As an IMI-accredited independent engineer with over 41 years’ experience, I provide clear, evidence-based engineering reports for insurers, fleets, warranty companies, legal professionals, and finance providers. All reports are fully independent, unbiased, and written to CPR35 standards where required.
Our Engineering Services
Mechanical Failure Causation Reports
Root cause analysis, contributing factors, and liability assessment.
Warranty Claim Validation
Independent assessment of manufacturing defect vs wear vs misuse.
Litigation & CPR35 Reports
Court-compliant engineering evidence for legal proceedings.
Fleet Breakdown Investigations
Rapid response to determine cause, liability, and repair validity.
Accident-Related Mechanical Assessments
Determine whether damage is impact-related or pre-existing.
Component Strip-Down Inspections
Detailed internal mechanical failure analysis.
Who We Work With
We provide independent engineering reports for:
- Insurance companies
- Warranty providers
- Fleet operators
- Legal professionals
- Finance companies
- Private clients
All corporate engineering services are POA (Price on Application).
Fixed pricing available for retained corporate clients.
INDEPENDENT ENGINEERING REPORT
Prepared in accordance with CPR Part 35
“This is a redacted example only. Actual reports are tailored to each case.”
1. Instruction Received
I was instructed to carry out an independent engineering inspection of the above vehicle following a sudden breakdown on 24 January 2026. The purpose of this report is to:
- determine the cause of the engine failure;
- assess whether the failure was foreseeable;
- establish whether the vehicle was of satisfactory quality at the point of sale;
- comment on service history, maintenance requirements, and timing‑belt replacement intervals.
The inspection was carried out at the customer’s home address.
2. Background
The customer purchased the vehicle in July 2024 with approximately 80,000 miles recorded.
Shortly after purchase, the Engine Management Light (EML) began illuminating intermittently. The customer sought diagnosis from a local garage, who advised that the fault related to the exhaust system. No engine‑related concerns were raised at that time.
The vehicle was under a Warranty wise policy. When the customer submitted a claim, Warranty wise requested service history. The service book contained no stamps, despite the vehicle being advertised as having full service history. The selling dealer later stamped the book after the customer posted it to them.
On 24 January 2026, the vehicle suffered a sudden loss of power while manoeuvring at low speed. The AA attended and advised that the wet timing belt had failed, resulting in catastrophic engine damage.
The customer has an active complaint with the finance company and requires an independent engineering opinion.
3. Inspection Findings
3.1 Vehicle Condition
General exterior and interior condition were consistent with age and mileage. No evidence of neglect was observed.
3.2 Dashboard Warning Indicators
The Engine Management Light (EML) was illuminated at the time of inspection. The customer reports intermittent illumination for several months prior to failure.
3.3 Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
A diagnostic scan was carried out using a Launch diagnostic tool. The following active powertrain codes were recorded:
| Code | Description |
| P0343 | Camshaft position sensor A circuit high (Bank 1) |
| P0368 | Camshaft position sensor B circuit high (Bank 1) |
| P0367 | Camshaft position sensor B circuit low (Bank 1) |
| P0420 | Catalyst system efficiency below threshold – Bank 1 |
| P053F | Cold start fuel pressure performance error – Bank 1 |
| P007B | Charge air cooler temperature sensor range/performance |
These codes are consistent with loss of camshaft synchronisation, a common symptom of wet timing belt degradation or failure.
3.4 Mechanical Assessment
When placed in 1st gear and gently rocked, the engine locks solid, indicating internal mechanical seizure. The wet timing belt is not externally visible without engine strip‑down; however, symptoms and DTCs strongly support belt failure. AA documentation (provided verbally by the customer) also states “wet belt failure”.
3.5 Fluid Levels
- Engine oil: slightly overfilled.
- Coolant: clean and at correct level.
These findings do not indicate neglect or overheating.
3.6 Service History Review
The service book contains retrospectively added stamps. The customer states the dealer stamped the book after sale, claiming they “forgot”. No receipts or supporting documentation were provided.
4. Technical Clarification – Ford 1.0 EcoBoost Wet Belt System
Ford specifies the wet timing belt replacement interval as:
150,000 miles OR 10 years (whichever occurs first)
This vehicle is a 2014 model, therefore:
- It reached 10 years of age in 2024;
- The belt was already due for replacement at the point of sale;
- No evidence exists that the belt was replaced.
The Ford 1.0 EcoBoost wet belt system is widely recognised within the motor trade for premature degradation, and many specialists recommend replacement earlier than the official interval. Therefore, the belt represented a known high‑risk component at the time of sale.
5. Engineer’s Opinion
Based on the inspection, diagnostic evidence, AA assessment, and my 41 years of professional experience:
- The engine has suffered catastrophic internal failure consistent with wet timing belt degradation and breakage.
- The belt was overdue on age at the time of sale.
- No evidence suggests the belt was replaced or inspected prior to sale.
- The intermittent EML illumination in 2025 was likely an early symptom of belt degradation.
- The failure was foreseeable and preventable had correct maintenance been carried out.
- The vehicle was not of satisfactory mechanical condition at the point of sale.
The selling dealer should reasonably have:
- verified belt replacement history;
- replaced the belt; or
- advised the customer that it was due.
None of these actions appear to have been taken.
6. Conclusion
The wet timing belt was overdue, degraded, and failed, causing complete engine seizure. This failure is directly attributable to age‑related belt deterioration and lack of required maintenance prior to sale.
The vehicle was not fit for purpose, not of satisfactory quality, and not as described under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
Statement of Truth
I confirm that:
- I understand my overriding duty to the court;
- I have complied with that duty;
- This report is true to the best of my knowledge and belief;
- The opinions expressed are my independent professional opinions.
www.daautocheck.co.uk | Independent Automotive Engineer Surveyor
Pricing:
All corporate engineering services are POA (Price on Application).
Fixed pricing available for retained corporate clients.
