Major carmakers compensate owners for persistent engine and transmission failures

Several major car manufacturers have faced persistent issues with certain engines and transmissions over the past decade. Problems range from premature belt failures to costly gearbox repairs, leaving many drivers with hefty bills. Now, some brands are stepping in to offer compensation for affected owners.

Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, fitted in models like the Fiesta, Focus, and Mondeo between 2011 and 2018, suffered from a design flaw. Its 'wet belt' deteriorated rapidly without proper maintenance, often leading to complete engine failure. The company later replaced this system with a more reliable chain drive in 2018.

The same period saw issues with Ford’s PowerShift automatic gearbox, used in vehicles such as the Fiesta, Focus, and Galaxy. Known for its complexity, the transmission frequently malfunctioned, with repair costs averaging over £2,350. Production of this gearbox ended in 2019. Stellantis, the parent company of Citroën, Peugeot, and Vauxhall, also sold 1.0- and 1.2-litre petrol engines with wet belts from 2012 to 2023. These engines had a failure rate 31% higher than the industry average. The company is now providing compensation to UK customers affected by these mechanical faults. Mazda’s 2.2-litre diesel engine, found in the CX-5, Mazda3, and Mazda6, proved particularly unreliable. Data shows it was more than twice as likely to fail as the average engine, with repairs costing around £3,500. Jaguar Land Rover’s 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel, used since 2015, fared even worse—162% more likely to break down, with repair bills often exceeding £5,000. Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) have also caused headaches for drivers. These gearboxes are notoriously fragile and expensive to fix, with average repair costs reaching £2,924.

The affected models span a wide range of popular cars, from small hatchbacks to larger SUVs. Manufacturers like Ford have already phased out problematic designs, while Stellantis is addressing complaints with financial support. For owners, the costs of these failures remain steep, with some repairs running into thousands of pounds.