Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 Ford Ecosport owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
While driving toward the freeway on January 16, 2026, I pressed my brakes and the vehicle failed to slow or stop. Instead, the vehicle accelerated. I reacted quickly to avoid a head-on collision but was involved in a crash. When pressing on my brakes there were audible sounds from from my hood. As if my car wanted to stop but wouldn't. My engine previously failed for the same reason. When the second and third decal came out I called my local dealership. After my last oil change my car began to show show signs of concern. I emails and called the dealership, I brought my car in however they had no one to work on my car and wouldn't offer a rental. Told me as long as my car is drivable I'll be fine. This vehicle has an open recall related to engine/performance defects. History includes: Complete engine failure in 2024 (vehicle retained for two months). …
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. …
In June 2023 I got into a rear end accident with another vehicle. On my way to work. It was an accident where my brakes failed to stop my car. It was the weirdest accident, because I actually saw myself going into the back of the car in front of me but it was like my car failed to stop. I told Geico that my foot went through the break. And I have pictures of where my break pedal, broken half. The dealership had my car for close to two months and they never fixed it. They ignored my calls. I ended up going to the dealership and picking up my car. They gave excuse after excuse, and they never returned my calls. I took it to a local place to have my car fixed. The brake pedal is still half of what it used to be. …
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.
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.
Brakes were squeaking when I brought vehicle off lot initially. Santa Monica Ford Lincoln Dealership notified me it is likely "dust on the tires, and would wear off in time." It never did. Later, vehicle was stalling in middle of intersections. Starter was replaced. Vehicle began lagging again to restart after idle at lights. Disgusting smell coming from vents described by dealership as "old socks." Brought it in, filter replaced. Smell continued. Brought it back again, issue was never fixed. They told me to run the vents. Shortly after, check engine light appeared with note "Low Oil Pressure." Car began making loud sounds. Brought car to dealership, has been 2 weeks with no diagnosis. Was notified of a rodent infestation. Dealership asked me to get approval from Ford for an engine tear down to find the root of the issue. …
I have purchased this vehicle in June 2019 and the engine went out while I was driving out of town on 07/02/2021; I have had to replace the engine and the turbo, I had to pay a tow of $340 to the nearest Ford dealership (Marietta, Ga-Gary Service Advisor.) They told me the belt jumped the internal valve timing in the engine. I had to call FORD CORPORATE to beg someone to help me replace the engine because I was at 60,101 miles and the warranty only covered engine repair up to 60K. I was able to get a case manager John Ashley [phone] ext 79212) and she was able to get ford to cover majority of the $6800 cost of the repairs which I had to wait till November 12 to pick up my car because they said since it was covid the engines and turbos were on back order. At that time I made a payment to Ford for 1875$ for my portion of the repairs. …
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. …
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. …
Fuel System complaints in other Ecosport years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2018 Ford Ecosport?
NHTSA has 44 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2018 Ford Ecosport, 6% of the model year's 727 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2018 Ford Ecosport fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2018 Ford Ecosport, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2018 Ford Ecosport fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to fuel & propulsion system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.