Key facts
- NHTSA upgraded an investigation into 135,551 Ford Fiesta, Focus, and EcoSport vehicles due to potential timing belt failures.
- Reports indicate 355 incidents of low engine oil pressure warnings preceding loss of power.
- Ford has recalled 7.4 million vehicles in the U.S. in early 2026 across multiple campaigns.
- Defects range from software updates to brake master cylinder concerns, affecting 2022-2026 model years.
- Ford has issued 53 recalls in 2026, significantly more than competitors.
- The Center for Auto Safety links Ford's recall volume to a 2024 consent order with NHTSA.
The U.S. auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has upgraded an investigation into certain older Ford vehicles, including Fiesta, Focus, and EcoSport models from 2014-2021, due to concerns that a timing belt failure could cause a loss of power. The agency has received 355 reports alleging low engine oil pressure warnings prior to such power loss.
This development occurs amidst a significant increase in Ford's recall activity. In early 2026, Ford issued recalls for 7.4 million vehicles in the U.S. across more than a dozen separate campaigns. These recalls, affecting models from 2022-2026 such as F-150s, Explorers, Bronco Sports, and Mustang Mach-Es, address a range of issues including faulty rearview cameras, potential fuel injector cracks, and brake master cylinder concerns. Many of these issues are reportedly linked to supplier defects.
Data compiled by NHTSA indicates Ford has issued 53 recalls since January 1, 2026, substantially more than other manufacturers like Chrysler, which has issued 19. Michael Brooks, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety, suggested that Ford's high recall numbers might be influenced by a 2024 consent order with NHTSA that subjects the company to oversight for its recall issues. Ford, however, defended its safety record, with spokesperson Sharyn Ghacham stating that over 80% of the year's recalls are resolved through convenient software updates.