NHTSA: Ford 1.0-Liter Engine Failures Pose 'Unreasonable Risk to Motor Vehicle Safety'

Federal safety regulators have upgraded an investigation into 135,551 Ford Fiestas, Focuses and EcoSports from the 2014-2021 model years. ' The problem stems from a timing belt that can degrade and create debris, clogging the mesh oil pump pickup screen and starving the engine of oil.

It can happen with little-to-no warning, and the probe has found failures even with proper routine oil maintenance.

This is not a recall yet. NHTSA moved the probe into an Engineering Analysis after finding that 98 percent of engine failures happen before the 150,000-mile timing belt replacement interval. That step is required before the agency can seek to compel Ford to issue a recall. Investigators list the average failure mileage at about 70,000 miles.

In June, Ford shortened the service interval for these engines to 100,000 miles or six years. Ford has also told NHTSA it will reimburse eligible motorists who previously paid for engine repair or replacement tied to a timing belt issue.

According to The Detroit News, one driver on a major highway in Wilmington, Delaware reported the oil pressure light came on, and within 1/8th of a mile the 2017 Focus lost all power and sounded like a tank.