Why Ford is recalling the 2024 Ranger in Southern Africa
Ford South Africa has issued a safety recall for approximately 25 of its 2024 Ranger bakkies in South Africa and Botswana, citing a serious suspension flaw that could lead to a loss of control and increased crash risk.
The recall, confirmed by both Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa and the National Consumer Commission (NCC), affects vehicles manufactured between October 29 and November 7, 2024, at the company’s Silverton plant in Pretoria.
Faulty front suspension behind recall
The defect concerns the front lower control arm (FLCA), a vital suspension component. According to a statement issued by the NCC:
“The separation of the joint may result in loss of control of the affected wheel, with the corresponding effect on the vehicle handling increasing. This may increase the risk of a crash or injury.”
In a parallel report by Cars.co.za, Ford acknowledged:
“Ford has identified that in some of the affected vehicles, an incorrect Front Lower Control Arm (FLCA) may have been fitted on the left-hand side of the vehicle. An incorrect FLCA may cause a degradation in wheel control and related suspension/underbody noise, i.e. knocking or clunking.
Separation of the joint may result in loss of control of the affected wheel with a corresponding effect on vehicle handling increasing the risk of crash or injury.”
The affected Rangers were distributed in South Africa, Botswana, and neighbouring countries such as Namibia and Swaziland.
Ford added:
“Approximately 25 vehicles are affected in Southern Africa (South Africa and Botswana). Customers of affected vehicles should contact their preferred dealer to schedule an appointment. The dealer will inspect the vehicle and make the necessary repairs. This service will be performed on all affected vehicles at no charge to the vehicle owner.”
The affected Rangers were manufactured between October 29 and November 7, 2024, at Ford’s Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria. The vehicles were then distributed locally and across neighbouring Southern African countries like Namibia and Swaziland.
A troubling pattern
The Ranger has long been one of Mzansi’s best-selling bakkies, recently crowned South Africa’s most popular double-cab in 2024. But despite its market strength, consumer concerns have grown over the years due to a range of quality issues. A widely shared YouTube video review recently flagged five key problems plaguing the Ranger line:
- Reliability: Reports of issues with powertrain and the 10-speed automatic transmission continue to surface.
- Interior quality: Past models have been panned for inferior materials and confusing ergonomics.
- Outdated platform: Despite improvements, the Ranger still relies on a platform dating back to 2011.
- Bland design: Critics say the latest model lacks innovation and looks too similar to its predecessor.
- Pricing concerns: Entry-level variants are seen as overpriced compared to competitors offering better value.
The recall adds another layer to these challenges, which Ford must address head-on to maintain trust in one of its flagship models.
What should affected owners do?
Ford has encouraged all potentially affected owners to visit Ford SA’s recall portal or contact their nearest authorised dealership. Repairs and inspections will be conducted free of charge.
“Ford is contacting affected customers about this recall and advising them to contact their preferred dealer to schedule an appointment,” the company reiterated.
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