Last updated: 2026-07-26

2018 Ford Ecosport Reliability Report
The 2018 Ford Ecosport scores 56/100 ("Mixed"). With 2 recalls and 720 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.
Recalls
2
Complaints
720
Complaint Rate
132.5per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$775
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,150–$2,400
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.
Top Issues to Watch
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (301)
- ENGINE (229)
- POWER TRAIN (60)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2018 is the first model year of the Second generation (B515; 2012).
- First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
- Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
- Refreshed in 2021, 2018.
- 2nd generation Ecosport (US).
What this means for buyers
First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.
Compare 2018 pricing and recall counts against 2019+ before deciding.
2018: Second generation (B515; 2012) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2021: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2018 Ford Ecosport?
A 56/100 score puts the 2018 Ford Ecosport in the "Mixed" tier. Buyers should approach with eyes open. As a first-year redesign, early-adopter issues are common.
Complaint volume sits above average at 720 owner complaints alongside 2 recalls. Issues in engine and engine cooling (301) tend to be the costly ones.
Treat an extended warranty as non-negotiable and put engine and engine cooling (301) at the top of the inspection checklist.
Compared to the 2019 Ford Ecosport, which scored 2 points higher.
Pros
- +Low recall count
- +4-star NHTSA crash rating
Cons
- −Below-average reliability score
- −Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- −ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING issues reported (301 complaints)
- −ENGINE: Oil pressure problems and engine failure (229 complaints)
- −2 fire incidents reported in owner complaints
Compare 2018 Ford Ecosport With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (301)
- ENGINE (229)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2018 Ford Ecosport carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
132.5
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 27.1
Safety Incidents
18
Crashes
2
Fires
10
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 4/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2018 Ford Ecosport Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Ford Ecosport. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
Consequence
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.
EQUIPMENT, SERVICE BRAKES
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."
Consequence
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.
Buying a used 2018 Ford Ecosport? Check its history first
Every 2018 Ford Ecosport has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2018 Ford Ecosport NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 20.4%
Safety Technologies
Ford EcosportRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$775
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
25–28 MPG
Running cost: $2,350–$2,600/yr
Fuel + repair
23–27 city / 29 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2018 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EcoSport FWD 1.0L 3-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 27 | 29 | 28 | $2,150 |
| EcoSport AWD 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 23 | 29 | 25 | $2,400 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Ford Ecosport.
Check for engine oil pressure warning lights
Inspect for any engine rattling or abnormal noises
Verify if the engine recall repair has been completed
Test drive to check for transmission shudder or jerking
Ensure all recall repairs are documented and completed
Inspect for any signs of oil leaks or low oil levels
2018 Ford Ecosport Common Problems by Component
720 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
301 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Ford EcoSport frequently report issues related to engine and engine cooling, with a significant number of complaints linked to recall repairs not being completed due to unavailable parts. Common symptoms include stalling, loss of acceleration, and illuminated warning lights such as "check engine" and "low oil pressure." These issues often arise around 55,000 to 70,000 miles. One reported crash and injury highlight potential safety implications, particularly if the engine stalls while driving. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring problems and the potential for unresolved recall repairs.
ENGINE
229 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent engine issues with the 2018 Ford EcoSport, often related to oil pressure problems and engine failure. Symptoms commonly include abnormal noises from the engine, loss of power, elevated RPMs, and illuminated warning lights. These issues typically arise around 50,000 to 106,000 miles. Complaints highlight safety risks, including sudden loss of power and control, with one reported crash and one instance involving a fire. Buyers should be aware of ongoing recall efforts related to the engine oil pump belt and tensioner, which are linked to many of these issues.
POWER TRAIN
60 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the 2018 Ford Ecosport's powertrain, notably involving timing chain problems and oil pump failures. Common symptoms include loss of power, stalling, engine vibrations, and low oil pressure warnings. Several complaints indicate these issues emerge after recall repairs, with some vehicles experiencing problems as early as 29,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with three complaints involving crashes and injuries due to sudden power loss and brake failures. Potential buyers should be aware of these patterns and the associated risks, especially regarding the vehicle's history of recalls and unresolved issues.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (45 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
45 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Ford EcoSport frequently report issues related to engine and structural failures. Common symptoms include the vehicle stalling or shutting off unexpectedly, often accompanied by "low engine oil pressure" warnings, and in some cases, complete engine failure. These issues often appear around 30,000 to 70,000 miles. Complaints also highlight delayed recall repairs, with some owners waiting months for parts, leading to significant inconvenience and financial burden. Safety implications are evident, with reports of structural hazards due to missing subframe bolts and a crash linked to engine and emissions issues.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (24 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
24 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the 2018 Ford Ecosport's electrical system, particularly involving sudden loss of power, engine stalling, and failure to start. Complaints frequently mention intermittent power loss while driving, often accompanied by warning lights like low oil pressure, affecting vehicles even at highway speeds, and resulting in at least two crashes. Many owners describe problems with the vehicle's display screens going dark or backup cameras malfunctioning, with some incidents occurring around the 50,000 to 60,000-mile range. Safety implications are significant, with reports of vehicles shutting off in traffic and issues with electronic components like ignition coils and sensors failing unpredictably. Buyers should be aware of these recurring electrical issues and the potential for unresolved recalls impacting vehicle reliability.
SERVICE BRAKES (13 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
13 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several issues with the 2018 Ford Ecosport's brakes, with frequent mentions of brake failure or reduced braking effectiveness. Common symptoms include the brake pedal becoming firm or locking, the pedal going to the floor, and in some cases, the brake pedal fracturing. These issues are often accompanied by engine oil pressure warnings and are reported to occur at mileages ranging from approximately 12,629 to 77,301 miles. Safety implications are significant, as four complaints involve crashes, with two reporting injuries. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring brake issues and the associated risks of loss of control.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (11 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
11 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Ford EcoSport frequently report issues with vehicle speed control, often linked to engine and mechanical failures. Common symptoms include sudden loss of power, inability to accelerate, and warning lights such as low engine oil pressure and check engine indicators. These issues are typically reported around 60,000 to 100,000 miles, with some owners experiencing complete engine breakdowns and extended vehicle inoperability due to parts shortages. Safety implications are significant, with one crash reported due to a malfunctioning auto shutoff/restart feature and several instances of vehicles becoming inoperable on highways, posing risks to occupants and other road users. Buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and the potential for long repair delays.
AIR BAGS (8 complaints)
AIR BAGS
8 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Ford EcoSport frequently report issues with airbag non-deployment during crashes, with five out of eight complaints involving accidents and three reporting injuries. Common symptoms include airbag warning lights remaining illuminated on the dashboard for extended periods, suggesting potential system malfunctions. Complaints often mention airbags, particularly the steering wheel and curtain airbags, failing to deploy in collisions, even when the vehicle is totaled. These issues are reported in vehicles with mileage around 24,000 to 30,000 miles. The safety implications of non-deploying airbags in crashes are significant, as evidenced by the injuries reported in some cases. This pattern of airbag failures may be a critical consideration for potential buyers evaluating the safety of a used 2018 Ford EcoSport.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (6 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
6 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Ford Ecosport frequently report issues related to the fuel and propulsion system, with common symptoms including the vehicle stalling, struggling to start, or not starting at all after fueling, as well as sudden deceleration while driving. Multiple complaints describe experiencing dashboard warnings for low oil pressure and check engine lights, sometimes accompanied by rattling noises. A few owners mention incidents where the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated from highway speeds, leading to potential safety risks such as needing to pull over abruptly on busy roads. Some reports indicate that these issues may involve components like the throttle body or the high-pressure fuel pump drive unit, with repair costs reportedly ranging from $1,500 to $2,000. These complaints suggest that potential buyers should be aware of these recurring problems, especially if the vehicle has not been inspected or repaired for these specific issues.
STEERING (4 complaints)
STEERING
4 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Ford Ecosport report several steering-related issues, with symptoms including the dashboard going completely black, leading to a temporary loss of power steering and a sudden return that causes the steering wheel to jerk. Another issue involves a movable steering column component that can catch loose items, potentially disabling steering. These problems sometimes occur at stoplights or while driving, indicating potential safety implications such as loss of control. Additionally, some complaints mention interactions with Ford Customer Relations that do not address these safety concerns. Buyers should be aware of these steering issues and consider the potential impact on driving safety.
When Do 2018 Ford Ecosport Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Ford Ecosport Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Ford Ecosport Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Ford Ecosport year is 2022 with a reliability score of 74/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2021 (60/100) and 2020 (58/100).
Ford Ecosport Years to Avoid
The worst Ford Ecosport year is 2018 with a score of 56/100, primarily due to engine and engine cooling (301) issues.
2018
(Current Model)
Ford Ecosport Reliability Score Trend
Ford Ecosport reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 64/100 compared to 57/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 56/100 | Mixed |
| 2019 | 58/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 58/100 | Mixed |
| 2021 | 60/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 74/100 | Good |
Ford Ecosport Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2018 Ford Ecosport reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Ecosport?
How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Ecosport have?
Is the 2018 Ford Ecosport expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2018 Ford Ecosport without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Ford Ecosport.
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