Ford SA recalls EcoSport, Puma, Everest and Ranger

Ford has issued safety recalls for over 5 700 vehicles in Southern Africa, with the EcoSport, Puma, Everest and Ranger all affected. Here’s what you need to know…

Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa has issued safety recalls for certain versions of the EcoSport, Puma, Everest and Ranger, with as many as 5 718 units affected in total.

The Blue Oval brand says its recall action for the since-discontinued EcoSport involves some 2 872 units, 2 806 of which were sold in South Africa (along with 25 units in Botswana and 41 in Namibia). Built between April 2021 and July 2022, Ford says the front half shafts in affected vehicles “may not have been fully inserted into the transmission during assembly, creating the potential for the half shaft to disengage from the transmission”.

“If the half shaft disengages, there is a possibility of loss of engine power while driving. It may also result in a vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in ‘Park’ without the park brake being applied. Both conditions increase the risk of an accident,” the Dearborn-based automaker’s local division said in a statement.

Meanwhile, 1 796 units of the Puma (1 775 sold in SA, along with 6 units in Botswana, 13 in Namibia and 2 in Swaziland) built between November 2021 and September 2024 have also been recalled. The company says it has “become aware of a number of Ford Puma vehicles where a fuel line may rub against a bracket, damaging the fuel line”.

“Over time, the fuel line damage may result in a fuel leak. This potential issue may result in an engine stall or, in the presence of an ignition source, a fire. Owners may notice fuel odour, fuel leaking beneath the vehicle, or smoke from fuel on a hot surface.”

The third safety recall relates to certain Ranger and Everest derivatives fitted with 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engines. Ford says there is “a possibility that the left-side camshaft sprocket” in the affected vehicles (built between June 2022 and March 2025) may “fracture, causing the engine to stall. An engine stall without warning increases the risk of an accident”.

In total, 1 050 units of the V6-powered Ranger and Everest are included in this recall, with 995 units having been sold in SA, 17 in Botswana, 34 in Namibia and 4 in Swaziland. The Ranger accounts for 571 units (534 in SA, 10 in Botswana, 24 in Namibia and 3 in Swaziland), while the Everest accounts for the remaining 479 units (461 in SA, 7 in Botswana, 10 in Namibia and a single example in Swaziland).

In each case, Ford says it’s “contacting affected customers and advising them to contact their preferred dealer to schedule an appointment. The dealer will inspect the vehicle and carry out the necessary repairs. This service will be performed on all affected vehicles at no charge to the customer”.

The Blue Oval brand furthermore suggests customers check if their vehicle is affected (by these or any other recalls), by entering their VIN at the following link: www.ford.co.za/owner/recalls/. They are also encouraged to call Ford’s “Customer Relationship Resolution Centre” on 0860 011 022 (or +2712 843 5824, in the case of international callers) or email them on CRC3@ford.com should they have any queries.