Ford recalls Transit and Tourneo sold in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini

The Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa has informed its customers, and the National Consumer Commission (NCC), of a recall of current-year Transit and Tourneo models due to a major transmission fault.

The recall affects 2026 model year Ford Transit, Ford Transit Custom and Ford Tourneo Custom vehicles sold from 7 October 2025 to 9 June 2026 in South Africa, as well as exported to Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini.

“According to the supplier, the affected vehicles are equipped with an 8F57 automatic transmission, which may contain an Electronic One-Way Clutch Assembly built with an unseated snap ring,” explained the NCC.

“This may result in a sudden and unexpected loss of vehicle movement. When the vehicle is shifted into drive, it may fail to move forward due to a loss of first gear. Similarly, the vehicle may lose the ability to operate in reverse.”

The commission has called on consumers who own affected vehicles to report to their nearest authorised Ford dealership to arrange for an inspection and repair.

It added that the work will be carried out at no cost to the consumer, and encouraged owners to contact [email protected] with any questions regarding the recall.

Second Ford van recall of the year

The latest recall is the second van and bus recall by Ford this year, having recalled 633 Ford Transit and Ford Tourneo Custom models sold in South Africa between 1 March 2025 and 20 May 2026 last month.

At the time, the American auto giant explained that faulty units could experience gradual deterioration in wiper function or a sudden, complete loss of operation.

“This condition may reduce or eliminate windshield visibility under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of an accident,” noted the NCC.

These recalls formed part of the nearly 40,000 recalls during the first half of the year, which has since crossed 50,000 – last year’s total recalls – thanks to a 11,000 vehicle recall by BMW.

BMW’s local brand informed the NCC about a concern with the Pinion Starter, installed in 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, and 7 Series sedans, and the X3 and X4 SUVs sold in South Africa from 2016 onwards.

The German brand explained that, due to production-related factors, the affected vehicles may experience increased wear of the solenoid switch after a high number of start operations.

As a result of regular and continued use, the engine’s starting capability deteriorates over time.

“Under certain circumstances, the engine may no longer be able to start. In addition, a short circuit in the solenoid switch cannot be ruled out, which may lead to local overheating at the starter,” BMW warned.

“In such cases, smoke may be visible or noticeable while driving or when leaving the vehicle. BMW therefore recommends that the vehicle should not be left unattended after the engine has been started.”