2018 Ford EcoSport · symptom sheet

Engine stalls or loses power while driving

147owner reports
59,565median miles
$6,200median quote
3involved a crash

Newest report Jul 31, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

676 of the 726 complaints on this car are about the engine. 147 of those describe stalling. Only engine failure is reported more often on this car.

Tick what matches of 147 reports

it stalled while driving

it stalled at idle or a stop

warning lights came on

118

it restarted right away

the fuel pump was blamed

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (30 reports), the battery (7 reports) and the ignition coil or plugs (5 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

20 of the 147 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $2,500 to $7,464.

$2,500$6,200$7,464

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

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 42,000 and 75,000 miles, from the 82 reports that gave a mileage.

118

119

220

722

4823

6024

2025

826

What owners wrote

“The engine shut down after five minutes of driving, and only then the oil and check engine warning lights illuminated. We had the car towed to the dealer, the service department said "the entire engine needs to be replaced due to a failed oil pump causing bearing failure. This is at 63,000 Miles. Cost to replace engine is $10,000. Talked to Ford dealership said nothing they can do.”
Filed Jan 26, 2024 · 63,000 miles

“The car shut down while driving. The tech explained that the oil pump failed and ruined the engine. The tech also alerted us to this being an issue that the NHTSA was investigating.”
Filed Nov 12, 2023

“On 11/03/2023 my low oil pressure light came on in my 2018 Ecosport and the motor shut down as I was driving home. There was a car directly behind me that had to hit their brakes as I had no power. Luckily, I was able to coast to the shoulder of the road. My car is currently at the Ford dealership and should be checked on 11/06/2023. I've had to go out of pocket for a rental.”
Filed Nov 5, 2023

“Oil pump failure. Not available for inspection due to a new engine was installed at a cost of $5,278.74. This incident happened on a very busy road in extremely heavy traffic. Oil pump failure was confirmed by an independent service center. Component has been inspected by independent service center. No warning lights came on before failure.”
Filed Oct 9, 2023

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 3 of 147 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. 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.