Consumer body delay angers Kuga fire victims

FORD Kuga fire victims are furious with the National Consumer Commission over the silence around its investigation into the global carmaker.

But‚ the commission says‚ the silence is to ensure that the investigation is thorough and that Ford does not get away with any infringements.

In January and February‚ irate Kuga owners approached the commission with complaints about the spontaneous combustion of their vehicles.

Between December 2015 and this month‚ 58 Kugas have caught alight in South Africa‚ forcing Ford to announce a safety recall of 4 556 of its 1.6l Kuga models.

The recall‚ which involved replacing the vehicle’s coolant system‚ also applied in New Zealand and Australia.

Ford said the fires were caused by a faulty coolant system‚ but its explanation and its internal inquiry prompted the commission to investigate the company.

It promised to report back to affected consumers in 60 days.

However, since the investigation began, more Kugas have caught fire.

At least three of those that caught fire last month had undergone coolant system repairs.

Reshall Jimmy was killed when his Kuga caught alight while on holiday at the Wilderness in the Southern Cape in December 2015.

Ford claims that his death was not related to the coolant system fires‚ but his family believe the fires are also caused by faulty electrical systems.

Sean Thompson‚ whose 1.5l Kuga caught alight‚ said he was at his wits’ end.

When Kuga fire victims inquired of the commission‚ he said, they had no response.

Stephan van Heerden said he had been told his complaint would be addressed by the head of the commission’s investigation team.

“I am still waiting for her to respond.”

Commission spokesman Trevor Hattingh said the investigation was ongoing. – TMG Digital