Johannesburg - Ford has warned that some Focus, Kuga, Transit Connect and Tourneo Connect models with manual gearboxes could suffer a clutch pressure plate fracture, with some risk of fire if it breaks up completely.
For obvious reasons that’s a touchy subject for Ford, so it’s acting promptly to address the problem.
Owners of the models affected are asked to take their cars to their Ford dealership for a diagnostic check to see if there is any evidence of clutch slip - which is apparently the first symptom of the problem. If any slippage is detected, the clutch assembly will be replaced free of charge.
Ford has also pointed out that if you feel any clutch slip on your manual Focus, Kuga, Transit Connect or Tourneo Connect, you should drive it gently to your Ford dealer and get it checked out pronto.
Affected Models:
Built from:
No. in South Africa
Focus 1.0-litre
1 Aug 2012 - 30 Jun 2016
4555Focus 1.5-litre
1 Aug 2012 - 30 Jun 2016
641Kuga 1.5-litres
1 Aug 2011 - 30 Jun 2016
2353Kuga 1.6-litre
1 Aug 2011 - 30 Jun 2016
5052Transit Connect 1-litre
1 Aug 2012 - 30 Jun 2016
556Tourneo Connect 1.0-litre
1 Aug 2012 - 30 Jun 2016
273
Ford is also working on a software update that will detect excessive clutch slip and warn you to take your car to your Ford dealer. Ford will notify customers when it’s ready, which is expected to be from the beginning of May 2018.