2018 Ford Ecosport: engine failure

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 Oct 16, 2026 · Engine · IL

Vehicle equipped with 1.0 L eco-boost engine suffered a catastrophic internal cylinder head fracture leading to antifreeze flooding two cylinders income, complete engine failure. This is a known widespread manufacturing defect that mirrors, Fords large eco-booth, coolant intrusion crisis.

Filed Jun 10, 2026 · IL

Safety defect involves an extreme structural hazard caused by the improper execution and assembly of components under open Federal Safety Recall Campaign 23V905 (Ford Recall 23S64) on a 2018 Ford EcoSport.The vehicle previously underwent the authorized interim engine replacement mandated by Safety Recall 23S64. Following a recent diagnosis by certified technicians to investigate severe vehicle noise, it was discovered that all but one of the main front engine subframe (cradle) bolts are completely missing from the vehicle.The front subframe must be completely dropped and reinstalled to execute this specific recall's interim repair. The missing hardware is a direct result of critical structural fasteners being left loose or entirely uninstalled during the official recall service.As a direct consequence of the detached subframe shifting dynamically while driving, the vehicle has suffered severe structural and tire damage and tracking misalignment. The vehicle has been officially deemed entirely unroadworthy and unsafe to drive due to an imminent risk of structural collapse or catastrophic steering and control failure.The consumer is currently facing a refusal of accountability regarding this safety failure. The manufacturer's customer service division is classifying this severe hazard as a localized dealership workmanship dispute rather than a critical failure of federal safety recall integrity, leaving an unsafe, recalled vehicle unaddressed and grounding the consumer.

Filed May 19, 2026 · Engine · VA

Bought in Dec 2022, in February engine seized due to oil pressure issues, was told it needed a new engine. In communications with Ford, they were aware of issue, but it was not a recall issue at that time. I believe that if this issue occurred before recall, that they were replacing these parts with ones known to be faulty. Approximately, 60,000 miles later, I am dealing with the same issue that I did in 2023. I was without a vehicle for over 6 weeks in February 2023 . On Saturday, May 16, 2026, my daughter was driving on interstate 81 in Virginia when the engine once again seized. I took my vehicle to a Ford dealership in Aptil 2025 to see if the recall had been satisfied with the 2023 repair, they assured me that it had been satisfied. I would have gotten my vehicle in for the recall if I wasn't lied to, and my daughter would have not had to gone through that ordeal had I not been lied too. Also, when talking with Ford in 2023, I asked if they knew about these problems with the oil pressure why it wasn't in recall status, they told me because no lives had been lost due to the issue

Filed Mar 29, 2026 · Fuel system · CA

After fueling, codes P0496 will show and car will not start or struggle to start. Stalling when on freeway and rough idle. My vehicle shut off on the freeway causing me to almost crash and had to stop immediatly. In my investigation, it seems I am not the only one suffering this issue. I am on my 2nd engine replacement from the original recall as well.

Filed Mar 24, 2026 · Engine · 220,938 miles · NM

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that after having the engine replaced in 2023 and being reimbursed following a subsequent recall, the vehicle experienced engine failure. The contact stated that while the official fix was released, the replacement engine that was installed in the vehicle was not equipped with the official fix. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 220,938.

Filed Mar 23, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · OK

In mid-2024, I was notified of a recall (23S64 / 23V905) involving the engine oil pump belt. When I attempted to schedule repairs, I was told parts were not available. I was instructed to watch for loss of oil pressure and speed and to pull over immediately if it occurred. In January 2025, my vehicle lost oil pressure and speed while driving. I pulled over and had it towed. Ford directed me to a dealer, but multiple dealers within 200 miles said parts would not be available until March 2025. I brought my vehicle to a Ford dealer in [XXX] in March 2025. It remained there over 7 months until October 17, 2025. I was told parts were unavailable, and instead of fixing the defect, the engine was replaced with another engine subject to the same recall. Shortly after, the vehicle broke down again due to issues related to the repair. I later received another recall notice and returned the vehicle on February 25, 2026. As of March 23, 2026, the dealer still has my vehicle and cannot complete repairs due to lack of parts. This recall causes sudden loss of oil pressure and engine power, creating a serious safety risk. Ford has not provided a timely or effective remedy. My vehicle has approximately 50,000 miles and has been out of service for extended periods. All repair documentation is in my car that is currently at the dealership. They do not email or text or give digital proof. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 Jan 17, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · TN

On July 9th, 2025, our car's engine failed. It was discovered that it was due to the safety recall 23S64 (Engine Oil Pump Failure). We were ill advised by Ford motor company customer relations specialist and ended up paying almost 1,000 for a rental car that should have been covered by the recall. We waited almost 5 months, to receive the car back fixed. It took us begging for the car to be shipped back to our home dealership in Cleveland TN, for the car to finally be fixed. The car sat at the dealership in Ripley, WV for 5 months. Bad customer service issues as well as no parts available.

Filed Dec 29, 2025 · Engine · FL

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V905000(Engine and Engine Cooling) advising that the parts needed to complete the recall repair were now available and to contact the local dealer. Upon contacting the local dealer, the contact was informed that no repairs would be performed on the vehicle unless the engine failure had occurred. The contact expressed safety concerns because the recall repair was supposed to prevent the failure from occurring. The contact stated that the engine failure might occur on a busy freeway. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that no repairs would be performed unless the engine failure had occurred. The contact had not yet experienced the failure listed in the recall.

Filed Dec 23, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · PA

Vehicle is not running and was at the dealership for recall and dealership said that ford denied claim and ford said dealership denied claim. Dealership said it’s something from oil and that it’s not issue from recall however all problems and issues fall within the recall damage. I called ford and they said the dealership are the ones who denied it. They also caused and did more damage to the vehicle in process. Doesn’t make any sense new engine was put in 2 yrs 20,000 miles ago. Also paperwork from dealership actually states that the outside of the oil pump belt looked to be in rough shape!! Which is the recall!!!