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Ford Ecosport misfire problems

20 of the 1,871 owner complaints about the Ford Ecosport describe misfire or rough idle, most of them for the 2018 model year.

owner complaints
20
worst model year
2018
typical repair cost reported
$6,300
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2021
    2
  • 2020
    3
  • 2019
    3
  • 2018
    12

Often reported together

Engine failure 9Check engine light 6Stalling 3Loss of power 3Won't start 2Overheating 2Transmission failure 1Jerking 1

Trouble codes mentioned

P0303 3P0316 2P0014 2U0100 1P1299 1P1285 1P0496 1P0344 1P0340 1P0301 1

What owners say

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 Sep 3, 2026 · Engine · 63,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, smoke was observed coming from the rear of the vehicle, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle needed a tune-up. The contact later received a notification through the mobile application indicating that the engine had multiple misfires. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure occurred after a recall-related engine replacement had previously been completed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and denied the contact's request for a buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

Filed Jun 12, 2026 · Brakes, Transmission · PA · crash · 3 injuries

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.

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 22, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · OH

I had my car in the shop for electrical problems. Place took it too couldnt fix the problem. When my cross patern snd blind spot light comes on makes me not have defrost or heat. . They replaced the heater module worked for 15 minutes then stopped working. Have a catalic converter error smoke error and also now misfire errors. Took to a shop they told me these errors probably my motor or head gasket. Ive had problems with this car since got it.now it's even worse cant drive it . Shouldn't be like this since only 6 years old. I live paycheck to paycheck dont have money again to put into this car snd i owe alot still on it. I need help shouldnt be this way.'shouldnt have all these problems i need help

Filed Oct 6, 2025 · Engine · FL

Vehicle was sent in for recall repair on oil pump for 1.0L 3cyl engine, immediately upon pickup new engine was vibrating and misfiring, ford stated that a $500 fee is required for diagnosis regardless of it being their fault.

Filed Jun 25, 2025 · Engine · CA

My 2018 Ford EcoSport is subject to Safety Recall 23S64, concerning a defective oil pump belt and/or tensioner that can lead to engine failure. My VIN is listed in this recall. The engine has symptoms consistent with this recall, including performance loss, mechanical noise, and diagnostic codes such as P0014 (camshaft timing over-advanced), P0303 (cylinder misfire), and U0100 (lost communication with ECM/PCM). The vehicle is currently located at an authorized Ford dealership (Sunrise Ford of North Hollywood). However, the dealer has refused to perform the required diagnostic inspection unless I pay $1,084. This is a direct violation of federal law under 49 U.S.C. § 30120, which mandates that both diagnosis and remedy of safety-related recalls must be provided free of charge. I have also documented communication from the dealership and a written inspection from an independent licensed repair shop showing the engine is in as-found condition and that no repairs were attempted. I am seeking enforcement action to ensure that the recall is honored as required by law. Dealership: Sunrise Ford of North Hollywood Address: 5500 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601 Service Advisor Name: Bruno Rivero

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!!

Filed Feb 2, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · GA

Purchased the 2021 Ford EcoSport from Courtesy Ford (new), where I have the regularly serviced the vehicle. However, my ownership experience has been marked by repeated mechanical failures that have escalated to the point where, after only three years of ownership, I am being asked to replace the transmission—a repair I believe is both premature and unjustified given the circumstances outlined below. Timeline of Issues and Repairs: July 17, 2023: First experienced significant engine performance problems, particularly with the Auto Start feature malfunctioning, which led to the engine stalling while driving. Despite multiple tests, these issues persisted. Eventually, the engine was replaced, but I continued to experience jerking and misfiring after the replacement. October 2023 – January 2024: Despite having the engine replaced, the car began showing worsening jerking and misfiring, especially at higher speeds (60-65 mph or above). February 2024: During routine maintenance, I was informed that a catalytic converter needed replacement due to damage caused by the engine misfiring. I also learned that the starter motors were not replaced during the engine swap, despite it being common to get a tune up at about 80,000 and expecting thorough work after a engine replacement (Is that too much to ask) also being that I get ALL repairs and maintenance done here just for the service “ADVISOR’ to tell me you were been supposed to get a tune up, hysterical October 2024 – January 2025: The engine started losing power and struggling to rev, similar to before the new engine and catalytic converter replacement. After two weeks, I received a $3500 estimate for starters, coils, plugs, a coolant flush, and code P0128. After waiting for recall plans and assistance, I was informed that the technicians had added the two coils and plugs they initially had on the $3500 estimate and said after test driving it w/ those, they see that a new transmission is needed for $7500.

Filed Sep 6, 2024 · Engine · KS

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's husband connected the vehicle to the diagnostic machine. The contact retrieved a code for a misfire in cylinder #1. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the spark plugs were replaced. The failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the failure had been persistent. The contact stated that the engine had previously been replaced, by a Nissan Dealer where the vehicle was purchased. 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 failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine: oil/lubrication: pumpReported December 22, 2023 · 139,730 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.
Risk
A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the oil pump tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt, free of charge. If engine failure occurs due to a damaged oil pump belt and/or oil pump belt tensioner, Ford has authorized dealers to replace the engine assembly as an interim repair before the availability of remedy parts for the final repair. This repair will be free of charge (parts and labor). Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S64.

Recall number 23V905000 · Recall details

Questions about the Ford Ecosport misfire

Which Ford Ecosport years have misfire or rough idle problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2018 (12 complaints), 2019 (3 complaints) and 2020 (3 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix misfire or rough idle on the Ford Ecosport?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $6,300 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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