How Much Does a Ford Wet Belt Replacement Cost?
FixMyCar reveals the average price of a Ford wet belt replacement.
Compare wet belt replacement quotesEllie Dyer-Brown
Thursday October 17 2024
3 min read
Ford is one of the leading manufacturers that uses a wet belt timing system in some of its engines. Although the switch to a wet belt system was expected to bring several benefits, it has been problematic for many Ford drivers who have experienced premature belt failure.
This guide explains which Ford models use a wet belt, whether there have been any related safety recalls, and how much it costs to replace the part.
Ford wet belt replacement cost
The average price of a Ford wet belt replacement is £981.07. Find out why wet belt replacements can be expensive compared to other repairs.
How much does it cost to replace a Ford Fiesta wet belt?
The average price of a Fiesta wet belt replacement on FixMyCar is £938.49.
Learn about common problems with the Ford Fiesta.
How much does it cost to replace a wet belt on a Ford Focus?
The average price of a Focus wet belt replacement on FixMyCar is £968.09.
How reliable is the Ford Focus? Find out here.
How much does it cost to change a wet belt on a Ford Transit Custom?
The average price of a wet belt replacement for a Ford Transit Custom is £1,054.36.
Which Ford engines have a wet belt?
Most Ford models with an EcoBoost or EcoBlue engine are fitted with a wet belt instead of a cambelt or timing chain. This includes some Focus, Fiesta, Transit Custom, Fusion, EcoSport and Mondeo cars.
Some newer EcoBoost engines have been revised and include a timing chain instead. The best way to find out if your Ford car has a wet belt is to check your owner’s manual.
What year did Ford start using wet belts?
Ford launched its wet belt system in 2012. It was first used in the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine.
Common Ford wet belt problems
There are two common problems with Ford’s wet belt system:
Oil contamination - particles from the belt get into the oil and damage other components.
Rapid belt wear - contaminants in the oil can accelerate belt wear, and low engine oil can also lead to rapid deterioration.
The likelihood of experiencing these issues is reduced by proper maintenance, including regular oil and filter changes. Learn more about how long wet belts last and the signs of failure.
Ford wet belt recall
In December 2023, Ford issued a recall in the US for certain EcoBoost models due to belt issues. However, no similar recalls have been issued in the UK despite the problem being widespread enough for BBC Watchdog to investigate. Many drivers have reported their wet belts breaking up and clogging the oil system even with a full service history for the vehicle.
Ford agreed to assist some affected drivers who contacted Watchdog as a goodwill gesture for vehicles up to seven years old with a complete service history.
Book a Ford wet belt replacement
If your Ford has a wet belt and has done 80,000 miles or more without it being changed, now is the time to book a replacement. FixMyCar can help you compare prices and reviews from the best local garages.
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- Cost
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- Wetbelt
Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Manager. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers that is easy understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.