2018 Ford Ecosport Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2018 Ford Ecosport has a complaint index of 80, the second-worst of six model years, earning an Avoid verdict. Engine problems dominate, making up 89% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 66,500 miles, and two recalls cover oil pump belt failure and a brake reservoir cap label.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 80/100
- #2 of 6 Ecosport years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 726
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 18
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 10
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 26.5
- 25 city / 29 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 10 / 0
Top 2018 Ford Ecosport problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine645 (89%)
- Transmission & Powertrain67 (9%)
- Other61 (8%)
- Fuel System44 (6%)
- Electrical System37 (5%)
- Brakes34 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires11 (2%)
- Airbags10 (1%)
- Structure & Body5 (1%)
- Steering4 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the auto shutoff/restart feature malfunctioning and causing the vehicle to stall unexpectedly, sometimes leading to crashes.
- Some drivers describe the check engine light coming on followed shortly by an engine compartment fire.
- Several owners say oil pressure warning lights appeared minutes before an engine fire started.
- Brake pedals reportedly went to the floor with no stopping power, including one case while driving through a car wash.
- Owners describe airbags failing to deploy during collisions, including side impacts.
- One owner reported the vehicle rolling on its own while parked and striking a tree.
2018 Ford Ecosport recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V905000Dec 22, 2023Engine139,730 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pump
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 18V312000May 14, 2018Brakes273 vehicles
Service brakes
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.
Remedy: 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.
2018 Ford Ecosport fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 25 MPG
- Highway
- 29 MPG
- Combined
- 26.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,450
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2018 compared with other Ecosport years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Ford Ecosport reliable?
- Compared to other Ecosport years, the 2018 ranks poorly, with a complaint index of 80 and a rank of 2nd worst out of six model years, so it carries an Avoid verdict.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2018 Ford Ecosport?
- Engine problems dominate, accounting for 89% of all complaints, with a median failure mileage of 66,500 miles.
- Does the 2018 Ford Ecosport have a recall?
- Yes, two recalls: one for an oil pump drive belt or tensioner that can fail and cause loss of oil pressure, and one for an incorrectly labeled brake fluid reservoir cap.
- How does the 2018 Ecosport compare to other years?
- The 2018 model has a complaint index of 80, worse than the 2019 (60), 2021 (40), and 2022 (20) model years, though slightly better than the 2020 model year's index of 100.