Ford Kuga in flames at Jet Park off-ramp; Ikon, Figo models also recalled
A Ford Kuga caught fire on the N12 East near the Jet Park off-ramp, on Monday morning, July 31.
Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) swiftly responded to call about a vehicle on fire, at around 8.48am.
“Upon their arrival they found the vehicle was engulfed in flames and the driver, who was the only person in the car, was standing helplessly on the side of the road watching it burn,” said DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi.
“The crew started fighting the fire and it was extinguished in no time, though the damage had already occurred.”
“As per information received, the driver smelled something burning while he was driving and then saw flames coming from the engine compartment, in which it is believed the fire started.”
The colour of the vehicle was unrecognisable due to the extensive fire damage.
No casualties were reported on scene as a result of the fire.
So far, allegedly, more than 50 Ford 1.6-litre EcoBoost Kugas, manufactured between 2013 and 2014, have already burst into flames.
Last month‚ Ford SA announced another fire-risk-related recall – this time on its entry-level Figo and Ikon models.
It is understood, thousands of owners of Figos and Ikons‚ built in India between August 2004 and March 2012 and sold here‚ received e-mails asking them to ‘immediately’ contact a Ford dealership to replace their vehicle’s power-steering high-pressure hose.
Ford said there would be no charge for the replacement hose and labour costs.
Ford has also invited Kuga owners whose vehicles were part of the recall announced in January to return their cars to dealerships for Phase 2 of the recall‚ the installation of a sensor to alert the driver when the coolant level drops.
* Our sister newspaper, Alberton Record, reported on a Kuga on fire in Alberton, in January – See story at https://bit.ly/2jaeZJ9
