Ford Figos and Ikons recalled

FORD South Africa has issued yet another recall – this time, the motoring giant is asking owners of Ikons and Figos to have their cars checked.

The latest recall has been caused by a “high- pressure hose leak”.

“On your vehicle, the power-assisted steering (PAS) high-pressure hose could split, resulting in a power-steering fluid leak. This could result in fumes being emitted from the engine compartment. It may also be possible for power-steering fluid to come into contact with the vehicle’s exhaust system components, creating potential for smoke and, in extreme cases, fire,” the company said.

Spokesperson Minesh Bhagaloo told The Mercury this was a “voluntary safety recall” and that Ikons – built between August 9, 2004 and March 24, 2012 – as well as Figos – built in India between January 13, 2009 and March 24, 2012 – were affected.

“Ford is proactively recalling the vehicles to correct the issue and will be contacting customers to advise them of the recall and corrective action,” he said.

In January, footage emerged of a Figo ablaze at a Mediclinic in Nelspruit.

This happened days after Ford SA issued a recall of its Kugas – equipped with a 1.6litre engine and built between December 2012 and February 2014 – due to engine overheating problems.

That recall came in the wake of scores of reports of Kugas catching fire – including one belonging to Reshall Jimmy, who died in the blaze.

In March, Ford SA also expanded that recall to include more than 1 000 Fiesta STs with the 1.6 litre engine – made between September 2012 and December 2014 – for the same reason it had recalled the Kugas. The Figo has also been recalled before – in 2012 – for similar reasons to those for which it is being recalled now.

Durban’s Veronica McGregor, who was among those to receive an email, said she was irritated.

“We have two Fords and this is the second time we’ve had to take the Figo in,” she said, “I just feel like I’ll never buy another Ford again – not with all these problems”.

Bhagaloo said if customers had any concerns or queries, they could contact their nearest dealer or Ford Customer Service directly at 0860 011 022 or CRC3@ford.com.