Ford SA recalls over 5,000 vehicles across four models over safety concerns

Ford South Africa is calling back more than 5,000 vehicles for safety-related repairs, affecting popular models including the Ranger, Everest, EcoSport and Puma.

Each recall is linked to a separate issue, and the manufacturer is urging affected customers to visit their dealers for a free inspection and repair.

Engine risk on V6 Rangers and Everests

Owners of 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel Ford Ranger and Everest models built between June 2022 and March 2025 are being warned about a possible camshaft sprocket failure.

If this part fails, the engine could suddenly stall without warning, creating a serious accident risk. So far, 571 Ranger and 479 Everest units are affected, including a few in neighbouring countries like Botswana, Namibia and Eswatini.

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EcoSport half shaft hazard

On the EcoSport side, Ford says that some vehicles built between April 2021 and July 2022 may have left the factory with improperly fitted front half shafts. If these work loose while driving, the vehicle could lose power. Worse still, there’s a chance of it rolling away while parked – even with the gear in ‘Park’ – if the handbrake isn’t properly engaged. This recall hits 2,872 EcoSport units in Southern Africa, with some scattered across Botswana and Namibia.

Read | Hino Recalls Over 6,700 500 Series Trucks Over Faulty Parking Brake Spanner

Puma fire risk

Ford’s compact crossover, the Puma, is also part of the recall wave. Units built up to September 2024 could be at risk of a fuel leak caused by the fuel line rubbing against a bracket. If left unchecked, this could lead to a fire if the leaked fuel finds a heat source. Signs to watch out for include a strong fuel smell, smoke or visible leaking.

What should owners do?

Ford South Africa is urging affected owners to reach out to their preferred dealer to get their cars checked and fixed at no cost. VIN numbers can be used to check if your vehicle is part of the recall via the Ford SA Recall website.

For further assistance, customers can contact Ford’s Relationship Resolution Centre on 0860 011 022 or +2712 843 5824 if calling from outside SA.