What 719 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Ford Ecosport

While driving toward the freeway on January 16, 2026, I pressed my brakes and the vehicle failed to slow or stop. Instead, the vehicle accelerated. I reacted quickly to avoid a head-on collision but was involved in a crash. When pressing on my brakes there were audible sounds from from my hood. As if my car wanted to stop but wouldn’t. My engine previously failed for the same reason. When the second and third decal came out I called my local dealership. After my last oil change my car began to show show signs of concern. I emails and called the dealership, I brought my car in however they had no one to work on my car and wouldn’t offer a rental. Told me as long as my car is drivable I’ll be fine. This vehicle has an open recall related to engine/performance defects. History includes: Complete engine failure in 2024 (vehicle retained for two months). Recurring symptoms reported to dealership. Check engine light illuminated; dealership advised vehicle was safe to drive. Vehicle retained again without repair completion. No technician availability; recall repair not completed before crash. I relied on dealership assurances that the vehicle was safe. This defect creates a serious risk of unintended acceleration and loss of braking control. I am concerned other drivers may face similar danger. I am requesting investigation into recall effectiveness and manufacturer handling of repair delays.

NHTSA ODI 11719250

Vehicle Information: •Year / Make / Model: 2018 Ford EcoSport Titanium 2.0L •VIN: [XXX] ] •Mileage: ~70,000 miles Problem Description: I am experiencing multiple engine and emissions-related issues on my 2018 Ford EcoSport at only ~70,000 miles. These include: •Check engine light illuminated continuously •P0016 – Crankshaft/Camshaft Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A) •P0017 – Crankshaft/Camshaft Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B) •P0420 – Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold •All emissions-related lights, including camshaft indicator, are on •Vehicle is sluggish and struggles to accelerate These issues first appeared around 30,000 miles and recurred more severely at ~70,000 miles. The vehicle has been maintained according to manufacturer recommendations, with regular oil changes using the correct oil type. This appears to be a premature failure of timing chain/cam phasers and possibly catalytic converter components. I have checked for recalls and found none applicable to my 2.0L engine, and there are no known Technical Service Bulletins specifically covering this problem. I am concerned about safety and reliability, and I am submitting this complaint so that NHTSA can track these issues and determine if further investigation or action is necessary. Additional Comments: •I am aware of other Ford owners experiencing similar timing chain and cam phaser issues at low mileage (60k–80k miles). •I request that this information be considered for investigation into potential safety defects or extended coverage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11681954

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

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

In June 2023 I got into a rear end accident with another vehicle. On my way to work. It was an accident where my brakes failed to stop my car. It was the weirdest accident, because I actually saw myself going into the back of the car in front of me but it was like my car failed to stop. I told Geico that my foot went through the break. And I have pictures of where my break pedal, broken half. The dealership had my car for close to two months and they never fixed it. They ignored my calls. I ended up going to the dealership and picking up my car. They gave excuse after excuse, and they never returned my calls. I took it to a local place to have my car fixed. The brake pedal is still half of what it used to be. I have an engine leak and when I saw the email about the recall on Ford Ecosports for brake problems and engine leaks, I knew that this was the exact issues with my car and issues that my dealership was trying to avoid

NHTSA ODI 11575833

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH with her husband in the front passenger’s seat and her infant in a car seat in the rear seat, the vehicle began to lose motive power and was making abnormal loud cranking sounds. The message "Power Train Malfunction -Reduced Power" was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated upon attempting to exit the highway and avoid incoming traffic, the front passenger side of the bumper struck a guard rail. There was no injury sustained. The contact was able to continue driving at 35 MPH and pulled into a fire station. The contact turned off the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle with assistance. The contact then drove to her residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer the following day. The dealer informed the contact that an oil change needed to be performed in order to diagnose the vehicle. Upon completing the oil change, the dealer diagnosed that oil was leaking into the engine and that the engine might need to be replaced. The alternator, the oil pump belt, and the twin-turbo were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the power train Extended Warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

NHTSA ODI 11513619

Engine Caught fire and car was engulfed in flames. Insurance is investigating. Oil Pressure Low light came on roughly 10 minutes before this occurred.

NHTSA ODI 11465932

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER A SHORT DRIVE, VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND PARKED A SHORT TIME LATER IN A PARKING LOT. A FEW MINUTES AFTER THAT, THE VEHICLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE. VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER A FEW DAYS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT FOR REPAIR WORK (COIL, SPARK PLUG)

NHTSA ODI 11240947

I AM TRYING TO ADD INFORMATION TO COMPLAINT #11175903. WHEN I MADE THE COMPLAINT THERE WERE NO INJURIES SINCE THEN THE OTHER DRIVER PARTY WENT TO THE HOSPITAL UNKNOWN ON INJURIES CAN I ADD THIS TO MY COMPLAINT

NHTSA ODI 11176441

I HAVE 2018 FORD ECOSPORT AND THE AUTO SHUTOFF/RESTART WAS NOT WORKING RIGHT. WHEN I STOPPED AT A LIGHT IT SHUT OFF AND DIDN'T START AGAIN IT HAD STALLED THIS HAPPENED ABOUT THREE TIMES. THEN AS I WAS DRIVING IT STALLED AGAIN AS I WAS DRIVING OFF THE HIGHWAY ON A RAMP AND I COULDN'T STOP AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME WHICH WAS ABOUT FOUR CAR LENGTHS AHEAD MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND MY CAR HAS SEVERE DAMAGE. HAVE THERE BEEN ANY OTHER INCIDENTS OF THIS KIND. I WAS LUCKY NO ONE WAS HURT BUT SOMEONE ELSE MIGHT NOT BE SO LUCKY

NHTSA ODI 11175903