2018 Ford Ecosport problems

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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 — a loss of engine power on a highway — which per Ford's own notice also results in loss of the mechanical vacuum pump required for power brake assist, creating a serious crash risk. I am requesting NHTSA log this incident against Recall 23V905 and evaluate whether a 2–3 month repair timeline meets the "reasonable time" remedy standard under 49 U.S.C. § 30120. I also did not receive and notice of the recall before the event occured, so that I could be proactive with the repair before the dangerous situation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11754007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine, and the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact stated that while slowing down, the RPM became extremely elevated, and the low oil pressure warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle failed to accelerate, and the contact pulled over into a nearby parking lot and parked the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.

NHTSA complaint #11751843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

There was a recall on these cars do to timing chain issues but mine was not in the recall with the others but ones not in recall are having same issues. Car is a ticking time bomb I want fixed under the recall.

NHTSA complaint #11748439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Safety defect involves an extreme structural hazard caused by the improper execution and assembly of components under open Federal Safety Recall Campaign 23V905 (Ford Recall 23S64) on a 2018 Ford EcoSport.The vehicle previously underwent the authorized interim engine replacement mandated by Safety Recall 23S64. Following a recent diagnosis by certified technicians to investigate severe vehicle noise, it was discovered that all but one of the main front engine subframe (cradle) bolts are completely missing from the vehicle.The front subframe must be completely dropped and reinstalled to execute this specific recall's interim repair. The missing hardware is a direct result of critical structural fasteners being left loose or entirely uninstalled during the official recall service.As a direct consequence of the detached subframe shifting dynamically while driving, the vehicle has suffered severe structural and tire damage and tracking misalignment. The vehicle has been officially deemed entirely unroadworthy and unsafe to drive due to an imminent risk of structural collapse or catastrophic steering and control failure.The consumer is currently facing a refusal of accountability regarding this safety failure. The manufacturer's customer service division is classifying this severe hazard as a localized dealership workmanship dispute rather than a critical failure of federal safety recall integrity, leaving an unsafe, recalled vehicle unaddressed and grounding the consumer.

NHTSA complaint #11743321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11740421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Bought in Dec 2022, in February engine seized due to oil pressure issues, was told it needed a new engine. In communications with Ford, they were aware of issue, but it was not a recall issue at that time. I believe that if this issue occurred before recall, that they were replacing these parts with ones known to be faulty. Approximately, 60,000 miles later, I am dealing with the same issue that I did in 2023. I was without a vehicle for over 6 weeks in February 2023 . On Saturday, May 16, 2026, my daughter was driving on interstate 81 in Virginia when the engine once again seized. I took my vehicle to a Ford dealership in Aptil 2025 to see if the recall had been satisfied with the 2023 repair, they assured me that it had been satisfied. I would have gotten my vehicle in for the recall if I wasn't lied to, and my daughter would have not had to gone through that ordeal had I not been lied too. Also, when talking with Ford in 2023, I asked if they knew about these problems with the oil pressure why it wasn't in recall status, they told me because no lives had been lost due to the issue

NHTSA complaint #11738826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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 complaint #11734254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 complaint #11734254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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 complaint #11734254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Shifting into and out of first gear causing the front end to slam down almost sending my daughter and myself threw the windshield. It clunks and slams into gears causing the car to buck, shaking when trying to start moving.

NHTSA complaint #11733203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

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 complaint #11733464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 complaint #11733464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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 complaint #11733464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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 complaint #11727824 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I was at stop light went to take my foot off brake to go when light was green car shut completely off. I quickly put hazard lights on then put car in park to restart car. Lucky car didn’t rear in me. Safety recall •Vehicle shuts off in traffic •Unsafe to drive •Loss of wages •No transportation provided •Second recall with long delay

NHTSA complaint #11727127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that after having the engine replaced in 2023 and being reimbursed following a subsequent recall, the vehicle experienced engine failure. The contact stated that while the official fix was released, the replacement engine that was installed in the vehicle was not equipped with the official fix. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 220,938.

NHTSA complaint #11726730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

In mid-2024, I was notified of a recall (23S64 / 23V905) involving the engine oil pump belt. When I attempted to schedule repairs, I was told parts were not available. I was instructed to watch for loss of oil pressure and speed and to pull over immediately if it occurred. In January 2025, my vehicle lost oil pressure and speed while driving. I pulled over and had it towed. Ford directed me to a dealer, but multiple dealers within 200 miles said parts would not be available until March 2025. I brought my vehicle to a Ford dealer in [XXX] in March 2025. It remained there over 7 months until October 17, 2025. I was told parts were unavailable, and instead of fixing the defect, the engine was replaced with another engine subject to the same recall. Shortly after, the vehicle broke down again due to issues related to the repair. I later received another recall notice and returned the vehicle on February 25, 2026. As of March 23, 2026, the dealer still has my vehicle and cannot complete repairs due to lack of parts. This recall causes sudden loss of oil pressure and engine power, creating a serious safety risk. Ford has not provided a timely or effective remedy. My vehicle has approximately 50,000 miles and has been out of service for extended periods. All repair documentation is in my car that is currently at the dealership. They do not email or text or give digital proof. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11726312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

In mid-2024, I was notified of a recall (23S64 / 23V905) involving the engine oil pump belt. When I attempted to schedule repairs, I was told parts were not available. I was instructed to watch for loss of oil pressure and speed and to pull over immediately if it occurred. In January 2025, my vehicle lost oil pressure and speed while driving. I pulled over and had it towed. Ford directed me to a dealer, but multiple dealers within 200 miles said parts would not be available until March 2025. I brought my vehicle to a Ford dealer in [XXX] in March 2025. It remained there over 7 months until October 17, 2025. I was told parts were unavailable, and instead of fixing the defect, the engine was replaced with another engine subject to the same recall. Shortly after, the vehicle broke down again due to issues related to the repair. I later received another recall notice and returned the vehicle on February 25, 2026. As of March 23, 2026, the dealer still has my vehicle and cannot complete repairs due to lack of parts. This recall causes sudden loss of oil pressure and engine power, creating a serious safety risk. Ford has not provided a timely or effective remedy. My vehicle has approximately 50,000 miles and has been out of service for extended periods. All repair documentation is in my car that is currently at the dealership. They do not email or text or give digital proof. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11726312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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 complaint #11723753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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 complaint #11723753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

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 complaint #11723753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

My Ford EcoSport had safety recall 23S64 performed at Diamond Ford in Lancaster, California. The recall involved the oil pump drive belt system. After the recall repair was completed, the vehicle began displaying a low oil pressure warning and the engine started shaking. These symptoms involve the same oil system addressed in the recall. Because the vehicle is now experiencing low oil pressure and engine vibration after the recall repair, I am concerned that the recall remedy did not correct the defect and that engine damage may have occurred as a result of the recalled component.

NHTSA complaint #11723056 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.