
Prudence Moilwa weighs in on safety-related recalls of thousands of vehicles
The recall affects its Ranger and Everest models, following earlier recalls of the EcoSport and Puma bringing the total to over 5,000 vehicles.
Ford is not alone. Volkswagen, Volvo, and Toyota have also issued recalls this year, raising the question: Is the industry facing a broader safety crisis?

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eNCA
8 hours ago
- eNCA
Prudence Moilwa weighs in on safety-related recalls of thousands of vehicles
JOHANNESBURG - The Ford Motor Company's latest vehicle recall is adding to growing concern in the auto industry. The recall affects its Ranger and Everest models, following earlier recalls of the EcoSport and Puma bringing the total to over 5,000 vehicles. Ford is not alone. Volkswagen, Volvo, and Toyota have also issued recalls this year, raising the question: Is the industry facing a broader safety crisis?


The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
Ford vehicle recall: Over 5 700 vehicles including Ranger and Everest models affected
Ford Motor Company Southern Africa (FMCSA) has announced three separate recalls for four products totalling 5 718 vehicles in not only South Africa, but also select other Southern African Development Community (SADC) nations. In statements on Thursday evening (July 24), the Blue Oval confirmed the recalls. They involve the following model versions: Versions of the EcoSport made between April 2021 and July 2022, Pumas from November 2021 to September 2024, and Rangers as well as Everests between June 2022 and March this year. EcoSport The call-back of the EcoSport consist of: 2 806 units in South Africa, 25 in Botswana and 41 in Namibia. Likely involving both the Indian-sourced and Romanian-built examples, the call-back relates to front half shafts which could have been inserted improperly into the transmission. Seemingly limited to models fitted with the six-speed automatic 'box, FMCA says, 'if the half shaft disengages [from the transmission] there is a possibility of loss of engine power while driving. 'It may also result in a vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in Park without the handbrake being applied. Both conditions increase the risk of an accident'. Puma In the case of the Puma, built at the same Craiova Plant in Romania as certain versions of the EcoSport, the concern involves the fuel line. Affecting: 1 775 vehicles in South Africa, 6 in Botswana, 13 in Namibia and two in Eswatini, Ford says the line could, over time, rub on, supposedly, a type of mounting bracket causing it to leak. 'This potential issue may result in an engine stall or, in the presence of an ignition source, a fire. Owners may notice fuel odour, fuel leaking beneath the vehicle, or smoke from fuel on a hot surface,' the statement said. Ranger and Everest The recall of these models centres around the camshaft sprocket. Rangers: 571 in South Africa, 10 in Botswana, 24 Namibia 3 in Eswatini Everests: 479 in SA, 7 in Botswana, 10 in Namibia 1 in Eswatini Only applicable to the left-hand side part of the 3.0-litre Lion turbodiesel V6 engine – the single and bi-turbo 2.0-litre Panther engine being excluded – FMCSA states the sprocket 'may fracture causing the engine to stall'. What to do? In all three cases, the company adds that the repair process will involve owners being contacted and advised to schedule an appointment with their closest or preferred Ford-approved 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,' FMCSA said. It concluded by saying, 'if customers would like to check if their Ford vehicle is affected by this or any other recall, they can visit and enter their VIN number in the search bar'.


The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
PODCAST: 222kW Amarok interesting addition to bakkie game
A whole host of more powerful double cabs has turned the local bakkie scene upside down. It has been reported that the petrol powered 222kW Volkswagen Amarok will finally be offered in South Africa before year-end. Powered by a 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbo petrol engine, the double cab derivative will be the most powerful bakkie in the Amarok stable. The 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel mill, that is offered in three models and produces 184kW of power and 600Nm of torque, currently holds that distinction. Local petrol bakkies are few and far between, with the 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo Ford Ranger Raptor and naturally aspirated 2.7-litre Toyota Hilux the most popular. 222kW Amarok makes a Pitstop In this week's episode of The Citizen Motoring Pitstop podcast, we discuss what the 222kW will bring to the table. And where it will fit into the overall local bakkie picture. The timing of the 222kW/452Nm Amarok's introduction could have been a lot better. It would have made more sense to introduce the model when Volkswagen got into bed with Ford as production partner. The previous generation's 190kW 3.0-litre turbodiesel model was most powerful bakkie in South Africa. A 222kW model at the time of launch in 2023 would have been an enticing successor. But the bakkie power game has changed dramatically since then. The 292kW Raptor raised the stakes, between a raft of new energy Chinese bakkies blew it out of the water. Like the 320kW BYD Shark plug-in hybrid that has dethroned the Ford Ranger Raptor as the fastest local bakkie. ALSO READ: Report: Petrol engine Volkswagen Amarok here before year-end Petrol engine imported Unlike the Struandale-made 2.0-litre single and bi-turbo and 3.0-litre turbodiesel engines Ford fits to the Ranger and Amarok in Silverton, the 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine is imported. Ford combines this mill with an electric motor and battery in the plug-in Ranger, which is only for export markets. The 222kW Amarok, which is offered only in Aventura guise in Australia, has a 10-speed automatic gearbox.