Ford Kuga, Fiesta ST recalled over fire risk

Ford Australia has belatedly joined other global markets in recalling variants of its Kuga SUV and Fiesta ST hot hatch over a serious fire risk.

At least seven known cases have been linked with the defect locally, while more than 50 have been affected overseas.

Lodging the recall notice with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the Blue Oval says affected variants are fitted with a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine that is shared between the two models.

Ford Australia's belated announcement comes as a backflip of sorts. In January, it said it had no plans to recall affected variants despite advanced recall campaigns in markets such as South Africa.

“There’s no specific safety concern for Australia,” a spokesperson said at the time.

The issue is said to occur when a lack of coolant circulation causes the engine to overheat, resulting in a crack in the cylinder-head which could potentially lead to a pressurised oil leak. If the oil comes into contact with a hot engine surface, it could expose the vehicle to a risk of fire.

In Australia, some 4450 Kugas built between 2013 and 2014 are affected. A further 400 Fiesta STs built between 2013 and 2014, fitted with the same Spanish-built four-pot, are also impacted.

Ford Australia has reported seven instances of fire associated with the issue. No injuries have been reported.

The recall coincides with a similar campaign in the US involving 230,000 vehicles. In that region, Ford has reported 29 instances of fire caused by the fault, without any reported injuries.

Ford has advised customers that “parts are not immediately available to carry out repairs on affected vehicles”.

As such, owners will first be asked to take their vehicles in to have the coolant bottle replaced and the turbo coolant return line re-routed.

The second stage of the process will commence from October, when technicians will fit a coolant level sensors system and wiring harness while also re-flashing the PCM and instruments with new software.

“Ford is working with suppliers to obtain parts as soon as possible,” a statement on the ACCC website says. “Ford will write to owners of all affected vehicles as soon as parts are available.”

In the meantime, owners of affected vehicles will be mailed instructions on how to check and refill coolant as a precautionary measure. From there, owners will be required to take their vehicle to a Ford dealer for the necessary recall work.

Ford says the necessary work will come at no cost to the customer. Owners can contact Ford’s customer relations centre on 1800 503 672 for further information.

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