Ford Faces Federal Probe Over EcoBoost Engine Failures, Timing Belt Defect

U.S. regulators launched an engineering analysis of 135,000 Ford vehicles. The investigation targets Ford Fiesta, Focus, and EcoSport models from 2014 through 2021. These vehicles feature 1.0L EcoBoost engines.

The NHTSA received 355 owner complaints regarding power loss while driving. Degrading timing belt material reportedly clogs the engine's oil pump. This defect causes catastrophic engine damage and loss of oil pressure.

Failures often occur at 70,000 miles. This occurs far sooner than the 150,000-mile service interval. An engineering analysis is the final step before the NHTSA can mandate a recall. Ford launched a customer satisfaction program to reimburse repair costs and adjust maintenance schedules.