Step-by-step guidance for Ford owners affected by the wet belt issue — whether your engine has just failed or you want to prevent it.
If the engine has made a loud bang, is running roughly, or has stopped — do not attempt to restart it. Further starts can cause additional, catastrophic damage.
AA, RAC, or your insurer's recovery service. Ask for the vehicle to be recovered to your preferred specialist, not automatically to a Ford dealer.
Photograph the dashboard warning lights, the odometer, and any fluid leaks. Note the time, location, and what you were doing when it failed.
Do not authorise repairs at a Ford dealer without first getting an independent written diagnosis. This protects your legal position. Find a specialist →
Call Ford Customer Relations (0203 564 4444) and follow up in writing by email. Keep all correspondence. See our complaint template below.
Add your failure to our official register — it takes 5 minutes and strengthens the collective legal case. Report now →
Many wet belt failures occur with no warning. However, watch for these signs and act immediately if you notice them.
A rattling or knocking sound, especially when cold, can indicate belt wear or tensioner failure.
Any EML illumination on a Ford diesel should prompt an immediate wet belt inspection.
Hesitation, turbo lag, or sudden power loss — especially under load — can be early signs.
Needing to top up oil frequently between services can indicate internal engine issues.
White or grey smoke from the exhaust, particularly when starting from cold.
Lumpy, uneven idling especially when stationary or when the engine is cold.
Prevention is far cheaper than cure. Here's what you can do if your engine hasn't failed yet.
Have a specialist inspect the belt and oil condition. Many garages offer this as a low-cost or free check. Find one near you →
If your vehicle is over 60,000 miles or 5 years old, strongly consider a preventative replacement. It costs £400–£900 vs £5,000+ after failure.
Only use Ford-approved engine oil (check your manual — typically 0W-20 or 5W-30 to Ford spec WSS-M2C948-B). Never use non-spec oil in a wet belt engine.
On a Ford EcoBlue diesel, any dashboard warning should be treated with urgency. Get it scanned immediately.
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The following Ford models use the EcoBlue wet belt diesel engine and are at risk.
| Model | Engine | Years at Risk | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transit / Transit Custom | 2.0 EcoBlue | 2016–present | Very High |
| Focus | 1.5 EcoBlue | 2018–present | High |
| Mondeo | 2.0 EcoBlue / TDCi | 2015–present | High |
| Kuga | 2.0 EcoBlue | 2017–present | High |
| Galaxy / S-MAX | 2.0 EcoBlue | 2015–present | High |
| EcoSport | 1.5 EcoBlue | 2018–present | Medium |
| Ranger | 2.0 EcoBlue | 2019–present | High |
| Puma | 1.5 EcoBlue | 2019–present | Medium |
Always complain formally and in writing. Here's a template you can use.
Copy, edit, and send to: customer.relations@ford.com or via post to Ford Customer Relationship Centre, PO Box 5578, Coventry, CV3 9FP
Several law firms are pursuing Ford on a no-win-no-fee basis on behalf of affected owners through legal cases.
Multiple law firms are coordinating legal cases against Ford for the EcoBlue wet belt failures. Getting involved is free and no-win-no-fee. Search for "Ford EcoBlue wet belt legal claim UK" to find current law firms accepting cases.
If your vehicle was purchased from a dealer (new or used within 6 years) and the failure is due to an inherent defect, you have rights under the CRA 2015. A solicitor can advise on your specific situation.
If you bought on PCP or HP finance, your finance company is jointly liable for faults under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. Contact them directly and in writing.
For amounts under £10,000, the small claims track in the County Court can be used without a solicitor. It costs between £35–£455 to file and the process is designed for consumers.
If you purchased the vehicle on PCP, HP, or conditional sale finance:
The DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) investigates vehicle safety defects and can order mandatory recalls. Every report matters.
You can report a vehicle safety concern to the DVSA at:
Report to DVSA →When reporting, include: vehicle make/model/year/mileage, nature of the failure, whether Ford was informed, and any costs incurred.