Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa is recalling certain previous-generation Ranger and Everest models over a possible transmission failure.

The National Consumer Commission notified motorists of the safety recall involving vehicles fitted with Ford’s 10-speed 10R80 automatic transmission.

Affected vehicles were sold in South Africa between July 2018 and February 2020.

Some were also exported to Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini.

Ford has not indicated that every Ranger or Everest sold during this period is affected. Owners will need to check their individual vehicle identification numbers.

Transmission fault poses safety risk

According to the supplier, the transmission fluid pump gear in affected vehicles could fail.

This may reduce the hydraulic pressure needed for the transmission to operate properly.

If the pump gear fails, the vehicle could lose its ability to move.

The commission warned that losing movement while driving could increase the risk of an incident on the road.

No information was provided about crashes or injuries linked to the fault.

Software updates offered free

Owners of affected vehicles have been urged to visit their nearest authorised Ford dealership.

Ford dealers will update the vehicle’s powertrain control module and transmission control module software.

The work will be completed at no cost to customers.

Motorists can check whether their Ranger or Everest is included by entering the vehicle’s VIN on Ford South Africa’s recall website.

Owners who receive a recall notification should contact a dealership to schedule the required work.

Only certain models affected

The recall applies to the previous-generation Ranger bakkie and Everest SUV fitted with the specified 10-speed transmission.

It is separate from other Ford safety recalls involving newer Ranger and Everest vehicles.

Motorists should not assume their vehicle is affected based only on its registration year or model name.

Ford advises owners to confirm their recall status using the VIN, which uniquely identifies each vehicle.

Affected owners should arrange the free software updates as soon as possible to reduce the risk of transmission failure.