Almost 140,000 Ford Focus and Ford EcoSport models in the United States have been recalled as a result of an oil pump issue that could cause the engine to seize.
The recall was issued to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on December 22, ending what had been a prolific year of recalls for the American automaker. It impacts a total of 26,041 Ford Focus models built for the 2016-2018 model years between March 24, 2015, and May 4, 2018, as well as 113,689 Ford EcoSports from the 2018-2022 model years manufactured from April 3, 2017, to October 12, 2021.
According to the NHTSA, the engine oil pump drive belt tensioner arm of impacted models could fracture and separate from the tensioner backing plate. If this is to occur then the oil pump drive belt material may degrade and lose teeth, triggering a loss of engine oil pressure. Not only can this cause the engine to seize but it will also cause the mechanical vacuum pump to no longer function, resulting in a loss of power braking assist.
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Impacted vehicles are equipped with Ford’s 1.0-liter Fox Classic engine and 6F15 automatic transmissions. Ford says the caulking joint of the oil pump drive belt tensioner can fail due to the vibrations it experiences over time. Owners may be alerted to the issue through a low oil pressure warning message on the instrument cluster and perhaps also a check engine light.
Ford says it is aware of 2,099 warranty claims made in relation to the issue between June 10, 2016, and October 6, 2023. It is also aware of an allegation of a crash with two injuries that may be related to the fault.
Owners should be notified by February 20, 2024, and when parts are available, Ford and Lincoln dealerships will be able to replace the oil pump drive belt tensioner assembly free of charge.
