Ford New Zealand has confirmed that selected versions of two of their best-selling models — the Kuga and the Fiesta — are to be recalled following fire-risk concerns.
“Ford is issuing a safety recall for certain 2012–’14 Ford Kuga and 2013–’15 Ford Fiesta ST 1.6-litre GTDI vehicles for under-hood fire risk,” they said in a statement.
“No other Kugas, Fiestas or other Fords are affected.”
The recall encompasses 980 Kugas and Fiestas registered in New Zealand — 911 Kugas and 69 Fiestas — all of which share the same 1.6-litre GTDI engine.
Globally, Ford have recalled more than 450,000 vehicles with similar potential issues under the bonnet, following several cases of cars combusting in South America, Canada, and the US — plus two reported cases in New Zealand.
According to Ford’s latest statement, the fires are a result of a “lack of coolant circulation,” which has the potential to cause the engines of cars to overheat and subsequently crack their cylinder head.
This in turn can create a pressurised oil leak — the oil then igniting once it comes in contact with a hot surface in the engine bay.
“We will implement the recall in two stages,” Ford said.
“At the first stage, dealers will replace the coolant bottle and cap and re-route the turbo coolant return line. The second stage of the recall will involve dealers installing a coolant level sensor system and wiring harness, and will also re-flash the PCM and instrument cluster with updated software.
“The first stage of the recall will be implemented in the second quarter and the second stage in the fourth quarter. Ford will contact customers at each stage, including providing instructions from the owner’s manual on how to check and refill coolant.”
Ford has advised that owners of cars affected by the recall can continue to drive them, but should see their dealer “if their vehicle exhibits a coolant leak or overheating or frequently needs coolant added.”
Read Ford New Zealand's full official statement about the recall below:
Ford is issuing a safety recall for certain 2012-14 Ford Kuga and 2013-15 Ford Fiesta ST 1.6-liter GTDI vehicles for under-hood fire risk.
No other Kugas, Fiestas or other Fords are affected.
Ford is issuing a safety recall in New Zealand for approximately 911 2012-14 Ford Kugas and 69 2013-15 Ford Fiesta STs equipped with 1.6-liter GTDI engines. Ford’s investigation of these vehicles has identified a risk of under-hood fires.
In the affected vehicles, a lack of coolant circulation could cause an engine to overheat, resulting in a crack in the cylinder head. A cracked cylinder head can result in a pressurized oil leak. Oil that comes into contact with a hot engine surface increases the risk of a fire in the engine compartment.
We will implement the recall in two stages. At the first stage, dealers will replace the coolant bottle and cap and re-route the turbo coolant return line. The second stage of the recall will involve dealers installing a coolant level sensor system and wiring harness, and will also re-flash the PCM and instrument cluster with updated software.
The first stage of the recall will be implemented in the second quarter and the second stage in the fourth quarter. Ford will contact customers at each stage, including providing instructions from the owner’s manual on how to check and refill coolant.
Customers can continue to drive their vehicles but should see their dealer if their vehicle exhibits a coolant leak or overheating or frequently needs coolant added.
Ford is aware of two reports of fire associated with this issue in New Zealand. No injuries have been reported.
Ford is committed to providing our customers with top quality vehicles. We are equally committed to addressing potential issues and responding quickly for our customers.