Have Ford fixed the wet belt issue?
Ford has not issued a single, all-encompassing fix for a nationwide “wet belt” problem across its entire lineup. Instead, the company has pursued targeted recalls, service campaigns, and component redesigns for specific engines and production years. The current status varies by model and year, and owners should verify status for their exact vehicle.
The question hinges on whether Ford has resolved issues associated with timing-belt configurations that operate in oil (often referred to in consumer discussions as a “wet belt”). Answers depend on which engine you own, when it was built, and the remedies designated by Ford and regulators. For the most accurate, up-to-date information, consult official Ford recall/TSB notices and the NHTSA recall database using your vehicle identification number (VIN).
What is the wet belt issue?
The term “wet belt” is used by some owners and technicians to describe timing-drive belts that operate within the engine’s oil channel. In certain engines and timeframes, oil leaks, belt wear, or tensioner failures could lead to timing misalignment, engine misfires, or, in severe cases, engine damage. Modern Ford designs have shifted toward different timing-drive approaches in many engines, but older or specialized models may have used belt-driven configurations that required attention when problems surfaced.
Is this a current problem across Ford's lineup?
There is no single, ongoing nationwide issue labeled as the wet belt affecting the entire Ford fleet. Reported concerns have historically been isolated to specific engines and production years. Ford has addressed many of these cases through model-specific recalls, service campaigns, and parts redesigns. Because status can change with new recalls or updated service bulletins, owners should verify for their exact vehicle via official sources.
Has Ford fixed it?
In response to related belt-drive concerns, Ford has taken several measures focused on affected engines and model years. The following points summarize the approach and its reach.
- Recall and service campaigns targeting specific engines, with replacements of belts, tensioners, seals, or associated components when warranted.
- Redesigns of belt-drive components and associated oil seals in later-production models to reduce the risk of belt wear or oil intrusion.
- Warranty language and, in some regions, extended coverage for belt-drive components in affected vehicles.
- Dealer-facing technical service bulletins (TSBs) outlining inspection criteria and replacement procedures for belt drives and related parts.
- VIN-based status checks so owners can confirm whether their exact vehicle is under a recall or service campaign and what actions are required.
Any definitive answer for a specific Ford vehicle requires checking the VIN against Ford’s official recall/TSB databases and the NHTSA recall database. The general trend is that Ford has moved toward targeted fixes rather than a blanket remedy for all models.
In short: Ford has made progress in addressing belt-drive concerns on selected engines through recalls and redesigns, but there is no universal fix that applies to every model or year. Status is model- and year-specific.
What owners should do
To determine whether your Ford vehicle has been affected and what repair, if any, is required, follow these steps.
- Check for recalls and service campaigns using your VIN on Ford’s official site and the NHTSA recall database.
- Review any relevant Ford technical service bulletins for your engine and model year to understand inspection and replacement procedures.
- If a recall or TSB applies, schedule service with an authorized Ford dealer as soon as possible.
- Have a technician inspect belt condition, tensioners, seals, and any signs of oil leakage; replace components if advised by Ford or the dealer.
- Keep all service records and confirm warranty coverage for belt-drive components if your vehicle is in or near the affected window.
- Be alert for symptoms such as unusual engine noises, misfires, rough idle, or a check engine light, and report them promptly.
Taking these steps helps ensure you address any model-specific fixes and protect against potential belt-drive failures.
Summary
Ford’s approach to the wet belt issue has been to implement model- and year-specific fixes rather than a universal remedy. While many affected engines have benefited from recalls, redesigned components, and service bulletins, the status for any individual vehicle depends on its VIN. Owners should verify with official sources, seek dealer guidance, and maintain thorough service records to ensure their belt-drive system is in good condition.
Did Ford fix the EcoBoost problems?
Ford has made updates to address EcoBoost engine problems, with newer models (post-2019) featuring redesigned components and revised maintenance recommendations, like earlier wet belt replacement intervals. However, some issues, particularly the wet belt, may still persist, and affected older vehicles are being addressed through a combination of recalls, extended warranties, and free repairs for qualifying failures.
Recent actions and changes
- Newer engines: Models from 2019 and later have an updated EcoBoost engine, but still use a wet belt for the oil pump.
- Maintenance revisions: Ford has updated the recommended replacement interval for the wet belt to 100,000 miles or six years, which is shorter than the previous recommendation.
- Extended warranties: Ford is offering a 10-year/150,000-mile extended warranty for certain affected vehicles.
- Recalls: Ford has issued recalls for specific problems, such as intake valve issues in certain engines.
- Free repairs: Ford has authorized dealers to provide free repairs or engine assembly replacements for certain failures that occur before the final remedial parts become available.
What this means for owners
- For owners of older EcoBoost engines:
- Stay informed about recalls and the extended warranty for your vehicle.
- Be aware that issues may still occur despite updates, particularly with the wet belt.
- If you experience engine failure, get in touch with your Ford dealer to see if you qualify for a free repair under the warranty or recall.
- For owners of newer EcoBoost engines:
- The newer models have improved components, but you should still follow the updated maintenance schedule for the wet belt.
- Be aware of the long-term concerns about the wet belt, even in the newer engines.
- If you experience any engine-related issues, contact your dealer for diagnosis and repair.
Where can I get my Ford SUV seatbelt recall fixed?
All recall repairs must be completed by an authorized Ford Dealer. If your vehicle is involved in a recall, contact your dealer as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. Note: Recalls are specific to your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Should you avoid wet belt engines?
The aged oil may contribute to accelerated degradation of the belts. Others will not have had the correct oil in their engine. Wet belts in car engines are still a bad idea.
Should I stay away from the EcoBoost engine?
The EcoBoost engine used what's known as a “wet belt”, this is a rubber cam belt that runs in a bath of oil to reduce noise and friction within the engine. The issue comes in that engine oil, particularly that contaminated with fuel, degrades the rubber of the belt over time.
