What is the failure rate for Ford EcoBoost wet belts?

I have a Ford Fiesta 125 EcoBoost which I have had from new, and has just short of 30k miles on it now. It has been serviced exactly in line with Fords schedule by a franchised main dealer, so assume all correct parts and fluids have been used. The car is in mint condition so I am reluctant to sell it, but I am fast approaching the time when I need to decide the way forward.

I assume there is no way the condition of the belt can be checked, so do I keep to the schedule with fingers crossed or bite the bullet and change the belt early. Do you have any info on the failure rate?

It is a pity that Fords engineers spoilt the design of such a brilliant little car by making such a vital engine part so difficult and expensive to service, and one that would effectively write the car off if neglected and it fails.

Asked on 15 December 2023 by Joe jones

Answered by David Ross

The majority of issues reported with wet belts in EcoBoost engines have been with oil contamination and degrading of the belt over time, so the fact that you have followed the service schedule minimises the risk of a failure. Ultimately it comes down to how keen you are to keep the car - if you are planning to hold on to it for several more years, changing the belt early would make sense and give peace of mind for the future. We do not have access to data around failure rates, but the fact that it is a topic of discussion among owners would suggest it is more common than a typical failure rate.

Tags: timing belt ecoboost engine wet belt

Similar questions

Should I change the cambelt on my Ford Focus EcoBoost?

I read somewhere that there has been a massive recall in USA of 2016-2018 Focus with the petrol 3 cylinder engine. Apparently they are failing after only 50,000 miles because the wet cambelts are deteriorating...

Does the Ford Focus Ecoboost have a timing chain or belt?

I'm looking at a 2019 plate focus with an Ecoboost engine but have been made aware of the problems with these engines and the wet belt. I'm likely to have the vehicle in another 5 years and changing the...

Are there still issues with the Ford 1.0 EcoBoost engine?

I'm looking at buying a Ford Fiesta, between 2016 - 2019 plate. Are there still issues with the EcoBoost engines?

Related models