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Car Safety DB

NHTSA Investigation

PE23015

Oil Pump Failure

Type: PEStatus: ClosedOpened: September 20, 2023Closed: February 14, 2024

Key Takeaways

  • Investigation PE23015 currently maps to 7 tracked vehicle-year pages across 1 make.
  • This page summarizes the public investigation subject, status, timing, and affected tracked vehicles linked from NHTSA source data.
  • The linked component on this record is engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pump.
  • This investigation record also references recall campaign 23V905.

What This Investigation Page Shows

This page summarizes a public NHTSA investigation record tied to one or more tracked vehicle-year pages in our database. Investigation records sit between owner complaints and recall campaigns: they can remain open, close without a recall, or connect to a later remedy action. Use this page to see which tracked vehicles are linked to the record, then open the individual vehicle pages for complaints, recalls, and crash test context.

Investigation Summary

On September 20, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-015 to investigate instances of engine failure due to loss of oil pressure in model year (MY) 2018-2021 Ford EcoSport vehicles. Some consumers reported a low engine oil pressure warning lamp immediately preceding a complete loss or reduction of motive power while the vehicle was in motion. The investigation revealed that the engine oil pump drive belt tensioner arm may fracture, separate from the tensioner backing plate, and/or the oil pump drive belt may degrade and lose teeth, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure. A loss of engine oil pressure can result in engine seizure, which can result in a loss of motive power and a loss of mechanical vacuum pump required to provide power braking assist, increase the risk of a crash. On December 22, 2023, Ford filed recall 23V-905 for certain MY 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The recall remedy provides the replacement of the oil pump drive belt tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt with redesigned parts to improve robustness. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Manufacturer listed on the source record: Ford Motor Company

Component listed on the source record: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP

Affected Vehicles (7)

YearMakeModel
2018FordEcosport
2019FordEcosport
2020FordEcosport
2021FordEcosport
2016FordFocus
2017FordFocus
2018FordFocus

Browse Affected Vehicles

All data is sourced from NHTSA public records. This site is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or any government agency. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and may not reflect confirmed defects. For official information, visit nhtsa.gov.

Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026