2018 Ford Ecosport recalls and problems

The 2018 Ford Ecosport has 2 safety recalls and 728 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
728
Crashes / fires
18 / 2
Injuries / deaths
10 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2018 Ford Ecosport vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2018 Ford Ecosport recalls

Recall 23V-905: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Dec 22, 2023 · 139,730 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.

Risk: A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the oil pump tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt, free of charge. If engine failure occurs due to a damaged oil pump belt and/or oil pump belt tensioner, Ford has authorized dealers to replace the engine assembly as an interim repair before the availability of remedy parts for the final repair. This repair will be free of charge (parts and labor). Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S64.

Recall 18V-312: Service Brakes, Equipment

Reported May 14, 2018 · 273 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Ecosport vehicles sold in the United States Federal Territiories. These vehicles were shipped with the European brake reservoir pictogram cap label and the European English language owner's manual kits. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Risk: Owners could be confused by the incorrect label on the brake fluid cap, potentially causing them to replace the brake fluid with an incorrect fluid which could affect brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake fluid cap and owner's manual kit, free of charge. The recall began on June 21, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18C04.

2018 Ford Ecosport problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine357
Engine and Engine Cooling314
Power Train68
Unknown or Other61
Fuel/Propulsion System40
Electrical System35
Service Brakes29
Vehicle Speed Control19
Air Bags10
Wheels10
Structure6
Steering4

Most reported parts

  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil/Lubrication › Pump — 7
  • Structure › Body — 5
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger — 3
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Pump — 2
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 1
  • Lane Departure › Warning — 1
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 1
  • Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 65,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2018 Ford Ecosport complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Nov 1, 2026
On August 20, 2026, my 2018 Ford EcoSport equipped with the 1.0L EcoBoost engine suddenly shut down while I was driving on the highway. The unexpected loss of engine power created a serious safety concern because the vehicle became disabled while traveling in highway traffic. This failure occurred despite extensive previous engine-related repairs, including completion of Ford Safety Recall 23S64. On September 15, 2025, the vehicle overheated, the check-engine light illuminated, and coolant had to be added. Camelback Ford subsequently diagnosed a cracked thermostat housing, cracked coolant…
Engine · reported Oct 16, 2026
Vehicle equipped with 1.0 L eco-boost engine suffered a catastrophic internal cylinder head fracture leading to antifreeze flooding two cylinders income, complete engine failure. This is a known widespread manufacturing defect that mirrors, Fords large eco-booth, coolant intrusion crisis.
Engine · reported Sep 3, 2026
While having oil changed at the Ford dealership, I was told there was a small oil leak. I made an appt for a diagnostic test for the following week. I was told the diagnostic test showed a cracked valve cover. I had it repaired while they had the vehicle.
Engine · reported Sep 1, 2026
1.0L EcoBoost suffered a repeat failure following Recall 23S64, Metro Ford of OKC confirmed in writing that prior dealer workmanship caused the failure, and Ford Corporate (Case # CXH-08846832) is completely unresponsive, leaving the vehicle inoperable and unsafe.
Power Train · reported Sep 1, 2026
I have had issues in the past with the transmission of this car for the past few months, it initially started to give me issues around 49k miles in this car, so I got it flushed out by a mechanic and it ran fine for a few months. Just a few days ago, I was headed home and my transmission went completely out as I was about to enter a state highway and I had to pull over into a neighborhood to get it towed. I had to send it over to my mechanic again, and he said the transmission is completely done for. My car could've almost went out on me completely if I kept pushing it, but I knew it was a…

Other Ford Ecosport years

Compare all Ford Ecosport years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Ford Ecosport have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Ford Ecosport: 23V-905 (engine and engine cooling), 18V-312 (service brakes, equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Ford Ecosport?

Owners report engine problems most often (357 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (314). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 65,000 miles.

Are Ford recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.