2018 Ford Ecosport: engine stalls while driving

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 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 30, 2026 · Engine · 60,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2020 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 an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, while the vehicle was stopped at a traffic signal, it stalled. After several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The “Service Vehicle Soon” warning light was illuminated, and an unknown, orange-colored light was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving uphill. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had worsened. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer contacted four dealers and confirmed that parts were not available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Filed Jan 28, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · NC

I received the recall Notice 23S64/agency23V905 from the dealership where I purchased my Ford Ecosport in August 2025. I called the dealership to schedule the repair on August 28, 2025. I spoke with Brandon from the service dept. He told me that they would need the car for two weeks to even determine IF the part in my vehicle indeed needed to be replaced and then, if so, they would have to see if the part was available to them and then they could fix it free of charge. He said they could not give me a loaner car during the two week inspection period. And only could offer a loaner car if the part did need to be replaced. Leaving me without a vehicle for at least two weeks. I work and needed transportation for my commute. The issue was at no fault of my own. He also stated that it was not a big deal and the worst that could happen if the part was defective was that the car would just stall. I called back in September if 2025 and was told they still did not have the part available to them. The notice said there was no order to stop driving the car. However, about the time I received the 2nd notice to have the recall service scheduled immediately. My car began showing signs of engine problems. It has been at the dealership since Jan 20th. I was told they have no loaner vehicle. I am without a car due to this repair. I called moments ago and was told the damage to the car was extensive due to the recall part the engine will have to be replaced and they are waiting on parts. I again asked for a loaner vehicle. I was told again, they did not have any to offer me. But said that it’s be a few weeks before my car was repaired! Again, this is by no fault of my own. The car was purchased, paid for entirely. And it is my only means of transportation to ensure a way to work. The recall letter plainly states the dealer has been authorized to give me a loaner vehicle while the repairs related to the recall are being completed. The service manager said it is recall

Filed Dec 9, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 109,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V905000(Engine and Engine Cooling), and the dealer replaced the engine and the oil pump; however, while driving two days later, the vehicle stalled upon coming to a complete stop at a stop sign. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after an hour and drove to the residence. The dealer picked up the vehicle from the residence, and the contact was later informed that the vehicle was diagnosed with wiring harness failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired because the contact believed that the dealer damaged the wiring harness while performing the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,000.

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 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 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 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 Jun 20, 2025 · Engine · 27,000 miles · MO

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 contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the low oil pressure warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle stalled while driving off a ramp. The vehicle was towed to D & M Auto Service, where the contact was informed that it was a known failure, and the engine might be damaged. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. An unknown dealer was contacted. 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 27,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed May 12, 2025 · Engine · 74,000 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 yet available. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal popping sound and started losing motive power. The contact was able to pull into SRT Auto Center parking lot, where the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light and the low oil pressure warning light were illuminated. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The local dealer and other unknown dealers were contacted and informed the contact that the part was not available to repair the vehicle. The contact was informed that a new engine could be available within 3 - 6 months. The vehicle was not 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 74,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed May 12, 2025 · Engine · 38,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. 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 unavailable. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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 38,0000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.