2018 Ford Ecosport Electrical Problems

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 ID

11734254

Incident

Mar 12, 2025

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 ID

11733464

Incident

Jan 7, 2026

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 ID

11713999

Incident

Jan 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000(Engine and Engine Cooling), and the dealer replaced the engine and the oil pump; however, while driving two days later, the vehicle stalled upon coming to a complete stop at a stop sign. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after an hour and drove to the residence. The dealer picked up the vehicle from the residence, and the contact was later informed that the vehicle was diagnosed with wiring harness failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired because the contact believed that the dealer damaged the wiring harness while performing the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,000.

NHTSA ID

11703892

Incident

Aug 2, 2025

Mileage

109,000 mi

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the recall repair was performed. The vehicle was returned to the contact; however, the contact was informed that the alternator was not spinning. The contact was informed that the alternator had seized and needed to be replaced. The dealer ordered the replacement alternator; however, the repair was denied by the manufacturer. The dealer then applied a lubricant to the alternator, and the alternator unseized; however, the contact was that the lubrication was a temporary fix. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11692136

Incident

Oct 4, 2025

Mileage

60,000 mi

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 ID

11690367

Incident

Aug 10, 2025

Diagnostic tool says "Loss of Communication with steering wheel column" "loss of connection with ABS module" and "loss of connection with power steering module"

NHTSA ID

11675723

Incident

Jan 1, 2025

I had brought my vehicle multiple times in 2024 to the Route 23 auto mall prior to me receiving a recall notice. The check engine light kept coming on and off and they told me that there was nothing wrong with my vehicle. I then received a recall notice in around the end of July 2024 and contacted them to complete the recall. I brought my vehicle in August 2024 and they told me that they would not be receiving the parts for the recall until March of 2025. I was told that I can still drive the car until then as it was not a safety hazard. That same day I went home and parked my car in front of my house. I was leaving to go to work and the car would not start. I had to call a tow truck to tow the car to the dealership. The manager told me that I would need to get a new motor and it would only take a few days. I asked for a rental car in the mean time. I then got my car back with the new motor almost 6 months later. I picked up my car from them and they gave me a certificate for the new motor. Fast forward to April of 2025 and my car again would not start. I had to have it towed to the dealership once again and this time it took 3 weeks to get it fixed. They said that the hose was ripped in half which causes anti-freeze to leek. They told me that it had nothing to do with the recall and that I had to pay $200.00 out of pocket. The car is still not fixed as per recall because the same parts were put on the car. I tried to get rid of the car and no dealership will by it. I looked online and noticed that there is a class action lawsuit against ford for the same exact issues. Ford itself will not buy the car back. What can I do now? I have attachments but its too large to fit on here. I can email it.

NHTSA ID

11660993

Incident

Jun 3, 2024

8/14/21 car purchased at Pacifico Ford 9/10/22 broke down, at a red light, car just turned off, had to physically push it off the road and get towed, no warning Rattling engine sounds always while car was running after the first breakdown 2018 EcoSport Recall Item Affected: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: ENGINE: OIL / LUBRICATION: PUMP A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash. Manufacturer's report date: 1/8/24 Started receiving multiple letters about recall which stated parts were unavailable. Called Pacifico to inquire about bringing car in - was told there was nothing that could be done, parts were unavailable and stated basically needs to breakdown and have a total failure before they could help me. Crazy since the recall states an increasing risk in crash. March 2024 broke down yet again, brought to the dealer and they assessed it was the recall. Parts still unavailable. Put in a rental from around April - 11/13/24. Every month I had to come back to dealership and pay $200 for rental then it would be reimbursed a week later. 11/13/24 got car back after 8 months - was told the car’s engine was replaced completely since the parts never became available/ everything was done and fixed. A week or so later check engine light came on again. Brought back to Pacifico told it was a computer issue and to drive it 50 miles to reset. November 27th check engine light still on, was told to drive another 100 miles. December 2024 inspection was done, they cleared engine light/ said nothing was wrong with it. 3/19/25 Check engine light comes on yet again - brought it directly to shop and they said yet again NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT. TURNED LIGHT OFF. 5/2/25 driving to work, the car just turned off/ broke down while I was actively driving, no warning, no nothing. I am lucky I was not involved in accident for I take major highways everyday. Car currently at shop diagnosis; bad purge valve

NHTSA ID

11659112

Incident

May 2, 2025

Ever since I purchased the vehicle, the screen that shows the system warnings and the speed that is right in front of the steering wheel goes out and turns completely dark and it will do this at weird moments. I haven’t noticed anything to cause this. I have replaced the battery and gone for an inspection and they can’t seem to figure out why it’s doing this other than the vehicle should be recalled. As this only happens every now and then but can be dangerous as if it goes out while driving home I supposed to know my speed or anything if I’m looking at the screen obviously I know that there is another speedometer on the right for speed, but either way it should not be happening. I am not sure if it would show if I went in for another inspection as I said it kind of does it on its own and at weird times. My safety is put at risk due to the fact that I cannot see what speed I’m going if that screen goes out other than looking at the speedometer that they give you in the car on the right side in front of the steering wheel. I wouldn’t be able to tell what kind of system warning I have because it pops up on that screen. There’s a lot of things that could happen where safety is concerned when that screen does go out. As I said before when I did go to a Ford dealership and got it inspected, they did notice that that happened but weren’t able to figure it out at the time and we were able to confirm it was not a battery issue as they did replace the battery in the vehicle. The vehicle has been inspected by a Ford dealership and again they could not figure out the reason and did not provide me with any answers other than it could be an electrical recall. There were no warning lamps or messages as that would be the screen that it would pop up on, and I can’t see it as it goes completely dark.

NHTSA ID

11655041

Incident

Jan 1, 2023

1. The back up camera and screen glitch, freeze, go black unpredictably. 2. I've backed into objects, thankfully so far nothing that has caused major damage. It is potentially very dangerous, as sometimes it freezes mid back-up and there is an optical illusion. 3. I'm not quite sure what the question is. The problem is intermittent, and to have all of the issues with the vehicle checked is cost prohibitive and time prohibitive. It malfunctions out of nowhere. 4. I do not know if the dealership inspected when they replaced my engine and turbo , then 3 days later vacuum hose as a "temporary" band aid to the unresolved safety recall 23V905. 5. There is no warning which is dangerous.

NHTSA ID

11642845

Incident

Aug 1, 2018

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH and attempting to complete a turn, the Auto START/STOP feature activated and turned the vehicle off, with the message "Shift to Park(P) to Manually Restart" was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The battery warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with a piston, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 125,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11637494

Incident

Dec 7, 2024

Mileage

125,000 mi

the vehicle flashed a light regarding the oil pressure and then as i began to make a right turn the car puttered and wouldn’t allow me to accelerate and began to turn off in traffic.

NHTSA ID

11596931

Incident

Jun 22, 2024

Engine inconsistently stutters and stalls. Ignition coils, fuel injector, and spark plugs all had to be replaced multiple times. Problem has been reproduced by repair places but not fixed and the source of the problem has not been found. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership, they advise to replace ignition coils again for the fourth time and still do not know what is causing the problem or how to fix it. Problem is inconsistent and happens at random, engine light turns on an blinks also at random, not when problems and stalling happens. UNKNOWN cause

NHTSA ID

11585763

Incident

Jun 1, 2022

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated the vehicle failed to start. The contact had to depress the Push-to-Start button three times before the vehicle would start. After driving for 15 minutes, the engine overheated. The contact pulled over. The vehicle was restarted, but there was smoke detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

NHTSA ID

11584085

Incident

Apr 18, 2024

Mileage

47,000 mi

C/S RADIO/HEAD UNIT NOT WORKING, VEHICLE NEEDS APIM MODULE-per auto service at dealership. The screen is completely black so the backup camera either isn't functioning or it simply can't project onto the screen. Confirmed by dealer It has not been inspected by anyone but the auto dealership The system was off and on for a few days, then went completely out. Started in January, 2024 There was no incident leading to this problem

NHTSA ID

11576184

Incident

Jan 10, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact was stopped at a stop light and the vehicle shut off. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed starter. The vehicle was currently being repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred before and the starter had been replaced by the dealer twice within 6-months. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.

NHTSA ID

11572284

Incident

Sep 18, 2023

Mileage

24,000 mi

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continue driving. Approximately two and a half years later, while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over, parked the vehicle, and had the vehicle towed. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery cable had melted after the first failure. The vehicle was returned to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed. The battery, engine, and catalytic converter had been replaced; however, the recall repair had not been completed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11564845

Incident

Jan 11, 2020

This has happened several times. While driving, the dashboard goes completely black. No gauges, no radio, no turn signals, no power steering, sometimes the wipers will work, no heat, no defrost. As suddenly as it went away everything comes back and the power steering causes the steering wheel to jerk in your hand. I’ve called Ford Customer Relations twice and they are not concerned that that is a safety issue. However, all the gauges went out last night and now won’t come back. I have video of the incident happening while driving but your website won’t allow me to upload it.

NHTSA ID

11564233

Incident

Dec 10, 2023

The oil light kept coming on over the course of a couple weeks. We changed the oil, and it seem to be running better for a few hours. Then the car started beeping at the driver, the acceleration was effected . It was making clicking noises and lots of warning signs. The car would barely move forward and the driver had to pull off into a neighborhood. We then have the car towed to the Ford dealership where they told us us the engine would need to be replaced due to the timing belt fair and oil pressure issues.

NHTSA ID

11562770

Incident

Dec 11, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, the security alarm erroneously activated and could not be deactivated. The alarm eventually shut off independently. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 44,000.

NHTSA ID

11558736

Incident

Nov 1, 2023

Mileage

44,000 mi

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the thermostat had failed. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic, who made the same assessment and informed the contact that the failure could be covered under warranty. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the engine under warranty; however, the failure recurred within 24 hours. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the thermostat and the starter were replaced. The contact stated that while pulling out of a Walmart parking lot the following day, the vehicle shut off. The contact jumpstarted the vehicle, and the battery was replaced at Walmart; however, the vehicle shut off several times within an hour of replacing the battery. The contact stated that while coming to a complete stop in the highway, the vehicle shut off. The contact was unable to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that she pushed the vehicle to the side of the road with the assistance of bystanders. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was being diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the auto Start/Stop feature seemed to malfunction with the engine turning off when coming to a stop, but the vehicle failed to restart as needed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,0000.

NHTSA ID

11556023

Incident

Nov 20, 2023

Mileage

42,000 mi

I am writing to you as I have many concerns about my Ford EcoSport. As I commute to my job or drive to pick up errands, my car suddenly stops. I would make a complete stop and I forget to press the Start/Stop button to disable it from shutting off the engine. This has happened several times and I have taken in my car before and all of the Ford dealerships and service workers have no idea of what the problem is or why it is doing this so frequently. I try to start my car and for some reason, it is not starting properly. It continues to make the sounds of it possibly starting and then it shuts off completely. This is the only vehicle that I have to commute with and do my daily errands. I am very concerned about this vehicle and how it is not a reliable source for me to get from place to place. What if something happens then what? I am in search of another car, which is so sad because it is a 2018 year car, which should be able to hold up and last for another 10+ years. I am very concerned for others who are seeing the same problem as myself. I have a brand-new engine, oil parts, and battery. I have had several oil changes within the same month directly at Ford's service centers. I do not know what I should do next. I am an educator, I help many students with different exceptionalities. When parents need help, I am here for them and support them in any assistance that I can. I know I will always be there for my students. I want to know if YOU can be here for ME and the other 93 individuals who have made reports on our investment in having this troublesome car. What would you do if you had no answers to a looming problem without knowing the exact problem? I appreciate the time and consideration that this report can be made useful for anyone who can help in assisting us. Again, thank you very much. I am looking forward to hearing from you!

NHTSA ID

11554751

Incident

Apr 14, 2023

Mileage

141,426 mi

DRIVING DOWN ROAD WAY APPROX 35-40 MPH, SPEEDOMETER WENT UP TO 50MPH, DOWN TO 30MPH, ENGINE WAS SHAKING AND SOUNDED LIKE A LAWN MOWER, THEN ALL THE DASH LIGHTS CAME ON, OIL PRESSURE, CHANGE OIL, CHECK ENGINE, ABS, ALL LIGHTS, CAR DIED AND WILL NOT START.

NHTSA ID

11554514

Incident

Sep 5, 2023

Unfortunately bought the car June 2022, heater core needed replaced suddenly October 2022. Thousands of $ spent. Next, the motor needed replaced May 2023, Approx miles 61,000. One month later, new motor already needs replaced at approx 62,000. First cause of motor failure was due to oil pump failure. Second cause still pending. Electrical system failure frequent as in radio not working. Auto-stop sometimes fails also saying "hill assist not available" while not on a hill at all.

NHTSA ID

11532558

Incident

Jul 16, 2023