The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said the issue may cause reduced engine oil pressure, loss of power while driving or engine seizure. The agency’s decision moves the investigation into a new phase that could eventually lead to a recall if regulators determine one is required.
Investigation Focuses on Timing Belt Debris and Engine Oil Pressure Problems
According to NHTSA, the investigation covers 2014-2017 Ford Fiesta vehicles, 2015-2018 Ford Focus vehicles and 2018-2021 Ford EcoSport vehicles equipped with the 1.0-liter engine. All three models have since been discontinued by Ford.
The regulator said it received 355 reports involving a low engine oil pressure warning light appearing before a complete loss or reduction of power while the vehicle was in motion. NHTSA’s initial review found that timing belt material may degrade over time, creating debris that can block the mesh oil pump pickup screen and reduce engine oil pressure.
The agency said failures have occurred even when vehicles received routine oil maintenance. Data reviewed by NHTSA showed the average failure mileage was around 70,000 miles, with 98% of reported failures happening before the previously suggested 150,000-mile timing belt replacement interval.
Some owners reported repair costs reaching thousands of dollars after engine failures. One driver cited by NHTSA reported that a 2017 Ford Focus lost power shortly after the oil pressure warning appeared while traveling on a highway in Wilmington, Delaware.
“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, (the agency) believes there is an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety,” NHTSA said.
Ford Adjusts Maintenance Guidance as Federal Review Continues
The investigation has now moved to an engineering analysis, a required stage before NHTSA can seek to require Ford to issue a recall. The next phase includes further evaluation of the vehicles and components involved.
According to Reuters, Ford had not immediately provided a comment after NHTSA announced the investigation update. The company previously told the regulator in June that it was introducing a customer satisfaction program for vehicles using the 1.0-liter Fox Classic Timing Belt.
Ford spokesperson Mike Levine said the automaker was notifying customers about a revised maintenance interval that reduces the recommended timing belt replacement schedule from 150,000 miles or 10 years to 100,000 miles or six years.
According to reports, the customer satisfaction program covers about 147,000 vehicles, including certain Fiesta, EcoSport and Focus models. Ford is also offering reimbursement to eligible customers who previously paid for engine repairs or replacements related to timing belt issues.
The regulator noted that it was not immediately clear which U.S. vehicles are included in Ford’s customer satisfaction program. The company is continuing to work with NHTSA as the federal investigation proceeds. The engineering analysis will determine whether the timing belt issue requires further action from federal safety officials, including a possible recall.
