NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
74 reportsMileage unknown · Aug 13, 2022
Unknown Or Other
At intersection making a turn when vehicle wouldn't move forward. Transmission stoped working. Dangerous vehicle position. Signal light changed. Several cars honked horn and had to go around. Car was in gear (drive). After several minutes shifting into drive and reverse and back into drive I was able to complete turn and …
Read full complaint
At intersection making a turn when vehicle wouldn't move forward. Transmission stoped working. Dangerous vehicle position. Signal light changed. Several cars honked horn and had to go around. Car was in gear (drive). After several minutes shifting into drive and reverse and back into drive I was able to complete turn and pull over to side of road.
NHTSA ODI #11479111
Mileage unknown · May 24, 2022
Power Train
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at a low rate of speed, the vehicle shut off without warning. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic after multiple attempts to restart the vehicle. The independent mechanic then informed her that only a dealer could repair the vehic…
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at a low rate of speed, the vehicle shut off without warning. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic after multiple attempts to restart the vehicle. The independent mechanic then informed her that only a dealer could repair the vehicle; therefore, the vehicle was towed back to her home. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where she was informed that the TCM (Transmission Control Module) needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance; they then referred the contact to the NHTSA. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA ODI #11465958
115,000 miles · Apr 27, 2022
Power Train
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, a yellow wrench warning symbol and "engine malfunction service now," warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that the vehicle would intermittently stall while driving at various speeds with the warning light …
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, a yellow wrench warning symbol and "engine malfunction service now," warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that the vehicle would intermittently stall while driving at various speeds with the warning light remaining illuminated. The contact called several dealers including Ourisman Ford of Alexandria (6129 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22303), Upper Marlboro Ford(5701 Crain Hwy, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772), Koons Ford of Silver Spring (3111 Automobile Blvd #1, Silver Spring, MD 20904) and was informed that the failure might be related to a transmission defect. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle; he was then referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
NHTSA ODI #11462495
98,743 miles · Mar 1, 2022
Wheels
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle was jerking while an unknown warning light was illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the contact was not informed of the cause of the failure or what needed to be …
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle was jerking while an unknown warning light was illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the contact was not informed of the cause of the failure or what needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated while having maintenance repairs on the vehicle, the mechanic informed her that the lug nuts were swollen on all four wheels and needed to be replaced. The contact mentioned that it was difficult to remove the lug nuts. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,743.
NHTSA ODI #11454687
Mileage unknown · Dec 14, 2021
Fuel/propulsion System
The contact stated there was a warning indicator of PO456 and P1450. The contact stated there was an abnormal winding sound detected. Additionally, while driving the vehicle hesitated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed and fixed but in 4 months again the problem showed in the car. The contact was informed…
Read full complaint
The contact stated there was a warning indicator of PO456 and P1450. The contact stated there was an abnormal winding sound detected. Additionally, while driving the vehicle hesitated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed and fixed but in 4 months again the problem showed in the car. The contact was informed that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced.
NHTSA ODI #11443825
120,000 miles · Dec 13, 2021
Power Train
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH with the cruise control engaged, the contact depressed the clutch to shift gear however, the clutch seized, and the contact was unable to shift into gear. The contact placed the vehicle into neutral and veered to the side of the road. The contact looked…
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH with the cruise control engaged, the contact depressed the clutch to shift gear however, the clutch seized, and the contact was unable to shift into gear. The contact placed the vehicle into neutral and veered to the side of the road. The contact looked under the hood and smelled an abnormal chemical odor coming from the engine. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle with a faulty clutch. The contact was informed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA ODI #11443656
60,000 miles · Oct 18, 2021
Fuel System, Gasoline
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated there was a warning indicator of PO456. The contact stated there was an abnormal winding sound detected. Additionally, while driving the vehicle hesitated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagno…
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated there was a warning indicator of PO456. The contact stated there was an abnormal winding sound detected. Additionally, while driving the vehicle hesitated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact mentioned another recall involving another year, make, and model and indicated the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
NHTSA ODI #11437125
43,000 miles · May 10, 2021
Seats
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD FIESTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STATIONARY, THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT FRACTURED. THE CONTACT WAS STUCK BY A METAL PIECE WHEN HE SAT IN THE SEAT. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATE…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD FIESTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STATIONARY, THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT FRACTURED. THE CONTACT WAS STUCK BY A METAL PIECE WHEN HE SAT IN THE SEAT. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 43,000.
NHTSA ODI #11415993
31,135 miles · Apr 11, 2021
EngineForward Collision Avoidance
AFTER AN OIL CHANGE, OIL COMPLETELY DRAINED FROM ENGINE. NO VISIBLE LEAK FROM OIL PAN PLUG OR OIL FILTER.*DT THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE WAS DETERMINED TO BE AN UNTIGHTENED OIL FILTER.
NHTSA ODI #11407452
50,000 miles · Apr 1, 2021
Fuel/propulsion System
FUEL PURGE VALVE LEAKING. FORD PART NUMBER D2B19C987AB FOR WHOLE ASSEMBLY OR B33TB BOSCH FOR SPECIFIC VALVE. FORD DENIES THIS IS RELATED TO EMISSIONS THEREFOR NOT COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR EMISSIONS PARTS. EVERYBODY IS CALLING IT AN EMISSIONS DEVICE THAT CONTROLS FUMES FROM GAS TANK. MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE SAME PRO…
Read full complaint
FUEL PURGE VALVE LEAKING. FORD PART NUMBER D2B19C987AB FOR WHOLE ASSEMBLY OR B33TB BOSCH FOR SPECIFIC VALVE. FORD DENIES THIS IS RELATED TO EMISSIONS THEREFOR NOT COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR EMISSIONS PARTS. EVERYBODY IS CALLING IT AN EMISSIONS DEVICE THAT CONTROLS FUMES FROM GAS TANK. MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE SAME PROBLEM, IT'S VERY COMMON. CODE P1450 AND P0456. CAUSES CAR TO NOT TURN ON AFTER FILLING UP GAS TANK. FOR SOME IT HAS STALLED THE CAR WHILE DRIVING AND UNABLE TO START CAR. THIS PART SHOULD BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. 2017 FIESTA, 50K MILES. EASY WAY TO TEST IS PULL THE TUBE FROM BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND FIREWALL AND IF VACUUM IS PRESENT IT'S LEAKING. DOES NOT REQUIRE TOOLS TO DISCONNECT. THERE IS A GREEN TAB ON THE TUBE THAT YOU USE FINGERS TO PUSH. AGAIN NO TOOLS REQUIRED AND TAKES 10 SECONDS TO DO. PURGE VALVE IS SUPPOSE TO BE SHUT OFF BY DEFAULT. IF AIR IS MOVING THROUGH, YOU HAVE A LEAKING VALVE. IF YOU REMOVE THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY AND BLOW ON THE END, IT NEEDS TO NOT COME OUT FROM OTHER END.
NHTSA ODI #11405975
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.
Illustration