2018 Ford Ecosport: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2018 Ford Ecosport: 2 recalls, 726 owner complaints and up to 28 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes, Equipment Vehicle recall #18V312000 · 2018 · 273 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #23V905000 · 2023 · 139,730 vehicles
What's wrong: The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner May fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.
Why it matters: A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 10 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (355): the most common themes are warning light on (157), stalls / loses power (88), noise or vibration (57).
- Engine & cooling (311): the most common themes are warning light on (180), stalls / loses power (57), noise or vibration (26).
- Transmission & drivetrain (67): the most common themes are warning light on (34), stalls / loses power (17), noise or vibration (12).
- Other / unknown (61): the most common themes are warning light on (15), stalls / loses power (14), noise or vibration (6).
The 2018 Ford Ecosport has 726 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 5 Ecosport model years for complaints (2.0× the average Ecosport year). Complaints peaked in 2024 (313 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 65,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2019 (460 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 29 | 28 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 29 | 25 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2018 Ford Ecosport.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2018 Ford Ecosport have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2018 Ford Ecosport. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2018 Ford Ecosport problems?
Owners have filed 726 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (355), engine & cooling (311), transmission & drivetrain (67).
What gas mileage does the 2018 Ford Ecosport get?
EPA ratings run up to 28 mpg combined (1.0 L, Automatic (S6)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2018 Ford Ecosport repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.