2018 Ford Ecosport: check engine light

Filed Nov 1, 2026 · Engine · AZ

On August 20, 2026, my 2018 Ford EcoSport equipped with the 1.0L EcoBoost engine suddenly shut down while I was driving on the highway. The unexpected loss of engine power created a serious safety concern because the vehicle became disabled while traveling in highway traffic. This failure occurred despite extensive previous engine-related repairs, including completion of Ford Safety Recall 23S64. On September 15, 2025, the vehicle overheated, the check-engine light illuminated, and coolant had to be added. Camelback Ford subsequently diagnosed a cracked thermostat housing, cracked coolant expansion reservoir, and failed reservoir cap. These components were replaced. During the same September 2025 service visit, Camelback Ford performed Safety Recall 23S64, replacing the engine oil-pump drive belt, tensioner, and timing belt on the original engine. In December 2025, the vehicle experienced significant power loss. Camelback Ford diagnosed a failed vacuum pump and discovered that the turbocharger’s internal turbine had come apart and completely seized. The turbocharger was replaced in January 2026. Approximately seven months later, on August 20, 2026, the engine unexpectedly shut down on the highway. The vehicle was taken to Earnhardt Ford. On October 16, 2026, the dealership reported severe coolant intrusion into cylinder 3. During a cooling-system pressure test, cylinder 3 filled with coolant within approximately 10 minutes. Diagnostic codes included P0217, P0301, P0303, P0316, P1285, and P1299, indicating overheating and engine misfires. Earnhardt Ford suspects an internal cylinder-wall failure but has not confirmed the exact source of the coolant intrusion. The dealership recommends complete engine long-block replacement. I am concerned about the safety of these engines, particularly the risk of sudden engine shutdown while driving, even after completion of an engine-related safety recall. I request that the federal safety agency review this incident for a potential safety def

Filed Feb 19, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · CA · crash

While driving toward the freeway on January 16, 2026, I pressed my brakes and the vehicle failed to slow or stop. Instead, the vehicle accelerated. I reacted quickly to avoid a head-on collision but was involved in a crash. When pressing on my brakes there were audible sounds from from my hood. As if my car wanted to stop but wouldn’t. My engine previously failed for the same reason. When the second and third decal came out I called my local dealership. After my last oil change my car began to show show signs of concern. I emails and called the dealership, I brought my car in however they had no one to work on my car and wouldn’t offer a rental. Told me as long as my car is drivable I’ll be fine. This vehicle has an open recall related to engine/performance defects. History includes: Complete engine failure in 2024 (vehicle retained for two months). Recurring symptoms reported to dealership. Check engine light illuminated; dealership advised vehicle was safe to drive. Vehicle retained again without repair completion. No technician availability; recall repair not completed before crash. I relied on dealership assurances that the vehicle was safe. This defect creates a serious risk of unintended acceleration and loss of braking control. I am concerned other drivers may face similar danger. I am requesting investigation into recall effectiveness and manufacturer handling of repair delays.

Filed Feb 3, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · TX

The affected systems are the engine and powertrain. After completion of Safety Recall 23S64 (the federal safety agency #23V905) in November 2025, my vehicle began experiencing repeated loss of power, stalling, and reduced-power “limp mode” events. The check engine light illuminated and diagnostic trouble code P0299 (Turbocharger Underboost Condition) was identified. The vehicle remains available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk due to sudden loss of engine power while driving, including hesitation and reduced acceleration in traffic. The vehicle has stalled and entered limp mode unexpectedly, creating a risk of being unable to maintain speed or safely merge. The problem has been reproduced and documented through multiple return visits to the same Ford dealership following the recall repair. The dealership attempted repairs including spark plug replacement and battery replacement, which did not resolve the issue. On the most recent visit, the dealership stated the issue was “unable to duplicate” and returned the vehicle without repair, despite prior documented limp mode behavior. The vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer’s authorized dealership multiple times. Additionally, an independent diagnostic scan confirmed P0299 turbocharger underboost. Warning indicators included the check engine light, reduced engine power, and limp mode behavior, which first appeared after the recall repair was completed. These symptoms have continued despite repeated service visits. Given the vehicle’s history of prior engine failure at approximately 29, 313 miles, and the fact that Recall 23S64 involves oil pump belt failure and oil pressure loss, I am concerned that the recall repair was incomplete or ineffective, potentially allowing residual oil starvation damage affecting the turbocharger and related components.

Filed Dec 6, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · OH

I got my engine replaced during the summer of 2024 since the oil drive belt failed in my engine. This was due to the recall. I took my car to Baumann Ford in Genoa. I got my car back in August of 2024 after this occurred in June of 2024. I went 2.5 months without my car. Once I got it back the check engine light has come on several times for various issues pertaining to the engine. In the last couple of months, my car has stalled twice and it has been refusing to start. I took my car to Tuffy's in Perrysburg to get inspected and they said my starter was going out, my transmission is going out and is leaking fluid, and my coolant is leaking too. All of these components were part of the engine that was put into my vehicle in August of 2024. Another issue is that the gas valve that detects vapors causes my check engine light to come on as well. I do not feel that this vehicle is safe to drive. I was told that the recall was to be fixed by the end of the first quarter of 2025. It is now the last quarter of the year and I just was called to get the recall fixed. The first dealership (Baumann Genoa) said they had no time to fix the issue even though they called me to get me scheduled. This has been over a year of stress with this vehicle and I do not feel like this is safe to be on the road. Ford has taken their time fixing this issue and I do not feel like they have taken this recall seriously when it comes to their consumer safety.

Filed Nov 6, 2025 · Engine · 62,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

Filed Nov 2, 2025 · Fuel system · WV

Check engine light acceleration on it own and loses power

Filed Oct 28, 2025 · Engine · 70,450 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact later received notification that parts were available. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that due to a high service volume, the vehicle could not be serviced immediately. The contact called several other dealers for assistance and was provided the same information. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. While driving at 65 MPH, the check engine and "Low Engine Oil Pressure" messages were displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the mechanic linked the failure to the unrepaired recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact back to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 70,450.

Filed Oct 6, 2025 · Engine · 55,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, shook and vibrated, and then stalled. During the failure, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the oil pressure message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the engine had failed due to a faulty oil pump drive belt tensioner. The engine was replaced, but later the replacement engine experienced an oil pressure failure. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but had not yet been repaired. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

Filed Sep 10, 2025 · Engine, Visibility · 53,600 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the oil pump drive belt material had degraded and lost teeth. The engine was replaced; however, the compressor for the A/C failed to function as intended once the new engine was installed. The dealer informed the contact that the failure of the compressor was not related to the recall. The contact disagreed with the assessment. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired due to the compressor failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,600.

Filed Aug 20, 2025 · Engine · CA · crash

Vehicle Information: •Year / Make / Model: 2018 Ford EcoSport Titanium 2.0L •VIN: [XXX] ] •Mileage: ~70,000 miles Problem Description: I am experiencing multiple engine and emissions-related issues on my 2018 Ford EcoSport at only ~70,000 miles. These include: •Check engine light illuminated continuously •P0016 – Crankshaft/Camshaft Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A) •P0017 – Crankshaft/Camshaft Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B) •P0420 – Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold •All emissions-related lights, including camshaft indicator, are on •Vehicle is sluggish and struggles to accelerate These issues first appeared around 30,000 miles and recurred more severely at ~70,000 miles. The vehicle has been maintained according to manufacturer recommendations, with regular oil changes using the correct oil type. This appears to be a premature failure of timing chain/cam phasers and possibly catalytic converter components. I have checked for recalls and found none applicable to my 2.0L engine, and there are no known Technical Service Bulletins specifically covering this problem. I am concerned about safety and reliability, and I am submitting this complaint so that the federal safety agency can track these issues and determine if further investigation or action is necessary. Additional Comments: •I am aware of other Ford owners experiencing similar timing chain and cam phaser issues at low mileage (60k–80k miles). •I request that this information be considered for investigation into potential safety defects or extended coverage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 18, 2025 · Engine · 49,143 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part required for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the check oil light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the light was illuminated due to a frayed wire. The wire was replaced. The dealer ended up denying the repair. The dealer asked if the check engine warning light was illuminated, if the vehicle sputtered, or if there was smoke coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the remedy stated that the vehicle would be repaired immediately, without mentioning any requirements prior to the repair. The contact called another dealer, Hempstead Ford (301 N Franklin St, Hempstead, NY 11550), who confirmed the information. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed the dealer information. The manufacturer advised the contact not to drive the vehicle for over an hour. The failure mileage was approximately 49,143.

Filed Aug 15, 2025 · Engine · MO

The car suddenly lost oil pressure and the engine light came on. I immediately pulled to the side of the road and my vehicle was trailered to a Ford service center. They termined that the engine needed to be replaced. Now I receive a recall for this same issue but we already paid fir a new engine replacement.