2018 Ford EcoSport

The Verdict

Worst problem area

Engine

Engine leads by volume: 641 of 726 complaints (88%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Brakes include more reported injuries (6) than those mentioning any other identified area.

Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology

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Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History

Fuel cost, fuel economy, and complaint history by model-yearScroll sideways to see all 3 years. Fuel figures show the range across trims for years with more than one EPA-rated configuration.Also cataloged for 2018: 1 configuration(s) of a different vehicle class, excluded from the comparison bar only (but included in the figures above).
Category201820192020vs. 2018 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Annual fuel cost ($)2,250–2,5002,250–2,5002,250–2,500
Combined MPG25–2825–2825–28
City / Highway MPG23–27 / 2923–27 / 2923–27 / 29
CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi)314–353316–355318–355
Complaints filed726459394Not compared
Recalls issued223Not compared
Crash-involved complaints1875Not compared
Fire-involved complaints228Not compared
Injuries reported1056Not compared
Deaths reported010Not compared
Configurations compared111

Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.

Common questions

How many recalls does the 2018 Ford EcoSport have?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.

What is the most common complaint about the 2018 Ford EcoSport?

Engine: 641 of 726 NHTSA complaints (88%) mention it.

What gas mileage does the 2018 Ford EcoSport get?

EPA rates it 25–28 MPG combined.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2018 Ford EcoSport?

EPA estimates $2,250–$2,500 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.

EPA-Rated Configurations (2)

Every EPA-rated configuration on this page, one row each.A number tagged (low) or (high) is this page’s own cost-table figure of that name, above.
ConfigurationTransmissionCylindersDisplacementDrivetrainFuel TypeVehicle ClassCityHighwayCombinedAnnual Fuel CostCO₂
Configuration 1Automatic (S6)31.0LFront-Wheel DriveRegularSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD27 mpg (high)29 mpg28 mpg (high)$2,250 (low)314 g/mi (low)
Configuration 2Automatic (S6)42.0LAll-Wheel DriveRegularSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD23 mpg (low)29 mpg25 mpg (low)$2,500 (high)353 g/mi (high)

Complaints by Category

Complaints by category, in the same fixed order on every page
CategoryComplaintsCrash-InvolvedFire-InvolvedInjuriesDeaths
Engine64110250
Transmission & Drivetrain673030
Fuel System442010
Electrical352010
Brakes348060
Steering40000
Suspension, Wheels & Tires110000
Airbags & Restraints105030
Driver Assistance & Speed Control211000
Body, Seats & Latches51010
Visibility & Lighting50000
Other611100

A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.

Recalls (2)

  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP · Campaign 23V905000 · Jan 8, 2024

    Defect: 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:OTHER:LABELS; SERVICE BRAKES · Campaign 18V312000 · May 16, 2018

    Defect: 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.