NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
178 reports45,000 miles · Jul 16, 2019
Power Train
TRANSMISSION ACTING UP. WHEN I TEST DROVE THE CAR IN MARCH 2017 I ACTUALLY QUESTIONED THE SALESPERSON BECAUSE I DID NOT FEEL IT WAS SHIFTING NORMALLY - HIS RESPONSE WAS "NO THIS IS THE NEW TRANSMISSION FORD IS PUTTING IN, THE BEST ONE THERE IS." UNFORTUNATELY MY PROBLEMS DID NOT START RIGHT AWAY BUT AFTER ABOUT 18 MONTHS. THE…
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TRANSMISSION ACTING UP. WHEN I TEST DROVE THE CAR IN MARCH 2017 I ACTUALLY QUESTIONED THE SALESPERSON BECAUSE I DID NOT FEEL IT WAS SHIFTING NORMALLY - HIS RESPONSE WAS "NO THIS IS THE NEW TRANSMISSION FORD IS PUTTING IN, THE BEST ONE THERE IS." UNFORTUNATELY MY PROBLEMS DID NOT START RIGHT AWAY BUT AFTER ABOUT 18 MONTHS. THE CAR OCCASIONALLY WOULD JUMP OR ACCELERATE WHILE I WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. I WOULD HAVE TO SLAM ON THE BRAKE TO KEEP FROM HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE CAR WOULD ACCELERATE LIKE THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS RESETTING TO A HIGHER SPEED, AGAIN HAD TO USE THE BRAKES. OTHER TIMES IT WOULD SLOW DOWN LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STOP AND THEN SUDDENLY GO. IT IS AT A POINT NOW WHERE IT SOMETIMES WILL NOT SHIFT AND I LITERALLY FEEL LIKE I AM IN LOW GEAR FOR A MINUTE OR TWO EVEN THOUGH I AM GOING 60 MPH. I GOT IN IT THIS WEEK AND THE CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO DRIVE. I PUT IT IN REVERSE AND IT MOVED, PUT IT BACK IN DRIVE AND NOTHING, PUT IT IN REVERSE AGAIN AND FINALLY IT WENT INTO DRIVE. NOW IT HESITATES SOMETIMES WHEN I AM AT A STOP SIGN AND GETTING READY TO RESUME DRIVING, I HAVE HAD HORNS HONKED AT ME AND GESTURES MADE BECAUSE IT TAKES THE CAR SOMETIMES 2 MINUTES TO GO INTO GEAR. I HAVE CALLED FORD ON A FEW OCCASIONS TO TRY AND SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A MECHANIC BUT ONCE I TELL THEM WHAT THE PROBLEM IS I AM TOLD THAT IT IS NORMAL AND TO NOT WORRY ABOUT IT. I AM NOW UPSIDE DOWN IN A CAR FINANCIALLY THAT IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE SO AM EITHER LOOKING AT HAVING A CAR REPOSSESSED IN ORDER TO GET ANOTHER ONE OR JUST LETTING IT SET AND PURCHASING A GOOD USED CAR UNTIL I CAN AFFORD TO FIX THIS ONE. I CERTAINLY CANNOT SELL IT TO AN INDIVIDUAL BECAUSE OF ALL THE PUBLICITY ABOUT THE TRANSMISSIONS, NO ONE WOULD PURCHASE IT AND I WOULD NOT WANT TO SELL MY PROBLEM TO ANYONE ELSE
NHTSA ODI #11232583
16,546 miles · Jul 16, 2019
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
LUNGES FORWARD ANY TIME IT WANTS, ANYPLACE IT WANTS TOO.
NHTSA ODI #11232499
60,000 miles · Jul 16, 2019
EngineVehicle Speed Control
MY CAR STALLS WHEN I COME TO A RED LIGHT ..ITS LIKE IT DONT WANA MOVE..SLOW ACCLER ATION
NHTSA ODI #11232239
62,000 miles · Jul 15, 2019
Power TrainCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FIESTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO LEAVE HER PLACE OF RESIDENCE, THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER WAS PLACED IN DRIVE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO GO BACKWARDS AND STRUCK THE SIDING OF THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HERITAGE FORD LOCATED AT 1600 SHELBURNE RD, SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FIESTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO LEAVE HER PLACE OF RESIDENCE, THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER WAS PLACED IN DRIVE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO GO BACKWARDS AND STRUCK THE SIDING OF THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HERITAGE FORD LOCATED AT 1600 SHELBURNE RD, SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT 05403, (802) 865-8100, TO BE DIAGNOSED, WHICH WAS STILL PENDING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
NHTSA ODI #11231871
15,000 miles · May 24, 2019
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FIESTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED NUMEROUS TIMES AFTER A COLD START. THE CLUTCH WAS APPLIED AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED, IN MOST INSTANCES, WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS PROGRESSING TO THE POINT THAT THE VEHICLE MAY NOT RESTART. …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FIESTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED NUMEROUS TIMES AFTER A COLD START. THE CLUTCH WAS APPLIED AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED, IN MOST INSTANCES, WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS PROGRESSING TO THE POINT THAT THE VEHICLE MAY NOT RESTART. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. *BF CONSUMER STATED AFTER A COLD START TEN OR MORE HOURS, ALWAYS DURING THE FIRST 1/3 MILE AT SPEEDS LESS THAN OR UP TO 25 MPH AND IN THE FIRST 3 GEARS OF NY MANUAL TRANSMISSION WHEN I APPLY THE CLUTCH INSTEAD OF THE CLUTCH MAINTAINING ENGINE REVS, THE REV COUNTER WILL JUMP UP AND THEN DIP DOWN AND THE ENGINE SOMETIMES STALLS. ONCE THE CAR IS WARM AND HIGHER SPEEDS HAVE BEEN REACHED THIS PROBLEM DOES NOT REOCCUR EVEN AT THE LOWER GEARS AND SPEEDS. *JB
NHTSA ODI #11209639
35,000 miles · May 3, 2019
Fuel/propulsion System
AFTER FILLING UP, THE CAR IDLES ROUGHLY. RPMS DROP UNEXPECTEDLY, AND SOMETIMES KILL THE ENGINE. THIS HAS RESULTED IN THE CAR SPORADICALLY DYING AT INTERSECTIONS WHILE IDLING AND WHILE SHIFTING INTO FIRST GEAR. THE CAR HAS BEEN DOING IT CONSISTENTLY AFTER FILLING UP WITH GAS. DOES NOT MATTER THE GAS STATION OR FUEL TYPE (87, 91, …
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AFTER FILLING UP, THE CAR IDLES ROUGHLY. RPMS DROP UNEXPECTEDLY, AND SOMETIMES KILL THE ENGINE. THIS HAS RESULTED IN THE CAR SPORADICALLY DYING AT INTERSECTIONS WHILE IDLING AND WHILE SHIFTING INTO FIRST GEAR. THE CAR HAS BEEN DOING IT CONSISTENTLY AFTER FILLING UP WITH GAS. DOES NOT MATTER THE GAS STATION OR FUEL TYPE (87, 91, 93 OCTANE). NO CODES ARE THROWN AND DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #11205483
Mileage unknown · Apr 18, 2019
EngineFuel/propulsion System
RECENTLY AT 48,000 MILES MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON FOR A CODE P1450 AND P0456 WHICH IS FOR THE EVAP SYSTEM. MY VEHICLE NOW STALLS WHEN GAS IS FILLED UP AND EVEN LOSES PERFORMANCE AT HIGH SPEEDS.
NHTSA ODI #11197278
43,387 miles · Mar 22, 2019
Engine
I HAVE A 2016 FORD FIESTA SE AND WHILE DRIVING CAR ON FREEWAY IT KEPT TRYING TO TURN OFF ON ME, IT WAS A VERY SCARY EXPERIENCE. AND VERY DANGEROUS.
NHTSA ODI #11190874
45,000 miles · Mar 19, 2019
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
TAKATA RECALL. EVERY TIME I PUT FUEL IN MY CAR IT HESITATES. SOMETIMES IT CUTS OFF AND SOMETIMES IT JUST SHAKES AND ALMOST CUTS OFF. IT HESITATES WHEN I DON'T PUT FUEL IN IT BUT IT DOES IT WORSE EVERYTIME I PUT FUEL IN IT. THE TRANSMISSION DOESN'T CHANGE GEARS SOMETIMES. I HAVE TO LET IT COAST TO GET IT TO CHANGE GEARS OR I HA…
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TAKATA RECALL. EVERY TIME I PUT FUEL IN MY CAR IT HESITATES. SOMETIMES IT CUTS OFF AND SOMETIMES IT JUST SHAKES AND ALMOST CUTS OFF. IT HESITATES WHEN I DON'T PUT FUEL IN IT BUT IT DOES IT WORSE EVERYTIME I PUT FUEL IN IT. THE TRANSMISSION DOESN'T CHANGE GEARS SOMETIMES. I HAVE TO LET IT COAST TO GET IT TO CHANGE GEARS OR I HAVE TO STOP THEN GO. IF I YIELD THEN GO WITH OUT COMPLETELY STOPPING THE TRANSMISSION WON'T CHANGE GEARS UNLESS I LET IT COAST UNTIL IT CHANGES OR STOP AND LET IT CHANGE BEFORE I PROCEED.
NHTSA ODI #11189877
Mileage unknown · Feb 6, 2019
Air BagsElectrical SystemWheels
MY AIRBAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. ALSO TIRE LOW LIGHT IS COMING ON I ALSO HEAR A BANGING NOISE WHEN I USE THE HEAT OR AIR., THIS HAPPENS WHETHER DRIVING OR PARKED.
NHTSA ODI #11174678
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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