What 719 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Ford Ecosport

Bought in Dec 2022, in February engine seized due to oil pressure issues, was told it needed a new engine. In communications with Ford, they were aware of issue, but it was not a recall issue at that time. I believe that if this issue occurred before recall, that they were replacing these parts with ones known to be faulty. Approximately, 60,000 miles later, I am dealing with the same issue that I did in 2023. I was without a vehicle for over 6 weeks in February 2023 . On Saturday, May 16, 2026, my daughter was driving on interstate 81 in Virginia when the engine once again seized. I took my vehicle to a Ford dealership in Aptil 2025 to see if the recall had been satisfied with the 2023 repair, they assured me that it had been satisfied. I would have gotten my vehicle in for the recall if I wasn't lied to, and my daughter would have not had to gone through that ordeal had I not been lied too. Also, when talking with Ford in 2023, I asked if they knew about these problems with the oil pressure why it wasn't in recall status, they told me because no lives had been lost due to the issue

NHTSA ODI 11738826

My vehicle experiences a loss of power while driving. The vehicle will unexpectedly lose acceleration and power during normal driving conditions, including when merging or driving in traffic. This creates a serious safety concern because the vehicle does not respond properly when attempting to accelerate. The issue occurs intermittently but repeatedly and makes it difficult and unsafe to drive, especially at higher speeds or in traffic situations. Ford has declined financial assistance for repair due to mileage and vehicle age, and no resolution has been provided. This issue creates a safety risk while operating the vehicle, as it may suddenly lose power without warning in traffic.

NHTSA ODI 11734254

When I realized there was a recall, I could not get in right away due to the fact that parts were on back order. I finally got in at Tidelands Ford in Pawleys. They had my vehicle for two weeks and said it was repaired. I knew immediately it wasn’t driving right and the engine was loud. I told the service manager about it who had the tech look at it and he said he reconnected something and the sound went away for the moment, but the engine has not run the same since. The transmission slips and jumps, at one point I almost ran in the back of someone. The engine has been smoking. I took it back and they called me and told me that they repaired a “oil gasket” and that solved the problem. However, as I stated before, the transmission is not operating correctly and is dangerously to drive.

NHTSA ODI 11733464

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that after having the engine replaced in 2023 and being reimbursed following a subsequent recall, the vehicle experienced engine failure. The contact stated that while the official fix was released, the replacement engine that was installed in the vehicle was not equipped with the official fix. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 220,938.

NHTSA ODI 11726730

In mid-2024, I was notified of a recall (23S64 / 23V905) involving the engine oil pump belt. When I attempted to schedule repairs, I was told parts were not available. I was instructed to watch for loss of oil pressure and speed and to pull over immediately if it occurred. In January 2025, my vehicle lost oil pressure and speed while driving. I pulled over and had it towed. Ford directed me to a dealer, but multiple dealers within 200 miles said parts would not be available until March 2025. I brought my vehicle to a Ford dealer in [XXX] in March 2025. It remained there over 7 months until October 17, 2025. I was told parts were unavailable, and instead of fixing the defect, the engine was replaced with another engine subject to the same recall. Shortly after, the vehicle broke down again due to issues related to the repair. I later received another recall notice and returned the vehicle on February 25, 2026. As of March 23, 2026, the dealer still has my vehicle and cannot complete repairs due to lack of parts. This recall causes sudden loss of oil pressure and engine power, creating a serious safety risk. Ford has not provided a timely or effective remedy. My vehicle has approximately 50,000 miles and has been out of service for extended periods. All repair documentation is in my car that is currently at the dealership. They do not email or text or give digital proof. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11726312

2018 eco sport , 1 L engine . Bought this car 2 years ago(April 2024) used (58xxx) miles from Corwin Honda in Fargo nd and test drove and asked about the car . Asked if safe for my family , recalls ,history ..they said no issues ,recalls or crashes . All were untrue we are just finding out . I was driving imin the dark and suddenly,no warning etc my car says low engine oil pressure . I had kids in the car, on the highway (80mph) when my car suddenly stops at not exactly a slow decline . It is dark , it’s a long high way. Luckily we made it home . But now the dealership I hit it from and Luther family ford of Fargo nd do NOT WANT TO TOUCH MY CAR. Ford company said they have reached out to Luther to tell them to tow my car and inspect etc but Luther ford keeps hanging up in them . We owe 12k still on this car and insurance. We can’t not drive it, I have to uber and use DoorDash . My hubby goes out of town for work and I work night shift so we can not use his beater of a work car. We also scheduled roadside assistance today for 330pm and THEY DID NOT COME TO GET THE CAR. I rescheduled again for the am and hopefully so but I feel they black listed my vin or any recalls with this car. It is unsafe to drive , their is no replacements thought they keep promising year after year I have read . It’s is stressful, it is unsafe and it is wrong to leave ppl hanging when I am doing all I can on my part . We can’t not afford a car payment on a broken car that is dangerous and doesn’t drive . Where is our rights? Who cares about my safety? MY KIDS SAFETY? That night on the highway ? Thankfully a lady in a truck helped us get home . This is so cruel

NHTSA ODI 11723753

My car began rattling. I brough it to Ray Price Ford and was told the Flex Plate is cracked and needs replacement. My car only has 50,000 miles on it and the Flex Plate is a covered repair on other models from the same year. I called Ford and referred to the CSP 22n12 but was told my car is not covered under this program. I requested Good Will assistance and was also denied. I am not sure why several other models of the same year are covered but not my vehicle. It is a 3,000 repair on a part for a vehicle that only has 50,000 and has been serviced since purchase through Ford. This is the second issues with regards to this transmission. All of the hoses came loose around 2 years ago for no apparent reason which also was a full change. It seems they are only covering their most popular model for this issue and it seems as if it a poor manufacturing for the Flex Plate.

NHTSA ODI 11722961

My Ford EcoSport had safety recall 23S64 performed at Diamond Ford in Lancaster, California. The recall involved the oil pump drive belt system. After the recall repair was completed, the vehicle began displaying a low oil pressure warning and the engine started shaking. These symptoms involve the same oil system addressed in the recall. Because the vehicle is now experiencing low oil pressure and engine vibration after the recall repair, I am concerned that the recall remedy did not correct the defect and that engine damage may have occurred as a result of the recalled component.

NHTSA ODI 11723056

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

The affected systems are the engine and powertrain. After completion of Safety Recall 23S64 (NHTSA #23V905) in November 2025, my vehicle began experiencing repeated loss of power, stalling, and reduced-power “limp mode” events. The check engine light illuminated and diagnostic trouble code P0299 (Turbocharger Underboost Condition) was identified. The vehicle remains available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk due to sudden loss of engine power while driving, including hesitation and reduced acceleration in traffic. The vehicle has stalled and entered limp mode unexpectedly, creating a risk of being unable to maintain speed or safely merge. The problem has been reproduced and documented through multiple return visits to the same Ford dealership following the recall repair. The dealership attempted repairs including spark plug replacement and battery replacement, which did not resolve the issue. On the most recent visit, the dealership stated the issue was “unable to duplicate” and returned the vehicle without repair, despite prior documented limp mode behavior. The vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer’s authorized dealership multiple times. Additionally, an independent diagnostic scan confirmed P0299 turbocharger underboost. Warning indicators included the check engine light, reduced engine power, and limp mode behavior, which first appeared after the recall repair was completed. These symptoms have continued despite repeated service visits. Given the vehicle’s history of prior engine failure at approximately 29, 313 miles, and the fact that Recall 23S64 involves oil pump belt failure and oil pressure loss, I am concerned that the recall repair was incomplete or ineffective, potentially allowing residual oil starvation damage affecting the turbocharger and related components.

NHTSA ODI 11715348

I received the recall Notice 23S64/NHTSA23V905 from the dealership where I purchased my Ford Ecosport in August 2025. I called the dealership to schedule the repair on August 28, 2025. I spoke with Brandon from the service dept. He told me that they would need the car for two weeks to even determine IF the part in my vehicle indeed needed to be replaced and then, if so, they would have to see if the part was available to them and then they could fix it free of charge. He said they could not give me a loaner car during the two week inspection period. And only could offer a loaner car if the part did need to be replaced. Leaving me without a vehicle for at least two weeks. I work and needed transportation for my commute. The issue was at no fault of my own. He also stated that it was not a big deal and the worst that could happen if the part was defective was that the car would just stall. I called back in September if 2025 and was told they still did not have the part available to them. The notice said there was no order to stop driving the car. However, about the time I received the 2nd notice to have the recall service scheduled immediately. My car began showing signs of engine problems. It has been at the dealership since Jan 20th. I was told they have no loaner vehicle. I am without a car due to this repair. I called moments ago and was told the damage to the car was extensive due to the recall part the engine will have to be replaced and they are waiting on parts. I again asked for a loaner vehicle. I was told again, they did not have any to offer me. But said that it’s be a few weeks before my car was repaired! Again, this is by no fault of my own. The car was purchased, paid for entirely. And it is my only means of transportation to ensure a way to work. The recall letter plainly states the dealer has been authorized to give me a loaner vehicle while the repairs related to the recall are being completed. The service manager said it is recall

NHTSA ODI 11713999

Vehicle has an open safety recall with no repair available. I have been waiting over two years for parts with no ETA from the manufacturer or dealership. During this time, the vehicle has experienced loss of power while driving, creating a safety risk. The dealership has acknowledged the recall but cannot complete the repair due to parts unavailability. The vehicle remains unsafe to operate, and the manufacturer has not provided a timely remedy.

NHTSA ODI 11713053

On July 9th, 2025, our car's engine failed. It was discovered that it was due to the safety recall 23S64 (Engine Oil Pump Failure). We were ill advised by Ford motor company customer relations specialist and ended up paying almost 1,000 for a rental car that should have been covered by the recall. We waited almost 5 months, to receive the car back fixed. It took us begging for the car to be shipped back to our home dealership in Cleveland TN, for the car to finally be fixed. The car sat at the dealership in Ripley, WV for 5 months. Bad customer service issues as well as no parts available.

NHTSA ODI 11711623

See attached letter!

NHTSA ODI 11709789

Vehicle is not running and was at the dealership for recall and dealership said that ford denied claim and ford said dealership denied claim. Dealership said it’s something from oil and that it’s not issue from recall however all problems and issues fall within the recall damage. I called ford and they said the dealership are the ones who denied it. They also caused and did more damage to the vehicle in process. Doesn’t make any sense new engine was put in 2 yrs 20,000 miles ago. Also paperwork from dealership actually states that the outside of the oil pump belt looked to be in rough shape!! Which is the recall!!!

NHTSA ODI 11706850

Recall work done on 2018 Ford Ecosport. Next day leaking oil at all four corners of oil pan. Took back to dealership and the repaired but didn’t document it. About one week later oil and other fluids leaking from all over. Took back to dealership and they repaired but charged me a deductible stating it wasn’t really due to the recall work. I think it was. About 11 days later fluids leaking/pouring out from under vehicle. Back at dealership now.

NHTSA ODI 11706546

Three days after I purchased the vehicle from ideal cars, I went to Showlow, Arizona and the car on the hill started spitting and sputtering lost power and shut off and I had to pull over to the side about 20 minutes later. It was able to start again and we went Then a week later I went to Payson, Arizona and my vehicle again lost power on the hill and shut off and I had to pull over to the side and wait for it to start again that’s when I called Ford and the car lot I purchased it from which they don’t want anything to do with me, but Ford told me about the recall and how that’s what my car is going to do or could do but I’m telling you it already did it. It’s already made. The transmission sounds whiny, and clunky, and the motor shifting is not better. This is all after the recall repairs.

NHTSA ODI 11706336

In January 2024, Ford issued Safety Recall 23S64 / NHTSA Recall 23V905 for my 2018 Ford EcoSport for critical engine oil pump failure causing loss of engine power AND power braking assistance - a defect that has caused crashes and injuries. Parts were not available until August 2025 (19 months later). This defect caused catastrophic engine damage in my car requiring complete engine replacement. My vehicle has been out of service for over 75 days. I unknowingly drove with this life-threatening defect for over 2 YEARS since my purchase in June 2023. I purchased this Certified Pre-Owned vehicle in June 2023 for $25,000 from an authorized Ford dealer in Santa Clara, CA, plus spent on CA DMV registration ($638) and auto insurance till now ($3,000). Ford has discontinued the EcoSport due to reliability issues. I have completely lost confidence in this vehicle's safety and have formally requested Ford buy back this defective vehicle for $28,638 (purchase price + registration + insurance costs). Ford customer service and the dealership have been slow and unresponsive. With engine replacement required, this vehicle is unsafe and worthless. I am requesting NHTSA investigate this recall and Ford's resolution for such life threatening defect.

NHTSA ODI 11704386

I got my engine replaced during the summer of 2024 since the oil drive belt failed in my engine. This was due to the recall. I took my car to Baumann Ford in Genoa. I got my car back in August of 2024 after this occurred in June of 2024. I went 2.5 months without my car. Once I got it back the check engine light has come on several times for various issues pertaining to the engine. In the last couple of months, my car has stalled twice and it has been refusing to start. I took my car to Tuffy's in Perrysburg to get inspected and they said my starter was going out, my transmission is going out and is leaking fluid, and my coolant is leaking too. All of these components were part of the engine that was put into my vehicle in August of 2024. Another issue is that the gas valve that detects vapors causes my check engine light to come on as well. I do not feel that this vehicle is safe to drive. I was told that the recall was to be fixed by the end of the first quarter of 2025. It is now the last quarter of the year and I just was called to get the recall fixed. The first dealership (Baumann Genoa) said they had no time to fix the issue even though they called me to get me scheduled. This has been over a year of stress with this vehicle and I do not feel like this is safe to be on the road. Ford has taken their time fixing this issue and I do not feel like they have taken this recall seriously when it comes to their consumer safety.

NHTSA ODI 11703454

The engine oil pump drive belt and/or tensioner failed, causing the low-oil-pressure warning light to illuminate and creating a risk of sudden engine seizure and loss of motive power while driving. The vehicle is a 2018 Ford EcoSport with approximately 49,000 miles. It had no oil-pressure issues of any kind until two months after the dealer performed the interim repair under open safety recall 23S64. The dealer (Tipton Ford Brownsville) and Ford corporate hotline have both refused to perform the required oil-pan inspection and free engine replacement specified in recall bulletin MT23S64A, even though the recall remains open and this is the exact failure mode described in the recall. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and available for inspection.

NHTSA ODI 11702769

During a trip out of town, the vehicle suffered a complete engine and mechanical breakdown on a busy highway, becoming inoperable and posing a serious safety hazard. The vehicle had been routinely serviced and received an oil change two days prior to the incident. On the same day, another service company reviewed the oil system and confirmed the concern. The vehicle has been in the possession of Jim Hudson Ford in Lexington, SC since October 25, 2025 and remains unrepaired. Ford has confirmed that only ten (10) parts are currently on order nationwide and that no loaners will be available until February 2026. The dealership reported that another EcoSport affected by the same recall has been on their lot since July with no repair parts available. We live approximately 68 miles away and have no transportation. The registered owner is a disabled individual with a pacemaker, creating an extreme hardship due to limited financial flexibility and dependence on disability income. We have repeatedly requested permission to pick up a loaner vehicle from another Ford dealership closer to home or to receive a third-party rental (Enterprise, Avis, etc.) at Ford’s expense, consistent with public recall guidance. Ford has refused all such accommodations and has declined to confirm that the delay is due to back-ordered parts.

NHTSA ODI 11698739

My 2018 Ford EcoSport is affected by Recall 23S64 / NHTSA 23V905. The engine has been replaced and I also had a tune-up, but the vehicle is still experiencing shaking and loss of power while driving. At times it will not accelerate past 50 mph. This has been happening since I bought the vehicle in 2023. This is unsafe and needs review.

NHTSA ODI 11698049

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine completely failed less than a month after purchase at approximately 58,000 miles. The vehicle is currently at Wicklund Auto in Rolla, MO for inspection and repair, and the engine is available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A complete engine failure caused the vehicle to shut off while driving, which could have resulted in a sudden loss of power, stalling in traffic, or inability to accelerate or brake properly, creating a serious risk of a collision or other accidents. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Wicklund Auto has confirmed catastrophic engine failure. The dealership, Arizona Car Sales in Mesa, AZ, has not taken responsibility but may have inspected the vehicle. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has been inspected by Wicklund Auto, and repair documentation is available. The manufacturer and dealership have been notified but have not assumed responsibility. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? On August 10, 2025, at approximately 8:07 PM, the LOW ENGINE PRESSURE indicator illuminated. I exited to a Mobil gas station and waited for 30 minutes. During this time, the FULL ACCESSORY POWER ACTIVE indicator turned on, and shortly afterward, the vehicle shut down completely and became inoperable. No prior warning lamps or messages appeared before this date. Additionally, I was not informed of any relevant recall at the time of purchase from Arizona Car Sales, which could have affected the safety and reliability of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11690367

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

The car suddenly lost oil pressure and the engine light came on. I immediately pulled to the side of the road and my vehicle was trailered to a Ford service center. They termined that the engine needed to be replaced. Now I receive a recall for this same issue but we already paid fir a new engine replacement.

NHTSA ODI 11680839