Ford recalls EcoSport, Puma, Everest, and Ranger in South Africa

Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa has issued a recall for four different vehicles – the EcoSport, Puma, Everest, and Ranger.

All of these vehicles were discovered with faults that occurred during the manufacturing process, which are likely to compromise the car’s functions and put the safety of occupants at risk.

In total, 5,718 models are affected across all four vehicles, which were sold across southern Africa, including South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Swaziland.

In all cases, motorists are advised to urgently contact their preferred Ford dealer to schedule an appointment.

The dealers will conduct an inspection and, if necessary, fix or replace the faulty components.

Importantly, this service will be done at no cost to the consumer, and individuals should act with haste to ensure they minimize the risk to themselves and to other road users.

Ford Ranger and Everest

Starting with the Ranger and the Everest, Ford warned that it detected a problem with the 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged diesel engine models.

More specifically, the recall applies to units built between June 2022 and March 2025, as there is a possibility that the left-side camshaft sprocket may fracture.

This may cause the engine to stall, greatly increasing the risk of an accident in the event the engine stalls without warning.

The carmaker states that 1,050 units are affected across the Ranger bakkie and Everest SUV series in southern Africa.

Below is a more detailed breakdown:

• Ford Ranger – 571 affected in Southern Africa (South Africa – 534; Botswana – 10; Namibia – 24; Swaziland – 3).    
• Ford Everest – 479 affected in Southern Africa (South Africa – 461; Botswana – 7; Namibia – 10; Swaziland – 1).    

If you suspect your car may have be affected by this or any other recall, you can visit the recall page of Ford South Africa’s website and enter your VIN number in the search bar.

Customers can also contact the Customer Relationship Resolution Centre directly at 0860 011 022 or +2712 843 5824 (international callers) or [email protected] in the event that they may have any queries regarding this customer service action.

Ford EcoSport

Regarding the EcoSport, the automaker stated that there is an issue with units built between April 2021 and July 2022.

It was determined that the front half shafts on these vehicles may not have been fully inserted into the transmission during assembly, creating the potential for the half shaft to disengage from the transmission.

If the half shaft disengages, there is a possibility of loss of engine power while driving.

Additionally, there’s a risk that the crossover will roll away when it is placed in “Park” without the park brake being applied.

Both cases significantly increase the chance of an accident, said Ford.

As many as 2,872 units are affected in southern Africa – 2,806 of which are in South Africa, while another 25 are in Botswana, and 41 are in Namibia.

Again, owners are advised to take their car to a dealer for inspection, and check Ford’s website using their VIN number if they are unsure whether their model is affected.

Ford Puma

Lastly, Ford has issued a recall for the Puma, applying to units assembled between November 2021 and September 2024.

The carmaker was made aware of an issue where a fuel line rubs against a bracket, causing friction that may damage the fuel line.

Over time, this will cause the fuel line to leak, potentially elading to an engine stall.

In extreme cases, the fuel could also catch fire if an ignition source is located nearby.

Owners may notice fuel odour, fuel leaking beneath the vehicle, or smoke from fuel on a hot surface.

Ford confirmed that 1,796 units are affected in southern Africa, comprising 1,775 units in South Africa, 6 in Botswana, 13 in Namibia, and 2 in Swaziland.

Once again, motorists are urged to contact their dealer to make an appointment to fix the issue, and check Ford’s website using their VIN number if they are unsure whether their model is affected.