Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) has announced three separate safety recalls that affect multiple Ford vehicle models across the region – including more than 50 vehicles in Botswana.
The recalls, which impact the Ford EcoSport, Ford Puma, and Ford Ranger and Everest, were issued due to potentially serious mechanical defects that could compromise the safety of drivers, passengers, and other road users. All repairs will be carried out at no cost to the customer.
The first recall involves Ford EcoSport models built between April 2021 and July 2022. According to FMCSA, the front half shafts may not have been fully inserted into the transmission during assembly. This manufacturing issue could lead to: Loss of engine power while driving; Risk of vehicle rollaway when placed in “Park” without the park brake applied and 25 EcoSport units in Botswana have been identified as part of this recall, alongside 2,806 units in South Africa and 41 in Namibia.
The second recall concerns Ford Puma vehicles built between November 2021 and September 2024. FMCSA has flagged an issue where the fuel line may rub against a bracket, potentially causing damage over time and leading to a fuel leak.
This defect could result in: A sudden engine stall, In the presence of a heat source, a vehicle fire, Early warning signs include the smell of fuel, visible leakage, or smoke from a hot surface; and Six vehicles in Botswana are affected, in addition to 1,775 in South Africa, 13 in Namibia, and two in Eswatini (Swaziland).
The third and most recent recall targets Ford Ranger and Ford Everest models equipped with 3.0L V6 engines, manufactured between June 2022 and March 2025.
FMCSA reports that a left-side camshaft sprocket may fracture, which can cause the engine to stall without warning – a serious hazard while driving.
Affected vehicles in Botswana include: 10 Ford Ranger units and 7 Ford Everest units.
In total, 1,050 vehicles across Southern Africa are affected, including 995 in South Africa, 34 in Namibia, and 4 in Eswatini.
FMCSA is directly contacting affected customers and encouraging them to schedule inspections with their preferred Ford dealer. All inspections and repairs will be provided free of charge.
Customers can also check if their vehicle is affected by visiting Ford’s official recall page at www.ford.co.za/owner/recalls and entering their VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
For further inquiries, customers can contact the Ford Customer Relationship Centre at:
Tel: 0860 011 022 (RSA) / +27 12 843 5824 (international)
Email: CRC3@ford.com
Vehicle safety recalls are issued as a preventive measure to avoid injury or loss of life. FMCSA, alongside its dealer network, has reaffirmed its commitment to customer safety and service.
Ford owners in Botswana are urged to act promptly to verify if their vehicles are part of the affected batch and take immediate action to address any potential risks.