Ford announces another Kuga recall

After identifying another Ford Kuga fire risk, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa is recalling all Kugas built at the Valencia assembly plant in Spain from July 17, 2012 up to and including June 19, 2014. 

In the event of a frontal collision, these vehicles have been identified as having a possible risk for a B-pillar fire.

“The activation of the seatbelt pretensioner can potentially cause the insulation material around the pretensioner to ignite. The solution is to remove the insulation material from the area around the seatbelt retractor-pretensioner to prevent the risk of fire,” the company said in a statement on Wednesday.

About 173 000 Ford Kuga vehicles built in Valencia and Russia are affected.

Some of the vehicles affected by this recall are also affected by Phase 2 of the safety recall action for Kuga 1.6 l models, which pertains to the coolant level sensor.

While the recalls are unrelated, customers who are already bringing their vehicles in for the Phase 2 action will be able to have both repairs conducted at the same time.

Ford highlighted that the repair work for the recalls should not take more than an hour to complete.

“Customers not affected by the previous Kuga recall, or those who may have already had Phase 2 of the recall completed, should contact their dealer to schedule an appointment.”