NHTSA escalates Ford probe after 355 reports of sudden power loss

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on August 3, 2026, escalated its investigation into a timing belt defect that it says poses an unreasonable safety risk in about 135,000 older Ford vehicles.

It covers Ford Fiesta, Focus, and EcoSport models from the 2014 through 2021 model years equipped with 1.0-liter engines.

The agency has received 355 reports of sudden power loss or engine seizure, often shortly after a low oil pressure warning light appeared.

In one reported incident, a 2017 Ford Focus lost all power on a Delaware highway within an eighth of a mile after the oil pressure light illuminated. Other owners have faced thousands of dollars in repair costs.

NHTSA noted that degrading timing-belt material can clog the oil pump pick-up screen, reducing oil pressure. Failures can occur without adequate warning, even in vehicles that have had proper maintenance. Data show an average failure mileage of about 70,000 miles, with 98 percent of failures happening before the recommended 150,000-mile belt replacement.

The upgrade to an engineering analysis is a required step before NHTSA can compel a recall.

Ford, which has discontinued all three models, did not immediately comment. In June 2026, the automaker told NHTSA it was launching a non-safety customer satisfaction program for global vehicles with the 1.0-liter Fox Classic Timing Belt, shortening the maintenance interval to 100,000 miles or six years. Ford is also offering reimbursement for prior engine repairs related to the belt, though it is unclear which U.S. vehicles are covered.