2018 Ford EcoSport Problems, Recalls & Reliability
965 owner complaints sit in the federal file for the 2018 Ford EcoSport, alongside 2 recall campaigns and 1 defect investigation. It scores 100/100 on the trouble index — one of the years to avoid for this model. Engine leads the reports, typically around 68,000 miles.
Avoid this year if you can. The 2018 Ford EcoSport sits at the top of this model's complaint rankings.
Avoid
Where 2018 sits among all EcoSport years
What owners report
“Oil pump caused engine failure. Quote from Ford dealer for engine replacement was $6,000.”— owner report to NHTSA, 2018 EcoSport
“Oil pump has broken tension rod went on it as i was driving down the road it began making load noise and pressure light came on this is on my 2018 Ford Ecosport it was made in 12/17”— owner report to NHTSA, 2018 EcoSport
“Car starting making noises while driving and the oil light came on and said "Low oil pressure" I was told it had to do with the oil pump”— owner report to NHTSA, 2018 EcoSport
“Vehicle keeps breaking down and constant maintenance is needed. From oil pump to engine and alternator issues. Worst purchase ever”— owner report to NHTSA, 2018 EcoSport
“The contact owns a 2018 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated that the gasket on the rear tailgate allowed water to enter the vehicle during rainfall. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was…”— owner report to NHTSA, 2018 EcoSport
“The contact owns a 2018 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the brake pedal became firm, and it was difficult to depress the brake pedal. The engine oil pressure, engine, and the wrench warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The…”— owner report to NHTSA, 2018 EcoSport
Mileage when trouble shows up
Among the 305 reports that include an odometer reading, problems most often appear around 65,428 miles. Half of those reports fall between 49,000 and 82,000 miles — a useful range to weigh against the mileage of the exact car you're looking at.
Recalls (2)
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.
Fix: 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…
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…
Fix: 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…
Federal defect investigations
Led to recall campaign 23V905.
Technical service bulletins
94 manufacturer communications — service bulletins, the biggest share on electrical and engine — are on file for the 2018 Ford EcoSport. A TSB is factory repair guidance, not a recall — the repair is not automatically free.
See the 2018 EcoSport TSB list →
Complaint history for this model year
When owners filed their reports — a long tail means problems kept surfacing for years.
Questions buyers ask
Is the 2018 Ford EcoSport reliable?
The 2018 Ford EcoSport drew 965 complaints in federal safety records — one of the years to avoid for this model. Its trouble index is 100/100, scored against the model's worst year (2018).
What are the most common 2018 Ford EcoSport problems?
The top reported problems for the 2018 Ford EcoSport are engine (667 complaints), transmission & drivetrain (66), and other (62).
At what mileage do 2018 Ford EcoSport problems show up?
Owners most often report 2018 Ford EcoSport problems around 65,428 miles. Half of all reports that include an odometer reading fall between 49,000 and 82,000 miles.
Does the 2018 Ford EcoSport have recalls?
2 recall campaigns apply to the 2018 Ford EcoSport. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer.
Every number on this page is a count of records in the federal complaint, recall, and investigation files published by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. Check any specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.