Feds Ratchet Up Ford Power Loss Probe

More than 135,000 older Ford cars pose an "unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety" because of a problem that could cause them to lose power, according to the federal auto safety regulators.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently announced it is expanding an investigation into a timing belt defect in cars. The move increases the likelihood that Ford will be forced to recall the vehicles.

The probe covers three discontinued Ford models - Fiesta, Focus and EcoSport - from 2014 through 2021. The cars come equipped with a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine.

NHTSA, which opened the investigation in December, said it found that timing belt material can degrade over time and shed debris that clogs the oil pump intakes, reducing engine oil pressure. That includes vehicles that have had routine maintenance and inspection. The agency said drivers reported having little time from when the low oil pressure warning lights appeared to when power was lost. 

NHTSA said it is aware of 355 incidents tied to the defect.

“The failure data provided in response to this investigation revealed an average failure mileage of approximately 70,000 miles, and that 98% of the failures occurred prior to the 150,000 mile timing belt replacement interval per the vehicles’ maintenance schedule,” NHTSA said.

Ford Owners’ Legal Rights in California

Ford has issued more recalls than any other car manufacturer in several years running. The automaker announced more than 150 separate recalls last year alone, and that pace shows little sign of changing.

The automaker recently announced it is calling back nearly 600,000 Bronco sport utility vehicles, for instance. The SUVs’ engine wiring could short-circuit, Ford said at the time.

The company said around the same time it was recalling some 388,000 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs, citing a problem with their second-row seats. The seats could unexpectedly tip or slide forward while the vehicles are in use, increasing the risk of injury in accidents, according to Ford.

The good news for Ford drivers in California is that you do not need to wait around for a recall to get defective and malfunctioning cars fixed, with the manufacturer picking up the tab.

The California lemon law generally requires carmakers to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles under warranty. It also forces manufacturers to buy back cars they are unable or unwilling to fix. That includes compensating the owner for the vehicle’s purchase price, as well as financing charges, rental car costs and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of recall requests or attempts that must be made before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights, explore your options, and take action.

Speak with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.