The turbocharged 1.0L I-3 EcoBoost engine used in a number of Ford EcoSport, Ford Fiesta, and Ford Focus models has been the subject of lawsuits, an NHTSA investigation, and a recall, all due to engine failures caused by a loss of oil pressure. FoMoCo ultimately discovered that the problem stems from a faulty engine oil pump drive belt tensioner arm that may fracture and separate from the tensioner backing plate, while the oil pump drive belt material may also degrade and lose teeth, and as such, recently authorized replacements for impacted models equipped with the Ford EcoBoost 1.0L engine. Regardless, its legal troubles continue.
According to Atlanta News First, the class action lawsuit filed over these Ford EcoBoost engine failures has been amended, and now alleges that the automaker knew about the 1.0L powerplant’s issues as early as 2016. “The defect presents a serious safety hazard because it can cause catastrophic engine failure without warning while driving, lost motive power, and/or sudden limp mode activation, increasing the likelihood of a collision,” the lawsuit claims.
“We allege that Ford knew this was a problem from a very early date,” said attorney Tim Mathews with Chimicles Schwartz Kriner & Donaldson Smith, who is representing 12 plaintiffs in this case along with Berger Montague and Capstone Law. “When you have a rubber belt circulating through oil, it’s imperative that you ensure that that’s a very robust system, and they did not. These belts degrade over time, leading to engine failure.”
In its recall issued over this particular problem, Ford admits that the faulty oil pump drive tensioner arm “may fracture or separate, causing a loss of vehicle power and power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.” The issue impacts select  2018-2021 Ford EcoSport, 2016-2018 Ford Focus, and 2016-2017 Ford Fiesta models. While Ford has agreed to replace faulty engines, it doesn’t expect to receive replacement parts until 2025, which leaves some owners in a bind – especially since those owners have been instructed not to drive their vehicles until repairs have been completed.
Comments
I have a Ford focus 2015 and when I went to my Ford dealer regarding the wet belt was told that if I haven’t had my Ford focus serviced by Ford dealer I don’t have a calm but have had my car serviced yearly and have now had my belt done by a Ford dealer £1598. When I told garages about what the Ford garage in Bedford said they said that just away of not having to pay
Great. Another opportunity for owners to get $5 and for the lawyers to get millions. Seems reasonable …
Make Ford buy them all back at the owners purchase price
Seems to be the norm for ford. Have the same issues with oil pump on the ranger/transit engine
Ford also knew about issues with 2.0 litre eco boost engines in 2017-2019 Ford and Lincoln models which has fluid leaks into 3rd cylinder…had to replace my engine in a 2017 Lincoln MKZ with 92000 km ..
Cost me $8200.00
Is it just me, but is running a fabric, rubber or faux-rubber belt through oil a bad idea? Why not a chain? Money?
I have a 2018 Ford Eco sport SE. Less than 50k miles on it. This is the 3rd engine that I have. Very bad engineering. Most engines have a mechanical oil pump system driven by the crank shaft or the Cam shaft.
I have had 2 ecosport’s a 2016 and a 2022 model ecoboost 3cylinder models.
Brilliant cars compared to their competitors.
Not sure what your problems are.
When this motor came out it won best small engine for 6 years in Europe. I have mates with Renault and other brands that have plenty problems.
If I buy another Ford, it won’t have an engine or transmission.
Yes I think ford should resolve issue. Buy back vehicles or pay owner’s to keep them .I’ve done belt etc on myown .Who’s going to pay for that …