NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Fuel/propulsion System complaints
11 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jun 30, 2023
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
I was in Michigan and my car, which had been in great shape, unexpectedly failed to start after sitting for two days. After jump-starting the battery, the maintenance light turned on and my display showed a transmission malfunction. So while I traveled in my car to Columbus, unaware of the potential danger that my car could catc…
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I was in Michigan and my car, which had been in great shape, unexpectedly failed to start after sitting for two days. After jump-starting the battery, the maintenance light turned on and my display showed a transmission malfunction. So while I traveled in my car to Columbus, unaware of the potential danger that my car could catch fire and explode because it couldn't shift beyond third gear, I stopped at AutoZone for an inspection where the man informed me about a specific error code called P0606. The car dealership, Holmes Motors, was well aware of the issues with my car because we had informed them about another defective Ford Fiesta they had in stock. However, they made a deliberate decision not to reveal any of this important information to me or my family. I’ve been had problems when my car failed to start after refueling last year. One of the two main issues I've encountered with Them. Firstly, they advised me that they had repaired my vehicle; that was not the case. Secondly, they never upheld the warranty and argued that my recurring issue was not eligible for coverage, after they just worked on it. The other Ford Fiesta that we saw coincidentally ended up being my ex-roommate's car, and it still had the same problems. At AACMO in Columbus, They confirmed that my dual clutch assembly transmission had malfunctioned and overwhelmed my TCM. This exact same incident was also mentioned in the lawsuit filed against Ford, and from numerous people who faced the same issue. I’m stuck in Ohio with insufficient funds for repairs or a replacement, which means I have no way home and zero source of income to sustain myself. It sucks that the entire burden of repairs falls on us while these companies neglect to accept any accountability for their faults. Has not been brought to the manufacture yet. If there is any other actions to help assist in my situation, please feel welcome to contact me. Thank you.
NHTSA ODI #11529717
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
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
88,298 miles · Oct 31, 2019
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FIESTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT EVERY TIME FUEL WAS PLACED IN THE TANK, THE VEHICLE SHUDDERED. ALSO, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, IT STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE VACUUM FUEL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FIESTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT EVERY TIME FUEL WAS PLACED IN THE TANK, THE VEHICLE SHUDDERED. ALSO, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, IT STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE VACUUM FUEL LINE WAS UNABLE TO BLEED UP THE FUEL TANK VACUUM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,298.
NHTSA ODI #11277391
59,000 miles · Aug 4, 2019
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
WHEN I REFUEL IT TAKES SEVERAL TRIES TO GET VEHICLE RESTARTED AND NEED TO PUMP ACCELERATOR TO KEEP IT FROM DYING. THE SMELL OF GAS IS BAD. COME TO A RED LIGHT STALLS AND HARD TO RESTART. AIR BAG LIGHT ON DASH AND NEVER GOES OUT. RPM SURGE AND CAR WILL LUNGE, VERY SCARY. JUST STARTED A LOUD CLICKING/THUMPING NOISE, FOUND O…
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WHEN I REFUEL IT TAKES SEVERAL TRIES TO GET VEHICLE RESTARTED AND NEED TO PUMP ACCELERATOR TO KEEP IT FROM DYING. THE SMELL OF GAS IS BAD. COME TO A RED LIGHT STALLS AND HARD TO RESTART. AIR BAG LIGHT ON DASH AND NEVER GOES OUT. RPM SURGE AND CAR WILL LUNGE, VERY SCARY. JUST STARTED A LOUD CLICKING/THUMPING NOISE, FOUND OUT COULD BE ACTUATOR. AC WILL STOP BLOWING COOL AND BEGIN AGAIN. REPAIR SHOP CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHY. FOR A NEW CAR HAS MANY ISSUES FOR BEING OUT FOR SUCH A SHORT TIME.
NHTSA ODI #11241596
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
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
55,330 miles · Nov 9, 2018
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
THE CAR WILL NOT START PROPERLY AFTER REFUELING. YOU HAVE TO PRESS ON THE GAS SEVERAL TIMES AND THEN THE BRAKE TO START IT. WHEN IT DOES START, YOU NEED TO REV THE ENGINE A COUPLE TIMES TO MAKE SURE IT WON'T DIE AGAIN. THE TRANSMISSION IS NOW SLIPPING AND DROPS TO NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING AT ANY GIVEN TIME. IT HAPPENED TO ME TW…
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THE CAR WILL NOT START PROPERLY AFTER REFUELING. YOU HAVE TO PRESS ON THE GAS SEVERAL TIMES AND THEN THE BRAKE TO START IT. WHEN IT DOES START, YOU NEED TO REV THE ENGINE A COUPLE TIMES TO MAKE SURE IT WON'T DIE AGAIN. THE TRANSMISSION IS NOW SLIPPING AND DROPS TO NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING AT ANY GIVEN TIME. IT HAPPENED TO ME TWICE THIS MORNING WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. WHEN IT FINALLY GETS BACK INTO GEAR, IT LURCHES FORWARD. THIS MORNING I WAS NEARLY IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS NEW DEVELOPMENT IN A 2 YEAR OLD CAR. I WILL NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN, THIS IS TOO DANGEROUS FOR ANYONE VALUING THEIR LIVES.
NHTSA ODI #11150417
60,800 miles · Nov 4, 2018
Fuel/propulsion System
WHEN FUELING CAR WANT START WITHOUT DELAY. CODES P2196,P1450
NHTSA ODI #11145174
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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