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

123,000 miles · May 27, 2020

Electrical SystemPower Train

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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

65,000 miles · Apr 24, 2020

Seat BeltsStructureUnknown Or Other

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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

Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2020

Electrical System

PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW CONTROL DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. BLUETOOTH AUDIO SOMETIMES PAUSES FOR NO REASON. CONDITIONS HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING OR STATIONARY.

NHTSA ODI #11321885

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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NHTSA ODI #11317496

28,000 miles · Feb 23, 2020

Air BagsSeat BeltsStructureCrashInjury

I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON THE FREEWAY THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK TWICE AND CAREENED INTO THE CENTER DIVIDER ONCE BEFORE COMING TO REST. THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. I SUSTAINED A BROKEN NECK BY HYPER EXTENDING MY NECK OVER THE STEERING WHEEL.

NHTSA ODI #11310899

112,000 miles · Feb 21, 2020

Power Train

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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

Mileage unknown · Feb 2, 2020

Suspension

WHILE DRIVING I HEAR LIKE A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END, WHILE DRIVING DOWN MAIN STREETS AND SIDE STREETS.

NHTSA ODI #11306607

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

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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

Official recalls

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

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

Engine

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.