Ford Ranger recall: faulty tow bar affects 16,000 utes | CarAdvice

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Ford Ranger recall: faulty tow bar affects 16,000 utes

FORD RANGER
By Tim Beissmann
FIND DEALS

Ford Australia has recalled more than 16,000 Ford Ranger utes to repair a defect with the vehicles’ factory-fitted tow bar.

A total of 16,287 Ford Ranger XLT and Wildtrak models from the previous two generations (PJ and PK model codes) sold in Australia between September 18, 2006 and June 17, 2011 are affected by the recall. The all-new PX Ford Ranger that launched in Australia in the second half of 2011 is not affected.

The official recall notice published on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) website explains:

“The tow bar assembly fitted to affected vehicles may develop weld fracturing around the towbar tongue.

“Fracturing of the tow bar tongue welding can affect safe operation and handling when an affected vehicle is towing, presenting a potential traffic hazard to the driver and/or other road users.”

Ford Australia’s Neil McDonald confirmed the defect was first reported by an owner in Queensland and was subsequently investigated by the manufacturer’s engineers. No accidents or injuries have been reported in relation to the defect.

McDonald explained the recall service would take half a day to complete, and would see a new tow bar fitted and additional reinforcement added. The original rear-step bumper and tow ball will be retained.

Ford Australia says owners of affected vehicles should not use their tow bars until the recall is completed.

Owners are advised to contact their Ford dealership to organise the service, and are encouraged to contact Ford customer service on 1800 503 672 for further information.


 

  • Michael Lock

    Bullcrap!!! They just want all these owners of the previous model to visit dealerships so they can “inspect the weld” quickly and then show them the new Ranger. Since they have the old one there, real easy to inspect and give a trade-in price.
    Think about it, Recalls are the easiest and cheapest way to the details of the current owners of a specific vehicle going back (in this case) 4 years or more. These ‘Recalls’ for trivial things seem to be happening more and more lately, I think the ACCC should investigate that issue in more detail. 

  • DanielD

    Is it really to much for Ford to just replace the dam thing, instead of patching it up? This is the kind of nonsense that Ford does and looses customers. For once Ford, dont go for the cheapest solution, go for the one that makes your customers happy. Its faulty then replace it.

    Maybe Falcon would be selling better compared to Commodore if you had tried putting customer satisfaction higher a few years ago.

    • Adam

      If you read it correctly, they are replacing the tow bar with a new one, adding an additional reinforcement. The only thing is retained is the bumper and tow balls.

      I don’t call that a patch up, that is replaced.

  • jekyl & hyde

    had to laugh at this.the towbars are so low that its gunna drag on gutters,driveways,speed humps anyway.probably a good idea to re-enforce them…lol

    • tiddy

      Wow…where did you read that, certainly wasnt in the article I have just read on here!!

    • tiddy

      Wow…where did you read that, certainly wasnt in the article I have just read on here!!

  • Ranger Man

    They drag on the ground? Ive never seen that on a Ranger. You must drive around in a jacked up monster truck wanabe

  • ding dong

    I wonder if the Mazda BT-50 is affected aswell?…i mean its essentially the same car

  • Andrew M

    Does this apply to the heavy duty or light duty towbars??

    I’d also be keen to see where they are breaking because tow bar tongues arent welded, they are bolted for this reason.

    It cant be the tongue breaking off.
    You also arent allowed to weld the trailer hitch either.

    It must be the plate that the tongue bolts to that they are having issues with

  • pauline burns

    we have just had our wildtrack in to bendigo ford and have been told we are getting a replacement when they arrive, after some initial confusion as to weather ours was one of those with the fault the service so far has been good, hope it doesnt take long for the new ones to arrive. its a concern that we have still not recieved any notification from ford australia and only found out about the recall from the newspaper, not good enough ford australia.

  • Neilkellie

    I have been told by my Ford dealer that no parts are available and they have no idea when they will be. 

  • Donna

    When I booked my Ranger in they told me it would be done by 12 o’clock.  When I dropped it in they told me 4pm….not good enough….I live out of town and run a business.  Pathetic service & no loan cars available.  I said don’t worry about it and drove off.