How common are engine problems in the 2018 Ford Ecosport?

NHTSA lists 645 engine-related complaints for the 2018 Ecosport, which is 89% of the 726 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2018 Ford Ecosport engine?

Yes. Recall 23V905000 covers 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport and 2016-2018 Ford Focus vehicles where the oil pump drive belt or tensioner may fail, causing loss of engine oil pressure. Dealers replace the oil pump tensioner assembly and drive belt free of charge.

At what mileage do 2018 Ecosport engine problems usually appear?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on the 2018 Ecosport is 66,500 miles.

Have there been crashes or fires linked to the engine complaints?

Among the complaints filed for the 2018 Ecosport, NHTSA records 11 crashes, 2 fires, and 5 injuries in this problem area.

2018 Ford Ecosport Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 645 engine complaints for the 2018 Ford Ecosport, 89% of all 726 complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 66,500 miles. A related recall (23V905000) covers oil pump drive belt or tensioner failure that can cause loss of engine oil pressure.

Engine complaints: 645; 89% of 726
Crashes reported: 11
Fires reported: 2
Injuries reported: 5
Median mileage: 66,500 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report the engine randomly shutting off or failing to restart, tied to the auto stop/start feature not disengaging correctly.
Some drivers describe the vehicle stalling or losing power while accelerating toward highway speed, sometimes with a check engine light and turbocharger under-boost fault.
Several complaints describe a low engine oil pressure warning appearing shortly before the engine stalled or, in some cases, caught fire.
Owners report the vehicle shutting off while braking or slowing at low speed, leading to loss of control and collisions.
A few complaints mention the engine catching fire in the engine compartment after a check engine light or low oil pressure warning.

When 2018 Ford Ecosport engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 19, 2018, latest Sep 3, 2026.

645 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2018 Q3 to 2026 Q3; peak 2024 Q2 (113).

Engine recalls for the 2018 Ford Ecosport

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.

Engine complaints by Ecosport model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

2018645 (89%)
2019405 (88%)
2020346 (87%)
2021215 (83%)
20222 (20%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2018 Ford Ecosport?: NHTSA lists 645 engine-related complaints for the 2018 Ecosport, which is 89% of the 726 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2018 Ford Ecosport engine?: Yes. Recall 23V905000 covers 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport and 2016-2018 Ford Focus vehicles where the oil pump drive belt or tensioner may fail, causing loss of engine oil pressure. Dealers replace the oil pump tensioner assembly and drive belt free of charge.
At what mileage do 2018 Ecosport engine problems usually appear?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on the 2018 Ecosport is 66,500 miles.
Have there been crashes or fires linked to the engine complaints?: Among the complaints filed for the 2018 Ecosport, NHTSA records 11 crashes, 2 fires, and 5 injuries in this problem area.