Ford in largest car recall

Automaker to inspect 166,021 units of Figo and Classic, a year after recalling 128,655 units of the models

Ford India on Friday said it was recalling 166,021 units of premium hatchback Figo and sedan Classic, to rectify problems related to steering and rear suspension. A year earlier, too, Ford had recalled some Figo and Classic models.

The latest recall will impact batches of the Figo and Classic models manufactured between January 2010 and June 2012.

This is the biggest vehicle recall since the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam) introduced a voluntary recall policy in July last year. General Motors India’s recent recall of 114,000 units of the Tavera was among the biggest.

Ford India said: “Ford India is extending its existing voluntary field service action (FSA) and will recall the remaining batches of Ford Figo and Ford Classic models to inspect them for potential issues related to the rear twist beam (RTB) and the power assisted steering (PAS) hose.”

As many as 109,469 units of the Figo and 22,453 units of the Classic produced and sold from January 2011 till June 2012 would need to be inspected for issues related to the rear twist beam. But the vehicles will not necessarily need part replacements, the company said. In the case of the power steering hose, 30,681 Figos and 3,418 Classics produced and sold in India from January 2010-August 2010 and March 2011-November 2011 would be inspected and then replaced, Ford India said.

It said no injuries or accidents related to the RTB or PAS issues have been reported. “This is to ensure the safety and satisfaction of our customers by inspecting and replacing any potentially affected parts as required.”

In August 2012, the company had recalled 128,655 units of the Figo and Classic to rectify problems related to steering and rear suspension. The recall had impacted batches of cars made between January 2008 and December 2010, and from September 2010 till February 2011.

Ford India had at that time said a potential crack in the RTB first manifests itself in the form of an abnormal noise from the rear. If the vehicle continues to be driven and the noise symptoms are ignored, it could lead to the RTB unit breaking, resulting in diminished ride and handling and brake performance — potentially rendering the vehicle inoperable.

In the case of the PAS hose issue, the company had said there was a potential for development of an oil leak, which could result in potential fumes being emitted from the area causing the leak. It might also be possible for power steering fluid to come into contact with the vehicle’s exhaust components creating a potential for smoke and, in extreme cases, fire.