Ford Announces Multiple Recalls Across Southern Africa

By Prashirwin Naidu

Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa has announced a series of major recalls affecting tens of thousands of vehicles across the region, marking one of its most significant safety campaigns in years. The move comes against the backdrop of Ford’s well-documented recall history, from the infamous Kuga fire scandal that dominated headlines between 2015 and 2017 to ongoing transmission issues in more recent years.

The latest wave affects nearly 22,000 vehicles, including the popular Ranger, Everest and Transit Custom models, along with selected EcoSport and Mustang units. The most significant share, 21,736 cars built between 2021 and 2025, are being recalled over a fault in the infotainment system. Ford confirmed that the screen may freeze, turn black and reboot unexpectedly.

If the malfunction occurs while reversing, the rear-view camera image could be delayed, frozen or missing altogether, increasing the risk of a collision.

Breaking down the numbers, 17,741 Rangers are affected, of which 16,820 are in South Africa, 579 in Namibia, 327 in Botswana and 15 in Eswatini. A further 3,317 Everest SUVs are included, with 3,199 of those in South Africa, 76 in Namibia, 35 in Botswana and 7 in Eswatini. The Transit Custom accounts for 678 units, most of which are in South Africa.

Ford says a software solution is currently being finalised and will be rolled out during the third quarter of 2025, with repairs carried out free of charge at dealerships.

IV ZEAL VITAMIN

Another small campaign affects 33 vehicles in South Africa, made up mostly of older Mustangs alongside single units of the EcoSport, Ranger and Everest. In these cars, repeated short ignition cycles can disrupt the SYNC infotainment system, causing instability or preventing it from saving settings.

Ford warns that this may result in the rear-view camera image disappearing entirely or remaining stuck on the screen after reversing. A corrective software update is being prepared and is also expected to be available by the third quarter of 2025.

The smallest recall involves only eight units of the new-generation 2025 Ranger. Ford has found that the transmission’s valve body may have been manufactured outside of specification, potentially leading to serious driveability issues. In extreme cases, the fault could result in a lack of reverse motion or even cause the vehicle to move forward when the gear selector is placed in reverse or neutral. Owners would also notice warning lights illuminating on the dashboard. Replacement parts are expected to arrive by October 2025.

Alongside these recalls, Ford has also issued a separate safety notice for Ranger and Everest models fitted with 3.0-litre V6 engines. Specific units built between June 2022 and March 2025 have been identified with a potential fault in the left-side camshaft sprocket.

If the sprocket fractures, it could cause the engine to stall and, in extreme circumstances, lead to an accident. A total of 1,050 vehicles across Southern Africa have been flagged, with 995 of them in South Africa, 34 in Namibia, 17 in Botswana and 4 in Eswatini. Owners will be contacted directly, and inspections and repairs will be carried out free of charge at dealerships.

Ford has emphasised that these recalls are preventive measures designed to ensure the ongoing safety and satisfaction of its customers. To streamline the process, the company has provided an online tool where owners can check if their vehicle is affected by entering its VIN at www.ford.co.za/owner/recalls. For further assistance, customers can also call the Customer Relationship Resolution Centre on 0860 011 022 (or +27 12 843 5824 for international callers), or email CRC3@ford.com. © Higher Education Media