In light of the recent Ford Kuga fires, Vishal Premlall, Director of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), believes now is an opportune time to readdress the issues surrounding vehicle recalls in South Africa.
“While it is unclear whether Ford has issued a recall or not on the Kuga, the number of incidents is growing and a recall may be on the cards. Now is a good time to look into recalls in South Africa and question why the number of vehicle owners bringing in their vehicles for the necessary repairs is nowhere near where it should. The result – potentially millions of dangerous vehicles on our roads.”
Premlall says there are several reasons why recall repairs are not done some of which include dealerships not being able to track down drivers; parts in short supply; repairs restricted to dealers only and so on. “As it stands, customers out of warranty that don’t go back to dealerships, have no idea when a product recall takes place or why. While historically not taking a vehicle in for recall-related repairs has resulted in unsafe vehicles on our roads, we are now seeing people losing their lives,” says Premlall.
He points out however that the aftermarket workshop industry deals with many of these out of warranty vehicles and therefore could assist with reaching as many affected cars as possible. “The reality of the situation is that the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) do not make recall information readily available to the aftermarket workshops. The fact that customers don’t go back to franchised dealers after warranty does not mean that the responsibility for the product recall is rendered ineffective,” he adds.
“Graded aftermarket workshops have the capabilities to service as wide a customer network as possible to ensure that affected cars are rectified to the exacting standard as envisaged in the product recall, should they have access to repair the vehicle and the appropriate information be made available.”
Referring to defective components and replacement parts, Premlall points out that a product recall is often triggered as a result of a defective component fitted by the OEM, often relating to compromised procurement practices. “This often means that a new component provider will need to be sourced which puts customers at a disadvantage as they have to wait for the part to be provided to the franchise dealer before it can be fitted. Once again this decision compromises the safety of the vehicle and other drivers on our roads. It appears that in many of the recall cases in South Africa and globally cost of parts has won in the quality versus cost debate. Recalls show that even new cars can be fitted with defective components.”
Premlall strongly believes that the answer to safer cars on South African roads and more effective recalls lies in opening up the access to information to the aftermarket.
“We all want safer cars on South African roads. Keeping all vehicles roadworthy needs to be the collective responsibility of the consumer and all industry players. This can only be achieved if all players are given a fair and equal chance to service vehicles,” he says.
While Ford has reported that research is currently underway into why the Kugas are igniting, Premlall highlights the following warning signs and offers drivers some safety tips:
- If you smell fuel in the car it could mean that there is a fuel line loose or fuel pipe leak. Also be alert if you smell burning of any kind.
- Look out for warning signs on the dashboard
- Abnormal or malfunctioning controls may indicate something inherently wrong in the car.
- Smoke or heat waves coming from your bonnet
- A spike on your temperature gauge
“These are all danger signs. Even if you are unsure rather pull over, get out of the vehicle immediately and call your franchise dealer or aftermarket workshop at once,” he says.
“Also don’t dismiss other road users that are trying to get your attention. They may see something external that you cannot see while driving.”
“The regular maintenance of your vehicle at a reputable workshop is the best defence against a potential hazard. If you are aware, you can repair.” If you are looking for a workshop, Premlall says it’s important to use an accredited workshop. “There are over 2400 independent, MIWA-accredited workshops around the country. We need to be responsible to avoid any further tragedies on our roads,” he says.
