2018 Ford Ecosport fuel system problems

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.

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.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

See attached letter!

NHTSA complaint #11709789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Vehicle is not running and was at the dealership for recall and dealership said that ford denied claim and ford said dealership denied claim. Dealership said it’s something from oil and that it’s not issue from recall however all problems and issues fall within the recall damage. I called ford and they said the dealership are the ones who denied it. They also caused and did more damage to the vehicle in process. Doesn’t make any sense new engine was put in 2 yrs 20,000 miles ago. Also paperwork from dealership actually states that the outside of the oil pump belt looked to be in rough shape!! Which is the recall!!!

NHTSA complaint #11706850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I got my engine replaced during the summer of 2024 since the oil drive belt failed in my engine. This was due to the recall. I took my car to Baumann Ford in Genoa. I got my car back in August of 2024 after this occurred in June of 2024. I went 2.5 months without my car. Once I got it back the check engine light has come on several times for various issues pertaining to the engine. In the last couple of months, my car has stalled twice and it has been refusing to start. I took my car to Tuffy's in Perrysburg to get inspected and they said my starter was going out, my transmission is going out and is leaking fluid, and my coolant is leaking too. All of these components were part of the engine that was put into my vehicle in August of 2024. Another issue is that the gas valve that detects vapors causes my check engine light to come on as well. I do not feel that this vehicle is safe to drive. I was told that the recall was to be fixed by the end of the first quarter of 2025. It is now the last quarter of the year and I just was called to get the recall fixed. The first dealership (Baumann Genoa) said they had no time to fix the issue even though they called me to get me scheduled. This has been over a year of stress with this vehicle and I do not feel like this is safe to be on the road. Ford has taken their time fixing this issue and I do not feel like they have taken this recall seriously when it comes to their consumer safety.

NHTSA complaint #11703454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The engine oil pump drive belt and/or tensioner failed, causing the low-oil-pressure warning light to illuminate and creating a risk of sudden engine seizure and loss of motive power while driving. The vehicle is a 2018 Ford EcoSport with approximately 49,000 miles. It had no oil-pressure issues of any kind until two months after the dealer performed the interim repair under open safety recall 23S64. The dealer (Tipton Ford Brownsville) and Ford corporate hotline have both refused to perform the required oil-pan inspection and free engine replacement specified in recall bulletin MT23S64A, even though the recall remains open and this is the exact failure mode described in the recall. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and available for inspection.

NHTSA complaint #11702769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

During a trip out of town, the vehicle suffered a complete engine and mechanical breakdown on a busy highway, becoming inoperable and posing a serious safety hazard. The vehicle had been routinely serviced and received an oil change two days prior to the incident. On the same day, another service company reviewed the oil system and confirmed the concern. The vehicle has been in the possession of Jim Hudson Ford in Lexington, SC since October 25, 2025 and remains unrepaired. Ford has confirmed that only ten (10) parts are currently on order nationwide and that no loaners will be available until February 2026. The dealership reported that another EcoSport affected by the same recall has been on their lot since July with no repair parts available. We live approximately 68 miles away and have no transportation. The registered owner is a disabled individual with a pacemaker, creating an extreme hardship due to limited financial flexibility and dependence on disability income. We have repeatedly requested permission to pick up a loaner vehicle from another Ford dealership closer to home or to receive a third-party rental (Enterprise, Avis, etc.) at Ford’s expense, consistent with public recall guidance. Ford has refused all such accommodations and has declined to confirm that the delay is due to back-ordered parts.

NHTSA complaint #11698739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Check engine light acceleration on it own and loses power

NHTSA complaint #11697032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

As I was driving in the highway the car began to loose power... it began to slip, it speeds up then goes down etc, once I slowed down but before coming to a complete stop the car shut down while I was exiting the highway. We could have been hit from behind if it wasn't that i had already been slowing down because the car didn't feel right. It has happened more than once, the slippage of power is constant. According to the codes and the diagnostic it was the turbo that needed replacement along with other things I have a video summary of the issues. However, this began right after my warranty expired and the engine had already been replaced due to another issue not even a year before. This car seems to be nothing but problems. You get the check engine light that comes and goes amd the "see manual" light which doesn't tell you anything other than it could be anything. This car is not even 10 years old... it's not high mileage. They seem to know that the turbocharge is an issue but nothing is done about it.

NHTSA complaint #11678502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

RECALL IS OVER A YEAR AND A HALF OLD WITH NO REMEDY

NHTSA complaint #11672443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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 complaint #11660993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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 complaint #11659112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2018 Ford EcoSport, which is affected by Recall 23S64 related to a serious engine defect. I am currently making payments on this vehicle, yet it continues to be unsafe and unreliable, with repeated engine issues that have not been resolved despite temporary repairs. I purchased the car in May 2024 from a dealership. Within two hours of driving it off the lot, the car began to shake, and the check engine light started flashing. It could not accelerate properly or keep up with traffic, and I had to return it for repairs, where it stayed for approximately two weeks. More recently, while driving two hours away from home, I experienced another severe incident. The car again began to shake, and multiple warning lights appeared on the dash: the check engine light, engine oil pressure light, and the "See Manual" warning. Once again, the vehicle was unable to accelerate safely, putting me and others on the road at serious risk. I was told this was connected to Recall 23S64, and an interim engine replacement was performed. However, even after this, I am still experiencing ongoing engine issues, including shaking, poor acceleration, and a flashing check engine light. This recall has been open since December 2023, and Ford initially stated that remedy parts would be available by the end of Q1 2025. It is now late April 2025, and there are still no parts available and no updated timeline. I have reached out to Ford and the dealership multiple times, and both have refused to offer a buyback or permanent solution, even though I have explicitly stated that I no longer feel safe in the vehicle. I fear that Ford is waiting for someone to be seriously injured before taking meaningful action. Meanwhile, I am stuck making monthly payments on a car that I cannot rely on and do not feel safe driving. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate this matter and pressure Ford to take responsibility.

NHTSA complaint #11656283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the engine was running loudly and could be heard from inside the residence while the vehicle was outside. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed and DTC: P0496 for a failure with the purge valve failed was retrieved. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who was unable to confirm the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that after the vehicle was diagnosed, the abnormally loud sound coming from the engine was more noticeable. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the message “Low Engine oil Pressure” was displayed on the instrument panel. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 105,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11655996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Vehicle keeps breaking down and constant maintenance is needed. From oil pump to engine and alternator issues. Worst purchase ever

NHTSA complaint #11620208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I have a 2018 Ford EcoSport (Recall 23s64). I had asked the dealer about this recall during my last oil change that was apprx 1 month prior to breaking down. I was told I would contacted when the vehicle is ready to be brought in. I was out of town on [XXX] in CT when the dashboard warning indicated "Low Engine Oil Pressure." The car began to decelerate and I took the next exit in Wallingford Ct and called a Tow. There was no Ford Dealer in the area that would see me. My care was towed to Firestone where they diagnosed the issue as being related to the recall. I needed to get the car towed home, get a rental car, and hotel for one night because rental cars were not available until the next day. I have been in touch with Ford and the Ford Dealership. The information they are providing me is sketchy related to covering expenses related to these extenuating circumstances. I spoke with the Ford and Ford dealership about rental reimbursement 2 weeks ago. Only today was I advised that rental would only be reimbursed for Ford vehicles. I pushed back and asked for escalation at Ford. I would like clear and concise information from Ford and the Ford Dealer but they are not particularly forthcoming with information. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11606986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle was not functioning normally with the "wrench" symbol and the "low oil pressure" warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was independently gaining momentum and then losing momentum. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who referred the contact to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the fuel gauge was no longer accurately measuring the fuel mileage. The contact stated that after refueling, the fuel gauge showed 65 miles remaining on the full tank of gasoline. The failure mileage was 39,978. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11605601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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 complaint #11596931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

This issue has not been corrected and this car is unsafe to drive.

NHTSA complaint #11595968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated upon the depression of the accelerator pedal with the check engine warning light flashing on the instrument panel. The failure persisted, and the check engine warning light remained solid on the instrument panel. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective canister purge valve. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure and referred the contact to a local dealer. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where another diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was provided the same diagnosis. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

NHTSA complaint #11590379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

On or about October 2023, as I was driving my car it started to lose power. I had to pull over, out of traffic, into a parking lot. The car then stalled out and would not start. I had to call AAA to have it towed to SunAuto in North Las Vegas to have it inspected as to the problem. The manager subsequently called me to tell me the engine would have to be replaced as they found metal fragments in the engine cause by the oil pump. The car was out of warranty. I had to replace the engine at an out of pocket cost of $7,300!! Luckly I wasn't driving on the highway at 65 MPH when the engine died!!

NHTSA complaint #11589465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

UNKNOWN I was taking my car in for an oil change and to ask about the recall when it died in the middle of a very busy intersection at a red light. Right before the car died the engine light, oil light, and battery light all flashed and dinged. I got towed to ford. NOW HERES THE KICKER they said the problems my car is having is 100% due to the recall as my oil pump was failing, BUT because my engine wasnt getting enough oil it possibly shot my engine. So they told me since the recall was so new and not "official" yet that i had one of two options. 1) leave my car there for god knows how long until the recal is "official" which could take a year 2) pay a ball park of 8000$ to just replace my engine now and have my car back in a few weeks. Now i dont know about you. But i dont have 8000$ just in my back pocket. So as a one car family household we are now without a car. BUT I was also told that if the recall doesn't cover my engine damage or any other damage that these failing parts THAT MY CAR NEEDS TO FUNCTION i have to pay for everything out of pocket. Honestly i am devastated and dont understand how a recall for something so major and important for the car to function isnt being handled more quickly. And the longer you run your car "because the recall said its fine" the more you are damaging your engine. I am out of a vehicle that nothing can be done about as well as i will never have 8000$ to just spare...

NHTSA complaint #11580878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled and failed to accelerate as needed. The oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. A local independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle at the residence, and it was determined that the oil pump needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

NHTSA complaint #11580709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I bought this car 6 months ago and on December 13 While my daughter driving the car suddenli Low oil engine pressure popped on and strange noise came from the car. She stopped the car and towed the car to the dealership. They informed us to pay $1025 to open the engine for the diagnose and we had to agreed they told us once they pulled down the engine oil pan they found plastic and metal pieces. they first thought this was the timing belt tensioner that had come apart. later learned that it was the oil pump tensioner that gave out causing belt to come apart. The small pieces of belt clogged the oil pick up and starved the engine of oil. They told me my extended warranty doesn't cover the charges that I owe which is $1025 plus tax and replacement cost $7500 . I bought this car for my daughter with loan amount of $13,000 and this mechanical issue happened and cost us around $10,000 which is we cannot afford this . Thank you.

NHTSA complaint #11570244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Vehicle was seemingly losing power speedometer was registering 70 on the highway but car was Not doing that. Also, there were no warning lights or any indicators of a problem inside or outside of the vehicle. Immediately pulled over to wait for tow truck that never showed and vehicle was driven to and dropped off at nearest Ford dealership. (Which was literally right across the street ) Immediately upon drop off service advisor said they already had several other of the same vehicles in the shop and it was probably the drive/tensioner belt this was back on the FIRST CONTACT on [XXX]. After being torn down for multiple insurance inspections the dealer confirmed & advised the failure of this belt subsequently blew the engine & since the engine was then blow there is NO remedy other than a replacement engine (even though even the dealership confirmed verbally & via email my vehicle was fully operational at drop off so I believe they blew my engine while in their care). My extended warranty holds me accountable for the initial cause of failure being the tensioner belt (which Ford is now issuing a recall on) and will only offer a betterment towards the replacement engine. Ford has yet to take accountability for anything as they still want me to pay out the remaining balance on the engine (approx 3800) and have The warranty company pay about 3600 for something that Ford should now be taking fault for since it’s a manufacturing issue. Which is now blatantly obvious with the recall. How dangerous it was at a low speed on a Texas highway! We could of been hit or worse! It is now the end of January and they still have my car neither co has helped with a rental in the last 6 months AND Ford now wants me to call the insurance co yet again so they can be paid. Icing on the cake is Ford has reassured me even with a new engine this problem will inevitably happen AGAIN! Please help! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11567922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

While driving, the oil warning light came on. I took the car to Firestone where they said the oil was very black, but it had been less than 3,000 miles since it was changed last. They changed the oil and the light went off, but after leaving, I made it barely a quarter of a mile when the engine light came on and the car began jerking. I was able to continue driving at a very low speed to pull over safely. After parking, the car shut down and would not start back up. I had to get the car towed to the nearest Ford dealership. They diagnosed the car with an engine failure due to excessive metal debris found in the oil pan as well as in the valve train assembly. Apparently this is a known issue with the EcoSport that I was unaware of until this incident occurred. The fact that Ford knew this was an issue and took no steps to inform me or other consumers is a huge problem. Not only that, I should not have been made to pay for any repairs due to this known issue. It is clear that they went forward with production on this car with faulty parts, including the windshield wiper pump. I can definitely understand why they stopped producing this vehicle and honestly they should all be off the road at this point. I tried to upload the repair invoice, but every time I press the “upload” button, it just disappears.

NHTSA complaint #11563743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My 2018 Ford Ecosport issues began at 75,048 miles. I was driving on Highway 10 in North Ridgeville, Ohio attempting to get to the speed of 65 miles per hour when my Ecosport failed to accelerate. The engine light indicating oil came on. My life flashed before my eyes when other cars on the road failed to manuver around me, almost rear ending me off the highway. I had my Ecosport towed to a Ford dealership after this incident. I was told the oil pump and the oil pump belt had malfunctioned, which resulted in engine damage. Autonation Ford in Westlake, Ohio estimated an engine repair at approximately $7,000.

NHTSA complaint #11562013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.