Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government
holds on this vehicle.
Owners have filed 726 safety complaints
about the 2018 Ford Ecosport with the US government. Of those, 18 describe a crash, 2 mention a fire, 10 people were injured and no death is recorded. 2 recall campaigns are open against it, covering the engine and its cooling and equipment.
The most complained-about system is the engine,
named in 355 complaints, 49% of the total.
The typical failure was reported at 65,000 miles,
the median across the 267
complaints that gave
an odometer reading.
Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files
· Covers July 2018 to September 2026 · How this is counted
What is on file
726 complaints on file
726
Complaints
18
Describe a crash
2
Mention fire
10
People injured
0
Deaths
A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a
finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts
them.
Complaints halved year on year: 71 in the twelve months to 2026-Q2, against 171 in the twelve before.
A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free.
Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can
answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a
model year.
Which system owners named
Complaints naming each system
ENGINE 355 · 49%
355 49%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 311 · 43%
311 43%
POWER TRAIN 67 · 9%
67 9%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 61 · 8%
61 8%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 40 · 6%
40 6%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 35 · 5%
35 5%
SERVICE BRAKES 29 · 4%
29 4%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 19 · 3%
19 3%
AIR BAGS 10 · 1%
10 1%
WHEELS 9 · 1%
9 1%
STRUCTURE 5 · 1%
5 1%
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 4 · 1%
4 1%
0142285
Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it.
One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 726.
When the complaints arrived
By the year NHTSA received them
By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures
happened. They peaked in 2024 at 313.
This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure
happened. The range runs from 2018 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what
happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2018 Ford ECOSPORT, and it is a separate
question from what owners report going wrong later.
Test
4 DR AWD
4 DR FWD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover
19.1%
20.4%
Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard
A rating belongs to a tested body style and drivetrain, not to the model as a whole, which is why more than one is listed.
A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.
Recall campaigns
2 on file
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP
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.
The 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.
The remedy
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.
Ford Motor Company · up to 139,730 vehicles across all model years covered
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
18V312000 · May 14, 2018
The defect
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."
The 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.
The remedy
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.
Ford Motor Company · up to 273 vehicles across all model years covered
Defect investigations
1 on file
An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A
preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering
analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.
Oil Pump Failure
PE23015
Closed preliminary evaluation · opened September 20, 2023 · closed February 14, 2024 · led to recall 23V905
the engine and its cooling
On September 20, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-015 to investigate instances of engine failure due to loss of oil pressure in model year (MY) 2018-2021 Ford EcoSport vehicles. Some consumers reported a low engine oil pressure warning lamp immediately preceding a complete loss or reduction of motive power while the vehicle was in motion. The investigation revealed that the engine oil pump drive belt tensioner arm may fracture, separate from the tensioner backing plate, and/or the oil pump drive belt may degrade and lose teeth, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure. A loss of engine oil pressure can result in engine seizure, which can result in a loss of motive power and a loss of mechanical vacuum pump required to provide power braking assist, increase the risk of a crash. On December 22, 2023, Ford filed recall 23V-905 for certain MY 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The recall remedy provides the replacement of the oil pump drive belt tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt with redesigned parts to improve robustness. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
In owners’ own words
Quoted from the complaint file
Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the
people who filed them, not findings of fault.
SERVICE BRAKES
3 injured · crash · towed
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The braking system failed, preventing the vehicle from stopping properly. The vehicle is currently at a tow yard and is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Because the brakes failed, I was unable to stop at a traffic light. The vehicle entered oncoming traffic and was involved in a collision, placing my safety and the safety of other motorists at risk. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No. I previously took the vehicle to the dealership several times for misfire and …
NHTSA complaint 11743832, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
AIR BAGS
2 injured · crash · towed
MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER WERE INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON MARCH 14 2018, THEY GOT HIT PRETTY GOOD IN ALL ANGLES OF THE CAR. THE CAR WAS DECLARED TOTAL LOSS. MY CONCERN IS .. WHY, ANY OF THE AIR BAGS ON THE CAR DEPLOYED ? NONE OF THE AIRBAGS, EVEN THE ONES ON THE SIDES, WENT OFF. I CALLED MY LOCAL DEALER SHIP, THEY TOLD ME THE CAR NEEDS TO BE CRASH IN THE FRONT AREA IN ORDER TO DEPLOY. HERE COMES MY CONCERN, IS THAT A GOOD SAFETY SYSTEM FOR THIS VEHICLE? I AM NOW GOING TO TRY TO GET ANOTHER VEHICLE SINCE IAM WITHOUT ONE RIGHT NOW. THE VEHICLE WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY AT 60 MILES WHEN THIS HAPPENED, IT HAPPENED IN THE HIGHWAY. THE OTHER DRIVER WAS AT FAULT. POLICE REPORT STATES IT.
NHTSA complaint 11191678. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
SERVICE BRAKES
1 injured · crash · towed
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 complaint 11176441. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 injured · crash · towed · 36,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while initially accelerating, the vehicle was stalling when approaching 40 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and an unknown warning message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a turbocharger and under-boost failure. The contact stated that the failure recurred while accelerating the vehicle and making a right turn, the vehicle stalled and another vehicle crashed into the the driver's side door and the front driver's side tire of the contact's vehicle. No police report was filed. The contact received treatment for a concussion and minor muscle tears. The …
NHTSA complaint 11586146, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint 11761983. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint 11761274. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
POWER TRAIN
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 hazard. I've heard from multiple other sources as I checked online to see if this was an issue with …
NHTSA complaint 11761477, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I had a Purge valve put in about a year ago and was told that that was the problem for my gas gauge going completely to empty while driving and losing power while driving
NHTSA complaint 11759879. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
towed · 71,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the failure occurred a year after the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then to the dealer, where it was determined that the engine and turbocharger needed to be replaced due to internal bearing failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
NHTSA complaint 11756562. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE
On XXX, my 2018 Ford EcoSport experienced a sudden loss of engine oil pressure and loss of power while driving on [XXX], consistent with the failure mode described in Ford Safety Recall 23S64 / NHTSA Recall 23V905 (engine oil pump drive belt tensioner arm fracture and/or oil pump drive belt degradation). The vehicle lost motive power on a public highway and had to be towed to Olathe Ford Lincoln, Olathe, KS for repair. The dealer has confirmed the failure is covered under this recall, but has stated repair parts are backordered with an estimated repair time of 2–3 months. I am filing this complaint to document that the defect described in this recall has actually manifested in my vehicle — …
NHTSA complaint 11754007, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's
lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How
many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by
the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.
Complaints: NHTSA's ODI
complaint file, published October 2, 2026. One
complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.
Recalls: NHTSA's recall
campaign API, newest campaign on this vehicle filed December 22, 2023.
Investigations: NHTSA's ODI
investigation file, published October 2, 2026.
A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by
us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that
sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.
G
Compiled and maintained by guarledes Independent developer and analyst