Ford Motor Company Southern Africa has announced yet another vehicle recall, marking its fourth callback since July. The latest safety campaign affects 5 676 Ford Rangers across South Africa and three neighbouring countries, due to a potential issue with the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Earlier Recalls This Year
The Blue Oval has been busy issuing recalls in recent months. At the beginning of September, Ford recalled five units of the previous-generation Transit Custom, produced between 2024 and 2025, over a possible airbag defect. The passenger airbags in these vehicles may have been fitted with filters not meeting thickness specifications, potentially restricting gas flow during deployment in a collision.
Around the same time, Ford also recalled 333 previous-generation Mustangs (330 in South Africa, two in Namibia, and one in Botswana) manufactured between 2021 and 2022. The recall was linked to a defect in the fuel pump that could lead to fuel pressure loss, engine stalling, and an increased risk of accidents.
Latest Ranger Recall
In its most recent notice, it confirmed that nearly 5 700 Rangers could experience a loss of brake boost due to ABS software issues.
“The customer may feel a change in pedal feel or travel with an increase in pedal effort needed to brake the vehicle due to a loss of the brake boost feature,” Ford explained.
The company further noted that warning lights for ABS, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and the braking system would appear on the dashboard, accompanied by an audible alert. In such cases, the stopping distance of the vehicle could increase, heightening accident risk.
Regional Breakdown
The recall affects 5 387 Rangers in South Africa, along with 113 units in Botswana, 157 in Namibia, and 19 in Eswatini.
Ford has urged owners of affected vehicles to contact their preferred dealerships for inspection and repairs. A software update will be carried out free of charge.
Customer Support
To help customers confirm whether their vehicle is included in this or any previous recall, it has provided an online tool. By entering the vehicle identification number (VIN) at www.ford.co.za/owner/recalls/, owners can verify recall status.
This latest action underscores Ford’s ongoing safety concerns in the region, as the company works to address multiple mechanical and software issues across its model range.
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