Ford recalls Ford Fiesta ST models

29 March 2017 - 22:36 By Neo Goba
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A black mesh grille and red ST logo set this hot Ford hatch apart from lesser Fiestas
A black mesh grille and red ST logo set this hot Ford hatch apart from lesser Fiestas

Days after Ford SA CEO Jeffery Nemeth was summoned to the vehicle manufacturer's headquarters in the US‚ the multinational has recalled 1 078 Ford Fiesta ST models in South Africa.

The safety recall affects models manufactured between September 2012 and December 2014.

  • Breaking: Ford SA boss recalled to the USEmbattled Ford SA CEO Jeffery Nemeth‚ who was forced to announce the recall of 4 556 of its Kuga SUVs because of critical safety flaws in January‚ has been recalled to the US. 

"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 pressurised oil leak. Oil that comes into contact with a hot engine surface increases the risk of a fire in the engine compartment‚" Nemeth said in a statement last night.

"The safety of our customers is our top priority‚ and the expansion of the safety recall is being rolled out as a precautionary measure on the Fiesta ST."

The recall comes days after the Sunday Times reported that South African insurance giants Auto & General and Dialdirect were to take legal action against Ford in connection with fires which have destroyed several Ford EcoSport SUVs.

  • Kuga fires: Ford boss defends brand in ParliamentFord Motor Company of Southern Africa president and CEO Jeff Nemeth stood up for the beleaguered car brand and told Parliament on Tuesday that there was no link between the fires plaguing the company’s Kuga models and the death of motorist Reshall Jimmy. 

Ford has claimed that it is aware of only one fire incident involving an EcoSport.

Nemeth‚ in an interview with The Times on Tuesday‚ denied that his return to the US had anything to do with the Ford Kuga safety recall.

Ford drew severe criticism for its handling of the Kuga fiasco which prompted the National Consumer Commission to launch an official investigation into the fires and how the company dealt with the incidents.

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