Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 stated while driving 70 MPH with her husband in the front passenger's seat and her infant in a car seat in the rear seat, the vehicle began to lose motive power and was making abnormal loud cranking sounds. The message "Power Train Malfunction -Reduced Power" was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated upon attempting to exit the highway and avoid incoming traffic, the front passenger side of the bumper struck a guard rail. There was no injury sustained. The contact was able to continue driving at 35 MPH and pulled into a fire station. The contact turned off the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle with assistance. The contact then drove to her residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer the following day. …
The contact owned a 2018 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle rolled down the hill and backed into a tree. No one was injured. A police report was filed. The vehicle was deemed totally lost by the insurance company. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed and advised to contact NHTSA and file a complaint. The failure mileage was 31,000.
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. …
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle was intermittently sluggish and failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle then lost motive power. The contact was unable to pull over to the side of the roadway. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle experienced a rough start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the sparks plugs and ignition coils were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated while driving to the residence and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle decelerated to 40 MPH and slowly accelerated to 50 MPH continuously. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a diagnostic test and repair cost would be charged because the VIN was not included in a recall. …
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized with the low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,954. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle made abnormally loud sound sounds and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed; it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the engine was replaced a second time. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the transmission was shifting hard, and the vehicle was shuddering. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 61,050.
Low engine pressure messaged came on and check engine light. Overheating light beeped saying coolant is hot so I turned on heater to cool down and pulled over. Made an appointment with ford dealership for them to tell me cracked cylinder head due to coolant leaking into system. Of course by the time it got looked at the dealership it was slightly over 100000 miles. I've read along with hearing from ford that this has been common complaint with this model. Then I'm told to get a new engine that it's on back order for 6 months to a year! This issue is scary and to think of the possibility of car engulfing with ford not doing anything to fix the issue. Now I'm stuck paying $15,000 left on and low chance to get a new engine if that engine doesn't cause the same issues!
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving at unknown speeds for several hours, the vehicle lost acceleration. The driver was able to coast off the freeway. The oil warning light was flashing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who advised that the cam shaft position sensor needed to be replaced. The computer failed to communicate properly with the vehicle. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact called several unknown local dealers, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 99,300.
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.
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. …
Transmission complaints in other Ecosport years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2018 Ford Ecosport?
NHTSA has 67 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2018 Ford Ecosport, 9% of the model year's 727 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2018 Ford Ecosport transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.