Focus and EcoSport Models Recalled by Ford for 1.0L Engine Oil Pressure Concerns

US regulators probe Ford’s 2.7 and 3.0 EcoBoost engines.

The watchful eye of the US government has even caught up to Ford’s impressive 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine. As a result, Ford has recently announced a recall for select 2018-2022 EcoSport and 2016-2018 Focus vehicles that are equipped with this popular three-cylinder engine and 6F15 automatic transmission. The reason for this recall is a possible fault with the oil pump drive belt tensioner arm, which could lead to a decrease in engine oil pressure and potential issues.

As per the notification of recall, the arm of the belt tensioner is susceptible to fracture due to the inadequate strength of the retention caulk joint that is unable to endure engine vibrations. In the event of such a fracture, the tensioner may detach from the backing plate and result in the belt losing its teeth and deteriorating.

In the event of this occurrence, the motor may encounter a decrease in oil pressure, potentially resulting in engine harm and immobilization. Motorists could also find themselves with diminished engine and braking capabilities, putting them at risk of a collision. Ford has been notified of one reported crash potentially linked to this problem, causing injury to two individuals, yet no fatalities have been reported.

The announcement of the recall comes as a response to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s inquiry into approximately 250,000 EcoSport crossovers for potential engine malfunction in models from 2018 to 2021, which was launched in September. Ford’s EcoBoost engines have been under watchful investigation since 2022, when NHTSA first looked into problems with the Bronco.

In October, the national organization enlarged its investigation on “devastating malfunctioning engines” to encompass 700,000 Ford and Lincoln automobiles. Currently, it is examining the 2.7-liter and 3.0-liter EcoBoost motors that operate the Edge, Explorer, F-150, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator editions.

The recall impacts 139,790 EcoSport and Focus models, both of which are no longer available in the US. In the previous year, Ford held onto its undesirable record as the most recalled automaker, with 54 recalls impacting a total of 5.6 million vehicles. This number has decreased from the previous year’s 68 recalls affecting 8.5 million cars in 2022.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration