Safety Recall 23S64 was completed on my 2021 Ford EcoSport on approx. Oct 19, 2025. After ~15,000 miles, the same system failed again on [XXX], causing loss of power and loss of braking assist. Fredericktown Pettus Ford diagnosed shredded timing belt material, drained the oil, and removed the catalytic converter (placed in trunk). They were respectful and tried to order a replacement engine, but Ford Motor Co. blocked their access to the system. The vehicle has now been out of service for over 3 months, and we have paid for two ~100‑mile tows because Ford refused to authorize repairs or provide a loaner/rental after a second engine failure. On June 18 the car was towed to Bommarito Ford, who falsely accused us of “destroying the car” and removing the catalytic converter, despite written confirmation from Pettus Ford that THEY removed it during diagnosis. Bommarito refused recall work, claimed the car was “out of warranty,” and ordered us to remove it from their lot or face storage fees. Ford Corporate opened cases [XXX] and [XXX]. The second rep was rude, accusatory, did not return calls, and repeated false claims. Ford denied coverage using a 12k‑mile parts warranty, even though this is a federal safety recall. Ford Corporate also misidentified the owner and listed my vehicle incorrectly as a “Ford Edge.” After notifying Ford Executive Office, Tier 2, the Missouri Attorney General, and legal counsel, Pettus Ford’s access to Ford’s system was suddenly restored. Pettus Ford continued to help, but Ford still refused to authorize the repair. We have now towed the car back to Pettus Ford in Fredericktown, MO. We have been without a vehicle for nearly 4 months and have spent significant time and money on towing. Ford only began to respond after the Missouri Attorney General complaint and after Ford Corporate threatened legal action instead of providing assistance. Pettus Ford has been the only party acting professionally throughout this:INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C
Ford Ecosport brake failure problems
15 of the 1,871 owner complaints about the Ford Ecosport describe brake failure, most of them for the 2018 model year.
- owner complaints
- 15
- worst model year
- 2018
- typical mileage
- 58,995
By model year
- 20214
- 20202
- 20192
- 20187
Often reported together
Engine failure 5Stalling 3Loss of power 3Check engine light 3Misfire 1Knocking 1
What owners say
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The braking system failed, preventing the vehicle from stopping properly. The vehicle is currently at a tow yard and is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Because the brakes failed, I was unable to stop at a traffic light. The vehicle entered oncoming traffic and was involved in a collision, placing my safety and the safety of other motorists at risk. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No. I previously took the vehicle to the dealership several times for misfire and powertrain-related issues. The dealership was unable to identify the underlying problem and advised that the spark plugs were not tightened properly. Similar issues have occurred multiple times over the past few years. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle is currently at a tow yard and is awaiting inspection by the insurance company. Additional inspections may be conducted as part of the claim investigation. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. Warning lights appeared earlier this week, and I brought the vehicle to the dealership for diagnosis. The dealership was unable to determine the cause of the warnings. I picked up the vehicle on June 11, 2026. On June 12, 2026, the brakes failed, resulting in the accident.
As I pulled into my driveway, my brakes locked up resulting in my vehicle only coming to a stop because it crashed into another vehicle in my driveway. It is still in my driveway, the function of breaking has not been reproduced. The car will not even start now. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by a dealer, an independent service center, or anyone else. I will be contacting my insurance today. A police report was not made as no one was at fault. There were no warning lamps or messages displayed. I did receive a letter this week from Brian Leonard, a service Manager at Price Ford Simi Valley regarding recall 23S64. The letter notified me of the new recall, that their business will "pick up and deliver my vehicle, provide me a loaner vehicle, and complete the recall repairs for me". I received this letter the day before the brake failure. The morning after the brakes failed causing the crash, I contacted Mr. Leonard who told me they will now not fix any of the issues or comply with any part of the letter, that I should file a claim with my insurance and take the car to a Ford dealership in Turlock. This was communication was all via email and Simi Valley Ford has now ended communication with me. This car was purchased brand new and I have had nothing but issues and recalls with it. Additionally while driving it 3 weeks ago on [XXX] , the car lost all power. I pulled over to the side of the road and sat for about 10 minutes debating what to do. I attempted to restart the vehicle, it started and I was able to complete my drive home with no warning or indicator lights appearing. This car is a lemon! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
The failure involves the engine/powertrain system, specifically the engine oil pressure system, resulting in loss of engine power and a subsequent loss of effective braking assistance. The vehicle displayed a low engine oil pressure warning and a “powertrain system fault” message prior to the loss of braking effectiveness. The vehicle is currently not being driven and is available for inspection upon request. The engine was previously replaced in April 2025 as part of a recall-related interim remedy following an engine failure, yet the same symptoms have since reoccurred. My safety and the safety of others were placed at immediate and severe risk. On December 26, 2025, while driving at highway speed in heavy rain, the vehicle rapidly decelerated from approximately 79 mph to 60 mph, creating a dangerous situation in active freeway traffic. After exiting the freeway, the risk escalated when the vehicle experienced a loss of effective braking. While entering my apartment complex, I was forced to engage in defensive driving to avoid a collision. I narrowly avoided striking a pedestrian who was exiting their vehicle and then had to defensively steer away from the front of my apartment building to avoid crashing into the structure because the vehicle would not stop. A serious injury or fatality to myself or others was narrowly avoided. Yes. In March 2025, after experiencing a serious loss of power while driving, the vehicle was towed to a Ford dealership. The vehicle remained there for approximately one month, during which time the engine failure was confirmed and attributed to an active recall. As a result, the engine was replaced under the recall. This confirms that the issue has been previously verified by an authorized Ford dealership. Despite this repair, the same failure symptoms have reoccurred. The vehicle has been inspected and serviced by an authorized Ford dealership in connection with the recall-related engine failure and replacement in March–April 2025.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The brake pedal was depressed; however, the brakes failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. 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 vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was not provided. The vehicle was 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 issue. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the road. The contact was able to drive to the dealer, where the brakes failed, and the vehicle stalled. The dealer diagnosed that the engine had seized due to the oil pump drive belt tensioner failure. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact later 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that he could be reimbursed for vehicle rental expenses. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
I believe the component that failed is engine oil pump belt tensioner this is a recalled item. It is available for inspection however it cannot be checked out by Ford itself. I have notified 3 dealerships and they all stated that the part will be available in the second quarter and that's it. My car cannot run properly the brakes don't work the engine is making noises and I have a low oil pressure light on. My safety and the safety of others was put at risk when my brakes stopped working while I was driving it. The problem has not been confirmed because they won't let me drop it off until later on this month. My car isn't working and it's the only car I have. There was an low oil pressure light as well as my check engine light. My car engine was making rattling noises and my transmission is having issues shifting. This first appeared June 28th 2024. The Ford company has lied to me and told me that even though there is a recall on my car that it is still drivable.
I received recall letter Feb 2024 regarding engine oil pump drive belt may fracture and may result in brake failure and risk of crash. I have not driven my car since Feb 2024. I do not want to crash and kill myself & other people on the road. I have called my dealership where I bought the car new in 2018 (Skalnek Ford) and they have no info on when parts will be in and I called Ford 866‑436‑7332 and all I get is a recording. This is a serious problem! I am upset that I can not drive my car & have no idea when repair will be done. What can you do to solve this problem with Ford? I am afraid to drive my car for fear of my brakes failing and causing a crash that may kill me and possibly other people. I hope I filled out this form correctly. I had to put a date on when "incident happened" to finish filling out this form. I did not have an "incident". I have not driven my car since I got recall letter Feb 2024. That is the date I put for my "incident". I am hoping you can help me with this problem I have with Ford. Thank you
The contact owns a 2019 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, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. In addition, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brakes failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the brakes did not activate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 58,995. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Related recalls
Service brakes
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Ecosport vehicles sold in the United States Federal Territiories. These vehicles were shipped with the European brake reservoir pictogram cap label and the European English language owner's manual kits. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
- Risk
- Owners could be confused by the incorrect label on the brake fluid cap, potentially causing them to replace the brake fluid with an incorrect fluid which could affect brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake fluid cap and owner's manual kit, free of charge. The recall began on June 21, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18C04.
Recall number 18V312000 · Recall details
Questions about the Ford Ecosport brake failure
Which Ford Ecosport years have brake failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2018 (7 complaints), 2021 (4 complaints) and 2019 (2 complaints).
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