Kuga and Fiesta in fire risk recall

South America, Canada and the US — plus two reported cases in New Zealand.

According to Ford, the fires are a result of a “lack of coolant circulation”, which has the potential to cause the engines o overheat and subsequently crack their cylinder head.

This in turn can create a pressurised oil leak — the oil then igniting once it comes in contact with a hot surface in the engine bay.

“Wewill implement the recall in two stages,” Ford says.

“At the first stage, dealers will replace the coolant bottle and cap Certain Ford Kuga ( left) and Ford Fiesta ST vehicles are being recalled. and re- route the turbo coolant return line.

“The second stage of the recall will involve dealers installing a coolant level sensor system and wiring harness, and will also reflash the PCM and instrument cluster with updated software.

“The first stage of the recall will be implemented in the second quarter and the second stage in the fourth quarter. Ford will contact customers at each stage, including providing instructions from the owner’s manual on how to check and refill coolant.”

Ford has advised that owners of cars affected by the recall can continue to drive them, but should see their dealer “if their vehicle exhibits a coolant leak or overheating or frequently needs coolant added”. — Read Ford’s full statement about the recall on Driven. co. nz.