Ford Announces Recall for Over 21,000 Vehicles Across Multiple Models

Rethabile Nyelele20 August , 2025

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Ford Announces Recall for Over 21,000 Vehicles Across Multiple Models — All images: Ford

Ford has announced a significant recall affecting several of its vehicles in South Africa and neighbouring countries, citing potential safety issues across various models including the Ranger, Mustang, EcoSport, Everest, and Transit Custom.

First Recall Targets 2025 Ford Rangers

The initial recall affects eight 2025 Ford Rangers sold locally. Investigations revealed that certain Rangers have transmission main valve bodies with internal dimensions that do not match engineering specifications. This flaw may cause the vehicle to fail to move in reverse, or in some cases, move forward when the gear selector is in reverse or neutral.

If this occurs, the vehicle’s malfunction indicator light (MIL) and wrench light will illuminate, increasing the risk of an accident. Currently, replacement parts are not yet available but are expected by October 2025. Ford and authorised dealers will contact affected owners to schedule free repairs once the parts arrive.

Second Recall Involves Older Models

A second recall affects Mustangs, EcoSports, Rangers, and Everests manufactured between 2018 and 2023. The issue involves repeated short ignition cycles, which can cause errors in the SYNC system over time. This may lead to a frozen or incorrect rear-view camera display while reversing, potentially giving a false representation of the vehicle’s surroundings.

In South Africa, 33 vehicles are impacted: 30 Mustangs, one EcoSport, one Ranger, and one Everest. Ford is preparing a software update to address this issue, which is expected to be available between July and September 2025. Customers will be contacted to schedule free software updates.

Massive Recall Across Southern Africa

The largest recall affects 21,736 vehicles in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Eswatini. Models involved include the Ranger, Everest, and Transit Custom built from 2021 to 2025. The problem stems from the infotainment screen, which may freeze, go black, or reboot unexpectedly. This can result in a delayed or missing rear-view camera image while reversing.

The breakdown of affected vehicles is:

Ford Ranger: 17,741 (South Africa – 16,820; Botswana – 327; Namibia – 579; Eswatini – 15)
Ford Everest: 3,317 (South Africa – 3,199; Botswana – 35; Namibia – 76; Eswatini – 7)
Ford Transit Custom: 678 (South Africa – 674; Botswana – 1; Namibia – 2; Eswatini – 1)

Ford will provide a software fix for these vehicles, expected in the third quarter of 2025, and will notify owners to arrange free repairs at authorised dealers.

This large-scale recall highlights the importance of regular vehicle maintenance and the role of manufacturers in ensuring safety for drivers and passengers alike.