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Model year record

2018 Ford Ecosport recalls & problems

The 2018 Ford Ecosport has 2 safety recalls and 727 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine (356 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls
Complaints727filed by owners
Crashes · fires18 · 2reported in complaints
NHTSA overall4 ★crash-test stars
2018 Ford Ecosport in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Engine and engine coolingDec 22, 2023

Engine › Oil/lubrication › Pump

Recall 23V905000139,730 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

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.
Service brakesMay 14, 2018

Service brakes

Recall 18V312000273 vehicles

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.

Components: Service brakes; Equipment › Other › Labels

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2018 Ford EcoSport 4 DR AWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk19.1%

2018 Ford EcoSport 4 DR FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk20.4%
2018 Ford Ecosport NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2018 Ford Ecosport NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

EcoSport FWD

28mpg combined
City / highway27 / 29 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1 L · 3 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,400/year to fuel

EcoSport AWD

25mpg combined
City / highway23 / 29 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Engine35682365,000 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Oil/lubrication › Pump; Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/supercharger31420270,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Torque converter6830382,954 mi
Unknown or other6111018,500 mi
Fuel/propulsion system40201—
Electrical systemIgnition; Starter assembly3520143,000 mi
Service brakes2970512,629 mi
Vehicle speed control1910062,000 mi
Air bags1050330,000 mi
WheelsLugs/nuts/bolts/studs10000—
StructureBody; Body › Hatchback/liftgate6101—
Steering4000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations