2018 Ford Ecosport: sudden loss of power

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 Aug 26, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · NJ

I had a Purge valve put in about a year ago and was told that that was the problem for my gas gauge going completely to empty while driving and losing power while driving

Filed Jul 31, 2026 · Engine · KS

On XXX, my 2018 Ford EcoSport experienced a sudden loss of engine oil pressure and loss of power while driving on [XXX], consistent with the failure mode described in Ford Safety Recall 23S64 / the federal safety agency Recall 23V905 (engine oil pump drive belt tensioner arm fracture and/or oil pump drive belt degradation). The vehicle lost motive power on a public highway and had to be towed to Olathe Ford Lincoln, Olathe, KS for repair. The dealer has confirmed the failure is covered under this recall, but has stated repair parts are backordered with an estimated repair time of 2–3 months. I am filing this complaint to document that the defect described in this recall has actually manifested in my vehicle — a loss of engine power on a highway — which per Ford's own notice also results in loss of the mechanical vacuum pump required for power brake assist, creating a serious crash risk. I am requesting the federal safety agency log this incident against Recall 23V905 and evaluate whether a 2–3 month repair timeline meets the "reasonable time" remedy standard under 49 U.S.C. § 30120. I also did not receive and notice of the recall before the event occured, so that I could be proactive with the repair before the dangerous situation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 28, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · TX

My vehicle experiences a loss of power while driving. The vehicle will unexpectedly lose acceleration and power during normal driving conditions, including when merging or driving in traffic. This creates a serious safety concern because the vehicle does not respond properly when attempting to accelerate. The issue occurs intermittently but repeatedly and makes it difficult and unsafe to drive, especially at higher speeds or in traffic situations. Ford has declined financial assistance for repair due to mileage and vehicle age, and no resolution has been provided. This issue creates a safety risk while operating the vehicle, as it may suddenly lose power without warning in traffic.

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 24, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · NC

Vehicle has an open safety recall with no repair available. I have been waiting over two years for parts with no ETA from the manufacturer or dealership. During this time, the vehicle has experienced loss of power while driving, creating a safety risk. The dealership has acknowledged the recall but cannot complete the repair due to parts unavailability. The vehicle remains unsafe to operate, and the manufacturer has not provided a timely remedy.

Filed Dec 20, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · AZ

Three days after I purchased the vehicle from ideal cars, I went to Showlow, Arizona and the car on the hill started spitting and sputtering lost power and shut off and I had to pull over to the side about 20 minutes later. It was able to start again and we went Then a week later I went to Payson, Arizona and my vehicle again lost power on the hill and shut off and I had to pull over to the side and wait for it to start again that’s when I called Ford and the car lot I purchased it from which they don’t want anything to do with me, but Ford told me about the recall and how that’s what my car is going to do or could do but I’m telling you it already did it. It’s already made. The transmission sounds whiny, and clunky, and the motor shifting is not better. This is all after the recall repairs.

Filed Dec 11, 2025 · Engine · CA

In January 2024, Ford issued Safety Recall 23S64 / the federal safety agency Recall 23V905 for my 2018 Ford EcoSport for critical engine oil pump failure causing loss of engine power AND power braking assistance - a defect that has caused crashes and injuries. Parts were not available until August 2025 (19 months later). This defect caused catastrophic engine damage in my car requiring complete engine replacement. My vehicle has been out of service for over 75 days. I unknowingly drove with this life-threatening defect for over 2 YEARS since my purchase in June 2023. I purchased this Certified Pre-Owned vehicle in June 2023 for $25,000 from an authorized Ford dealer in Santa Clara, CA, plus spent on CA DMV registration ($638) and auto insurance till now ($3,000). Ford has discontinued the EcoSport due to reliability issues. I have completely lost confidence in this vehicle's safety and have formally requested Ford buy back this defective vehicle for $28,638 (purchase price + registration + insurance costs). Ford customer service and the dealership have been slow and unresponsive. With engine replacement required, this vehicle is unsafe and worthless. I am requesting the federal safety agency investigate this recall and Ford's resolution for such life threatening defect.

Filed Nov 7, 2025 · Engine · TX

My 2018 Ford EcoSport is affected by Recall 23S64 / the federal safety agency 23V905. The engine has been replaced and I also had a tune-up, but the vehicle is still experiencing shaking and loss of power while driving. At times it will not accelerate past 50 mph. This has been happening since I bought the vehicle in 2023. This is unsafe and needs review.

Filed Sep 29, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · AZ

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine completely failed less than a month after purchase at approximately 58,000 miles. The vehicle is currently at Wicklund Auto in Rolla, MO for inspection and repair, and the engine is available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A complete engine failure caused the vehicle to shut off while driving, which could have resulted in a sudden loss of power, stalling in traffic, or inability to accelerate or brake properly, creating a serious risk of a collision or other accidents. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Wicklund Auto has confirmed catastrophic engine failure. The dealership, Arizona Car Sales in Mesa, AZ, has not taken responsibility but may have inspected the vehicle. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has been inspected by Wicklund Auto, and repair documentation is available. The manufacturer and dealership have been notified but have not assumed responsibility. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? On August 10, 2025, at approximately 8:07 PM, the LOW ENGINE PRESSURE indicator illuminated. I exited to a Mobil gas station and waited for 30 minutes. During this time, the FULL ACCESSORY POWER ACTIVE indicator turned on, and shortly afterward, the vehicle shut down completely and became inoperable. No prior warning lamps or messages appeared before this date. Additionally, I was not informed of any relevant recall at the time of purchase from Arizona Car Sales, which could have affected the safety and reliability of the vehicle.

Filed Jun 20, 2025 · Engine · MI

I purchased this vehicle on [XXX] Serra Ford in Farmington Hills, MI. It was certified by the manufacturer Ford Motor Company. I was told they remedied all issues/recalls. On [XXX] I experienced loss of power and oil pressure. We immediately returned it to the dealer for evaluation and repair. On May 12th they informed me that the vehicle needed a new engine. On May 27th I was told that they were waiting on parts. I was told on June 9th that the engine had arrived and it would be about 10 days to repair. Finally on June 18th I was told that they would not be replacing my engine and that they are unable to fix the recall that was causing all these issue. I reached out to the dealership and was not provided details offering oil pressure level read off the diagnosys to ensure the vehicle is safe. The recall states that loss of power braking increases the risk of a crash. For the safety of my family, I am hoping to avoid that. Refusing to remedy the recall by the manufacturer is unacceptable. THe dealership selling a vehicle that is not safe is also unacceptable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 12, 2025 · Engine · FL

We noticed rattling and misfiring sounds from the motor but no warning indications on the dash. 2 days later when my wife was coming home the car started losing power and "died". Would not restart but no warning lights on dash. The app did send a notice about loss of pressure to turbo. Had my wife not been near someplace to pull into she would have been stranded in the road in a disabled vehicle. Traffic was backed up behind her while she was trying to get out of the road. Had the car "died" while she was on the interstate doing 70 it would have been COMPLETELY without power steering AND brakes. The car has ONLY been serviced by our local Ford dealer. So we had it towed there. This morning they are telling us it's a problem with the "integrated exhaust manifold" that allowed water into the cylinders and ruined the engine. Believe they called that a cracked block years ago? Something that shouldn't happen to a car with only 66K miles. They assured us it wasn't the oil pump from the recall. We just paid it off a couple months ago. Now it needs a new $6,300 motor. Not something senior citizens only a year from retirement can easily swing. There NEVER was ANY indication (warning lights, etc) or warning from the dealer after service of any problems. It seems that Ford has more problems with this motor than just the oil pump!!