nearest Ford Dealership. They told us the engine was destroyed and needed to be replaced. Again we were offered zero support or answers from Ford and we had no choice but to pay over $7,000 to get a new engine in a year old car with less then 50,000 miles.

NHTSA ODI 11557160

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