Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
240–25K
2325–50K
3250–75K
1875–100K
18100–150K
2150K+
117 reports with mileage · 61 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Power Train. Review the 101 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 26 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
10 crash reports1 fire reports6 injury reports
What owners actually said
178 reports
Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 2021
Fuel/propulsion System
ORIGINALLY, SINCE PURCHASE, EVERY TIME I FILLED UP THE VEHICLE IT WILL SUDDENLY JOLT OR JERK AND THE RPMS WOULD DROP TO THE HALF MARK THEN IT WOULD RUMBLE WHILE NOT IN MOTION. RECENTLY, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING THE ABOVE ISSUES WHEN THE TANK IS NEAR EMPTY. I HAVE NOT NOTICED IT AT ANY OTHER TIME AS OF YET BUT I AM ASSUM…
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ORIGINALLY, SINCE PURCHASE, EVERY TIME I FILLED UP THE VEHICLE IT WILL SUDDENLY JOLT OR JERK AND THE RPMS WOULD DROP TO THE HALF MARK THEN IT WOULD RUMBLE WHILE NOT IN MOTION. RECENTLY, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING THE ABOVE ISSUES WHEN THE TANK IS NEAR EMPTY. I HAVE NOT NOTICED IT AT ANY OTHER TIME AS OF YET BUT I AM ASSUMING THAT IT WILL GET WORSE. FORD DEALERSHIP HAS TOLD ME IN THE PAST THAT THEY WILL NOT ATTEMPT TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE UNLESS THE ISSUE IS PRESENT DURING THERE CHECK IN PROCESS.
NHTSA ODI #11406037
87,000 miles · Mar 3, 2021
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FIESTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL UPON DEPRESSION OF THE ACCELERATOR WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO TWO SEPARATE INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHO BOTH STATED THAT THE DUAL CLUTCH SYSTEM HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED PERRY FORD OF NA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FIESTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL UPON DEPRESSION OF THE ACCELERATOR WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO TWO SEPARATE INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHO BOTH STATED THAT THE DUAL CLUTCH SYSTEM HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED PERRY FORD OF NATIONAL CITY (2050 NATIONAL CITY BLVD, NATIONAL CITY, CA 91950) WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.
NHTSA ODI #11398936
70,000 miles · Mar 3, 2021
Fuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other
WHEN FUEL IS ADDED TO THE VEHICLE, IT WILL NOT START FOR 5-20 MINUTES AFTER FUEL IS ADDED AND REQUIRES 3-5 ATTEMPTS TO START. ADDITIONALLY, THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHERE ONCE IT STARTS AND BEGINS OPERATING, IT WILL LOSE POWER AND SHUT OFF. THIS POWER LOSS HAS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES AFTER LEAVING THE GAS STATION PARKING LOSS,…
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WHEN FUEL IS ADDED TO THE VEHICLE, IT WILL NOT START FOR 5-20 MINUTES AFTER FUEL IS ADDED AND REQUIRES 3-5 ATTEMPTS TO START. ADDITIONALLY, THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHERE ONCE IT STARTS AND BEGINS OPERATING, IT WILL LOSE POWER AND SHUT OFF. THIS POWER LOSS HAS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES AFTER LEAVING THE GAS STATION PARKING LOSS, LEADING TO BEING STALLED WHILE IN MOTION ON A ROADWAY. THIS IS A INCREDIBLY SCARY EXPERIENCE.
NHTSA ODI #11398929
36,000 miles · Mar 2, 2021
Power Train
IT WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO ENGAGE INTO 1ST AND 2ND GEAR; THE CLUTCH JUST FELT LOSE AND IT JERKS
NHTSA ODI #11398811
103,000 miles · Feb 16, 2021
Unknown Or Other
THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCH FAILED. NO LONGER HOLDS THE DOOR CLOSED. WHEN CLOSED, THE DOOR CAN BE PUSHED OPEN FROM THE INSIDE WITHOUT TOUCHING THE DOOR HANDLE. THE CAR RECOGNIZES THE DOOR AS ALWAYS OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.
NHTSA ODI #11396448
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
45,000 miles · Feb 3, 2021
Electrical SystemPower Train
I BOUGHT MY 2016 FORD FIESTA WITH 31K MILES ON IT. AT THE TIME I DIDN'T RESEARCH TOO DEEPLY INTO THE TRANSMISSION ISSUES THESE MODELS HAVE. SINCE MY CAR HIT ABOUT 45K MILES I'VE EXPERIENCED SHUTTERING, JUMPING, CLICKING, AND ROUGH SHIFTING OR COMPLETE LACK OF SHIFTING IN THE TRANSMISSION WHILE DRIVING SAFELY AND NORMALLY. I'VE E…
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I BOUGHT MY 2016 FORD FIESTA WITH 31K MILES ON IT. AT THE TIME I DIDN'T RESEARCH TOO DEEPLY INTO THE TRANSMISSION ISSUES THESE MODELS HAVE. SINCE MY CAR HIT ABOUT 45K MILES I'VE EXPERIENCED SHUTTERING, JUMPING, CLICKING, AND ROUGH SHIFTING OR COMPLETE LACK OF SHIFTING IN THE TRANSMISSION WHILE DRIVING SAFELY AND NORMALLY. I'VE EXPERIENCED MY CAR DYING RANDOMLY BECAUSE THE TCM IS FAULTY AND USES ALL THE CAR'S POWER EVEN WHEN THE CAR ISN'T ON. DURING A PERIOD MY CAR WAS HAVING LOTS OF TROUBLE TURNING OVER THE ENGINE TO START. HAD A BUNCH OF VACUUMS AND WIRING REPLACED AND THIS HELPED A BIT WITH THE CAR STARTING. NOW IT'S AT 67K MILES AND I'M COMPLETELY SCARED TO DRIVE IT. IT NEVER FEELS RELIABLE GIVEN THE FAULTY TCM, I'VE HAD TO BUY AN EXTRA PORTABLE CAR JUMP STARTER JUST SO I CAN MAKE SURE I'LL BE ABLE TO DRIVE HOME, AND NOW I JUST WANT FORD TO BUY IT BACK. IT'S OVERALL A FAULTY CAR THAT IS FORESHADOWING A FUTURE OF REPLACING SOMETHING RELATED TO THE TRANSMISSION EVERY 5K MILES WHICH IS RIDICULOUS AND COMPLETELY UNAFFORDABLE. PLEASE REMEDY THIS CATASTROPHIC ISSUE FORD!
NHTSA ODI #11394512
57,000 miles · Jan 25, 2021
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FIESTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PROPERLY ACCELERATE WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. DURING THE FAILURE, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FIESTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PROPERLY ACCELERATE WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. DURING THE FAILURE, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. AN UNKNOWN DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000.
NHTSA ODI #11389725
Mileage unknown · Jan 7, 2021
Engine
LEAK IN COOLANT RESERVE TANK CAUSING OVERHEATING. TANK HAD TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI #11387081
106,000 miles · Nov 11, 2020
Power Train
TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION SERVICE NOW
NHTSA ODI #11374165
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.
2016 Ford Fiesta Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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