Just became aware of this issue. I've a 2019 Ford Active X with the 1.0 ecoboost engine. It's on lease hire and is due to be returned at the end of September. My dad was considering buying it (to replace his 18 year old Fiesta) and that's when we became aware of the ecoboost engine issues (his mechanic strongly advised against buying it).

It's been dealer serviced and only has 24k on the clock.

Can someone please confirm if this is the wet belt or chain belt engine. I think it the former but just want to double check. 

Thanks

5 minutes ago, Mikemike88 said:

Can someone please confirm if this is the wet belt or chain belt engine.

The Fiesta has both types of engine fitted. If the turbo is at the front of the engine (silver heat shield) then it has the wet timing belt. If the turbo is hidden away at the back of the engine next to the bulkhead then it has the revised engine with the chain.

Post a photo of the engine if your unsure.

(photo in post now) Photo shows the timing belt version.

Yes, that's a wet belt engine.

Thanks for confirming my suspicion. I think its quite likely I'll be returning the vehicle. 

4 hours ago, Mikemike88 said:

I think its quite likely I'll be returning the vehicle. 

I was just on my way out earler, but further thoughts:

I assume your Dad would be looking to keep the car long term?

Presumably the dealer service will have been to the current official Ford schedule ie every 2 years, which means it will have had only two oil/filter changes so far?

A lot of us on here stuck with the previous annual change on our wet belt ecoboosts, and I'd be happier to keep it if it had been changed annually.

In any event, it will of course be due for the belt changing in 5 years maximum from now, which is a very expensive job as you've probably seen.

At only 24k miles, it would seem an attractive proposition, but unless the deal from the lease company is very good (to permit perhaps taking out an extended warranty and banking the cash for the future belt change), particularly as it's your Dad, your decision is probably wise.