NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
22 reportsClear category filter120,000 miles · Dec 13, 2021
Power Train
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH with the cruise control engaged, the contact depressed the clutch to shift gear however, the clutch seized, and the contact was unable to shift into gear. The contact placed the vehicle into neutral and veered to the side of the road. The contact looked…
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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH with the cruise control engaged, the contact depressed the clutch to shift gear however, the clutch seized, and the contact was unable to shift into gear. The contact placed the vehicle into neutral and veered to the side of the road. The contact looked under the hood and smelled an abnormal chemical odor coming from the engine. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle with a faulty clutch. The contact was informed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA ODI #11443656
6,255 miles · Oct 13, 2020
Power Train
ON OCCASION WHILE BACKING UP STEEP AT HOME DRIVEWAY (APROX 15-20 DEGREES) TRANSMISSION SLIPS OUT OF GEAR AND ROLLS FORWARD. STEP ON BRAKE IMMEDIATELY AND INSTANTLY SHIFTS BACK INTO REVERSE. HAS HAPPENED 3-5 TIMES SINCE VEHICLE WAS NEW.
NHTSA ODI #11364085
65,000 miles · Sep 3, 2020
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS A 2017 FORD FIESTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AS SEVERAL TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHTS WOULD APPEAR ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AUFFENBERG FORD NORTH, INC. (115 REGE…
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TL* THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS A 2017 FORD FIESTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AS SEVERAL TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHTS WOULD APPEAR ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AUFFENBERG FORD NORTH, INC. (115 REGENCY PARK, O'FALLON, IL 62269) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CLUTCH FAILED INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA FOR ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000. *BF*LN *TR*AS
NHTSA ODI #11352938
70,000 miles · Jul 7, 2020
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
NOT SURE IF IT'S THE FUEL SYSTEM OR THE POWER TRAIN BUT I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS LOTS OF OTHER PEOPLE WITH THIS CAR! THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND HAS READ A CODE FOR A VALVE. MY CAR IS A 2017 AND WILL NOT START RIGHT AWAY AFTER I ADD GAS! I'VE BEEN TOLD ITS THE ENGINE VALVE AND HAVE HAD NO LUCK FINDING ANYONE TO COVE…
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NOT SURE IF IT'S THE FUEL SYSTEM OR THE POWER TRAIN BUT I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS LOTS OF OTHER PEOPLE WITH THIS CAR! THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND HAS READ A CODE FOR A VALVE. MY CAR IS A 2017 AND WILL NOT START RIGHT AWAY AFTER I ADD GAS! I'VE BEEN TOLD ITS THE ENGINE VALVE AND HAVE HAD NO LUCK FINDING ANYONE TO COVER IT UNDER WARRANTY! FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THIS VEHICLE!
NHTSA ODI #11337832
96,000 miles · Feb 15, 2020
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
THE CAR EVAP PURGE VALVE STAYS OPEN. THE CAR IDLES AND DIES EVERYTIME I PUT GAS IN. THE PURGE VALVE WAS REPLACED LESS THAN A YEAR OF PURCHASING THE CAR AND IT'S GONE BAD AGAIN. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND ENGINE MALFUNCTION WARNING CAME ON THEN TWO DAYS LATER THE CAR DIED AFTER I ADDED GAS AND TOOK 2 HOURS TO START. I BOUGHT A NE…
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THE CAR EVAP PURGE VALVE STAYS OPEN. THE CAR IDLES AND DIES EVERYTIME I PUT GAS IN. THE PURGE VALVE WAS REPLACED LESS THAN A YEAR OF PURCHASING THE CAR AND IT'S GONE BAD AGAIN. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND ENGINE MALFUNCTION WARNING CAME ON THEN TWO DAYS LATER THE CAR DIED AFTER I ADDED GAS AND TOOK 2 HOURS TO START. I BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY AND DROVE IT ANOTHER WEEK. IT STILL IDLES AFTER ADDING FUEL EVEN WITH THE NEW BATTERY. IT FINALLY DIED AND I HAD IT TOWED TO THE FORD DEALER AND THEY DID A DIAGNOSTIC AND SAID THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, THROTTLE BODY AND EVAO PURGE VALVE, O2 SENSOR IS BAD AND ALL 3 NEEDS REPLACING.
NHTSA ODI #11309426
48,000 miles · Oct 2, 2019
Power Train
CAR REFUSES TO START WHILE IN P (PARK). WILL START IN N (NEUTRAL) WITH DIFFICULTY.
NHTSA ODI #11265737
15,000 miles · Aug 13, 2019
EnginePower Train
VEHICLE ENGINE STALLS WHEN IN TRAFFIC. WHEN I DECELERATE AND ENGAGE THE CLUTCH (MANUAL TRANSMISSION), SOMETIMES THE ENGINE SPEED WILL GO SO LOW, THE ENGINE STALLS. IT USUALLY HAPPENS IN VERY HEAVY TRAFFIC AND I HAVE TO ENGAGE THE CLUTCH. THIS ALWAYS HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THIS HAPPENS PRETTY MUCH ANYWHERE, STRE…
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VEHICLE ENGINE STALLS WHEN IN TRAFFIC. WHEN I DECELERATE AND ENGAGE THE CLUTCH (MANUAL TRANSMISSION), SOMETIMES THE ENGINE SPEED WILL GO SO LOW, THE ENGINE STALLS. IT USUALLY HAPPENS IN VERY HEAVY TRAFFIC AND I HAVE TO ENGAGE THE CLUTCH. THIS ALWAYS HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THIS HAPPENS PRETTY MUCH ANYWHERE, STREET, HIGHWAY, FREEWAY, DRIVE WAY. IT ONLY HAPPENS WHEN THE CLUTCH IS ENGAGED. IF THE CAR IS IN GEAR AND THE CLUTCH IS NOT ENGAGED, IT WONT STALL. I DID TAKE IT TO HEMBORG FORD IN NORCO, CA AND THEY REFLASHED THE COMPUTER, BUT IT STILL IS HAPPENING. YESTERDAY 12 AUG, I WAS ENTERING A ROADWAY AND A VEHICLE JUMPED IN FRONT OF ME. I APPLIED BOTH THE BRAKES AND CLUTCH AND WHEN I TRIED TO ACCELERATE, THE ENGINE WAS STALLED CREATING A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS I WAS ALREADY COMMITTED TO ENTERING THE ROADWAY AND VEHICLES WERE APPROACHING ME FROM BEHIND AT A VERY HIGH RATE OF SPEED.
NHTSA ODI #11243699
50,000 miles · Jul 24, 2019
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD FIESTA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING AND WAS DIFFICULT TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HERITAGE FORD (LOCATED AT 2075 EDSEL LN NW, CORYDON, IN 47112, (812) 738-3284) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF A FAULT CODE; HOWEVER, T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD FIESTA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING AND WAS DIFFICULT TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HERITAGE FORD (LOCATED AT 2075 EDSEL LN NW, CORYDON, IN 47112, (812) 738-3284) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF A FAULT CODE; HOWEVER, THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11234539
79,000 miles · Jun 4, 2019
Power Train
TAKATA RECALL THE CLUTCH IS GOING OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION
NHTSA ODI #11217873
14,000 miles · Mar 19, 2019
Power TrainService BrakesStructure
VEHICLE SWERVED IN RIGHT REAR QUARTER PANEL WITH NO WIND, AIR, OR OTHER SOURCE OF PRESSURE ON INTERSTATE.TIRES, ESPECIALLY RIGHT REAR, SPUN WITHOUT MOVEMENT WHEN CLUTCH ENGAGED IN DRIVEWAY; ENTIRE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE OR GAIN TRACTION WHEN CLUTCH FULLY ENGAGED IN FRIENDS DIRT YARD; AT ODD TIMES, VEHICLE MADE NOISE IN RIGHT RE…
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VEHICLE SWERVED IN RIGHT REAR QUARTER PANEL WITH NO WIND, AIR, OR OTHER SOURCE OF PRESSURE ON INTERSTATE.TIRES, ESPECIALLY RIGHT REAR, SPUN WITHOUT MOVEMENT WHEN CLUTCH ENGAGED IN DRIVEWAY; ENTIRE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE OR GAIN TRACTION WHEN CLUTCH FULLY ENGAGED IN FRIENDS DIRT YARD; AT ODD TIMES, VEHICLE MADE NOISE IN RIGHT REAR AXLE/WHEEL AREA FAILING TO RESPOND TO CLUTCH RELEASE--MOST NOTICEABLY ON CONCRETE PAD IN FRONT OF GARAGE WITH TWO MECHANICS QUESTIONING. RETURNED VEHICLE TO DEALER AS UNSAFE TO OPERATE WITH REQUEST THAT IT BE TRASHED RATHER THAN SOLD TO UNSUSPECTING BUYER WHO MIGHT FIND THEMSELVES MAROONED OR WRECKED WITHOUT KNOWING HOW OR WHY IT HAPPENED.
NHTSA ODI #11190079
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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