NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
178 reports59,000 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
Mileage unknown · Aug 1, 2019
Suspension
NOISE FROM RIGHT FRONT STRUT AREA. VERIFY NOISE FROM OUTSIDE STRUT FOUND TO BE LEAKING PASS SIDE STRUT LEAKING. REPLACE STRUT AND HARDWARE.
NHTSA ODI #11241087
9,009 miles · Aug 1, 2019
Engine
ENGINE FLUID LEAK ..ADD ON DURING REPAIRS FOUND VEHICLE LEAKING OIL HITTING EXHAUST SYSTEM. VALVE COVER GASKET FOUND LEAKING. REPLACE VALUE COVER GASKET.
NHTSA ODI #11241086
25,000 miles · Jul 27, 2019
Power TrainVehicle Speed ControlCrash
FORD DEALERSHIP "FIXED" THE TRANSMISSION ON 7-24-19 EXCEPT IT'S NOT FIXED. AT A STOP WHEN PRESSING THE GAS THE CAR WON'T MOVE THEN SUDDENLY LAUNCH FORWARD RANDOMLY. IT ALSO STILL LOSES ALL ENGINE POWER WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THESE WERE THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS BEFORE THE "FIX". THIS ISSUE HAS CAUSED A MINOR ACCIDENT AS WEL…
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FORD DEALERSHIP "FIXED" THE TRANSMISSION ON 7-24-19 EXCEPT IT'S NOT FIXED. AT A STOP WHEN PRESSING THE GAS THE CAR WON'T MOVE THEN SUDDENLY LAUNCH FORWARD RANDOMLY. IT ALSO STILL LOSES ALL ENGINE POWER WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THESE WERE THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS BEFORE THE "FIX". THIS ISSUE HAS CAUSED A MINOR ACCIDENT AS WELL. WE GOT LIGHTLY REAR ENDED WHEN A LIGHT TURNED GREEN, WE STARTED MOVING FORWARD AND AT ABOUT 7-10MPH WE LOST ALL POWER AND THE PERSON BEHIND US COULDN'T STOP QUICK ENOUGH. DAMAGE WAS MINOR, JUST SOME CHIPPED PAINT BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE.
NHTSA ODI #11235271
39,000 miles · Jul 25, 2019
Power TrainService BrakesVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FIESTA. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO LUNGE FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. AT TIMES, WHILE APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL AND THEN SLOWLY PICK UP SPEED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURES. THE CONTACT ALSO S…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD FIESTA. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO LUNGE FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. AT TIMES, WHILE APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL AND THEN SLOWLY PICK UP SPEED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURES. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL WHILE IN DRIVE, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GALPIN FORD (1000 SANDRETTO DR, PRESCOTT, AZ 86305, (877) 826-2935) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A FAULTY TRANSMISSION. SINCE OWNING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HAD THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE REPLACED TWICE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND PROVIDED THE REPAIR COST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000.
NHTSA ODI #11234912
50,000 miles · Jul 25, 2019
Power TrainCrash
VEHICLE HAS RANDOM SUDDEN LOSS OF ACCELERATION WHILE IN MOTION, LURCHES AHEAD RANDOMLY, SHUDDERS AND SHAKES WHEN CHANGING GEARS, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL IN VARIOUS MOVING SITUATIONS. THIS HAPPENS REGULARLY IN ALL DRIVING CONDITIONS
NHTSA ODI #11234773
25,000 miles · Jul 24, 2019
Power TrainVehicle Speed ControlCrash
SINCE WEEK 1 THE CAR (WHEN AT A STOP AND IN GEAR) IF YOU PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR AT ANY LEVEL THE CAR WOULD DO NOTHING THEN AFTER ROUGHLY 3-6 SECONDS IT WOULD RANDOMLY LAUNCH FORWARD. IT WOULD ALSO SEEMINGLY GO INTO NEUTRAL ON THE HIGHWAY WHICH LED TO A COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. THIS ALSO HAPPENS WHEN ON A NORMAL ROAD AT …
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SINCE WEEK 1 THE CAR (WHEN AT A STOP AND IN GEAR) IF YOU PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR AT ANY LEVEL THE CAR WOULD DO NOTHING THEN AFTER ROUGHLY 3-6 SECONDS IT WOULD RANDOMLY LAUNCH FORWARD. IT WOULD ALSO SEEMINGLY GO INTO NEUTRAL ON THE HIGHWAY WHICH LED TO A COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. THIS ALSO HAPPENS WHEN ON A NORMAL ROAD AT ANY SPEED AND IS COMPLETELY RANDOM AND ONE TIME AT A RED LIGHT WE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE THEN POWER SUDDENLY CUT OUT AND WE GOT REAR ENDED LIGHTLY. I TOLD PETER'S FORD IN NASHUA NH DURING OUR 1ST 3 OIL CHANGES ABOUT THE ISSUE AND WAS TOLD IMPLICITLY THAT IT WAS COMPLETELY NORMAL AND I SHOULDN'T WORRY ABOUT IT AS IT WILL JUST GO AWAY ON ITS OWN. ESSENTIALLY I WAS BRUSHED OFF DESPITE 3 COMPLAINTS THAT NEVER LED TO THE DEALER CHECKING THE CAR. THESE ISSUES HAVE BEEN CONSTANT SINCE WE BOUGHT THE CAR BRAND NEW IN 2016.
NHTSA ODI #11234469
20 miles · Jul 23, 2019
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other
CAR STALLS, DOESN'T PICK UP SPEED, HESITATES TO START, ENGINE LIGHT IS ON BECAUSE THE GAS VALVE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. GAS WARNING COMES ON WHEN HALF FULL. GAS SMELL THROUGHOUT CAR. HAS A LOAD HUMMING SOUND WHEN DRIVING OR IDLED. JUMPS WHEN ACCELERATE. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO A DEALERSHIP IN SAINT LOUIS (RELOCATED RECENTLY) AND T…
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CAR STALLS, DOESN'T PICK UP SPEED, HESITATES TO START, ENGINE LIGHT IS ON BECAUSE THE GAS VALVE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. GAS WARNING COMES ON WHEN HALF FULL. GAS SMELL THROUGHOUT CAR. HAS A LOAD HUMMING SOUND WHEN DRIVING OR IDLED. JUMPS WHEN ACCELERATE. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO A DEALERSHIP IN SAINT LOUIS (RELOCATED RECENTLY) AND THEY WON'T TOUCH IT.
NHTSA ODI #11234317
Mileage unknown · Jul 22, 2019
EnginePower Train
AT 2600 MILES MY TRANSMISSION WENT AND WAS FIXED BY FORD, BUT THE CAR IS SO NOISY NOW AND THE FLOOR BOARDS VIBRATE, I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR
NHTSA ODI #11233755
25,000 miles · Jul 16, 2019
Unknown Or OtherVehicle Speed Control
WHEN I STEP ON THE GAS, THE CAR SPORADICALLY WILL NOT GO. SO I WILL STEP ON THE GAS LITTLE BIT MORE AND THE CAR WILL STILL NOT GO. SO I WILL STEP ON THE GAS A LITTLE MORE AND THEN SOMETHING WILL ENGAGE AND I WILL SHOOT FORWARD. THIS HAPPENS IN PLACES WHERE IT COULD BE CATASTROPHIC. FOR EXAMPLE, ONCE I WAS AT A STOP SIGN AND THIS…
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WHEN I STEP ON THE GAS, THE CAR SPORADICALLY WILL NOT GO. SO I WILL STEP ON THE GAS LITTLE BIT MORE AND THE CAR WILL STILL NOT GO. SO I WILL STEP ON THE GAS A LITTLE MORE AND THEN SOMETHING WILL ENGAGE AND I WILL SHOOT FORWARD. THIS HAPPENS IN PLACES WHERE IT COULD BE CATASTROPHIC. FOR EXAMPLE, ONCE I WAS AT A STOP SIGN AND THIS WAS HAPPENING AND BECAUSE MY CAR WASN'T MOVING, ANOTHER CAR STARTED TO GO AND MY CAR FINALLY ENGAGED AND SHOT FORWARD AND I NARROWLY MISSED HITTING THAT OTHER VEHICLE
NHTSA ODI #11232611
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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