Legally reviewed by: Chuck Panzarella, JD

Ford Motor Company has issued a safety recall for certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles equipped with 1.0L Fox engines and 6F15 automatic transmissions. The recall includes over 139,730 vehicles in total, with around 26,041 Ford Focus units affected and 113,689 Ford EcoSport models affected.

According to documents submitted by Ford to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the engine oil pump drive belt tensioner arm in these vehicles may fracture or separate. Additionally, the oil pump drive belt material can degrade and lose teeth over time. Both of these conditions can lead to a loss of oil pressure in the engine.

What Risks Does the Defect Pose?

The loss of oil pressure resulting from a damaged tensioner arm or belt can cause complete engine failure or seizure. This eliminates motive power and disables the mechanical vacuum pump that provides vital brake power assist. The loss of brake assist coupled with sudden engine failure drastically increases the risk of a crash.

Which Ford Vehicles Are Affected By The Engine Oil Loss Recall?

2016-2018 Ford Focus vehicles that were built from March 24, 2015, to May 4, 2018, and are equipped with 1.0L engines paired with 6F15 automatic transmissions are affected by the engine oil loss recall. About 26,041 Ford Focus vehicles are affected by the recall.

2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles that were built from April 3, 2017, to October 12, 2021, and are equipped with 1.0 engines paired with 6F15 automatic transmissions are affected by the recall. About 113,689 Ford EcoSport vehicles are affected by the engine oil loss recall.

When Did Ford Identify the Issue?

Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group began investigating complaints related to oil pump belt tensioner failures in the 1.0L Fox engines back in February 2022. However, at that time Ford concluded the risk was low since failures seemed to produce warning signs like engine lights.

In July 2023, after further investigation and 21 warranty engine teardown analyses, Ford determined the root causes – inadequate tensioner arm retention and unexpected belt degradation loads. Throughout their investigation from June 2016 to October 2023, Ford registered 2099 warranty-related claims.

What Should Ford Owners Do?

Ford states they will begin notifying owners by mail starting February 13, 2024. The notice will instruct owners to schedule an appointment with their Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the oil pump drive belt tensioner assembly and drive belt replaced free of charge, regardless of warranty status.

Until repairs are completed, owners should monitor their vehicles for symptoms like warning lights, engine noises, or loss of power. These may indicate oil pressure loss. Owners should park the vehicle safely right away if any issues are noticed, and contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332 regarding the recall and repair schedule.

As always, affected owners can check the NHTSA recalls site or call their dealer to see if their specific Focus or EcoSport is involved. Addressing this recall promptly once parts are available is crucial to avoid breakdowns or safety issues.

What If the Problem Persists After Multiple Repair Attempts?

If you’ve had your Ford vehicle repaired multiple times for the same defect, but the issues continue occurring, further action may be necessary under state lemon laws. There are a few additional steps owners should consider in this situation:

• Maintain detailed records of all repair attempts, including dated repair invoices and orders showing the problem described and work performed. Solid documentation is vital for pursuing legal claims.
• Send the manufacturer a lemon law demand letter along with your repair records. This formally requests a replacement vehicle or refund under your state’s lemon law statute.
• Hire a lemon law attorney if the defect is major like engine or transmission issues. Legal counsel can leverage their experience to get compensation and negotiate a positive settlement, often with legal fees covered.
• File complaints with agencies like the NHTSA and consumer reporting sites regarding your experience. This establishes a public record and makes the issue known.
• Pursue mediation or arbitration as an alternative to court litigation when feasible. Most state lemon laws require manufacturers to participate in third-party dispute resolution programs.

Think Your Ford is a Lemon? Contact Consumer Action Law Group for Help!

The California Lemon Law protects consumers if they buy a defective Ford vehicle. This means that if you took your Ford in multiple times for warranty issues, it may be a lemon, which means that you might be entitled to remedies such as a refund or a replacement vehicle.

If you believe that your Ford Focus or EcoSport is a lemon car, call the Consumer Action Law Group for a free case evaluation. You will be able to learn if you have a valid lemon claim and if you can take legal action against the manufacturer for compensation.