Other Kuga models also faulty, allege Ford owners

While Ford focuses on only recalling the 1.6-litre Kuga models, owners of different engine models claim they have experienced a similar problem of their vehicle bursting into flames.

Shaun Thompson told The Citizen on Tuesday that his 2.5-litre turbo Kuga was locked safely in his garage in September 2015 when he received notification from his tracking company alerting him to check his car.

“When I looked, I found the car full of smoke in the garage, switched off and getting ready to burn. I disconnected the battery and smothered the fire. Ford came to take away the car, but kept it for three weeks without fixing the problem,” said Thompson.

He said he eventually towed his car to a private mechanic, who identified the problem and repaired the vehicle for R58 000.

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“Insurance refused to cover the damages and told me to deal with Ford. Until today, Ford has not gotten back to me about my car. I’m stuck with it as no one wants to buy it and no one wants to steal it. I can’t even take it back because, for some reason, Ford is only focused on the 1.6-litre models.”

Ford SA CEO Jeff Nemeth announced a safety recall of the 1.6-litre models, adding that they would not be replaced, as he was confident the repairs would ensure safety.

But Thompson said a woman in the Eastern Cape was turned away by her dealer when she attempted to return her car.

“How does this work? A woman went to the dealership after the recall was announced and was sent away.”

Although Ford advised their customers to report any faults to the nearest dealer, the National Consumer Commission (NCC) urged unhappy motorists to lodge formal complaints.

Spokesperson Trevor Hattingh said they would assess the merits of the complaint to establish a contravention of the consumers’ rights in terms of the Consumer Protection Act.

“[We] will then decide, taking into account the consumer’s desired remedy, whether to refer the matter to the motor industry ombudsman for it to mediate over a settlement for the consumer, or to investigate the matter and lodge an application with the [NCC] to make a ruling on the matter,” said Hattingh.

Nemeth said customers would be provided a courtesy car in the event of a delay in repairs.

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