RoadVitals

2018 Ford Ecosport Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
726
Latest Sep 3, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
15
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
20

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2018 Ford Ecosport, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

641
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11761983 · filed Sep 3, 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.

NHTSA ID 11761274 · filed Sep 1, 2026
All 641 reports naming engine →

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

66
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 other Ecosports as well, and it seems like there's multiple complaints of this issue. I had no idea this car had an issue, at there was no warning light or anything indicating there was something wrong with it, until I noticed the acceleration wasn't quite right.

NHTSA ID 11761477 · filed Sep 1, 2026

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 ID 11759879 · filed Aug 26, 2026
All 66 reports naming powertrain (other) →

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

44
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11759879 · filed Aug 26, 2026

After fueling, codes P0496 will show and car will not start or struggle to start. Stalling when on freeway and rough idle. My vehicle shut off on the freeway causing me to almost crash and had to stop immediatly. In my investigation, it seems I am not the only one suffering this issue. I am on my 2nd engine replacement from the original recall as well.

NHTSA ID 11727824 · filed Mar 29, 2026
All 44 reports naming fuel system →

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

35
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11759879 · filed Aug 26, 2026

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 · filed Apr 28, 2026
All 35 reports naming electrical →

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

34
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 powertrain-related issues. The dealership was unable to identify the underlying problem and advised that the spark plugs were not tightened properly. Similar issues have occurred multiple times over the past few years. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle is currently at a tow yard and is awaiting inspection by the insurance company. Additional inspections may be conducted as part of the claim investigation. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. Warning lights appeared earlier this week, and I brought the vehicle to the dealership for diagnosis. The dealership was unable to determine the cause of the warnings. I picked up the vehicle on June 11, 2026. On June 12, 2026, the brakes failed, resulting in the accident.

NHTSA ID 11743832 · filed Jun 12, 2026

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 ID 11723753 · filed Mar 12, 2026
All 34 reports naming brakes →

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

22
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Apr 28, 2026

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 ID 11723753 · filed Mar 12, 2026
All 22 reports naming driver assistance →

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owned a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while her son was driving at 35 mph, he attempted to avoid a dog in the road, swerved into the oncoming lane of a two-lane road, and then crashed into a fence. During the failure, the contact lost control of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. No injuries were sustained, and medical attention was not required. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot and deemed totaled. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), the VIN was included, and the contact associated the failure with the recall consequence. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 24,000.

NHTSA ID 11683747 · filed Aug 28, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); but the recall repair failed to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated, and the engine failed after the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 50,000.

NHTSA ID 11657900 · filed Apr 30, 2025
All 10 reports naming airbags →

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

After reviewing the latest service and inspection report was informed that the lug nuts are swollen and need to be replaced at a cost of $195.00 USD. After inspecting the vehicle lug nuts myself the marks on the outside of the nut show the pattern from the use of a twelve point socket when a six point socket should have been used. I replaced 14 of the 16 lug nuts on this vehicle but was unable to get 2 of them off; one on the left rear and the other on the right rear wheel. This style of lug nut; ie. 2-piece is a safety hazard as the two remaining wheels cannot be easily changed by the owner in the event of a flat or other issue. The information from the dealership was not totally correct as I was told they other portion was alumninum when my testing shows it to be steel. They said that they swell due to corrorsion of which there was none. How do I trust they are giving their customers the correct information when I hear this. Subjectively, I believe the original damage was caused by the service staff using a twelve point socket instead of the correct 19mm six point socket. You can see the marks left on the lug nuts in the include image.

NHTSA ID 11674811 · filed Jul 20, 2025

Component failure: LUG NUTS. Unable to remove the WHEEL because of SWOLLEN lug nuts. This is a massive safety issue.

NHTSA ID 11625884 · filed Nov 18, 2024
All 9 reports naming other / unspecified →

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11634730 · filed Jan 7, 2025

I own a 2018 Ford EcoSport, and I’ve been experiencing an issue with the swing gate. While driving, I’ll randomly get a notification that the gate is ajar, even though I haven’t opened it. If the vehicle is locked, the gate stays shut, but if it’s unlocked, the swing gate will sometimes open while I’m on the road. This issue happens more often when I’m driving on bumpy or uneven surfaces. It’s become a frequent problem, and I’m concerned about the safety risk.

NHTSA ID 11616507 · filed Sep 25, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11711623 · filed Jan 17, 2026

Just got going over the light turned grren at a stoplight March 16, my car spit scattered and died at the side of the road. 1 week after getting the oil changed. The dealership has confirmed the issue as the pending recall for the oil pump tensioner belt. Unable to be driven till it's fixed. I see that it's not being released till 1st qtr 2025 maybe. I am unable to fix the car myself as the principle is ford's issue not mine. Plus I don't have the money to do that. The car is in great shape and sitting outside in hot and soon winter is going to bring the value of my car down. What else can be done?

NHTSA ID 11595304 · filed Jun 19, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the oil pump drive belt material had degraded and lost teeth. The engine was replaced; however, the compressor for the A/C failed to function as intended once the new engine was installed. The dealer informed the contact that the failure of the compressor was not related to the recall. The contact disagreed with the assessment. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired due to the compressor failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,600.

NHTSA ID 11686451 · filed Sep 10, 2025

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 · filed Jan 8, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated that the gasket on the rear tailgate allowed water to enter the vehicle during rainfall. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

NHTSA ID 11445581 · filed Dec 30, 2021

REAR CAMERA, RADIO AND USB STOPPED WORKING 10/020

NHTSA ID 11399371 · filed Mar 5, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Apr 23, 2026

I have been waiting on the recall to be fixed for almost 2 years now. I've contacted Ford more times than I can remember, and they don't do anything other than say it's not available yet. I have had to replace the transmission, had many small repairs thinking it was something other than the recall. (I've paid over 2.5k in repairs and 1k in Ubers out of pocket) has 49000 miles, and I do not feel safe driving it at all. I will go somewhere that's within 5 miles, so I know I won't be stuck too far or on the highway, so it is causing MANY inconveniences as well as money for Uber etc. It is paid off and I'm going crazy trying to get this fixed. This is absolutely ridiculous, and I'm beyond FED UP! I keep looking to find a car similar that is NOT a Ford, but they're all too expensive and I don't think it's right I have to pay for FORD'S mistake!

NHTSA ID 11645354 · filed Feb 27, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and jerked abnormally while the transmission was shifting gear. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed there were metal shavings found inside the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission and torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

NHTSA ID 11665746 · filed Jun 9, 2025

2018 FORD ECOSPORT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED WITH 45,000 MILES ON IT.

NHTSA ID 11466930 · filed Jun 1, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

car failed to accelerate then lost power then stopped running. my app gave me these messages occupant classification system module is present but not configured, airbag warning is on due to electrical issue with vehicle and poertrain malfunctio powertrain fault. After turning the car off an disabling auto start stop the vehicle got me home. but due to the airbag issue my app advised me to not drive the vehicle. 2 months ago the auto start stop failed to restart and car would not automatically recrank. i usually turn auto start stop off due to the failure to auto restart. I did not disable the auto start stop today until i had had ghe acceleration and power failure.

NHTSA ID 11528207 · filed Jun 21, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

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