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Ford Ecosport grinding brakes problems

25 of the 1,871 owner complaints about the Ford Ecosport describe grinding or squealing brakes, most of them for the 2018 model year.

owner complaints
25
worst model year
2018
typical repair cost reported
$7,000
typical mileage
62,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed May 22, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · MN

Vehicle experienced sudden severe loss of motive power consistent with Ford Safety Recall 23S64 (the federal safety agency Campaign 23V905000). Prior to repair, the vehicle entered limp mode and could not accelerate beyond approximately 30 to 35 MPH. Low oil pressure warning indicators and check engine light illuminated repeatedly. Engine produced abnormal grinding and strained startup noises. Vehicle also experienced hesitation, shaking, and difficulty maintaining safe roadway speeds. While I was trying stop at a red light the vehicle struggles to brake although the brakes are applied, after coming to a full stop the vehicle shutdowns and would have restart. During operation, vehicle struggled to accelerate in traffic and braking performance became concerning due to severe engine power loss and unstable operation. On multiple occasions, the engine nearly stalled or shut down completely after stopping at intersections. Vehicle was delivered to Ford dealership for Recall 23S64 repair. Dealer completed the recall repair and stated oil pressure had been restored; however, the vehicle continued exhibiting the same severe loss of power and limp mode symptoms after completion of the recall procedure. Dealer later performed additional diagnostics and identified DTC P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low) and a broken intake camshaft requiring major engine repairs estimated at approximately $9,000. Dealer stated the engine damage was not covered or related under the recall despite the vehicle originally presenting with the same low oil pressure, loss of motive power, and drivability symptoms described in Recall 23S64. Vehicle remains unsafe to operate due to unresolved loss of power and internal engine damage. Concern exists that the recall related oil pressure failure may have caused consequential internal engine damage that was not fully corrected by the recall repair procedure. Problem has been confirmed by authorized Ford dealership inspection and diagnostic testing.

Filed Feb 6, 2026 · Engine · 93,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact had not experienced a failure before the recall repair; however, the contact experienced failures after the recall repair. The contact stated the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal and failed to exceed 30 MPH. An unknown RED warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that whenever the vehicle accelerated above 30 MPH, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with turbocharger failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the grinding sound persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but no cause for the failure was found. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

Filed Jul 7, 2025 · Engine · 106,000 miles · NJ

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 40 MPH, there was an abnormal hissing sound coming from the engine and then a popping sound. In addition, the accelerator pedal involuntarily moved, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, there was an abnormal squeaking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact drove slowly to the residence. The contact stated that the oil engine pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that at the residence, a family friend opened the hood and noticed oil intrusion into various parts of the engine. The local dealer was not 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 issue. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Jul 2, 2025 · Transmission · RI

Before 58000 miles my 2019 Ford EcoSport began experiencing serious drivetrain issues. The car grinds when going uphill, shakes and shudders when accelerating, and the RPMs surge up and down erratically. A certified Ford dealer diagnosed it as a transmission-related problem, (torque converter which I understand to be an issue with these cars)and Ford has only offered partial financial assistance (45%) for a $3,000 repair. These symptoms pose a potential safety issue, especially while merging, climbing hills, or accelerating in traffic. Additionally, the infotainment system failed—backup camera and USB ports stopped working—raising more concerns about overall electrical system reliability. This transmission failure occurred far too early for normal wear and raises serious concerns about possible manufacturing defects. This should not be happening this soon and no engine lights came on or anything.

Filed Nov 22, 2024 · Engine · MN

My partner lost acceleration on the highway, abruptly and without warning. We took the while to a Ford dealership for diagnostics. They found that the turbocharger had come loose and was grinding against the engine. Metal infiltrated into the oil, large pieces settled in the oil pan. The dealership says the vehicle needs a new engine and turbocharger, wants us to pay $8,100 for it. The dealership denies the issue is related to the active recall and ongoing class-action lawsuit, even though the circumstances align perfectly down to the mileage range in which this issue is expected to occur.

Filed Sep 20, 2024 · Engine · 55,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated there was an abnormal squeaking noise coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the engine was overheating, and the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

Filed Sep 18, 2024 · Engine · 47,444 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2020 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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was losing motive power while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact was able to drive the vehicle back to the residence. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the oil pump had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced; however, parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 47,444. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Jul 18, 2024 · Brakes · CA

I was given my 2nd recall letter. I called ford recall customer service center was told the car is fine until anything goes wrong with the brakes. I was driving my car in light of this. I got a car wash at mobile gas station. The car wash washed underneath the vehicle and after going out the car wash the brakes made a LOUD squeaky sound. I contacted ford like they stated now no answer to my issue just the run around. What can I do? Also when I first bought this vehicle in 2019 I was baking out of my driveway on a slight incline. And heard a loud noise again backing out after just receiving the brand new car.

Filed Jun 13, 2024 · Engine · 100,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal grinding sound again. The parking assist message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who referred the contact to the local dealer. The contact called the local dealer and had the vehicle towed, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed May 29, 2024 · Engine · 39,000 miles · TN

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 on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle began shaking violently. The contact also stated that she observed a grinding noise emanating from the driver's side undercarriage. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed, and the mechanic stated that the failure was associated with the open recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.

Related recalls

Service brakesReported May 14, 2018 · 273 vehicles affected
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 grinding brakes

Which Ford Ecosport years have grinding or squealing brakes problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2018 (10 complaints), 2020 (6 complaints) and 2019 (5 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix grinding or squealing brakes on the Ford Ecosport?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $7,000 (median of 6 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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