The Lemon Index2018 Ford EcoSport.
The 2018 Ford EcoSport is better than average by owner complaints: 34 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 62, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 25 to 28 mpg combined. The best Ford EcoSport year is 2022.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 727 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Ford EcoSport year. 2018 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 46K to 81K miles on the car (267 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 49K–76K miles
Recalls 2
- engine 2023
The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.
- equipment 2018
These vehicles were shipped with the European brake reservoir pictogram cap label and the European English language owner's manual kits.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Ford told dealers about
Ford sent dealers 95 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Some 2018 EcoSport vehicles equipped with a Factory Invoiced Accessories (FIA)remote start…
- Some 2018 EcoSport vehicles equipped with rear parking aid camera may intermittently exhibit…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedOil pump failure2023–2024
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford EcoSport 4 DR AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ford EcoSport 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2300–2550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.0L 3-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Lost of engine oil pressure and illuminating engine oil light.
2018 Ford EcoSport owner · NHTSA complaint 11329778
More owner reports
The engine will randomly shut off when in park mode due the auto-stop start feature not disengaging correctly. Ford has not been able to reproduce the problem and doesn't have a solution.
NHTSA complaint 11113082
Oil warning lamp came on and then a loss of engine oil pressure. Car started shaking. Had towed to Ford in clovis. Said the block is damaged and looks like the oil belt tensioner broke and damaged engine
NHTSA complaint 11373258
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Ford EcoSport reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 62; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Ford EcoSport year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2018 Ford EcoSport problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (44%), electrical (21%) and brakes (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Ford EcoSport have?
2 safety recalls (latest: engine). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Ford EcoSport get?
25 to 28 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 Ford EcoSport safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2018 Ford EcoSport problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 46,700 and 81,000 miles. The middle report was at 65,000 miles, from 267 complaints.
Does the 2018 Ford EcoSport have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 6% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2018 Ford EcoSport cost in fuel a year?
About $2300 to $2550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Ford EcoSport have?
1.0L 3-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
What Ford EcoSport year is better than the 2018?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2022, 2019 and 2018.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works