2018 Ford EcoSport

The 2018 Ford EcoSport is a subcompact SUV that offers a relatively affordable entry point into the SUV market. It came with two engine options: a 1.0L EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 125 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0L naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 166 horsepower and 149 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Many owners appreciate its maneuverability, compact size, and available features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, some common complaints include a sluggish acceleration, especially with the 1.0L engine, and a cramped rear seat.

Engine

1.0L EcoBoost Turbocharged Three-Cylinder

• Coolant Loss
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant levels drop rapidly, leading to overheating. White smoke from the exhaust. Smell of burning coolant.
  • Solution: Replace the cylinder head. Replace the coolant reservoir if cracked. Inspect the coolant lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling or whining noises from the engine bay, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L Naturally Aspirated Four-Cylinder

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine requires frequent oil top-offs. Blue smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Replace the piston rings. Valve Stem Seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (Both Engines)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Jerky or delayed shifts between gears. Hesitation when accelerating.
  • Solution: Perform a transmission fluid flush and change. If the problem persists, the valve body may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Fluid Flush $200 - $400, Valve Body Replacement $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine RPMs increase without a corresponding increase in vehicle speed.
  • Solution: Full transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Wear of Suspension Components
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the suspension, uneven tire wear, poor handling.
  • Solution: Replace worn struts, shocks, sway bar links, and/or control arm bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ (depending on the specific component and labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The Sync 3 infotainment system freezes, becomes unresponsive, or restarts unexpectedly.
  • Solution: Software update. If the problem persists, the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: APIM Replacement $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains overnight or after a short period of inactivity, causing difficulty starting the vehicle.
  • Solution: Check for parasitic drains by testing each of the fuses. Replace the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Battery Replacement $150 - $300+, Parasitic Draw Diagnosis & Repair Varies Depending on the Cause
  • Recalls: None Found
• Backup Camera Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The backup camera display is distorted, black, or shows an error message.
  • Solution: Check the camera connections and wiring. Replace the backup camera.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The exterior door handle breaks or becomes difficult to use.
  • Solution: Replace the door handle assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof motor isn’t working. It is hard to open and close.
  • Solution: Replace the sunroof motor or sunroof assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat levers/adjustments aren’t working, the leather is not wearing correctly, and the power seats aren’t working.
  • Solution: Replace the seat motors, levers, and assemblies.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Ford EcoSport, while offering affordability and maneuverability, has several potential issues to be aware of. The engine problems, particularly coolant loss in the 1.0L EcoBoost and excessive oil consumption in the 2.0L, can be costly to repair. Transmission issues can range from relatively inexpensive fluid changes to expensive rebuilds or replacements. Electrical problems, especially with the infotainment system and backup camera, are also common. While some issues are relatively minor, others can lead to significant repair bills, so a thorough inspection and maintenance history review are crucial before purchasing a used 2018 EcoSport.