Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
240–25K
2325–50K
3250–75K
1875–100K
18100–150K
2150K+
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
What owners actually said
178 reports
80,000 miles · Oct 30, 2020
Wheels
THE LUGNUTS SWELL AND THE LUG HUT WRENCH WITH THE CAR WILL NOT REMOVE THE LUG NUTS. MY WIFE GOT A FLAT TIRE, SHE WAS ALONE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND COULD NOT GET THE TIRE OFF BECAUSE THE WRENCH WOULD NOT FIT. THE ROAD SIDE SERVICE COULD NOT GET IT OFF ALSO. WE HAD TO GET THE CAR TO A SERVICE CENTER AND THEY HAD TO HAMMER A LA…
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THE LUGNUTS SWELL AND THE LUG HUT WRENCH WITH THE CAR WILL NOT REMOVE THE LUG NUTS. MY WIFE GOT A FLAT TIRE, SHE WAS ALONE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND COULD NOT GET THE TIRE OFF BECAUSE THE WRENCH WOULD NOT FIT. THE ROAD SIDE SERVICE COULD NOT GET IT OFF ALSO. WE HAD TO GET THE CAR TO A SERVICE CENTER AND THEY HAD TO HAMMER A LARGER SOCKET ON IT TO BACK THE NUTS OFF. THEY SAY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. REALLY? A COMMON PROBLEM THAT LUG NUTS FAIL??? THIS IS NOT RIGHT. I CALLED THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID SORRY BUT THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO. I CALLED FORD DIRECTLY AND THEY SAID THE SAME THING. POOR SERVICE.
NHTSA ODI #11372456
52,000 miles · Sep 14, 2020
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FIESTA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE THEN ABRUPTLY ACCELERATED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WHILE JERKING. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WERE NOT YET DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND THE LOCAL DEALER SUN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FIESTA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE THEN ABRUPTLY ACCELERATED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WHILE JERKING. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WERE NOT YET DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND THE LOCAL DEALER SUNRISE FORD LOCATED AT 5435 US-1, FORT PIERCE, FL 34982 WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES BUT, NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000.
NHTSA ODI #11354881
52,000 miles · Aug 25, 2020
Electrical SystemStructure
MY TRUNK POPS OPEN ON ITS OWN. AT LEAST 3 TIMES A DAY AT RANDOM. GIVING ACCESS INTO THE VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENS WHILE I'M DRIVING AND WHILE THE CAR IS STATIONARY. I HAVE WOKEN UP AT 4 AM AND MY TRUNK BE OPEN. I'VE BEEN DRIVING AT 60MPH AND THE TRUNK OPEN. BEEN IN A DRIVE THROUGH AND THE TRUNK OPEN. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR MONT…
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MY TRUNK POPS OPEN ON ITS OWN. AT LEAST 3 TIMES A DAY AT RANDOM. GIVING ACCESS INTO THE VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENS WHILE I'M DRIVING AND WHILE THE CAR IS STATIONARY. I HAVE WOKEN UP AT 4 AM AND MY TRUNK BE OPEN. I'VE BEEN DRIVING AT 60MPH AND THE TRUNK OPEN. BEEN IN A DRIVE THROUGH AND THE TRUNK OPEN. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR MONTHS. MY SON SEEN THE TRUNK WAS OPEN AND SHUT IT REPEATEDLY JUST FOR IT TO OPEN EVERY FEW MINUTES. THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THESE AND SIMILAR FORD VEHICLES.
NHTSA ODI #11351230
3 miles · Aug 18, 2020
Power Train
WHILE DRIVING TO A TRAFFIC LIGHT BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP MY CAR SEEMED TO REV UP AFTER THE SHIFTING DOWN THEN ENGINE GETS HIGH WHEN RELEASING BRAKE AND GOING ABOUT 15 MPH BEFORE COMING TO THE NEXT TRAFFIC LIGHT THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARS AND IS STEADY AS I'M DRIVING TO WORK THERE IS A "HARD SHIFT" WHILE GOING A…
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WHILE DRIVING TO A TRAFFIC LIGHT BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP MY CAR SEEMED TO REV UP AFTER THE SHIFTING DOWN THEN ENGINE GETS HIGH WHEN RELEASING BRAKE AND GOING ABOUT 15 MPH BEFORE COMING TO THE NEXT TRAFFIC LIGHT THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARS AND IS STEADY AS I'M DRIVING TO WORK THERE IS A "HARD SHIFT" WHILE GOING ABOUT 15-20 MPH IN CITY DRIVING.. I WAS TOLD VERBALLY BY A MECHANIC THAT MY MODEL CAR HAS HAD THESE TYPES OF ISSUES SUCH AS:"AUTOMATIC CLUTCH" NOT PERFORMING PROPERLY IN THE PAST AND MY VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND NOT ON THE RECALL LIST
NHTSA ODI #11350009
90,000 miles · Aug 13, 2020
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FIESTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. AFTER RECHARGING THE BATTERY AND STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE MESSAGE TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER SUTTON FORD LOCATED AT 21315 CENTRAL AVE, MATTESON, IL 60443. T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FIESTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. AFTER RECHARGING THE BATTERY AND STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE MESSAGE TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER SUTTON FORD LOCATED AT 21315 CENTRAL AVE, MATTESON, IL 60443. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
NHTSA ODI #11348983
41,000 miles · Jul 24, 2020
Power TrainUnknown Or Other
THE CLUTCH PEDAL GETS STUCK ABOUT AN INCH OFF THE FLOOR AFTER BEING DEPRESSED AT SEEMINGLY RANDOM TIMES USUALLY IN THE WARMER WEATHER MONTHS. THIS HAS CAUSED ME TO LOSE THE ABILITY TO CHANGE GEARS AND LOSS OF ABILITY TO ACCELERATE. IT DOES NOT COME OUT OF THIS POSITION UNTIL I PHYSICALLY PULL THE PEDAL OFF THE FLOOR. I HAVE H…
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THE CLUTCH PEDAL GETS STUCK ABOUT AN INCH OFF THE FLOOR AFTER BEING DEPRESSED AT SEEMINGLY RANDOM TIMES USUALLY IN THE WARMER WEATHER MONTHS. THIS HAS CAUSED ME TO LOSE THE ABILITY TO CHANGE GEARS AND LOSS OF ABILITY TO ACCELERATE. IT DOES NOT COME OUT OF THIS POSITION UNTIL I PHYSICALLY PULL THE PEDAL OFF THE FLOOR. I HAVE HAD INCIDENTS WHERE I HAVE BEEN STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION UNABLE TO MOVE WHERE I HAVE ALMOST BEEN HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON ISSUE AND IS NOTED IN MANY FIESTA ST FORUMS.
NHTSA ODI #11341386
Mileage unknown · Jul 20, 2020
Power Train
I TRIED TO START MY CAR TO GET TO WORK AND IT MADE SOME FUNNY NOISES AND WOULD NOT START. AFTER ABOUT THE FIFTH TIME IT STARTED AND IMMEDIATELY A TRANSMISSION SERVICE NOW WARNING CAME UP.
NHTSA ODI #11340322
60,000 miles · Jul 2, 2020
Power Train
WHEN PUTTING THE CAR INTO REVERSE OUT OF A PARKING SPACE OR GOING FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE THE CAR WILL JERK AND/OR NOT MOVE. TAPPING THE GAS DOESN'T HELP. ALSO WHEN TURNING AROUND CORNERS WHEN PUSHING DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE UNTIL THE WHEEL IS ENTIRELY STRAIGHTENED.
NHTSA ODI #11337243
95,000 miles · Jun 22, 2020
Power Train
ON FRIDAY JUNE 19TH MY SON AND I WERE EXITING A PARKING LOT OF A SHOPPING CENTER. AS WE WERE MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN. THE DRIVETRAIN IN MY 2016 FORD FIESTA WENT OUT. LEAVING US STUCK IN TRAFFIC AND NEARLY GETTING REAR ENDED. SOME OTHER MOTORIST HELPED US PUSH THE CAR BACK INTO THE SHOPPING CENTER. I CALLED MY FORD DEALERSHIP AN…
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ON FRIDAY JUNE 19TH MY SON AND I WERE EXITING A PARKING LOT OF A SHOPPING CENTER. AS WE WERE MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN. THE DRIVETRAIN IN MY 2016 FORD FIESTA WENT OUT. LEAVING US STUCK IN TRAFFIC AND NEARLY GETTING REAR ENDED. SOME OTHER MOTORIST HELPED US PUSH THE CAR BACK INTO THE SHOPPING CENTER. I CALLED MY FORD DEALERSHIP AND EXPLAINED THE ISSUE. I WAS TOLD THAT MY V.I.N. NUMBER WAS NOT PART OF THE 100,000 MILE EXTENDED WARRANTY PROGRAM. BECAUSE IT CAME FROM A DIFFERENT PLANT. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER CARE, AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING. NOW, I MAY HAVE TO COME UP WITH $3,500 TO $4,000 TO GET THE TRANSMISSION FIXED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11330134
95,000 miles · Jun 20, 2020
Power Train
ON FRIDAY JUNE 19TH, MY SON AND I WERE MAKING A RIGHT TURN ONTO A MAIN STREET FROM A PARKING LOT. THE CAR HESITATED, THEN STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. I COULD HAVE THE CAR IDLE UP. BUT IT WOULDN'T MOVE. MYSELF AND ANOTHER GUY HELPED ME PUSH THE CAR BACK INTO THE STRIP MALL PARKING LOT. WE ALMOST GOT HIT TWICE TRYING TO PUS…
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ON FRIDAY JUNE 19TH, MY SON AND I WERE MAKING A RIGHT TURN ONTO A MAIN STREET FROM A PARKING LOT. THE CAR HESITATED, THEN STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. I COULD HAVE THE CAR IDLE UP. BUT IT WOULDN'T MOVE. MYSELF AND ANOTHER GUY HELPED ME PUSH THE CAR BACK INTO THE STRIP MALL PARKING LOT. WE ALMOST GOT HIT TWICE TRYING TO PUSH THE CAR. I HAD THE CAR TOWED HOME. I CALLED MY FORD DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT MY CAR'S VIN NUMBER WAS ELIGIBLE FOR THE 100,000 MILE EXTENDED WARRANTY. I HAVE LESS THAN 100, 000 MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11329826
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.
2016 Ford Fiesta Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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