I am NOT filing in regards to the clutch fracture recall on previous page . I AM filing a complaint regarding the 1.0 L Ecoboost engine "wet timing belt " system which is currently under the federal safety agency Engineering Analysis . My vehicle has 147,000 miles and still has the original wet timing belt . Ford`s original maintenance schedule states this belt is a standard wear item that lasts 150,000 miles . However , independent and federal data shows these belts degrade prematurely , shedding rubber teeth that clog the oil pump pickup tube screen .This creates a severe safety hazard , including sudden engine seizure and an immediate loss of power braking assist while driving . Because this is a systemic design flaw creating an unreasonable safety risk , Ford should expand safety recall 23S64 / 23V905 to cover 2015 manual transmission models . This engine is EXACTLY the same engine as the ones covered in the 2016-2018 recall with the same " wet belt " design . Ford has already insinuated to many owners that the belt degradation is due to wrong oil types used in these engines . The owner`s manual clearly states to use a Ford oil specification ( WSS-M2C945-B ) which I have used religiously . Ford later recommended a newer oil specification ( WSS-M2C948-B) after the fact . They also have recently recommending changing the belts at 100,000 miles instead of 150,000 miles after the fact . Interestingly , newer versions of this engine are using a METAL timing chain instead of a rubber belt that degrades . I wholeheartedly believe Ford should be forced to recall these cars and fix this belt safety issue before someone gets seriously injured or killed .
2015 Ford Focus engine problems
180 complaints (18% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 66,000. 2 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 180
- of this car's complaints
- 18%
- typical mileage
- 66,000
- crashes
- 2
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Exhaust system: emission control1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Ford Focus engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2015 Ford Focus engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Stalling 187Check engine light 165Loss of power 46Overheating 46Engine failure 21Won't start 18Knocking 8Misfire 5
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Related investigations
Timing Belt Failure
On December 18, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE25020 to investigate instances of timing belt failure in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford Fiesta and MY 2015-2018 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Ford), equipped with a 1.0L engine and manual transmission (subject vehicles). Additionally, MY 2018-2021 Ford EcoSport and MY 2016-2018 Focus vehicles with a 1.0L engine and automatic transmission were analyzed as peer vehicles because they utilize a wet timing belt comprised of similar material as the timing belt in the subject vehicles. Through the PE, ODI investigated a potential failure/degradation of the timing belt that may affect oil pump function resulting in a lack of engine lubrication and potential loss of motive power. The complaints commonly allege a low engine oil pressure warning lamp immediately preceding a complete loss or reduction of motive power while the vehicle is in motion. Some complaints allege that a sudden loss of motive power or engine seizure occurred without warning or prior detectable symptoms. ODIâs analysis supports that this failure can occur without sufficient and advanced warning to the driver that a loss of motive power/engine seizure is imminent. ODI found that the timing belt material may degrade and create debris that clogs the mesh oil pump pick-up screen, resulting in reduced oil pressure in the engine. As additional debris accumulates on the screen, this can progress to a loss of motive power while driving due to a lack of engine lubrication. 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 vehiclesâ maintenance schedule. Based on evidence collected via consumer surveys and an engine teardown, failures have occurred despite evidence of proper and routine oil maintenance. The oil pump pick-up screen is not serviceable, so debris accumulation cannot be inspected or manually removed without removing the engine from the vehicle. On June 2, 2026, Ford informed ODI of a non-safety customer satisfaction program for global vehicles with the 1.0L Fox Classic Timing Belt. This program will notify customers globally of a revised maintenance interval for the timing belt, reducing the original 150,000 mile interval down to 100,000 miles/6 years. This customer satisfaction program will also offer reimbursement to eligible customers who previously paid to have their engine repaired or replaced due to a timing belt related issue. Based on the federal safety agencyâs analysis of the data, failure rates, information provided by Ford, preliminary engine teardown analysis, and precedent recalls regarding loss of engine oil pressure with the presence of driver facing warnings, ODI believes there is an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysis to perform component-level and vehicle testing. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identiï¬cation Number document, go to
EA26004
Timing Belt Failure
On December 18, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE25020 to investigate instances of timing belt failure in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford Fiesta and MY 2015-2018 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Ford), equipped with a 1.0L engine and manual transmission (subject vehicles). Additionally, MY 2018-2021 Ford EcoSport and MY 2016-2018 Focus vehicles with a 1.0L engine and automatic transmission were analyzed as peer vehicles because they utilize a wet timing belt comprised of similar material as the timing belt in the subject vehicles. Through the PE, ODI investigated a potential failure/degradation of the timing belt that may affect oil pump function resulting in a lack of engine lubrication and potential loss of motive power. The complaints commonly allege a low engine oil pressure warning lamp immediately preceding a complete loss or reduction of motive power while the vehicle is in motion. Some complaints allege that a sudden loss of motive power or engine seizure occurred without warning or prior detectable symptoms. ODIâs analysis supports that this failure can occur without sufficient and advanced warning to the driver that a loss of motive power/engine seizure is imminent. ODI found that the timing belt material may degrade and create debris that clogs the mesh oil pump pick-up screen, resulting in reduced oil pressure in the engine. As additional debris accumulates on the screen, this can progress to a loss of motive power while driving due to a lack of engine lubrication. 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 vehiclesâ maintenance schedule. Based on evidence collected via consumer surveys and an engine teardown, failures have occurred despite evidence of proper and routine oil maintenance. The oil pump pick-up screen is not serviceable, so debris accumulation cannot be inspected or manually removed without removing the engine from the vehicle. On June 2, 2026, Ford informed ODI of a non-safety customer satisfaction program for global vehicles with the 1.0L Fox Classic Timing Belt. This program will notify customers globally of a revised maintenance interval for the timing belt, reducing the original 150,000 mile interval down to 100,000 miles/6 years. This customer satisfaction program will also offer reimbursement to eligible customers who previously paid to have their engine repaired or replaced due to a timing belt related issue. Based on the federal safety agencyâs analysis of the data, failure rates, information provided by Ford, preliminary engine teardown analysis, and precedent recalls regarding loss of engine oil pressure with the presence of driver facing warnings, ODI believes there is an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. Therefore, this Preliminary Evaluation is being upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA26004). During this Engineering Analysis, the agency plans to perform component-level and vehicle testing. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identiï¬cation Number document, go to
PE25020
What 2015 Ford Focus owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
My 2015 Ford Focus SE with the 1.0L EcoBoost engine and 6-speed manual transmission is experiencing a loss of engine lubrication/oil flow. The camshafts are not receiving adequate oil, there appears to be insufficient oil flow/pressure reaching the cylinder head. I am concerned that continued driving could result in engine damage, engine seizure, or a sudden loss of power while driving. I am aware that the federal safety agency Recall 23V‑905 / Ford Recall 23S64 covers certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with the 1.0L EcoBoost for oil-pump drive belt or tensioner failure that can cause loss of engine oil pressure. My 2015 Focus is not currently included in that recall. I am submitting this complaint because my vehicle has a similar loss-of-lubrication condition and I believe the federal safety agency should document and evaluate failures occurring in 2015 Ford Focus 1.0L vehicles as well.
The vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of motive power due to an internal engine failure while stopped at an idle in active traffic. The engine stalled completely and would not restart, creating an immediate safety hazard as the vehicle was stranded in the roadway. This failure is directly related to the known issue where the 1.0L EcoBoost wet timing belt degrades, shedding debris that clogs the oil pump screen and starves the engine. Ford's Customer Satisfaction Program 26L02 acknowledges the component failure but does not offer a remedy or safety recall for my specific model year, leaving an unaddressed safety risk on the road.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into reverse and failed to properly shift gears. The vehicle failed to accelerate above 9 MPH. The vehicle was shifted to neutral and coasted to the residence. The contact stated that there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was associated with Customer Satisfaction Program: 14M02; extended warranty coverage for the Transmission Control Module. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact called the local dealer and was provided the cost of a diagnostic test, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall, warranty, or customer satisfaction program associated with the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
own a 2015 Ford Focus that has experienced repeated transmission-related problems over several years. The symptoms have included harsh shifting, hesitation, failure to shift properly, and at one point the vehicle would not shift into reverse. These transmission issues have caused ongoing concerns about the vehicle's safety and reliability. I have brought the vehicle to Ford dealerships on multiple occasions seeking diagnosis and repair. Ford replaced the Transmission Control Module (TCM) on November 16, 2024 under Ford Field Service Action 14M02 after diagnosing transmission-related problems, including Diagnostic Trouble Code P087A. Despite that repair, the vehicle continued to experience transmission-related concerns. Approximately one year later, another Ford repair order documented multiple TCM-related diagnostic codes and directed that the vehicle be returned to a Ford dealership for further evaluation. The transmission concerns persisted even after the previous TCM replacement. Most recently, I again presented the vehicle to a Ford dealership because of continuing transmission issues. I was provided an estimate of approximately $2,000 for additional transmission repairs. At the time of the estimate, I was not provided the complete diagnostic trouble codes or technician findings explaining why another major transmission repair was necessary. Over the course of ownership, I have made multiple appointments, diagnostic visits, and repair visits related to the transmission and have incurred significant out-of-pocket expenses, including diagnostic charges, towing costs, and repairs. The repeated failures and recurring transmission concerns have required multiple visits to Ford dealerships and have not resulted in a lasting repair. My concern is not only the financial cost but also the safety of operating this vehicle. Unexpected transmission malfunction can affect acceleration, shifting, and the vehicle's ability to move normally in traffic, creating a potential safe
My engine is the same 1.0 that is in the recall for these cars getting a new short block. TheRecall Numbers: Ford recall 23S64 (the federal safety agency Campaign 23V905). . For some reason the 2015 is not covered in this whileine had the same catastrophic failure and I have been have a hard time (over 5 years) to get it repaired or find a replacement engine. The 2015 eco boost 1.0 should be included in this recall
There were two times within a week where the car stopped in the middle of traffic. One was on Route 100 in a merge lane and the other was on the offramp of route 30 to 100 Exton. This happened in the middle left turn lane with traffic behind me causing me to need immediate police assistance to ensure my safety. The Check Engine light was popping from the TCM indicator which I was told I could still drive on without repairing it immediately. This came directly from Fred Beans Ford of West Chester PA. My car has been in the shop multiple times since December 2025 beginning with the original CPV recall and things got worse from there. It's caused lots of anxiety and ptsd while driving to the point I want to sell the car after it is repaired because I just don't feel safe anymore in it.
Engine Stalls: the engine stalls unexpectedly while driving at highway speeds and city/street speeds. Loss Of Power: Sudden loss of motive power creates an immediate crash hazard. Starting Issues: the car struggles to start or cranks excessively after refueling. Erratic Fuel Guage: The fuel gauge fluctuates wildly and gives inaccurate readings. Malfunction Indicator: The Check Engine Light is illuminated with emission-related codes. Fuel Tank Noise: Loud clunking or thumping noises come from the fuel tank area. The problem began in September 2025 and I took the car to a local mechanic and they fixed the issued, however the issue has started again. The fix did not solve the problems.
No warning lamps until catastrophic engine failure. Power loss and that puts myself and others at risk. I have had multiple issues going back to first year owned when I had power loss while driving through interactions and on the freeway. Dealership tried to state it was due to bubble in coolant system. Then first engine failure occurred and was replaced by Ford
03/25/2026 Driving down the street card started jerking and acting like it did not want to move kept slowing down like it wasn't getting any gas. like the transmission was going out. There is nothing wrong with my transmission. The car had been on a recall for a part that has been replaced 2 different times. I tried to have it checked out the Ford dealers here where I live wanted to charge me $200.00 insisting that its my transmission. I know it is not my transmission. Its the same part they have replaced 2 times that was on the recall list for my car. What can I do? It is dangerous for me to drive.
Questions about the 2015 Ford Focus engine
Does the 2015 Ford Focus have engine problems?
Owners have filed 180 complaints about the engine of the 2015 Ford Focus, 18% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2015 Ford Focus engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 66,000 miles.
Is there a recall for the 2015 Ford Focus engine?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
Other 2015 Ford Focus problems
Transmission 559Fuel system 172Steering 93Electrical 64Acceleration 42Airbags 18Body 16Wheels 12Visibility 11Brakes 10Driver assistance 10Locks 8Seat belts 6Suspension 4Lights 3Seats 2
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