NHTSA Launches Engineering Analysis for 135,000 Ford Vehicles

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration upgraded a defect investigation to a formal engineering analysis involving 135,551 Ford vehicles from model years 2014 to 2021. The probe focuses on Fiesta, Focus, and EcoSport models equipped with 1.0L turbocharged three-cylinder engines.

Regulators determined that timing belt material can degrade and clog the oil pump pick-up screen, which reduces engine oil pressure and can cause power loss or complete engine seizure. The agency found that 98% of these failures occurred before the recommended 150,000-mile replacement interval, often despite the owners following routine maintenance schedules.

Ford Motor Company previously attempted to address the issue through a non-safety customer satisfaction program. This initiative reduced the timing belt maintenance interval to 100,000 miles or six years and provided reimbursements for eligible engine repairs.