NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Unknown Or Other complaints
22 reportsClear category filter41,000 miles · Jul 24, 2020
Power TrainUnknown Or Other
THE CLUTCH PEDAL GETS STUCK ABOUT AN INCH OFF THE FLOOR AFTER BEING DEPRESSED AT SEEMINGLY RANDOM TIMES USUALLY IN THE WARMER WEATHER MONTHS. THIS HAS CAUSED ME TO LOSE THE ABILITY TO CHANGE GEARS AND LOSS OF ABILITY TO ACCELERATE. IT DOES NOT COME OUT OF THIS POSITION UNTIL I PHYSICALLY PULL THE PEDAL OFF THE FLOOR. I HAVE H…
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THE CLUTCH PEDAL GETS STUCK ABOUT AN INCH OFF THE FLOOR AFTER BEING DEPRESSED AT SEEMINGLY RANDOM TIMES USUALLY IN THE WARMER WEATHER MONTHS. THIS HAS CAUSED ME TO LOSE THE ABILITY TO CHANGE GEARS AND LOSS OF ABILITY TO ACCELERATE. IT DOES NOT COME OUT OF THIS POSITION UNTIL I PHYSICALLY PULL THE PEDAL OFF THE FLOOR. I HAVE HAD INCIDENTS WHERE I HAVE BEEN STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION UNABLE TO MOVE WHERE I HAVE ALMOST BEEN HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON ISSUE AND IS NOTED IN MANY FIESTA ST FORUMS.
NHTSA ODI #11341386
65,000 miles · Apr 24, 2020
Seat BeltsStructureUnknown Or Other
MY VEHICLE IS A 2016 FORD FIESTA ST WITH A SUNROOF. I LIVE IN AN AREA WHERE THERE IS NOT MUCH FLAT LAND TO PARK VEHICLES. MY DRIVEWAY IS GREATER THAN A 20% GRADE. THIS COMPLAINT IS RELATED TO SUNROOF SEAL LEAKS IN ANY MODE OF OPERATION. THE SUNROOF SEAL IS A SINGLE STRIP OF RUBBER WITH A DISCONNECTED SEAM THAT IS ORIENTED AT…
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MY VEHICLE IS A 2016 FORD FIESTA ST WITH A SUNROOF. I LIVE IN AN AREA WHERE THERE IS NOT MUCH FLAT LAND TO PARK VEHICLES. MY DRIVEWAY IS GREATER THAN A 20% GRADE. THIS COMPLAINT IS RELATED TO SUNROOF SEAL LEAKS IN ANY MODE OF OPERATION. THE SUNROOF SEAL IS A SINGLE STRIP OF RUBBER WITH A DISCONNECTED SEAM THAT IS ORIENTED AT THE TOP OF THE SUNROOF. AS THE RUBBER AGES, THE RUBBER SHRINKS AND THE SEAM CAN DEVELOP INTO A GAP THAT LETS WATER INSIDE THE SUNROOF DRAINAGE TRAY. IF THE SUNROOF SEAL LEAKS OR FAILS, THE CAR IS DESIGNED TO COLLECT THE WATER AND DRAIN IT TO A LOCATION NEAR THE FRONT WHEEL WELLS. THIS WORKS PERFECTLY AS LONG AS THE CAR IS LEVEL. IF THE CAR IS PARKED AT A 15% GRADE OR STEEPER WITH THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE POINTING UPWARDS, THE SUNROOF SEAL WILL LEAK, BUT THE WATER COLLECTED WILL NOT DRAIN TOWARD THE INTENDED DRAINS. THE WATER WILL INSTEAD FLOW DOWN THE SIDES OF THE ROOFLINE INSIDE PLASTIC TROUGHS. THESE TROUGHS ARE NOT WELL DRAINED TO THE EXTERIOR. THE WATER WILL FLOW THROUGH THE TROUGHS AND EXIT INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE NEAR THE HEAD LINER AND THE REAR PLASTIC TRIM OF THE INTERIOR NEXT TO THE REAR WINDOW. THIS WILL EVENTUALLY FILL UP THE SEALED SPARE TIRE WELL, AND WILL CAUSE CORROSION OVER TIME. THIS CORROSION MAY AFFECT THE CAR'S STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY AND MAY AFFECT THE CAR'S CRASH WORTHINESS IF ALLOWED TO CONTINUE. THE WATER IS ONLY NOTICEABLE IF THE TRUNK SHELF IS REMOVED, WHICH IN MANY VEHICLES WILL NEVER HAPPEN. THE WATER ALSO HAS A TENDENCY TO COLLECT ON THE REAR SEATBELT SPOOL AND THE SPOOL SUPPORT FASTENERS. IF THE WATER IS LEFT ON THE SEATBELT SPOOLS FOR LONG ENOUGH TIME, THE SEATBELTS FOR THE REAR SEATS CAN BE WEAKENED OVER TIME BY CORROSION. THE SEATBELT ISSUE MAY NOT BECOME A SAFETY CONCERN UNTIL SOMETIME IN THE CAR'S FUTURE IN THE SECONDHAND MARKET. BLACK MOLD GROWTH MAY BECOME AN ISSUE AS WELL.
NHTSA ODI #11322212
45,000 miles · Mar 13, 2020
Unknown Or Other
WHEN I PUT GAS IN MY 2016 FORD FIESTA IT WANT START RIGHT AFTER THE CAR STALL WHICH I'M TOLD BY MY MECHANIC THAT THE VAPOR CANISTER PURGE VALVE IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND FORD HAS THIS SAME ISSUE WITH THE FORD FOCUS BUT WANT PUT THE FIESTA ON THE TO BE RECALLED LIST
NHTSA ODI #11317873
Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 2020
Electrical SystemExterior LightingUnknown Or Other
TUVE PROBLEMA CON LA COMPUTADORA Y TRANSMISIN AUTOMTICA, DESDE QUE SE ADQUIRI LA UNIDAD REPORTE PROBLEMA CON LOS ELEVADORES DEL AUTO YA QUE NO SE TRABAN A SUBIR Y BAJAR, NO HAN DADO SOLUCIN A ESTE PROBLEMA Y SOLO LO 'RESUELVEN CON LUBRICANTE' . LA INTENSIDAD DEL TABLERO CAMBIA CONSTANTEMENTE, AL TRATAR DE SUBIR O BAJAR EL VOLUME…
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TUVE PROBLEMA CON LA COMPUTADORA Y TRANSMISIN AUTOMTICA, DESDE QUE SE ADQUIRI LA UNIDAD REPORTE PROBLEMA CON LOS ELEVADORES DEL AUTO YA QUE NO SE TRABAN A SUBIR Y BAJAR, NO HAN DADO SOLUCIN A ESTE PROBLEMA Y SOLO LO 'RESUELVEN CON LUBRICANTE' . LA INTENSIDAD DEL TABLERO CAMBIA CONSTANTEMENTE, AL TRATAR DE SUBIR O BAJAR EL VOLUMEN DEL ESTERO NO LO HACE DE MANERA CORRECTA
NHTSA ODI #11317496
26,000 miles · Dec 28, 2019
Unknown Or Other
TRANSMISSION RECALLS
NHTSA ODI #11291799
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
49,500 miles · Nov 13, 2019
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
OVER THE SUMMER 2019, PASSENGER LEFT SIDE DOOR DID NOT LATCH. CHILD LOCK WAS ON. UPON DISCOVERY OF DEFECT, IT WAS TAKEN TO FORD TO REPAIR. ON NOVEMBER 12, 2019, DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR DID NOT WANT TO LATCH. WENT TO CHECK ON THE CAR NEXT DAY, AND THE DOOR LATCHES WITHOUT PROBLEMS MORE THAN ONCE. FILING A COMPLAINT BECAUSE IT HAS HAPP…
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OVER THE SUMMER 2019, PASSENGER LEFT SIDE DOOR DID NOT LATCH. CHILD LOCK WAS ON. UPON DISCOVERY OF DEFECT, IT WAS TAKEN TO FORD TO REPAIR. ON NOVEMBER 12, 2019, DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR DID NOT WANT TO LATCH. WENT TO CHECK ON THE CAR NEXT DAY, AND THE DOOR LATCHES WITHOUT PROBLEMS MORE THAN ONCE. FILING A COMPLAINT BECAUSE IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE IN THE SAME YEAR WITH DIFFERENT CAR DOORS. WILL TAKE TO FORD AGAIN ON NOVEMBER 15TH TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT TO MAKE SURE THERE ARE NO ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. BOTH TIMES THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN THIS OCCURRED.
NHTSA ODI #11279923
20 miles · Jul 23, 2019
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other
CAR STALLS, DOESN'T PICK UP SPEED, HESITATES TO START, ENGINE LIGHT IS ON BECAUSE THE GAS VALVE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. GAS WARNING COMES ON WHEN HALF FULL. GAS SMELL THROUGHOUT CAR. HAS A LOAD HUMMING SOUND WHEN DRIVING OR IDLED. JUMPS WHEN ACCELERATE. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO A DEALERSHIP IN SAINT LOUIS (RELOCATED RECENTLY) AND T…
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CAR STALLS, DOESN'T PICK UP SPEED, HESITATES TO START, ENGINE LIGHT IS ON BECAUSE THE GAS VALVE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. GAS WARNING COMES ON WHEN HALF FULL. GAS SMELL THROUGHOUT CAR. HAS A LOAD HUMMING SOUND WHEN DRIVING OR IDLED. JUMPS WHEN ACCELERATE. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO A DEALERSHIP IN SAINT LOUIS (RELOCATED RECENTLY) AND THEY WON'T TOUCH IT.
NHTSA ODI #11234317
25,000 miles · Jul 16, 2019
Unknown Or OtherVehicle Speed Control
WHEN I STEP ON THE GAS, THE CAR SPORADICALLY WILL NOT GO. SO I WILL STEP ON THE GAS LITTLE BIT MORE AND THE CAR WILL STILL NOT GO. SO I WILL STEP ON THE GAS A LITTLE MORE AND THEN SOMETHING WILL ENGAGE AND I WILL SHOOT FORWARD. THIS HAPPENS IN PLACES WHERE IT COULD BE CATASTROPHIC. FOR EXAMPLE, ONCE I WAS AT A STOP SIGN AND THIS…
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WHEN I STEP ON THE GAS, THE CAR SPORADICALLY WILL NOT GO. SO I WILL STEP ON THE GAS LITTLE BIT MORE AND THE CAR WILL STILL NOT GO. SO I WILL STEP ON THE GAS A LITTLE MORE AND THEN SOMETHING WILL ENGAGE AND I WILL SHOOT FORWARD. THIS HAPPENS IN PLACES WHERE IT COULD BE CATASTROPHIC. FOR EXAMPLE, ONCE I WAS AT A STOP SIGN AND THIS WAS HAPPENING AND BECAUSE MY CAR WASN'T MOVING, ANOTHER CAR STARTED TO GO AND MY CAR FINALLY ENGAGED AND SHOT FORWARD AND I NARROWLY MISSED HITTING THAT OTHER VEHICLE
NHTSA ODI #11232611
7,000 miles · Oct 4, 2017
Unknown Or Other
TRANSMISSION ISSUES. THE CAR JERKS AND STUTTERS AND RAMPS UP REALLY HIGH. DON'T FEEL VERY SAFE IN EVERY DAY TRAFFIC. I JUST PURCHASED THE 2016 BRAND NEW IN MAY 2017 AND HAVE HAD IT BACK FOR SERVICE THREE TIMES. I AM NOT SATISFIED WITH THE EXPLANATION OF THE DUAL TRANSMISSION. HAD I KNOW IT HAD THE SAME TRANSMISSION AS MY 20…
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TRANSMISSION ISSUES. THE CAR JERKS AND STUTTERS AND RAMPS UP REALLY HIGH. DON'T FEEL VERY SAFE IN EVERY DAY TRAFFIC. I JUST PURCHASED THE 2016 BRAND NEW IN MAY 2017 AND HAVE HAD IT BACK FOR SERVICE THREE TIMES. I AM NOT SATISFIED WITH THE EXPLANATION OF THE DUAL TRANSMISSION. HAD I KNOW IT HAD THE SAME TRANSMISSION AS MY 2011 FIESTA, I WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE!
NHTSA ODI #11031719
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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