Fire risk forces Ford to recall two more models

Ford SA has announced another fire-risk-related recall - this time on its entry-level Figo and Ikon models.

Owners of 15600 petrol-engine Figos and Ikons, built in India between August 2004 and March 2012 and sold here, received e-mails on Wednesday asking them to "immediately" contact a Ford dealership to replace their vehicle's power-steering high-pressure hose.

"The hose may split, resulting in a power-steering fluid leak," the e-mail said. "A power-steering fluid leak could result in fumes being emitted from the engine and it may be possible for power-steering fluid to come into contact with the vehicle's exhaust system, creating smoke and, in extreme cases, fire."

Globally, 16 of the affected vehicles had caught fire, a Ford spokesman said, but none in South Africa "that we are aware of".

Asked about the Figo that caught fire outside Nelspruit Mediclinic in mid-January, footage of which was widely circulated on social media, the spokesman said Ford did not know if that incident was directly related to this recall.

Diesel models are not affected.

Ford said there would be no charge for the replacement hose and labour costs.

Ford relies on its dealerships to provide customers with courtesy cars, but said "this cannot be guaranteed".

Next month Ford will invite the 4556 Kuga owners whose vehicles were part of the recall announced in January to return their cars to dealerships for Phase 2 of the recall, the installation of a sensor to alert the driver when the coolant level drops.

Ford faced a backlash after nearly 50 of its Kuga SUVs reportedly caught fire. Investigations revealed the fires were caused by overheating, which led to engine cylinder heads cracking and oil leaking.