2018 Ford Ecosport: stuck in gear or won't shift

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 Jun 7, 2024 · Engine · 47,000 miles · FL

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 that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, and depressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle went into LIMP mode and would not restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed May 7, 2024 · Transmission · NJ

In February of 2024, the transmission on this vehicle was bucking and jerking. I took it to Ford and they assessed it as transmission failure. I had the transmission replaced. On Thursday May 2, 2024, having only driven approximately 3,000 miles in the interim, the new transmission went while I was driving 50 mph on a highway. The vehicle had a loud bang and jerk and would not go more than 10 mph. Nothing on the dash lit up to warn of any problem. Thankfully it was very early in the morning so there was little traffic. I was able to turn around and drive on the shoulder back to my house. During that time I could hear what sounded like parts bouncing around and the vehicle sounded like it was stuck in 2nd gear. I had it taken by flatbed to my mechanic, who confirmed that the transmission is again damaged beyond repair. This vehicle has the same defective transmission as the Focus. It is a lemon and should be subject to recall or at the very least the extension of warranty made by Ford for the Focus. They know that this is a defect in the design and they should be held accountable for their error. Had it been rush hour, I could have been killed or at the very least grievously injured.

Filed Apr 5, 2024 · Engine · 80,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating, after which the vehicle entered LIMP Mode and lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Feb 27, 2024 · Engine · AL

Vehicle experienced a loss of power going into sort of a limp mode / low power mode, indicated low engine oil pressure on the dash status display with a wrench light and increased engine noise. Driver was able to get the vehicle off the road without an accident occuring. The engine codes scanned via the obdii port directly after are as follows: p051b, p0299, p0340, p0344, p0365 and p0369. The tag/sticker on the top of the motor has the following numbers, date and information on it: h2bg 6l084 aa 1,01 427 craiova engine plant 19jul17 fwsta19071410474h2bg 6l084 aa fe after finding out about the current recall campaign 23s64 / 23v905 and speaking with a ford represenative who recomended getting the vehicle to a service center as soon as possibler, the car was trailered to our local ford dealership (mullinax ford, mobile, alabama) on 26feb24 and they took the vehicle in for evaluation.

Filed Dec 20, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · FL

Car went into limp mode then shut off while driving. Towed to mechanic, who tried to fix the codes that popped up. After fixing the codes, still didn’t turn on. Towed it to ford, it’s still there. They have told me it’s the oil pump and that it fell off. They have also said it just happens with these cars. They are waiting on one last test to confirm, but have told me I need a new engine, and there was nothing I could do to prevent this, that I was lucky to get to 72k miles, as other cars oil pumps fell off at 50k.

Filed Oct 2, 2023 · Engine · CA

Driving at highway speed when the check engine light came on and it went into « limp mode » slowing down to 30 mph. Was towed to the dealership. The tensioner belt timing belt oil pump and turbo charger all needed to be replaced. Total cost was around $7,000. Car had 67,292 miles, the warranty is 60,000 miles

Filed Sep 28, 2023 · Engine · PA

At 60500 miles the engine oil pressor stops and engine went into limp mode while in traffic. This caused the engine to blow and required a new engine.