UPDATE: Ford Fiesta ST goes up in flames

In March, Ford South Africa announced it had voluntarily expanded the safety recall for the 1.6-litre GTDi engine to include the Ford Fiesta ST.

July 4, 2017

Tereasa Dias 2 minutes read

MBOMBELA – Following another Ford vehicle catching alight in the Steiltes Shopping Centre parking lot at approximately 22:00 on Friday, Lowvelder has learned that Ford South Africa had expanded the safety recall to include approximately 1 078 Fiesta ST models produced between September 2012 and December 2014.

According to a statement received by Ford South Africa, a lack of coolant circulation in the affected vehicles could cause an engine to overheat, resulting in a crack in the cylinder head.

A cracked cylinder head can result in a pressurised oil leak. Oil that comes into contact with a hot engine surface increases the risk of a fire in the engine compartment,” it read.

Ford South Africa previously recalled 1,6-litre Kuga models made between December 2012 and February 2014, due to some reportedly bursting into flames.

Locals travelling along the R40 in January watched in horror as flames burst from a Ford Figo parked in Mediclinic Nelspruit’s parking lot.

Also read the TRUTH: The Ford Kuga that did not burn out

“The Fiesta ST models will receive hardware and software upgrades, which include the fitment of a coolant level sensor with supporting hardware and software changes at no charge to the customer,” the statement further read.

The necessary parts are expected to be available by the fourth quarter, and customers will be informed when they should book their vehicle in for the repair. Customers can continue to drive their vehicles, but should visit their Ford dealer if their vehicle exhibits a coolant leak, overheating or frequently needs coolant added.”

“Customers should continue to check their vehicles coolant levels and can refer to their owner’s manual for instructions on how to check their coolant level and what to do if it is low.”

• If required, the emergency services should be called first, then Ford’s Roadside Assistance on 0861-150-250. Supported through the AA, this service is available 24/7.

Monday, July 3:

An eyewitness said she was having dinner with friends at Bistro Bistro restaurant when the Ford Fiesta ST stopped in the parking area. “It seemed as if the car was just smoking when the driver stopped in the parking area. Then we saw the flames. Some of the restaurant staff ran out to help extinguish the fire,” the woman said.

Hi-Tech Security’s Callum MacPherson confirmed the company responded to the scene.

“Because Hi-Tech operates in the Steiltes area, both Hennie Potgieter and Wian du Toit helped other members of the public to extinguish the flames. All of our response vehicles carry fire extinguishers,” he said.

Ford Nelspruit’s Stephan Venter said he had spoken to the owner of the vehicle, a 2013 model, on Friday evening and had met with her on Saturday morning to discuss the incident.

“(The woman) has been provided a courtesy vehicle and we are making arrangements for her car to be brought to Ford premises so that we can investigate the cause of the fire,” Venter told Lowvelder.

Saturday, July 1:
A Ford Fiesta ST caught on fire at around 22:00 last night. The woman driver noticed her car was on fire while driving up Ferreira Street.