The 5 Vehicles With The Most Timing Belt Problems

Most modern timing belts are designed to last at least 100,000 miles. However, even on lower-mileage engines, timing belts can deteriorate and fail with age. Additionally, timing belt components such as tensioners and idler pulleys can sometimes fail prematurely. Lack of timing belt maintenance may lead to catastrophic engine damage and costly repairs, depending on the engine architecture. Here is a list of vehicles with more frequent timing belt replacements, according to GMB sales data.

Ford Focus

During its run, the Ford Focus was a global best-selling vehicle. While mostly first-generation Ford Focus models (2000-2004) had timing belts, many are still on the road. Timing belt problems on the Ford Focus are common to most cars with age or high mileage. Issues include cracking and deterioration of the timing belt material over several years or many thousands of miles of driving. Check out this blog post for more information on Ford Focus timing belt problems and diagnosis.

Honda Accord

The Honda Accord has been a very reliable and best-selling mid-size car in America for decades. Owners tend to drive their Accords for many years and put on several hundred thousand miles in the process. A common problem with Honda Accord timing belts is a failure of the timing belt tensioner caused by a failure of the tension spring. Otherwise, timing belt and tensioner failures can occur with age and wear. Check out this article for more information on Honda Accord timing belt problems and diagnosis. 

Honda Civic

The Honda Civic has been one of America’s best-selling and most reliable compact cars for decades. Loyal owners tend to keep their Honda Civics for many years. It’s not uncommon for owners to rack up a few hundred thousand miles. A known problem with Honda Civic timing belts is a failure of the timing belt tensioner caused by a weakened tension spring. Otherwise, timing belt and tensioner failures can occur with age and wear. This post provides more information on Honda Civic timing belt problems and diagnosis.

Toyota 4Runner

Toyotas have loyal ownership over many years and miles, and the 4Runner is no exception. Owners put their Toyota 4Runner’s durability to the test with its rugged off-road capabilities. Toyota 4Runner engines with timing belts will usually experience routine wear and tear over many years or high mileage. You can refer to this article for more information on Toyota 4Runner timing belt problems and diagnosis.

Subaru Forester

Subarus often have loyal ownership over several hundred thousand miles, and the Subaru Forester is a perennial favorite of those that enjoy outdoor adventures. Subaru Foresters usually experience normal wear and tear of the timing belt over many years and miles, including rubber degradation and cracking. Check out this post for more information on Subaru Forester timing belt problems and diagnosis.

GMB Offers Quality Timing Belt Components You Can Trust

GMB has been an industry-leading OEM and aftermarket automotive parts manufacturer since 1943. We have locations on both the east and west US coasts and global locations in Asia and Europe. We also have online resources to assist auto technicians with a variety of tasks.

If you’re interesetd in learning more about how to diagnose timing belt and related component failures, check out these helpful articles:

• Is It The Timing Belt The Tensioner Or The Idler Pulley?
• How To Diagnose Belt And Timing Component Failures
• Is It The Timing Belt Or The Tensioner That Is The Problem?
• Symptoms Of Timing Belt Tensioner Failure
• Setting Timing Belt Idler Torque
• Educating Customers On Timing Belt Tensioner Replacement

If you have any questions about our products, don’t hesitate to contact us.