Ford issues fresh Kuga safety recall – its third of the year
Ford South Africa on Tuesday issued a new safety recall for its troubled Kuga model – the third recall this year.
In March, the US car-maker issued warning letters to owners of its 2.0-litre diesel-powered Kuga SUVs to resolve a potential “brake problem”.
The brake issue was said to affect 848 Kuga models, manufactured in Spain, built from 2014 to 2015, said Ford in an official statement.
The company was quick to point out that the issue was not the same as the older Kuga model which burst into flames on several occasions. They also highlighted that these were just warnings and did not amount to a recall.
In January, Ford recalled 4,556 Kuga 1.6-litre Ecoboost models, produced from December 2012 to February 2014, after a large number of those vehicles caught fire over a two month period, beginning in December.
The company said in a statement on Tuesday (22 August):
“Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) is recalling all Kugas built at the Valencia Assembly Plant (Spain) between 17 July 2012 and up to and including 19 June 2014.
“In the event of a frontal collision, these vehicles have been identified as having a possible risk for a B-Pillar fire. The activation of the seatbelt pretentioner can potentially cause the insulation material around the pretensioner to ignite. The solution is to remove the insulation material from the area around the seatbelt retractor-pretensioner to prevent the risk of fire.
“Approximately 173,000 (7,219 in South Africa) Ford Kuga vehicles, built in Valencia (Spain) and Elebuga (Russia) are affected.
“Some of the vehicles affected by this recall are also affected by Phase 2 of the safety recall action for Kuga 1.6 models, which pertained to the coolant level sensor. While this recall is not related, customers that are already bringing their vehicles in for the Phase 2 action will be able to have both recalls conducted at the same time.
“Customers not affected by the previous Kuga recall, or those who may have already had Phase 2 of the recall completed, should contact their dealer to schedule an appointment. The repair work for this recall should not take more than an hour to complete.”
Read: Ford issues new Kuga warnings following brake issues: report
Loading ...