ANOTHER FORD RECALL: Ford has expanded its safety recall, issued earlier in 2017 for affected Kuga SUVs, to include more than 1000 Fiesta ST models produced from September 2012 to December 2014. Pictured here is a 2013 Fiesta ST. Image: Quickpic

Cape Town – Ford South Africa has on Wednesday (March 29) announced that it has expanded the safety recall of the 1.6-litre GTDi Ecoboost engine to include its Fiesta ST hot hatch.

This after Ford recalled 4556 Kuga 1.6litres Ecoboost models, produced from December 2012 to February 2014, in January following several reports of the utility vehicles bursting into flames.

The automaker's expanded safety recall now includes approximately 1078 Fiesta ST models produced from September 2012 to December 2014.

'Increases the risk of a fire'

In a statement, Ford South Africa said affected vehicles lacked a coolant circulation which could cause the engine to overheat, resulting in a crack in the cylinder head.

READ: Ford recalls 570 000 cars globally fire risk, door latch trouble

Ford SA said: "In the affected vehicles, a lack of coolant circulation could cause an engine to overheat, resulting in a crack in the cylinder head. A cracked cylinder head can result in a pressurized oil leak. Oil that comes into contact with a hot engine surface increases the risk of a fire in the engine compartment."





The Fiesta ST models would receive hardware and software upgrades, which include the fitment of a coolant level sensor with supporting hardware and software changes at no charge to the customer, Ford SA said.



The necessary parts were expected to be available by the fourth quarter, and customers would be informed when they should book their vehicle in for the repair.

FIESTA ST RECALL: Ford is recalling affected Fiesta hot hatches produced from 2012 to 2014. Image: Quickpic

Ford South Africa said customers could continue to drive their vehicles but should visit their Ford dealer if their vehicle exhibited a coolant leak, overheating, or frequently needed coolant added

Ford South Africa said: "Customers should continue to check their vehicles coolant levels and can refer to their owner’s manual for instructions on how to check their coolant level and what to do if it is low."

"For any queries or concerns, customers can contact their Ford Dealer or Ford Customer Service at 0860 011 022 or e-mail."

Ford SA released the following advice for affected customers:

• "If any Fiesta ST owner sees any indication that the engine may be overheating or experiences warnings on the instrument cluster, they should pull over as soon as it is safe to do so, switch off the engine and ensure all occupants are safely out of the vehicle. For safety reasons, the bonnet must not be opened.



• "If required, the emergency services should be called first, then Ford’s Roadside Assistance on 0861 150 250. Supported through the AA, this service is available 24/7.



• "Customers are advised to conduct regular inspection and maintenance of the cooling system – especially regarding maintaining the correct 50/50 water-coolant ratio for top-ups between services," reports Ford SA.

Ford CEO replaced

Ford Motor Company has announced the appointment of Casper Kruger as managing director of Ford Sub-Saharan Africa region, effective 1 April, 2017.



He will assume the position of managing director when current president and CEO Jeff Nemeth takes up his new position at Ford USA as part of his planned return to the US on July 1.

