Should I change the cambelt on my Ford EcoBoost engine early?

I have a 2019 Ford Fiesta Ecoboost which I bought 2 years ago at 53,000 miles. I asked the dealer to change the cambelt but they said it wouldn't need doing until about 144,000 miles so I had nothing to worry about. It has now done 64,700 miles and I have been to book a service as it is flashing that it needs oil changing soon and also the MoT is due. Two garages have told me that I should maybe be thinking about changing the cambelt already as the Ford information is not really accurate. My mechanic has said he will look at the oil and see if there are any signs of bits of the belt in it and I can decide then but the whole job if it needs doing would be £1000. The Ford garage quoted me £1900 for a cambelt change. Looking at other posts on here people seem to have had well over 100,000 from a car like me. Would it be too risky to leave the cambelt now at only 64,000? The car has been regularly serviced and looked after.

Asked on 12 March 2025 by Lesley Dever

Answered by Alan Ross
Tthere are many concerns about the wet belt system in your car and also when it should be changed. Ford is quoting 10 years or 150,000 miles and this would be dependent on regular service (engine oil and filters). There are many in the industry going for 80,000 miles.

Given that this is only a recommendation, if the belt was to fail then it would require a replacement engine then the cost is down to the owner. Your mechanic's advice is good and as such we would have the belt changed now especially if the garage is quoting £1000. You are correct on the Ford dealer costs of approx £2000
Tags: cambelt
Similar questions
I'm thinking of buying an Insignia, when should the timing belt be changed on this car?
My 2018 VW Caddy 1-litre TSI is due for a 5 year cambelt change. I enquired at my main dealer, who said that VW have now changed the intervals to 60000, with the 5 year change being unnecessary, but it...
I have a Jaguar XF 3.0 V6 2018. I need a new water pump and have been quoted for this work, I thought while they are doing the water pump the workshop may as well change the timing belt. However they garage...
Related models
Most versions good to drive especially ST-Line but significantly more refined, comfortable and practical, comes with active safety technology as standard.