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Published 28th February 2024

Ford is the most common car make in the UK, and many have EcoBoost engines, designed to reduce emissions and deliver fuel economy. Although we have previously discussed this on Watchdog, we are still hearing from viewers who say their fully serviced car engines have been failing a lot sooner than they would have expected.

Watchdog spoke to Katie and Kieran who bought a £14,995, 2019 Ford Focus in February last year with 50,000 on the clock. Despite maintaining its full service history, in December last year the car broke down.
“All of a sudden, I got a warning light appear on the dashboard. The power just dropped. There was lorries that were weaving around me. I panicked obviously.” Kieran said.

Both the recovery company and independent garage subsequently suspected that the timing belt inside the engine, also known as the wet or cam belt, had broken up, blocking the oil system.

The couple appealed to Ford via their car finance company, which refused their claim for costs. In order to pursue the problem, Ford requires further testing, a cost too high for Kieran and Katie.

“We've got a lot of money left on the car to pay” Kieran said.

He went on to say that the engine repair is suspected to cost £3,000 or above, and they have consequently had to ask their family for help.

“It's horrible to be in this situation, it really is” Katie said.

Watchdog is aware that in December 2023, Ford issued a recall notice in the US for certain EcoBoost models including older Ford Focuses. The recall notice related to similar problematic drive belts, which will be fixed at no cost to owners.

Watchdog also spoke to Natalie, whose 7 year old, 52,000 mile Ford Focus, with a fully serviced Ecoboost engine, also lost power on the motorway. Following a subsequent service, Natalie received a call from the mechanic when the car was being delivered back to her.
“He said, ‘ won't believe this, but the car has completely lost power’.” Natalie told us.

The breakdown service again suspected a wet belt issue and the car was delivered to Ford for the engine to be replaced at a cost of £5,620.50.
“Ford said ‘as a good will payment we will pay 52.5% towards this new engine. So it was £2,700 that we had to fork out.’ Natalie said.

She has been left distressed and told us “it's just I felt let down.”

To help explain the sort of issues the EcoBoost engines are having, Watchdog spoke with Independent Consulting Forensic Engineer John Dabek who showed us an examples of a damaged cam belt and clogged filter.
“It's just wearing out, it’s shedding his skin” he said of the wet belt, that consequently compromises oil delivery to the remainder of the engine.

Mr Dabek informed us that Ford state that these belts should last for 100,000 miles or 10 years, but went on to say that he did not believe this to be realistic. In response to the US recall, Mr Dabek told Watchdog:

“There's certainly a similarity. What they’re saying in that recall, is that we're going to replace it with a modified one, so as to prevent or reduce the likelihood of teeth coming off the belt. It's up to them to put it right.” He said.

In response to our case studies, a spokesperson from Ford, commented:
“Ford is aware of EcoBoost-powered car customers whose engines’ wet timing belt has degraded and is already assisting on a goodwill basis. Ford want to help any customer who believes they have had a premature timing belt failure and are happy to review cases from Watchdog with a full-service history for vehicles up to seven years old. Timely and correct servicing is key for wet belt maintenance and any illuminated dashboard warning lights should always receive attention. Service schedules against a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in Maintenance Schedule Details (ford.co.uk) show maximum vehicle age and mileage for next major service (stay ahead of whichever falls first). Details of our Customer Relations team can be found on our web-site (https://www.ford.co.uk/help/general/contact-us). Customer satisfaction is a key Ford priority and our Customer Relations team are ready to help.”

In response to our specific case studies, Ford told us that:
Katie & Kieran
• Customer contacted Ford Customer Relationship Centre on the 15th Dec 2023 saying issue with his wet belt.
• We advised the customer that for us to review assistance we would need to have a Ford diagnosis so that we could see if we could support.
• We also advised we would log his concern.
• No further contact.
• Serviced at correct intervals however not at Ford registered provider so no sight of parts / oils /lubricants etc used.
• Vehicle bought out of warranty
• Vehicle bought from an independent garage.
• Customer has not responded further

Natalie
A goodwill contribution of 52.5% was provided and accepted by the customer.
• Customer contacted Ford Customer Relationship Centre on the 5th Dec 2023 regarding a potential wet belt issue
• Dealers ran the goodwill calculator and offered 52.5% which was the highest offer (dlr 52.5% @ warranty = £1,981.84 / customer paid = £2,660.98)
• Customer advised and unhappy with offer. Explained this was the highest we would offer.
• Offer accepted and car repaired.
• Car serviced at an independent garage, so no sight of parts/oils/lubricants used.