VehicleVerdict

2018 Ford Ecosport problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 961 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.2 times the median Ecosport year — the 2018 model ranks #1 of 6 Ecosport years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 20 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 69% of all reports (664 of 961), far ahead of transmission at 65. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

961

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

33

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

20

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Ecosport years?

Ecosport NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted961 complaints2005: 2 complaints2018: 961 complaints2019: 584 complaints2020: 509 complaints2021: 355 complaints2022: 12 complaints
Ecosport NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ecosport years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Ford Ecosport problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine66469%
Transmission657%
Other616%
Fuel System434%
Electrical System354%
Brakes333%
Speed Control192%
Tires & Wheels101%
Airbags101%
Body & Structure61%
Steering40%
Lighting30%
Driver Assistance30%
Visibility & Wipers20%
Suspension20%
Seat Belts10%

Does the 2018 Ford Ecosport have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V905000EngineDecember 22, 2023 · 139,730 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

18V312000BrakesMay 14, 2018 · 273 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER A SHORT DRIVE, VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND PARKED A SHORT TIME LATER IN A PARKING LOT. A FEW MINUTES AFTER THAT, THE VEHICLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE. VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER A FEW DAYS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT FOR REPAIR WORK (COIL, SPARK PLUG)”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 27, 2019 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 23, 2023 · crash

“CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER A SHORT DRIVE, VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND PARKED A SHORT TIME LATER IN A PARKING LOT. A FEW MINUTES AFTER THAT, THE VEHICLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE. VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER A FEW DAYS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT FOR REPAIR WORK (COIL, SPARK PLUG)”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 27, 2019 · fire

“In June 2023 I got into a rear end accident with another vehicle. On my way to work. It was an accident where my brakes failed to stop my car. It was the weirdest accident, because I actually saw myself going into the back of the car in front of me but it was like my car failed to stop. I told…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 23, 2023 · crash

“I AM TRYING TO ADD INFORMATION TO COMPLAINT #11175903. WHEN I MADE THE COMPLAINT THERE WERE NO INJURIES SINCE THEN THE OTHER DRIVER PARTY WENT TO THE HOSPITAL UNKNOWN ON INJURIES CAN I ADD THIS TO MY COMPLAINT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 8, 2019 · crash

2018 Ford Ecosport — common questions

Is the 2018 Ford Ecosport reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 961 complaints put the 2018 model at #1 of 6 Ecosport years. It is one of the Ecosport years to avoid.

What are the most common 2018 Ecosport problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (664 complaints), transmission (65 complaints), other (61 complaints).

Does the 2018 Ford Ecosport have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Ford Ecosport. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2018 Ford Ecosport under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Ecosport years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ecosport years to avoid are 2018. The cleanest record among Ecosport years belongs to 2005.

How safe is the 2018 Ford Ecosport?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Ford Ecosport earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.