2018 Ford EcoSport · symptom sheet

Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing

192owner reports
64,961median miles
$6,209median quote
1involved a crash

Newest report Jul 21, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

641 of the 726 complaints on this car are about the engine. 192 of those describe engine failure, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2018 EcoSport.

Tick what matches of 192 reports

a knocking or ticking noise first

the engine seized

oil light or low oil

114

the engine was replaced

it was covered by a warranty or extension

I was denied coverage

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (192 reports), the turbo (13 reports), the timing chain (6 reports) and the short block or long block (3 reports).

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the engine covers the 2018 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

23V-905Dec 22, 2023

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 and remedy

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.

NHTSA investigations into the engine on the EcoSport

PE23-015opened Sep 20, 2023

Engine And Engine Cooling · model years 2018 to 2021

Oil pump failure. Closed feb 14, 2024, led to recall 23V-905.

NHTSA summary

On September 20, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-015 to investigate instances of engine failure due to loss of oil pressure in model year (MY) 2018-2021 Ford EcoSport vehicles. Some consumers reported a low engine oil pressure warning lamp immediately preceding a complete loss or reduction of motive power while the vehicle was in motion. The investigation revealed that the engine oil pump drive belt tensioner arm may fracture, separate from the tensioner backing plate, and/or the oil pump drive belt may degrade and lose teeth, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure. A loss of engine oil pressure can result in engine seizure, which can result in a loss of motive power and a loss of mechanical vacuum pump required to provide power braking assist, increase the risk of a crash. On December 22, 2023, Ford filed recall 23V-905 for certain MY 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The recall remedy provides the replacement of the oil pump drive belt tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt with redesigned parts to improve robustness. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

What owners paid

47 of the 192 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $3,000 to $7,500.

$3,000$6,209$7,500

$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 53,600 and 82,273 miles, from the 112 reports that gave a mileage.

120

321

1922

7823

6024

2525

626

What owners wrote

“Engine oil pump failed and didn't give any warning lights until the engine was knocking from the lack of oil. The motor only had 51,216 miles on it. I've changed the oil at regular intervals and never drive it low of oil. Ford wouldnât do anything for me. So I had to pay $6300 out of pocket.”
Filed Dec 24, 2023 · 51,216 miles

“My car is at Ford getting a new engine due to a faulty oil pump. I know thereâs a class action suit against Ford for this same issue. My car is a 2018 Ford EcoSport with 22,000 miles. This shouldnât happen with only 22,000. This is costing me $8600.00 which is crazy.”
Filed Dec 13, 2023 · 22,000 miles

“Vehicle lost power on the highway. Low oil, pressure light came on check engine light came on car has a very loud knocking. Noise was told from fire stone that this car is known for an oil tension pulley to snap in the engine and cause the engine to need to be replaced. Only 40k miles”
Filed Oct 2, 2023 · 40,000 miles

“At 60500 miles the engine oil pressor stops and engine went into limp mode while in traffic. This caused the engine to blow and required a new engine.”
Filed Sep 28, 2023 · 60,500 miles

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 1 of 192 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.