Key facts
- Affected vehicles
- 135,551 Ford vehicles (model years 2014-2021)
- Affected models
- Fiesta, Focus, EcoSport
- Engine type
- 1.0L turbocharged three-cylinder
- Reported incidents
- 355 incidents of low oil pressure warning before power loss
- Average failure mileage
- Roughly 70,000 miles
- Ford's action
- Customer satisfaction program cutting maintenance interval to 100,000 miles or six years
Investigation background
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on Monday that it has upgraded a defect investigation into 135,551 Ford vehicles from model years 2014 to 2021 powered by the small 1.0L turbocharged three-cylinder engine. The agency cited an 'unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety' due to potential timing belt failure.
The affected models are the Ford Fiesta, Focus, and EcoSport, all of which have been discontinued by Ford. NHTSA said it was aware of 355 incidents alleging that a low engine oil pressure warning light appeared just before a complete loss or reduction of motive power while driving.
Current status
NHTSA's initial investigation revealed that timing belt material may degrade and create debris that clogs the mesh oil pump pick-up screen, causing reduced engine oil pressure. The probe suggests failures can happen without sufficient warning, and loss of power or engine seizure is imminent. Failures have been reported despite proper and routine oil maintenance, the agency said.
In its statement, NHTSA said: '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.'
The upgrade to an engineering analysis is a required step before NHTSA could force Ford to issue a recall. Some drivers reported engine failures that cost thousands of dollars to fix.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Reported incidents | 355 |
| Average failure mileage | 70,000 miles |
| Failures before 150,000-mile replacement | 98% |
Impacts on owners
Owners of affected Ford Fiesta, Focus, and EcoSport vehicles may face sudden loss of power or engine seizure, which could increase the risk of a crash. One 2017 Ford Focus driver reported being on a highway in Wilmington, Delaware, when the oil pressure light illuminated and within an eighth of a mile, the vehicle 'lost all power and the engine began to sound like a tank.'
Data showed an average failure mileage of roughly 70,000 miles, and 98% of the failures happened before the 150,000-mile suggested timing belt replacement, according to NHTSA. In June, Ford told the safety regulator it was adopting a non-safety customer satisfaction program for global vehicles with a 1.0L Fox Classic Timing Belt, cutting the maintenance interval to 100,000 miles or six years.
Ford is offering reimbursement to eligible customers who previously purchased engine repairs or replacements due to a timing belt-related issue, NHTSA said, although it was not immediately clear which vehicles are covered by the customer satisfaction program.
Possible next steps
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If NHTSA's engineering analysis confirms the defect, the agency could force Ford to issue a recall for the affected vehicles. Such a recall would likely require Ford to repair or replace the timing belt and related components at no cost to owners.
Alternatively, Ford may voluntarily expand its customer satisfaction program to cover more vehicles or offer additional remedies. The scope of the current program remains unclear, and it is uncertain whether all affected vehicles will be included.
If no recall is issued, owners may continue to face the risk of engine failure and costly repairs. However, the outcome depends on the findings of the ongoing analysis and Ford's response.
Source: fox13seattle.com
