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

94,000 miles · Sep 12, 2022

Power Train

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle was stalling and was difficult to depress the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle sounded as if it would independently accelerate. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the power train needed to be repaired. The power train was repaired at the dealer; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while stopped on an incline, the Hill Start Assist warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission control module (TCM) needed to be replaced. The contact stated the vehicle was at the dealer awaiting the parts for the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was referred by the manufacturer to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 94,000.

NHTSA ODI #11484091

Mileage unknown · Sep 6, 2022

Unknown Or Other

Car stopped shifting in middle of highway. My safety was put at risk as it stopped moving on a busy road. Had to have towed to nearest shop, was told dual clutch system failed. Warning was “transmission malfunction service now”.vehicle is available for inspection, Ford refuses to compensate for faulty parts. Plenty of recalls f…

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NHTSA ODI #11483010

60,000 miles · Aug 15, 2022

Power Train

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer where the battery was replaced. However, the vehicle was shuddering significantly and the RPM was reeving up while driving. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module needed to be replaced. However, the parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the VIN was not included in any recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI #11479358

73,720 miles · Aug 1, 2022

Power Train

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 35-45 MPH, she heard abnormal sounds coming from the front end of the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that while attempting to shift the gear shifter from one gear to another, the gear shifter was difficult to operate. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer three times where it was diagnosed with transmission failure and that the transmission control module (TCM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired each time; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The contact referenced Ford Service Campaign Number: 14M02; however, the dealer and the manufacturer informed the contact that they could not provide vehicle rental assistance as the Service Campaign had expired. The manufacturer opened a case and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 73,720.

NHTSA ODI #11477021

80,000 miles · Jul 28, 2022

Power Train

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and accelerating, there was an abnormally loud grinding sound while the transmission was shifting gears. The contact stated that the transmission was also grinding gears while decelerating. The contact stated that the failure had gone from intermittent to constant. The contact stated that the check transmission light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer who diagnosed that the power train control module (PCM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI #11476372

115,000 miles · Jul 5, 2022

Power Train

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started jerking forward. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving and eventually, the vehicle independently started to drive normally without a failure. The contact stated he experienced the failure for a second time and the vehicle shifted independently into neutral(N). The contact stated that the check engine, the battery, and coolant warning lights were illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic but after parking the vehicle the vehicle failed to restart. The independent mechanic stated that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was replaced; however, the check engine and transmission error service now warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that he continued to experience the failure and the vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission module to be replaced. The vehicle was being serviced. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

NHTSA ODI #11472350

Mileage unknown · Jun 3, 2022

Engine

I should have an open recall for the coolant reservoir however it isn’t coming up at any Ford dealerships. There’s an issue with the OEM Khalid reservoir that comes in this vehicle and it’s leaking fluid.

NHTSA ODI #11467362

Mileage unknown · Jun 3, 2022

Forward Collision AvoidancePower Train

Transmission control module failed and driving is unsafe as lurching pick up in traffic and complete failure of transmission. No reverse or forward gear.

NHTSA ODI #11467336

145,000 miles · May 25, 2022

Air BagsCrashInjury

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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while his girlfriend was driving at 45 MPH with him in the front passenger seat, another vehicle suddenly crossed in front of the vehicle, causing the vehicle to crash into the rear end of the other vehicle. The front driver's side air bag and the passengers' side air bags failed to deploy. The driver's knee air bag deployed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's girlfriend sustained neck injuries and leg injuries and was transported to the hospital by emergency units. The contact sustained soreness on the right knee and stomach. The contact sought medical assistance the next day. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The manufacturer referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

NHTSA ODI #11466084

Mileage unknown · May 16, 2022

Wheels

The lug studs have "swollen" making it impossible to change a tire. I was told both by the tow truck driver who showed up to change the tire, and the tire shop where I took the car, that this is a known issue with this make/model and that you have to take it to a Ford dealership to be addressed.

NHTSA ODI #11464908

Official recalls

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

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

Engine

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.