This page covers 2 recalls, 714 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Ford Ecosport.
25–28 mpg combined
8.4–9.4 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2018 Ford EcoSport centers on engine and powertrain behavior. Owners frequently report unexpected power loss while driving, with the engine cutting out or failing to respond during acceleration, particularly in situations like merging onto highways or moving through traffic. Stalling is a recurring theme, with multiple owners describing the engine shutting off completely at highway speeds or at stoplights, requiring a restart to get moving again. Rough idle and hard-start conditions after refueling also come up across several reports, sometimes accompanied by trouble codes related to the evaporative emissions system. A separate but notable cluster of complaints involves transmission behavior, where owners describe harsh engagement when shifting into first gear, accompanied by clunking, bucking, and a front-end lurch when pulling away from a stop.
714
Total Complaints
17
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
6
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Ford EcoSport has two recalls, the more serious being a failing oil pump drive belt or tensioner that can cause a sudden loss of oil pressure, stalling the engine and reducing braking assist.
The second recall is a labeling issue affecting vehicles sold in U.S. federal territories: the brake fluid reservoir cap carries a European pictogram label rather than the correct one, which could lead an owner to add the wrong type of brake fluid and degrade brake performance over time.
At a glance
What can fail
The oil pump drive belt or tensioner can fail, causing the engine to lose oil pressure.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the oil pump tensioner assembly and drive belt at no cost. If engine damage has occurred, dealers will replace the engine assembly.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake fluid cap has a European label and owners received a European manual instead of U.S. versions, making the vehicle non-compliant with brake system safety standards.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the brake fluid cap and owner's manual kit at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
