New vehicle was sold with 2 manufacturing defects: 1) Defective front left shock absorber with made steering unstable. 2) Leaking value cover gasket with created a fire risk. 3) Both defects where confirmed by a dealer. 4) Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance representative or others. 5) No warning l…
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New vehicle was sold with 2 manufacturing defects: 1) Defective front left shock absorber with made steering unstable. 2) Leaking value cover gasket with created a fire risk. 3) Both defects where confirmed by a dealer. 4) Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance representative or others. 5) No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of problem were presented prior to first dealer inspection. 6) The dealer who discovered the 2 manufacturing defects within the 3 year warranty period, held the vehicle over the weekend and claimed to have fixed both. However the next time I took it to a service center I was told the value cover gasket was leaking. 7) I eventually returned to the original dealer who sold me the vehicle and they confirmed that the value cover gasket was leaking and apparently was not repaired under warranty as expected. 8) The original dealer repaired the value cover gasket off-premise in local parking lot and over charge me based on previous warranty price.
NHTSA ODI #11497274
Mileage unknown · Jun 3, 2022
Engine
I should have an open recall for the coolant reservoir however it isn’t coming up at any Ford dealerships. There’s an issue with the OEM Khalid reservoir that comes in this vehicle and it’s leaking fluid.
NHTSA ODI #11467362
51,000 miles · Apr 7, 2021
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY MY CARS THROTTLE BODY STOPPED FUNCTIONING. HAVING TO TRY AND PULL OVER I GOT STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND STARTED IT AGAIN AND EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE. DURING THE SAME TRIP HOME I GOT STUCK ON A SMALL TWO LANE BRIDGE TWICE FOR THE SAME REASON. AFTER GETTING OFF THE BRIDGE IT …
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WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY MY CARS THROTTLE BODY STOPPED FUNCTIONING. HAVING TO TRY AND PULL OVER I GOT STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND STARTED IT AGAIN AND EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE. DURING THE SAME TRIP HOME I GOT STUCK ON A SMALL TWO LANE BRIDGE TWICE FOR THE SAME REASON. AFTER GETTING OFF THE BRIDGE IT HAPPENED A FOURTH TIME ON THE HIGHWAY AGAIN DOING 70MPH.
NHTSA ODI #11406957
76,902 miles · Feb 4, 2021
Electrical SystemEngine
I HAVE A 2016 FORD FIESTA THIS MODEL CAR DOES NOT COME WITH A GAS CAP. I'VE NOTICED AFTER I FILLED MY CAR UP WITH GAS MY CAR STUTTERS AND STALLS OUT AND SOMETIMES DOESN'T START RIGHT AWAY THIS GOES AWAY AFTER 3 OR 4 TIMES IS STARTING THE CAR BACK UP I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT MY PURGE VALVE FOR THE FORD FI…
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I HAVE A 2016 FORD FIESTA THIS MODEL CAR DOES NOT COME WITH A GAS CAP. I'VE NOTICED AFTER I FILLED MY CAR UP WITH GAS MY CAR STUTTERS AND STALLS OUT AND SOMETIMES DOESN'T START RIGHT AWAY THIS GOES AWAY AFTER 3 OR 4 TIMES IS STARTING THE CAR BACK UP I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT MY PURGE VALVE FOR THE FORD FIESTA WAS DEFECTIVE I'VE ALREADY HAD THIS REPAIRED AND BELIEVE THIS REPAIR HAS FIXED THE PROBLEM I'VE READ OF OTHER PEOPLE OF THE SAME YEAR MAKE AND MODEL HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES APPARENTLY BECAUSE THE HAS A CAPLESS GAS TANK THIS CREATES AIR POCKETS IN THE FUEL TANK WHICH MESSES UP THE PURGE VALVE OVER TIME.
NHTSA ODI #11394752
Mileage unknown · Jan 7, 2021
Engine
LEAK IN COOLANT RESERVE TANK CAUSING OVERHEATING. TANK HAD TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI #11387081
119,000 miles · Feb 1, 2020
EnginePower Train
THE TCM LIGHT COMES ON WHEN CAR IS STARTED. WHILE THE CAR IS MOVING IT SEEM TO SLIP OUT OF GEAR. THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT ROAD OR TURNING OR SLOWING DOWN. THE RPM REVS UP BUT THE CAR IS SLOWING DOWN. THIS HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING 30 MPH OR 50 MPH.
NHTSA ODI #11306446
64,336 miles · Jan 28, 2020
EnginePower Train
WHEN ACCELERATING AFTER STOPPING MY 2016 FIESTA SE SHUDDERS QUITE HARD MOVING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR AND THEN ALSO FROM 2ND TO 3RD. I'VE NOTICED THAT THE LENGTH OF TIME THE CAR SHUDDERS IS INCREASING. THE SHUDDER IS ACCOMPANIED BY A LOUD RATTLING SOUND LIKE IF YOU SHOOK A BUNCH OF SCREWS IN A METAL CONTAINER. SOMETIMES LOSS OF…
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WHEN ACCELERATING AFTER STOPPING MY 2016 FIESTA SE SHUDDERS QUITE HARD MOVING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR AND THEN ALSO FROM 2ND TO 3RD. I'VE NOTICED THAT THE LENGTH OF TIME THE CAR SHUDDERS IS INCREASING. THE SHUDDER IS ACCOMPANIED BY A LOUD RATTLING SOUND LIKE IF YOU SHOOK A BUNCH OF SCREWS IN A METAL CONTAINER. SOMETIMES LOSS OF POWER AND HIGH RPM'S OCCUR. I WILL TAKE IT BACK IN AND THIS WILL BE THE 4TH TIME. THE FORD DEALERSHIP TELLS ME THAT THE SHUDDER DOESN'T HARM THE TRANSMISSION. I DON 'T BELIEVE THAT. CAN'T EVEN SELL THE CAR (I TRIED) BECAUSE THIS CAR'S RESALE VALUE IS ZERO. NEXT I'M THINKING OF PURSUING A LEMON LAW RESOLUTION.
NHTSA ODI #11302428
50,495 miles · Dec 10, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineUnknown Or Other
WE TRIED TURNING THE CAR ON. THE LIGHTS STARTED BLINKING RAPIDLY THE. IT SAID THE TRACTION CONTROL WAS OFF. EVEN THOUGH WE DID NOT TURN IT OFF. WE JUMP STARTED THE CAR AND IT WENT ON BUT ONLY FOR THE DASHBOARD TO SAY 'TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION SERVICE NOW'. WHEN DRIVING ON THE STREET AND FREEWAY TO THE NEXT EXIT. IT FELT AND SOUN…
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WE TRIED TURNING THE CAR ON. THE LIGHTS STARTED BLINKING RAPIDLY THE. IT SAID THE TRACTION CONTROL WAS OFF. EVEN THOUGH WE DID NOT TURN IT OFF. WE JUMP STARTED THE CAR AND IT WENT ON BUT ONLY FOR THE DASHBOARD TO SAY 'TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION SERVICE NOW'. WHEN DRIVING ON THE STREET AND FREEWAY TO THE NEXT EXIT. IT FELT AND SOUND LIKE THE ENGINE IS REVVING THE ENTIRE TIME NO MATTER WHAT SPEED. THE RPM IS RUNNING HIGH GOING STRAIGHT PAST 3
NHTSA ODI #11288286
Mileage unknown · Oct 8, 2019
EnginePower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FIESTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACTUATORS REPEATEDLY FAILED ON THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE AIR COMPRESSORS MALFUNCTIONED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. FURTHERMORE, THE VEHICLE LEAKED OIL FROM THE TRANSMISSION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO RUSSELL AND SMITH FORD (…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FIESTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACTUATORS REPEATEDLY FAILED ON THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE AIR COMPRESSORS MALFUNCTIONED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. FURTHERMORE, THE VEHICLE LEAKED OIL FROM THE TRANSMISSION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO RUSSELL AND SMITH FORD (3440 S LOOP W, HOUSTON, TX 77025, (713) 230-8368) WHERE IT WAS SERVICED MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THE FAILURES UNDER WARRANTY. ON ONE OCCASION, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, IT SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT THE ENGINE BEGAN TO SCREECH. UPON DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE CONTINUE TO SCREECH AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO RANDALL REED'S PLANET FORD (19000 EASTEX FWY, HUMBLE, TX 77338, (866) 844-5995) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE AIR COMPRESSOR AND NUMEROUS OTHER FAILURES; HOWEVER, THE FAILURES CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #11267091
59,000 miles · Aug 4, 2019
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
WHEN I REFUEL IT TAKES SEVERAL TRIES TO GET VEHICLE RESTARTED AND NEED TO PUMP ACCELERATOR TO KEEP IT FROM DYING. THE SMELL OF GAS IS BAD. COME TO A RED LIGHT STALLS AND HARD TO RESTART. AIR BAG LIGHT ON DASH AND NEVER GOES OUT. RPM SURGE AND CAR WILL LUNGE, VERY SCARY. JUST STARTED A LOUD CLICKING/THUMPING NOISE, FOUND O…
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WHEN I REFUEL IT TAKES SEVERAL TRIES TO GET VEHICLE RESTARTED AND NEED TO PUMP ACCELERATOR TO KEEP IT FROM DYING. THE SMELL OF GAS IS BAD. COME TO A RED LIGHT STALLS AND HARD TO RESTART. AIR BAG LIGHT ON DASH AND NEVER GOES OUT. RPM SURGE AND CAR WILL LUNGE, VERY SCARY. JUST STARTED A LOUD CLICKING/THUMPING NOISE, FOUND OUT COULD BE ACTUATOR. AC WILL STOP BLOWING COOL AND BEGIN AGAIN. REPAIR SHOP CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHY. FOR A NEW CAR HAS MANY ISSUES FOR BEING OUT FOR SUCH A SHORT TIME.
NHTSA ODI #11241596
Official recalls
0
No recalls in this snapshot.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2
EA26004 · Timing Belt Failure
Opened Jul 31, 2026 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys
On December 18, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE25020 to investigate instances of timing belt failure in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford Fiesta and MY 2015-2018 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Ford), equipped with a 1.0L engine and manual transmission (subject vehicles). Additionally, MY 2018-2021 Ford EcoSport and MY 2016-2018 Focus vehicles with a 1.0L engine and automatic transmission were analyzed as peer vehicles because they utilize a wet timing belt comprised of similar material as the timing belt in the subject vehicles. Through the PE, ODI investigated a potential failure/degradation of the timing belt that may affect oil pump function resulting in a lack of engine lubrication and potential loss of motive power. The complaints commonly allege a low engine oil pressure warning lamp immediately preceding a complete loss or reduction of motive power while the vehicle is in motion. Some complaints allege that a sudden loss of motive power or engine seizure occurred without warning or prior detectable symptoms. ODI’s analysis supports that this failure can occur without sufficient and advanced warning to the driver that a loss of motive power/engine seizure is imminent. ODI found that the timing belt material may degrade and create debris that clogs the mesh oil pump pick-up screen, resulting in reduced oil pressure in the engine. As additional debris accumulates on the screen, this can progress to a loss of motive power while driving due to a lack of engine lubrication. The failure data provided in response to this investigation revealed an average failure mileage of approximately 70,000 miles, and that 98% of the failures occurred prior to the 150,000 mile timing belt replacement interval per the vehicles’ maintenance schedule. Based on evidence collected via consumer surveys and an engine teardown, failures have occurred despite evidence of proper and routine oil maintenance. The oil pump pick-up screen is not serviceable, so debris accumulation cannot be inspected or manually removed without removing the engine from the vehicle. On June 2, 2026, Ford informed ODI of a non-safety customer satisfaction program for global vehicles with the 1.0L Fox Classic Timing Belt. This program will notify customers globally of a revised maintenance interval for the timing belt, reducing the original 150,000 mile interval down to 100,000 miles/6 years. This customer satisfaction program will also offer reimbursement to eligible customers who previously paid to have their engine repaired or replaced due to a timing belt related issue. Based on NHTSA’s analysis of the data, failure rates, information provided by Ford, preliminary engine teardown analysis, and precedent recalls regarding loss of engine oil pressure with the presence of driver facing warnings, ODI believes there is an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysis to perform component-level and vehicle testing. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys
On December 18, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE25020 to investigate instances of timing belt failure in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford Fiesta and MY 2015-2018 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Ford), equipped with a 1.0L engine and manual transmission (subject vehicles). Additionally, MY 2018-2021 Ford EcoSport and MY 2016-2018 Focus vehicles with a 1.0L engine and automatic transmission were analyzed as peer vehicles because they utilize a wet timing belt comprised of similar material as the timing belt in the subject vehicles. Through the PE, ODI investigated a potential failure/degradation of the timing belt that may affect oil pump function resulting in a lack of engine lubrication and potential loss of motive power. The complaints commonly allege a low engine oil pressure warning lamp immediately preceding a complete loss or reduction of motive power while the vehicle is in motion. Some complaints allege that a sudden loss of motive power or engine seizure occurred without warning or prior detectable symptoms. ODI’s analysis supports that this failure can occur without sufficient and advanced warning to the driver that a loss of motive power/engine seizure is imminent. ODI found that the timing belt material may degrade and create debris that clogs the mesh oil pump pick-up screen, resulting in reduced oil pressure in the engine. As additional debris accumulates on the screen, this can progress to a loss of motive power while driving due to a lack of engine lubrication. The failure data provided in response to this investigation revealed an average failure mileage of approximately 70,000 miles, and that 98% of the failures occurred prior to the 150,000 mile timing belt replacement interval per the vehicles’ maintenance schedule. Based on evidence collected via consumer surveys and an engine teardown, failures have occurred despite evidence of proper and routine oil maintenance. The oil pump pick-up screen is not serviceable, so debris accumulation cannot be inspected or manually removed without removing the engine from the vehicle. On June 2, 2026, Ford informed ODI of a non-safety customer satisfaction program for global vehicles with the 1.0L Fox Classic Timing Belt. This program will notify customers globally of a revised maintenance interval for the timing belt, reducing the original 150,000 mile interval down to 100,000 miles/6 years. This customer satisfaction program will also offer reimbursement to eligible customers who previously paid to have their engine repaired or replaced due to a timing belt related issue. Based on NHTSA’s analysis of the data, failure rates, information provided by Ford, preliminary engine teardown analysis, and precedent recalls regarding loss of engine oil pressure with the presence of driver facing warnings, ODI believes there is an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysis to perform component-level and vehicle testing. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Engine
On December 18, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE25020 to investigate instances of timing belt failure in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford Fiesta and MY 2015-2018 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Ford), equipped with a 1.0L engine and manual transmission (subject vehicles). Additionally, MY 2018-2021 Ford EcoSport and MY 2016-2018 Focus vehicles with a 1.0L engine and automatic transmission were analyzed as peer vehicles because they utilize a wet timing belt comprised of similar material as the timing belt in the subject vehicles. Through the PE, ODI investigated a potential failure/degradation of the timing belt that may affect oil pump function resulting in a lack of engine lubrication and potential loss of motive power. The complaints commonly allege a low engine oil pressure warning lamp immediately preceding a complete loss or reduction of motive power while the vehicle is in motion. Some complaints allege that a sudden loss of motive power or engine seizure occurred without warning or prior detectable symptoms. ODI’s analysis supports that this failure can occur without sufficient and advanced warning to the driver that a loss of motive power/engine seizure is imminent. ODI found that the timing belt material may degrade and create debris that clogs the mesh oil pump pick-up screen, resulting in reduced oil pressure in the engine. As additional debris accumulates on the screen, this can progress to a loss of motive power while driving due to a lack of engine lubrication. The failure data provided in response to this investigation revealed an average failure mileage of approximately 70,000 miles, and that 98% of the failures occurred prior to the 150,000 mile timing belt replacement interval per the vehicles’ maintenance schedule. Based on evidence collected via consumer surveys and an engine teardown, failures have occurred despite evidence of proper and routine oil maintenance. The oil pump pick-up screen is not serviceable, so debris accumulation cannot be inspected or manually removed without removing the engine from the vehicle. On June 2, 2026, Ford informed ODI of a non-safety customer satisfaction program for global vehicles with the 1.0L Fox Classic Timing Belt. This program will notify customers globally of a revised maintenance interval for the timing belt, reducing the original 150,000 mile interval down to 100,000 miles/6 years. This customer satisfaction program will also offer reimbursement to eligible customers who previously paid to have their engine repaired or replaced due to a timing belt related issue. Based on NHTSA’s analysis of the data, failure rates, information provided by Ford, preliminary engine teardown analysis, and precedent recalls regarding loss of engine oil pressure with the presence of driver facing warnings, ODI believes there is an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysis to perform component-level and vehicle testing. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
PE25020 · Timing Belt Failure
Opened Dec 18, 2025 · Closed Jul 31, 2026
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys
On December 18, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE25020 to investigate instances of timing belt failure in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford Fiesta and MY 2015-2018 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Ford), equipped with a 1.0L engine and manual transmission (subject vehicles). Additionally, MY 2018-2021 Ford EcoSport and MY 2016-2018 Focus vehicles with a 1.0L engine and automatic transmission were analyzed as peer vehicles because they utilize a wet timing belt comprised of similar material as the timing belt in the subject vehicles. Through the PE, ODI investigated a potential failure/degradation of the timing belt that may affect oil pump function resulting in a lack of engine lubrication and potential loss of motive power. The complaints commonly allege a low engine oil pressure warning lamp immediately preceding a complete loss or reduction of motive power while the vehicle is in motion. Some complaints allege that a sudden loss of motive power or engine seizure occurred without warning or prior detectable symptoms. ODI’s analysis supports that this failure can occur without sufficient and advanced warning to the driver that a loss of motive power/engine seizure is imminent. ODI found that the timing belt material may degrade and create debris that clogs the mesh oil pump pick-up screen, resulting in reduced oil pressure in the engine. As additional debris accumulates on the screen, this can progress to a loss of motive power while driving due to a lack of engine lubrication. The failure data provided in response to this investigation revealed an average failure mileage of approximately 70,000 miles, and that 98% of the failures occurred prior to the 150,000 mile timing belt replacement interval per the vehicles’ maintenance schedule. Based on evidence collected via consumer surveys and an engine teardown, failures have occurred despite evidence of proper and routine oil maintenance. The oil pump pick-up screen is not serviceable, so debris accumulation cannot be inspected or manually removed without removing the engine from the vehicle. On June 2, 2026, Ford informed ODI of a non-safety customer satisfaction program for global vehicles with the 1.0L Fox Classic Timing Belt. This program will notify customers globally of a revised maintenance interval for the timing belt, reducing the original 150,000 mile interval down to 100,000 miles/6 years. This customer satisfaction program will also offer reimbursement to eligible customers who previously paid to have their engine repaired or replaced due to a timing belt related issue. Based on NHTSA’s analysis of the data, failure rates, information provided by Ford, preliminary engine teardown analysis, and precedent recalls regarding loss of engine oil pressure with the presence of driver facing warnings, ODI believes there is an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. Therefore, this Preliminary Evaluation is being upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA26004). During this Engineering Analysis, the agency plans to perform component-level and vehicle testing. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys
On December 18, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE25020 to investigate instances of timing belt failure in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford Fiesta and MY 2015-2018 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Ford), equipped with a 1.0L engine and manual transmission (subject vehicles). Additionally, MY 2018-2021 Ford EcoSport and MY 2016-2018 Focus vehicles with a 1.0L engine and automatic transmission were analyzed as peer vehicles because they utilize a wet timing belt comprised of similar material as the timing belt in the subject vehicles. Through the PE, ODI investigated a potential failure/degradation of the timing belt that may affect oil pump function resulting in a lack of engine lubrication and potential loss of motive power. The complaints commonly allege a low engine oil pressure warning lamp immediately preceding a complete loss or reduction of motive power while the vehicle is in motion. Some complaints allege that a sudden loss of motive power or engine seizure occurred without warning or prior detectable symptoms. ODI’s analysis supports that this failure can occur without sufficient and advanced warning to the driver that a loss of motive power/engine seizure is imminent. ODI found that the timing belt material may degrade and create debris that clogs the mesh oil pump pick-up screen, resulting in reduced oil pressure in the engine. As additional debris accumulates on the screen, this can progress to a loss of motive power while driving due to a lack of engine lubrication. The failure data provided in response to this investigation revealed an average failure mileage of approximately 70,000 miles, and that 98% of the failures occurred prior to the 150,000 mile timing belt replacement interval per the vehicles’ maintenance schedule. Based on evidence collected via consumer surveys and an engine teardown, failures have occurred despite evidence of proper and routine oil maintenance. The oil pump pick-up screen is not serviceable, so debris accumulation cannot be inspected or manually removed without removing the engine from the vehicle. On June 2, 2026, Ford informed ODI of a non-safety customer satisfaction program for global vehicles with the 1.0L Fox Classic Timing Belt. This program will notify customers globally of a revised maintenance interval for the timing belt, reducing the original 150,000 mile interval down to 100,000 miles/6 years. This customer satisfaction program will also offer reimbursement to eligible customers who previously paid to have their engine repaired or replaced due to a timing belt related issue. Based on NHTSA’s analysis of the data, failure rates, information provided by Ford, preliminary engine teardown analysis, and precedent recalls regarding loss of engine oil pressure with the presence of driver facing warnings, ODI believes there is an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. Therefore, this Preliminary Evaluation is being upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA26004). During this Engineering Analysis, the agency plans to perform component-level and vehicle testing. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Engine
On December 18, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE25020 to investigate instances of timing belt failure in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford Fiesta and MY 2015-2018 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Ford), equipped with a 1.0L engine and manual transmission (subject vehicles). Additionally, MY 2018-2021 Ford EcoSport and MY 2016-2018 Focus vehicles with a 1.0L engine and automatic transmission were analyzed as peer vehicles because they utilize a wet timing belt comprised of similar material as the timing belt in the subject vehicles. Through the PE, ODI investigated a potential failure/degradation of the timing belt that may affect oil pump function resulting in a lack of engine lubrication and potential loss of motive power. The complaints commonly allege a low engine oil pressure warning lamp immediately preceding a complete loss or reduction of motive power while the vehicle is in motion. Some complaints allege that a sudden loss of motive power or engine seizure occurred without warning or prior detectable symptoms. ODI’s analysis supports that this failure can occur without sufficient and advanced warning to the driver that a loss of motive power/engine seizure is imminent. ODI found that the timing belt material may degrade and create debris that clogs the mesh oil pump pick-up screen, resulting in reduced oil pressure in the engine. As additional debris accumulates on the screen, this can progress to a loss of motive power while driving due to a lack of engine lubrication. The failure data provided in response to this investigation revealed an average failure mileage of approximately 70,000 miles, and that 98% of the failures occurred prior to the 150,000 mile timing belt replacement interval per the vehicles’ maintenance schedule. Based on evidence collected via consumer surveys and an engine teardown, failures have occurred despite evidence of proper and routine oil maintenance. The oil pump pick-up screen is not serviceable, so debris accumulation cannot be inspected or manually removed without removing the engine from the vehicle. On June 2, 2026, Ford informed ODI of a non-safety customer satisfaction program for global vehicles with the 1.0L Fox Classic Timing Belt. This program will notify customers globally of a revised maintenance interval for the timing belt, reducing the original 150,000 mile interval down to 100,000 miles/6 years. This customer satisfaction program will also offer reimbursement to eligible customers who previously paid to have their engine repaired or replaced due to a timing belt related issue. Based on NHTSA’s analysis of the data, failure rates, information provided by Ford, preliminary engine teardown analysis, and precedent recalls regarding loss of engine oil pressure with the presence of driver facing warnings, ODI believes there is an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. Therefore, this Preliminary Evaluation is being upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA26004). During this Engineering Analysis, the agency plans to perform component-level and vehicle testing. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
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