Almost 125,000 Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 utes recalled

More than 124,000 Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 utes have been recalled today due to two types of potential brake problems.

Although the recall notices on the ACCC’s product safety website stop short of listing total brake failure as a possibility, they do say the front brake hoses in MY2016-2018 models can fail, which “increases the risk of an accident”.

“Some vehicles may be fitted with front flexible brake hoses that are prone to failure where the brake hose has developed a twist when assembled to the vehicle,” said Ford in its recall notice affecting 89,094 Ranger vehicles built between March 1, 2016 and July 13, 2018.

“This could create a tight bend in the hose that causes the inner and outer hose layers to wear when driven over extreme bumps that require greater suspension travel.

“If the front brake hose fails, the brake system warning lamp of the instrument cluster will illuminate.

“Failure of the front brake hose could lead to a loss of brake fluid, causing increased brake pedal travel and increased stopping distances.

“Rear brakes are not affected and will continue to function normally.”

Separately, a second recall affecting 4648 Ranger vehicles built between March 7 and April 13 last year also involves the potential for brake failure -- this time due not to design but manufacturing.

In both cases, Ford Australia says it will contact all affected owners and advise them to present their vehicle to their preferred Ford dealer to have their brakes inspected.

It said front brake hoses will replaced at no cost with new parts, while front brake calipers will be replaced at no cost with new parts if they are affected.

Concerned Ranger owners can contact any authorized Ford dealer, call Ford's Customer Relationship Centre on 1800 503 672 or check if their vehicle is in the list of affected vehicle identification numbers here (brake hoses) and here (brake callipers).

For its part, Mazda Australia has listed both brake issues together in the same recall, covering 30,505 MY2016-2018 Mazda BT-50 vehicles (see affected VIN numbers here).

Mazda also words its front brake hose and calliper recall slightly differently to Ford.

“Front brake hose - a front brake hose could rupture if mileage is greater than 45,000km and the vehicle is used under conditions that require the front suspension to operate through its full range of movement e.g. off-road driving on tracks,” said Mazda.

“Front brake caliper - the front brake caliper material may not meet specification, causing the front brake caliper to crack.

“If the front brake hose fails or the front brake caliper cracks, the brake system warning lamp of the instrument cluster will illuminate.

“Failure of the front brake hose or cracking of the front brake caliper could lead to a loss of brake fluid, causing increased brake pedal travel and increased stopping distances. This increases the risk of an accident.”

Mazda Australia says it will contact all affected owners as soon as parts become available, but has not advised when that will take place.

“Consumers will be advised to present their vehicle to their preferred Mazda Dealer to replace the front brake hoses with modified components and inspect the front brake caliper’s lot numbers,” it said.

“If a caliper is found within the affected lot range, the affected front brake calipers will be replaced. These inspections and replacements will be completed at no charge.”

Concerned owners of the Mazda BT-50, which is mechanically identical to the Ranger, should contact Mazda Customer Support on 1800 034 411.

In other recalls issued since our last recall wrap a week ago, Volvo Car Australia has called back 571 MY2016 Volvo XC90 petrol vehicles sold between June 1, 2015 and April 29, 2019.

The problem relates to a short bleeder hose that may become degraded and cracked, causing coolant leakage and potential fire risk.

“If the coolant accumulates on the catalytic converter on the lambda sensor connection, the catalytic converter heat insulation may act as a wick, potentially resulting in a fire,” said Volvo.

“Consumers should contact their Volvo dealer and organise an appointment to replace the short bleeder hose with a bleeder hose that is made from a more heat resistant material.”

Contact Volvo by phone on 1300 787 802, email at owners@volvo-customers.com or via its public website for more details.

Finally, Volkswagen Group Australia continued its staggered Takata airbag recall on May 6 with 1656 examples of the MY2010-2014 Volkswagen Polo A5 sold in Queensland, WA and NT between January 1, 2010 and January 1, 2015.

“As it gets older, a combination of high temperatures and humidity can cause the airbag inflator propellant to degrade. If an affected vehicle is involved in a collision triggering the airbag, the metal inflator housing may explode/rupture under too much internal pressure,” said VGA.

“In the event that a defective airbag inflator ruptures, metal fragments may propel out through the airbag cushion, towards the vehicle occupants causing serious injury or fatality.”

Concerned owners can contact the Volkswagen Recall Campaign Hotline on 1800 504 076 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am-8:00pm AEST), visit the VGA website, check Volkswagen’s Takata VIN look-up/FAQ tool or use their number plate to check if their vehicle is affected at ismyairbagsafe.com.au.