Ford South Africa Refuses to Own Up to Known Manufacturing Fault – Reference 23S64

I am extremely disappointed with Ford South Africa’s handling of a known manufacturing fault on the Ford EcoSport 1.0L models (2016–2022), reference number 23S64.

At just 56,000km, my EcoSport suffered a major failure related to this exact issue – a fault Ford has publicly acknowledged. After taking the vehicle to a Ford dealership, I was told both the engine and turbo need to be replaced, amounting to a staggering R130,000 – R90,000 of which is just for the engine.

Despite this being a known defect and clearly falling under the scope of the recall, Ford South Africa has declined my Good Will Claim solely because my last service was done at an RMI-approved service centre and not at a Ford dealership. This service was carried out after the service plan had expired, which is entirely within my rights as a consumer.

It is unacceptable that Ford is using a technicality to avoid accountability for a manufacturing issue they themselves identified. Consumers should not be financially burdened due to corporate negligence. I expected better from a global brand that claims to care about customer safety and satisfaction.

I urge others to be cautious – Ford does not stand by their product when it matters most.