NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
101 reportsClear category filter95,000 miles · Jun 20, 2020
Power Train
ON FRIDAY JUNE 19TH, MY SON AND I WERE MAKING A RIGHT TURN ONTO A MAIN STREET FROM A PARKING LOT. THE CAR HESITATED, THEN STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. I COULD HAVE THE CAR IDLE UP. BUT IT WOULDN'T MOVE. MYSELF AND ANOTHER GUY HELPED ME PUSH THE CAR BACK INTO THE STRIP MALL PARKING LOT. WE ALMOST GOT HIT TWICE TRYING TO PUS…
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ON FRIDAY JUNE 19TH, MY SON AND I WERE MAKING A RIGHT TURN ONTO A MAIN STREET FROM A PARKING LOT. THE CAR HESITATED, THEN STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. I COULD HAVE THE CAR IDLE UP. BUT IT WOULDN'T MOVE. MYSELF AND ANOTHER GUY HELPED ME PUSH THE CAR BACK INTO THE STRIP MALL PARKING LOT. WE ALMOST GOT HIT TWICE TRYING TO PUSH THE CAR. I HAD THE CAR TOWED HOME. I CALLED MY FORD DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT MY CAR'S VIN NUMBER WAS ELIGIBLE FOR THE 100,000 MILE EXTENDED WARRANTY. I HAVE LESS THAN 100, 000 MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11329826
123,000 miles · May 27, 2020
Electrical SystemPower Train
MY BATTERY WENT DEAD ON 5/26/20, IT WAS UNABLE TO BE JUMPED OFF AT AUTO ZONE. I BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY FOR $108. AFTER INSTALLING MY DASH APPEARED TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION SERVICE NOW, PRIOR TO THIS I HAD NO ISSUES OTHER THAN MY PURGE CONTROL VALVE HAS WENT OUT TWICE. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND HE IMMEDIATELY STATED THE BATTERY …
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MY BATTERY WENT DEAD ON 5/26/20, IT WAS UNABLE TO BE JUMPED OFF AT AUTO ZONE. I BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY FOR $108. AFTER INSTALLING MY DASH APPEARED TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION SERVICE NOW, PRIOR TO THIS I HAD NO ISSUES OTHER THAN MY PURGE CONTROL VALVE HAS WENT OUT TWICE. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND HE IMMEDIATELY STATED THE BATTERY DYING CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE TO BURN OUT AND THAT IT IS A COMMON ISSUE. HE SAID MY VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN A RECALL/EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT MY VINTAGE WAS NOT INCLUDED AND HE WASN'T SURE WHY. HE SAID IT WOULD BE A $600 FIX TO REACH OUT TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY ABOUT INCLUDING MY VEHICLE WHICH THEY REFUSED AFTER CALLING TWICE. I WAS AT AUTO ZONE WHEN THIS HAPPENED TO HAVE MY BATTERY TESTED BECAUSE 3 TIMES IN THE LAST MONTH I HAVE HAD TROUBLE STARTING MY CAR. I CALLED JENKINS AND WYNN IN CLARKSVILLE TN AS WELL AS FORD MOTOR COMPANY RECALL CUSTOMER RELATIONS TWICE. *BF*JB
NHTSA ODI #11326225
112,000 miles · Feb 21, 2020
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FIESTA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE OR SHIFT GEARS IN CORRECT ORDER WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE TO THE RESIDENCE, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE VEHIC…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FIESTA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE OR SHIFT GEARS IN CORRECT ORDER WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE TO THE RESIDENCE, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AIRPORT MARINA FORD LOCATED AT (5880 W CENTINELA AVE, LOS ANGELES, CA 90045) WHERE IT WAS ALSO DIAGNOSED WITH A TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT AIRPORT MARINA FORD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000. *DT*JB
NHTSA ODI #11310577
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
51,000 miles · Jan 21, 2020
Power Train
TRANSMISSION HESITATES, DOESN'T ALWAYS MOVE FROM GEAR TO GEAR AND OFTEN MAKES STRANGE NOISES
NHTSA ODI #11300897
70,000 miles · Nov 12, 2019
Power Train
TRANSMISSION NOISE JUST BEFORE THE #3 SHIFT RATHER IT UP A UPSHIFT OR DOWNSHIFT. THE VEHICLE HAS A FAULTY CLUTCH AND THE SLAVE CYLINDER IS NOISY. THE #3 SHIFT NOISE MAY BE FAULTY SHIFT SYNCHRONIZER OR A DAMAGED SHIFT FORK
NHTSA ODI #11279695
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
25,000 miles · Jul 27, 2019
Power TrainVehicle Speed ControlCrash
FORD DEALERSHIP "FIXED" THE TRANSMISSION ON 7-24-19 EXCEPT IT'S NOT FIXED. AT A STOP WHEN PRESSING THE GAS THE CAR WON'T MOVE THEN SUDDENLY LAUNCH FORWARD RANDOMLY. IT ALSO STILL LOSES ALL ENGINE POWER WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THESE WERE THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS BEFORE THE "FIX". THIS ISSUE HAS CAUSED A MINOR ACCIDENT AS WEL…
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FORD DEALERSHIP "FIXED" THE TRANSMISSION ON 7-24-19 EXCEPT IT'S NOT FIXED. AT A STOP WHEN PRESSING THE GAS THE CAR WON'T MOVE THEN SUDDENLY LAUNCH FORWARD RANDOMLY. IT ALSO STILL LOSES ALL ENGINE POWER WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THESE WERE THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS BEFORE THE "FIX". THIS ISSUE HAS CAUSED A MINOR ACCIDENT AS WELL. WE GOT LIGHTLY REAR ENDED WHEN A LIGHT TURNED GREEN, WE STARTED MOVING FORWARD AND AT ABOUT 7-10MPH WE LOST ALL POWER AND THE PERSON BEHIND US COULDN'T STOP QUICK ENOUGH. DAMAGE WAS MINOR, JUST SOME CHIPPED PAINT BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE.
NHTSA ODI #11235271
39,000 miles · Jul 25, 2019
Power TrainService BrakesVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FIESTA. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO LUNGE FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. AT TIMES, WHILE APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL AND THEN SLOWLY PICK UP SPEED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURES. THE CONTACT ALSO S…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FIESTA. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO LUNGE FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. AT TIMES, WHILE APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL AND THEN SLOWLY PICK UP SPEED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURES. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL WHILE IN DRIVE, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GALPIN FORD (1000 SANDRETTO DR, PRESCOTT, AZ 86305, (877) 826-2935) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A FAULTY TRANSMISSION. SINCE OWNING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HAD THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE REPLACED TWICE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND PROVIDED THE REPAIR COST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000.
NHTSA ODI #11234912
NHTSA investigations
2EA26004 · 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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