Ford South Africa said today it will recall nearly 16,000 Figo and Ikon cars built in India due to a potential fire risk.
The cars, built between August 2004 and March 2012, require Ford technicians to replace the "high-pressure power assisted steering hose, which may split, resulting in a power steering fluid leak", Ford said.
"A power steering fluid leak could result in fumes being emitted from the engine compartment. It may also be possible for power steering fluid to come into contact with the vehicle's exhaust system components, creating the potential for smoke and, in extreme cases, fire," the company said.
Assuring customers of delivering quality vehicles, Ford said it was proactively recalling the vehicles to correct the problem and would be advising them of the recall and corrective action.
The recall comes just two months after the conclusion of a debacle over Ford's Kuga model, scores of which caught fire.
Ford's initial reluctance to act after the first Kuga caught fire, killing the owner who was trapped inside led to a year-long battle between the motorist's family and the company.
After threats of a class action, Ford made what was referred to as "a bad public relations move" by motor industry pundits when they offered the motorist's family a free car as compensation, which they declined.
As reports came in of an increasing number of Kugas catching fire, the South African National Consumer Commission stepped in, resulting in Ford recalling Kugas for replacement of components which could cause overheating.
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