Ford India recalls 166,000 Figo, Fiesta Classic cars

September 13, 2013: In the biggest-ever vehicle recall in India, Ford India has announced a recall for 166,021 units of its Figo hatchback and the Fiesta Classic saloon to rectify potential problems related to the steering and rear suspension.

The vehicle recall is for inspection for potential issues related to the rear twist beam (RTB) and the power assisted steering (PAS) hose. The recall will impact different batches of the Figo and Classic manufactured at the Chennai plant between January 2010 and June 2012.

The carmaker said it has begun pre-emptive inspective inspection of the rear axle of 131,922 cars for a possible defect that may result in unstable ride, handling and braking, and a replacement of the power steering hose in an additional 34,099 cars that may result in fire in extreme cases.

As regards the RTB, 109,469 Figos and 22,453 units Classics produced and sold from January 2011 till June 2012 will have to be inspected but will not necessarily need part replacements.

In the case of the PAS hose, 30,681 Figos and 3,418 Classics produced and sold in India between January and August 2010 and between March and November 2011 will be inspected and then replaced.

Ford India has communicated with its customers who are affected by the recall and asked them to bring their cars to their nearest authorised dealership for inspection, at no cost. No injuries or accidents related to the RTB or PAS issues have been reported.

The company had, last year, recalled over 128,000 units of the Figo and Classic to rectify problems related to steering and rear suspension.

This is the eighth vehicle recall in 2013, the highest in a year yet. In August, GM India had recalled 4,000 units of its diesel-engined Sail saloon and hatchbacks for a potential engine issue and in July, had recalled 114,000 Chevrolet Taveras for emission-related issues. In July last year, SIAM had initiated a voluntary recall code for OEMs in India.

RECALLS IN 2013

September 2013: Ford India recalls 166,021 Figos and Fiesta Classics for potential axle and power steering problems.

August 2013: GM India recalls 4,000 diesel0-engined Sail saloon and hatchbacks for potential engine issue.

July 2013: GM India recalls 114,000 Chevrolet Taveras for emission-related issues.

July 2013: Ford India recalls 972 diesel EcoSport SUVs to change location of glow plug module.

June 2013: Honda Cars India recalls 42,672 Citys for power window switch replacement.

May 2013: Toyota Kirloskar Motor recalls 1,100 Corolla Altis cars for axle issues.

May 2013: Nissan Motor India recalls 2,188 Micra hatchbacks and Sunny saloons for brake issues. Renault India recalls 7,000 Pulse and Scala models.

April 2013: Toyota Kirloskar Motor recalls a batch of Corollas for airbag issues.