Almost 1,800 Ford vehicles recalled in South Africa
Nearly 1,800 Ford Puma vehicles have been recalled in South Africa due to a safety risk that could lead to engine fires.
Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) issued the recall for models built between November 2021 and September 2024 after identifying a fault in the fuel system.
According to Ford, the issue involves a fuel line that may rub against a bracket, causing wear over time.
This damage could result in a fuel leak, which may lead to the engine stalling or, if exposed to an ignition source, a fire.
Warning signs drivers may notice include the smell of petrol, visible fuel leaking under the vehicle, or smoke resulting from fuel dripping onto hot engine components.
Ford said 1,796 vehicles in Southern Africa are affected, with 1,775 in South Africa, and the rest spread across Botswana, Namibia, and Eswatini.
“FMCSA has commenced a Safety Recall relating to certain Ford Puma vehicles,” the company said, adding that the decision was made following reports of vehicles exhibiting the defect.
To address the problem, Ford is contacting affected customers directly and advising them to make an appointment with their nearest dealer.
“The dealer will inspect the vehicle and carry out the necessary repairs. This service will be performed on all affected vehicles at no charge to the customer,” the company said.
“Our commitment, together with our dealer partners, is to provide customers with the highest level of service and support.”
Concerned Ford owners can check whether their vehicle is included in the recall by visiting the company’s official website at www.ford.co.za/owner/recalls and entering their vehicle identification number (VIN). Customers can also contact the Ford Customer Relationship Resolution Centre at 0860 011 022 or email [email protected] for additional assistance.
Other manufacturers recall vehicles
However, Ford isn’t the only carmaker recalling vehicles in South Africa this week. Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) also announced a new recall involving its Polo Sedan model due to potentially dangerous seat belt defects.
The latest recall affects 253 Polo Sedan units manufactured since 11 August 2022, which were found to have incorrectly fitted seat belts that could pose a serious safety risk to occupants.
“There is a specific fault with the rear right seat belt,” VWSA stated, noting that both rear seat belts on affected models will now be subject to inspection.
This followed another recall just days earlier involving 18 units of the same model. In that case, the issue stemmed from a mix-up with the seat belt webbing, compromising the effectiveness of the restraint system.
In total, 271 Polo Sedans have been recalled in South Africa over the past week. The National Consumer Commission (NCC), which was notified of both incidents, emphasised the potential danger.
“These recalls are safety critical; therefore, consumers must respond urgently,” said NCC spokesperson Phetho Ntaba.
“The faulty seat belts may significantly reduce their ability to restrain passengers in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of severe or even fatal injuries.”
Volkswagen urged affected customers to contact any VWSA-approved dealership to have their seat belts inspected and, if necessary, replaced. As with the Ford recall, the inspection or repairs will be free of charge to the vehicle owner.
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