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2016 Ford Fiesta

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Fiesta years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Ford Fiesta are substantially higher than the model-year median of 74.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

117 reports with mileage · 61 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 101 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 26 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports1 fire reports6 injury reports

Power Train complaints

101 reports
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65,000 miles · Dec 27, 2021
Power Train

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that the transmission would suddenly slip while driving at various speeds. The contact would let up off the accelerator pedal until the transmission realigned itself. The failure recurred several times per day. The failure had become more frequent. The hood ajar warning lig…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that the transmission would suddenly slip while driving at various speeds. The contact would let up off the accelerator pedal until the transmission realigned itself. The failure recurred several times per day. The failure had become more frequent. The hood ajar warning light would illuminate inadvertently. There were several other unknown electrical failures experienced. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who confirmed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The contact called the manufacturer and a case was opened. The contract was instructed to report the failure to NHTSA and to have the dealer diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

NHTSA ODI #11445139

76,000 miles · Nov 15, 2021
Power Train

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle would shudder with a grinding noise coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the clutch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The clutch was replaced but the failure reoccur…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle would shudder with a grinding noise coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the clutch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The clutch was replaced but the failure reoccurred. The contact indicated that a second clutch replacement was performed however, recently the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 76,000.

NHTSA ODI #11440442

97,000 miles · Oct 20, 2021
Power Train

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the "Service Transmission Now" message appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the d…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the "Service Transmission Now" message appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer who confirmed the diagnostic results. The dealer informed the contact that the parts for the repair were on backorder. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000

NHTSA ODI #11437512

Mileage unknown · Sep 24, 2021
Power Train

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact’s son stated that the vehicle was unable to shift into reverse. The contact stated no warning lights was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, diagnosed, and an unknown sensor was replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued however, the failure recurred. The m…

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact’s son stated that the vehicle was unable to shift into reverse. The contact stated no warning lights was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, diagnosed, and an unknown sensor was replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was unavailable.

NHTSA ODI #11434252

Mileage unknown · Jun 11, 2021
Power Train

There is a problem with certain module of the transmission, whenever you change/replace the battery, once you start the car again, it shows a system alert telling you " damaged transmission, immediate maintenance required". The car starts to act weird, it is not capable to switch gears and the transmission is not working proper…

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There is a problem with certain module of the transmission, whenever you change/replace the battery, once you start the car again, it shows a system alert telling you " damaged transmission, immediate maintenance required". The car starts to act weird, it is not capable to switch gears and the transmission is not working properly overall. I've tried to approach the car dealer which is an official representative/branch of Ford and they are charging for the programming of the module whenever this happens( twice already). I strongly believe that we as a Ford owner shouldn't have to pay for something that is an error from the manufacturer.

NHTSA ODI #11420520

Mileage unknown · Apr 26, 2021
Power Train

TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING

NHTSA ODI #11413893

85,000 miles · Apr 10, 2021
Power Train

MY 2016 VEHICLE WAS NOT ON A RECALL LIST AND I HAVE NOT (NEVER) MISSED A FORD MAINTAINENCE SERVICE OR OIL CHANGE ETC. ON THIS CAR. 85,000 MILES - NOW MY TRANSMISSION IS GOING BAD, JUMPS OUT OF GEAR, WON'T START SOMETIMES, WON'T BACK UP IN REVERSE AND IN FORWARD STUTTERS AND JERKS. IT IS SCARY AND THE LOCAL FORD DEALER SAID IT…

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MY 2016 VEHICLE WAS NOT ON A RECALL LIST AND I HAVE NOT (NEVER) MISSED A FORD MAINTAINENCE SERVICE OR OIL CHANGE ETC. ON THIS CAR. 85,000 MILES - NOW MY TRANSMISSION IS GOING BAD, JUMPS OUT OF GEAR, WON'T START SOMETIMES, WON'T BACK UP IN REVERSE AND IN FORWARD STUTTERS AND JERKS. IT IS SCARY AND THE LOCAL FORD DEALER SAID IT WILL COST ABOUT $2000.00 DEPENDING ON THAT THEY FIND. I DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY TO SPEND AND MY EXTENDED SERVICE WARRANTY JUST EXPIRED. WHY WASN'T MY CAN RECALLED LIKE MANY OF THE SIMILAR. ITS ELECTRONIC? I HAVE NO SAFE VEHICLE AND I AM AT A TERRIBLE LOSS AS TO WHAT TO DO. I LIKE THE CAR BUT THIS IS GOING TO KILL ME. PARIS MCNENY

NHTSA ODI #11407370

51,000 miles · Apr 7, 2021
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY MY CARS THROTTLE BODY STOPPED FUNCTIONING. HAVING TO TRY AND PULL OVER I GOT STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND STARTED IT AGAIN AND EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE. DURING THE SAME TRIP HOME I GOT STUCK ON A SMALL TWO LANE BRIDGE TWICE FOR THE SAME REASON. AFTER GETTING OFF THE BRIDGE IT …

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WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY MY CARS THROTTLE BODY STOPPED FUNCTIONING. HAVING TO TRY AND PULL OVER I GOT STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND STARTED IT AGAIN AND EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE. DURING THE SAME TRIP HOME I GOT STUCK ON A SMALL TWO LANE BRIDGE TWICE FOR THE SAME REASON. AFTER GETTING OFF THE BRIDGE IT HAPPENED A FOURTH TIME ON THE HIGHWAY AGAIN DOING 70MPH.

NHTSA ODI #11406957

87,000 miles · Mar 3, 2021
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FIESTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL UPON DEPRESSION OF THE ACCELERATOR WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO TWO SEPARATE INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHO BOTH STATED THAT THE DUAL CLUTCH SYSTEM HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED PERRY FORD OF NA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FIESTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL UPON DEPRESSION OF THE ACCELERATOR WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO TWO SEPARATE INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHO BOTH STATED THAT THE DUAL CLUTCH SYSTEM HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED PERRY FORD OF NATIONAL CITY (2050 NATIONAL CITY BLVD, NATIONAL CITY, CA 91950) WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.

NHTSA ODI #11398936

36,000 miles · Mar 2, 2021
Power Train

IT WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO ENGAGE INTO 1ST AND 2ND GEAR; THE CLUTCH JUST FELT LOSE AND IT JERKS

NHTSA ODI #11398811

Official recalls

0

No recalls in this snapshot.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

EA26004 · Timing Belt Failure

Opened Jul 31, 2026 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys

On December 18, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE25020 to investigate instances of timing belt failure in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford Fiesta and MY 2015-2018 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Ford), equipped with a 1.0L engine and manual transmission (subject vehicles). Additionally, MY 2018-2021 Ford EcoSport and MY 2016-2018 Focus vehicles with a 1.0L engine and automatic transmission were analyzed as peer vehicles because they utilize a wet timing belt comprised of similar material as the timing belt in the subject vehicles. Through the PE, ODI investigated a potential failure/degradation of the timing belt that may affect oil pump function resulting in a lack of engine lubrication and potential loss of motive power. The complaints commonly allege a low engine oil pressure warning lamp immediately preceding a complete loss or reduction of motive power while the vehicle is in motion. Some complaints allege that a sudden loss of motive power or engine seizure occurred without warning or prior detectable symptoms. ODI’s analysis supports that this failure can occur without sufficient and advanced warning to the driver that a loss of motive power/engine seizure is imminent. ODI found that the timing belt material may degrade and create debris that clogs the mesh oil pump pick-up screen, resulting in reduced oil pressure in the engine. As additional debris accumulates on the screen, this can progress to a loss of motive power while driving due to a lack of engine lubrication. The failure data provided in response to this investigation revealed an average failure mileage of approximately 70,000 miles, and that 98% of the failures occurred prior to the 150,000 mile timing belt replacement interval per the vehicles’ maintenance schedule. Based on evidence collected via consumer surveys and an engine teardown, failures have occurred despite evidence of proper and routine oil maintenance. The oil pump pick-up screen is not serviceable, so debris accumulation cannot be inspected or manually removed without removing the engine from the vehicle. On June 2, 2026, Ford informed ODI of a non-safety customer satisfaction program for global vehicles with the 1.0L Fox Classic Timing Belt. This program will notify customers globally of a revised maintenance interval for the timing belt, reducing the original 150,000 mile interval down to 100,000 miles/6 years. This customer satisfaction program will also offer reimbursement to eligible customers who previously paid to have their engine repaired or replaced due to a timing belt related issue. Based on NHTSA’s analysis of the data, failure rates, information provided by Ford, preliminary engine teardown analysis, and precedent recalls regarding loss of engine oil pressure with the presence of driver facing warnings, ODI believes there is an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysis to perform component-level and vehicle testing. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys

On December 18, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE25020 to investigate instances of timing belt failure in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford Fiesta and MY 2015-2018 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Ford), equipped with a 1.0L engine and manual transmission (subject vehicles). Additionally, MY 2018-2021 Ford EcoSport and MY 2016-2018 Focus vehicles with a 1.0L engine and automatic transmission were analyzed as peer vehicles because they utilize a wet timing belt comprised of similar material as the timing belt in the subject vehicles. Through the PE, ODI investigated a potential failure/degradation of the timing belt that may affect oil pump function resulting in a lack of engine lubrication and potential loss of motive power. The complaints commonly allege a low engine oil pressure warning lamp immediately preceding a complete loss or reduction of motive power while the vehicle is in motion. Some complaints allege that a sudden loss of motive power or engine seizure occurred without warning or prior detectable symptoms. ODI’s analysis supports that this failure can occur without sufficient and advanced warning to the driver that a loss of motive power/engine seizure is imminent. ODI found that the timing belt material may degrade and create debris that clogs the mesh oil pump pick-up screen, resulting in reduced oil pressure in the engine. As additional debris accumulates on the screen, this can progress to a loss of motive power while driving due to a lack of engine lubrication. The failure data provided in response to this investigation revealed an average failure mileage of approximately 70,000 miles, and that 98% of the failures occurred prior to the 150,000 mile timing belt replacement interval per the vehicles’ maintenance schedule. Based on evidence collected via consumer surveys and an engine teardown, failures have occurred despite evidence of proper and routine oil maintenance. The oil pump pick-up screen is not serviceable, so debris accumulation cannot be inspected or manually removed without removing the engine from the vehicle. On June 2, 2026, Ford informed ODI of a non-safety customer satisfaction program for global vehicles with the 1.0L Fox Classic Timing Belt. This program will notify customers globally of a revised maintenance interval for the timing belt, reducing the original 150,000 mile interval down to 100,000 miles/6 years. This customer satisfaction program will also offer reimbursement to eligible customers who previously paid to have their engine repaired or replaced due to a timing belt related issue. Based on NHTSA’s analysis of the data, failure rates, information provided by Ford, preliminary engine teardown analysis, and precedent recalls regarding loss of engine oil pressure with the presence of driver facing warnings, ODI believes there is an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysis to perform component-level and vehicle testing. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Engine

On December 18, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE25020 to investigate instances of timing belt failure in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford Fiesta and MY 2015-2018 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Ford), equipped with a 1.0L engine and manual transmission (subject vehicles). Additionally, MY 2018-2021 Ford EcoSport and MY 2016-2018 Focus vehicles with a 1.0L engine and automatic transmission were analyzed as peer vehicles because they utilize a wet timing belt comprised of similar material as the timing belt in the subject vehicles. Through the PE, ODI investigated a potential failure/degradation of the timing belt that may affect oil pump function resulting in a lack of engine lubrication and potential loss of motive power. The complaints commonly allege a low engine oil pressure warning lamp immediately preceding a complete loss or reduction of motive power while the vehicle is in motion. Some complaints allege that a sudden loss of motive power or engine seizure occurred without warning or prior detectable symptoms. ODI’s analysis supports that this failure can occur without sufficient and advanced warning to the driver that a loss of motive power/engine seizure is imminent. ODI found that the timing belt material may degrade and create debris that clogs the mesh oil pump pick-up screen, resulting in reduced oil pressure in the engine. As additional debris accumulates on the screen, this can progress to a loss of motive power while driving due to a lack of engine lubrication. The failure data provided in response to this investigation revealed an average failure mileage of approximately 70,000 miles, and that 98% of the failures occurred prior to the 150,000 mile timing belt replacement interval per the vehicles’ maintenance schedule. Based on evidence collected via consumer surveys and an engine teardown, failures have occurred despite evidence of proper and routine oil maintenance. The oil pump pick-up screen is not serviceable, so debris accumulation cannot be inspected or manually removed without removing the engine from the vehicle. On June 2, 2026, Ford informed ODI of a non-safety customer satisfaction program for global vehicles with the 1.0L Fox Classic Timing Belt. This program will notify customers globally of a revised maintenance interval for the timing belt, reducing the original 150,000 mile interval down to 100,000 miles/6 years. This customer satisfaction program will also offer reimbursement to eligible customers who previously paid to have their engine repaired or replaced due to a timing belt related issue. Based on NHTSA’s analysis of the data, failure rates, information provided by Ford, preliminary engine teardown analysis, and precedent recalls regarding loss of engine oil pressure with the presence of driver facing warnings, ODI believes there is an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysis to perform component-level and vehicle testing. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

PE25020 · Timing Belt Failure

Opened Dec 18, 2025 · Closed Jul 31, 2026

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys

On December 18, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE25020 to investigate instances of timing belt failure in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford Fiesta and MY 2015-2018 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Ford), equipped with a 1.0L engine and manual transmission (subject vehicles). Additionally, MY 2018-2021 Ford EcoSport and MY 2016-2018 Focus vehicles with a 1.0L engine and automatic transmission were analyzed as peer vehicles because they utilize a wet timing belt comprised of similar material as the timing belt in the subject vehicles. Through the PE, ODI investigated a potential failure/degradation of the timing belt that may affect oil pump function resulting in a lack of engine lubrication and potential loss of motive power. The complaints commonly allege a low engine oil pressure warning lamp immediately preceding a complete loss or reduction of motive power while the vehicle is in motion. Some complaints allege that a sudden loss of motive power or engine seizure occurred without warning or prior detectable symptoms. ODI’s analysis supports that this failure can occur without sufficient and advanced warning to the driver that a loss of motive power/engine seizure is imminent. ODI found that the timing belt material may degrade and create debris that clogs the mesh oil pump pick-up screen, resulting in reduced oil pressure in the engine. As additional debris accumulates on the screen, this can progress to a loss of motive power while driving due to a lack of engine lubrication. The failure data provided in response to this investigation revealed an average failure mileage of approximately 70,000 miles, and that 98% of the failures occurred prior to the 150,000 mile timing belt replacement interval per the vehicles’ maintenance schedule. Based on evidence collected via consumer surveys and an engine teardown, failures have occurred despite evidence of proper and routine oil maintenance. The oil pump pick-up screen is not serviceable, so debris accumulation cannot be inspected or manually removed without removing the engine from the vehicle. On June 2, 2026, Ford informed ODI of a non-safety customer satisfaction program for global vehicles with the 1.0L Fox Classic Timing Belt. This program will notify customers globally of a revised maintenance interval for the timing belt, reducing the original 150,000 mile interval down to 100,000 miles/6 years. This customer satisfaction program will also offer reimbursement to eligible customers who previously paid to have their engine repaired or replaced due to a timing belt related issue. Based on NHTSA’s analysis of the data, failure rates, information provided by Ford, preliminary engine teardown analysis, and precedent recalls regarding loss of engine oil pressure with the presence of driver facing warnings, ODI believes there is an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. Therefore, this Preliminary Evaluation is being upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA26004). During this Engineering Analysis, the agency plans to perform component-level and vehicle testing. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys

On December 18, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE25020 to investigate instances of timing belt failure in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford Fiesta and MY 2015-2018 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Ford), equipped with a 1.0L engine and manual transmission (subject vehicles). Additionally, MY 2018-2021 Ford EcoSport and MY 2016-2018 Focus vehicles with a 1.0L engine and automatic transmission were analyzed as peer vehicles because they utilize a wet timing belt comprised of similar material as the timing belt in the subject vehicles. Through the PE, ODI investigated a potential failure/degradation of the timing belt that may affect oil pump function resulting in a lack of engine lubrication and potential loss of motive power. The complaints commonly allege a low engine oil pressure warning lamp immediately preceding a complete loss or reduction of motive power while the vehicle is in motion. Some complaints allege that a sudden loss of motive power or engine seizure occurred without warning or prior detectable symptoms. ODI’s analysis supports that this failure can occur without sufficient and advanced warning to the driver that a loss of motive power/engine seizure is imminent. ODI found that the timing belt material may degrade and create debris that clogs the mesh oil pump pick-up screen, resulting in reduced oil pressure in the engine. As additional debris accumulates on the screen, this can progress to a loss of motive power while driving due to a lack of engine lubrication. The failure data provided in response to this investigation revealed an average failure mileage of approximately 70,000 miles, and that 98% of the failures occurred prior to the 150,000 mile timing belt replacement interval per the vehicles’ maintenance schedule. Based on evidence collected via consumer surveys and an engine teardown, failures have occurred despite evidence of proper and routine oil maintenance. The oil pump pick-up screen is not serviceable, so debris accumulation cannot be inspected or manually removed without removing the engine from the vehicle. On June 2, 2026, Ford informed ODI of a non-safety customer satisfaction program for global vehicles with the 1.0L Fox Classic Timing Belt. This program will notify customers globally of a revised maintenance interval for the timing belt, reducing the original 150,000 mile interval down to 100,000 miles/6 years. This customer satisfaction program will also offer reimbursement to eligible customers who previously paid to have their engine repaired or replaced due to a timing belt related issue. Based on NHTSA’s analysis of the data, failure rates, information provided by Ford, preliminary engine teardown analysis, and precedent recalls regarding loss of engine oil pressure with the presence of driver facing warnings, ODI believes there is an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. Therefore, this Preliminary Evaluation is being upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA26004). During this Engineering Analysis, the agency plans to perform component-level and vehicle testing. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Engine

On December 18, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE25020 to investigate instances of timing belt failure in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford Fiesta and MY 2015-2018 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Ford), equipped with a 1.0L engine and manual transmission (subject vehicles). Additionally, MY 2018-2021 Ford EcoSport and MY 2016-2018 Focus vehicles with a 1.0L engine and automatic transmission were analyzed as peer vehicles because they utilize a wet timing belt comprised of similar material as the timing belt in the subject vehicles. Through the PE, ODI investigated a potential failure/degradation of the timing belt that may affect oil pump function resulting in a lack of engine lubrication and potential loss of motive power. The complaints commonly allege a low engine oil pressure warning lamp immediately preceding a complete loss or reduction of motive power while the vehicle is in motion. Some complaints allege that a sudden loss of motive power or engine seizure occurred without warning or prior detectable symptoms. ODI’s analysis supports that this failure can occur without sufficient and advanced warning to the driver that a loss of motive power/engine seizure is imminent. ODI found that the timing belt material may degrade and create debris that clogs the mesh oil pump pick-up screen, resulting in reduced oil pressure in the engine. As additional debris accumulates on the screen, this can progress to a loss of motive power while driving due to a lack of engine lubrication. The failure data provided in response to this investigation revealed an average failure mileage of approximately 70,000 miles, and that 98% of the failures occurred prior to the 150,000 mile timing belt replacement interval per the vehicles’ maintenance schedule. Based on evidence collected via consumer surveys and an engine teardown, failures have occurred despite evidence of proper and routine oil maintenance. The oil pump pick-up screen is not serviceable, so debris accumulation cannot be inspected or manually removed without removing the engine from the vehicle. On June 2, 2026, Ford informed ODI of a non-safety customer satisfaction program for global vehicles with the 1.0L Fox Classic Timing Belt. This program will notify customers globally of a revised maintenance interval for the timing belt, reducing the original 150,000 mile interval down to 100,000 miles/6 years. This customer satisfaction program will also offer reimbursement to eligible customers who previously paid to have their engine repaired or replaced due to a timing belt related issue. Based on NHTSA’s analysis of the data, failure rates, information provided by Ford, preliminary engine teardown analysis, and precedent recalls regarding loss of engine oil pressure with the presence of driver facing warnings, ODI believes there is an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. Therefore, this Preliminary Evaluation is being upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA26004). During this Engineering Analysis, the agency plans to perform component-level and vehicle testing. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.