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2018 Ford Ecosport engine problems
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Owners of the 2018 Ford Ecosport have filed 534 NHTSA complaints about the engine at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of September 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.See engine across all vehicles →
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles
A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented
repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall
(it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Service BulletinSSM 50306Nov 2021
Some 2018-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator; 2019-2021 Ranger; 2020-2021 Escape, Corsair, Explorer, Transit; 2021 Bronco, Bronco Sport, Edge, Nautilus, F-150, Mustang; 2019-2022 Transit Connect; 2020-2022 Aviator, F-Super Duty; and 2022 Maverick vehicles may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0496, P0456, P0455, P04F0, and/or P0451. Ford has tested returned EVAP canister purge valves and found them to be fully functional. Prior to replacing the canister purge valve or other EVAP components, perform the following tests using the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) Scan Tool: Full System EVAP Leak Test - FDRS Location: TOOLBOX >
Some 2016-2018 Focus and 2018-2019 EcoSport vehicles equipped with a 1.0L EcoBoost engine, 6F15 automatic transmission and built on or before 3-Jul-2019 may exhibit an illuminated oil pressure warning lamp with a loss of engine oil pressure. This may be due to a failed engine oil pump belt tensioner. If engine oil pressure at idle is below 10 psi (refer to Section 303-00 in the Workshop Manual for the oil pressure test procedure) and/or metal contamination is present in the engine oil, replace the engine assembly with a long block option 6006 and the turbocharger.
Some 2016-2018 Focus and 2018-2019 EcoSport vehicles equipped with a 1.0L EcoBoost engine, 6F15 automatic transmission and built on or before 3-Jul-2019 may exhibit an illuminated oil pressure warning lamp with a loss of engine oil pressure. This may be due to a failed engine oil pump belt tensioner which leads to a loss of engine oil pressure. If engine oil pressure at idle is below 10 psi (refer to Section 303-00 in the Workshop Manual for the oil pressure test procedure) and/or metal contamination is present in the engine oil, no further diagnostics should be performed. Replace the engine assembly with a long block option 6006 to correct this condition.
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick. Before attempting any component diagnosis or replacement of the VCT solenoid, refer to Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) pinpoint test HK11 to cycle the affected VCT solenoid 10 times to attempt to clear the debris. For claiming, use causal part 6M280 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
Some 2016-2018 Focus and 2018-2019 EcoSport vehicles equipped with a 1.0L EcoBoost engine, 6F15 automatic transmission and built on or before 3-Jul-2019, may exhibit an illuminated oil pressure warning lamp with a loss of engine oil pressure. This may be due to a failed engine oil pump belt tensioner which leads to a loss of engine oil pressure. If engine oil pressure at idle is below 10 psi and/or metal contamination is present in the engine oil, no further diagnostics should be performed. Replace the engine assembly to correct this condition.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2018 Ford EcoSport's 1.0L EcoBoost engine fails catastrophically due to a defective oil pump drive belt tensioner. Owners describe a low oil pressure warning light illuminating while driving at highway speeds—sometimes with no prior symptoms—followed by sudden loss of engine power, loud clanking noises, and engine seizure. The vehicle often cannot be restarted.
Owners report engine failures across the mileage spectrum, from 21,000 to 120,000 miles. The failure typically requires complete engine replacement (cost $5,000–$9,000) plus turbocharger damage ($1,800 and up), leaving owners without transportation for months. Warranty coverage ends at 60,000 miles, leaving many owners paying out-of-pocket.
NHTSA Recall 23S64/23V905000 was issued in late 2023, but owners report remedy parts remain unavailable for 12–19 months. Dealers refuse to begin repairs citing parts shortages; some demand diagnostic fees ($250–$1,084) despite federal law requiring free recall diagnostics. Ford has denied reimbursement claims from owners who suffered engine failures before the recall was issued, citing that pre-recall failures fall outside recall coverage. One owner documented their vehicle out of service for over seven months with an engine still in failed condition as of March 2026.
Owners emphasize the safety hazard: loss of power steering and braking at highway speeds, near-miss crashes, and one documented collision. A dealer acknowledged knowing about the defect in engines built before April 2019 but failed to warn customers at purchase.
Same Ford Ecosport engine reports on nearby years: 2019 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Oil pump belt tensioner failure causing low oil pressure and engine failure
The oil pump drive belt tensioner fails, leading to loss of engine oil pressure, seizure, and catastrophic engine damage requiring full engine replacement. This defect affects 2018-2019 EcoSport models with 1.0L EcoBoost engines built on or before April 3, 2019.
When: Mileage ranges from 21,000 to 120,000 miles; incidents reported across multiple years 2021-2025
Symptoms owners cite: Low oil pressure warning light illumination; Loss of engine power and motive power while driving; Engine stalling and failure to restart; Loud clanking, knocking, or rattling noises from engine; White smoke from exhaust; Engine seizure; Check engine warning light; Loss of power steering and braking assistance
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report engine replacement costs ranging $5,000 to $9,000; turbocharger replacement often required ($1,800 noted in one case); oil pump belt tensioner and timing belt replacement attempted by independent mechanics; some owners paid out-of-pocket before recalls issued; extended warranties often do not cover this defect
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 23S64 / 23V905000 issued for engine and engine cooling; recall remedy parts not available for extended periods (up to 19 months documented); dealers denied repairs citing parts unavailability; Ford refused reimbursement or buyback for owners who had engine failures before recall issued; owners report Ford denying assistance and directing them to existing warranty coverage that expired
Coolant intrusion into engine block causing engine failure
Coolant intrusion into the engine block detected in at least two cases, causing engine failure requiring replacement. No clear root cause identified in narratives beyond cracked block speculation.
When: One initial failure documented; recurrence two years later in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle jerking and stalling at various speeds; No warning lights on initial occurrence; Sputtering; Rough start behavior; Vehicle failure to restart
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; failure recurred in one documented case two years after initial replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in at least one case but no assistance provided
Turbocharger failure and under-boost issues
Turbocharger failures occur either as primary failures or secondary damage from oil pump belt tensioner failure. Under-boost failures documented causing stalling during acceleration.
When: Various mileages; often concurrent with or following engine oil pressure failures
Repairs/costs cited: Turbocharger replacement costs documented; often replaced concurrently with engine replacement due to damage from oil starvation
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not specifically addressed in recall; owner reports indicate recall does not cover turbocharger damage from oil pump failure
Auto Start/Stop malfunction causing unintended engine shutoff
Auto Start/Stop feature appears to malfunction, causing engine to shut off at stop signs and traffic lights without restart capability, creating safety hazards.
When: Documented at 42,000 miles in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shutoff at complete stop unintentionally; Vehicle failure to restart after unintended shutoff; Multiple shutoffs within short driving periods; Stalling on highway when coming to complete stop
Repairs/costs cited: Thermostat and starter replaced in one case without resolving issue; battery replaced without resolving issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented for this specific failure mode
Check engine light with no available diagnostic resolution
Check engine light illuminates but dealers unable to diagnose root cause or refuse to perform diagnostics without payment, citing recall status.
When: Various mileages after recall notification
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine warning light; Vehicle may or may not exhibit drivability issues
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships demanded $250-$1,084 for diagnostic; some refused to diagnose citing federal law violations when recall parts unavailable
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers referenced Recall 23S64/23V905 but informed customers parts not available and refused free diagnostic work required by federal law
Synthesized from 534 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting
17 most recent
engine
· filed 12/31/2024
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 not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. 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…
engine
· filed 12/31/2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while the vehicle was at a red light, the vehicle stalled. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle for the vehicle to return to normal operation. The contact stated that the failure occurred on several occasions and the vehicle was no longer drivable and failed to return to normal operation. The contact stated that several unknown…
engine
· filed 12/30/2023
Engine failed at 61500 miles. It is hot garbage.
engine
· filed 12/30/2023
1. The oil pump is belt driven and located inside the engine. The belt frayed and clogged the oil pump leading to low oil pressure. The car stalled on the interstate and is currently available for inspection at an out of state dealership. 2. The car gave no previous warning before abruptly decreasing in speed while we were driving on the interstate. 3. There have been other incidents, an…
engine
· filed 12/30/2023
Engine failed at 61500, regular oil changes, this vehicle is trash.
engine
· filed 12/29/2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000(Engine and Engine Cooling) advising that the parts needed to complete the recall repair were now available and to contact the local dealer. Upon contacting the local dealer, the contact was informed that no repairs would be performed on the vehicle unless the engine failure had occurred.…
engine
· filed 12/29/2023
The contact's wife owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving approximately 75-77 MPH, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the oil pump tensioner had failed, causing the engine failure. The dealer determined that the…
engine
· filed 12/29/2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate immediately. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The check engine warning light was later illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an oil pressure test was performed, and determined that the long block assembly, turbocharger, and engine…
engine
· filed 12/28/2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45–55 MPH, the low-pressure oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the engine had failed, and that the vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact called an unknown local dealer, but the vehicle was not…
engine
· filed 12/28/2023
After receiving an oil change the day before and getting the “all good,” I set out for a cross state road trip to see family. Less than halfway through our drive, about 400 miles in, my 2018 Ford EcoSport shut down on the side of the highway. I could not get my vehicle to turn on or move. I was given a warning on my dash that stated I needed service on my vehicle and less than ten seconds later…
Had engine trouble with your 2018 Ford Ecosport?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2018 Ford Ecosport?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 534 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover engine issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Ford/Ecosport.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.