Ford India has recalled 1,66,021 vehicles to inspect and rectify problems related to power assisted steering and rear suspension. The recall will impact different batches of its hatchback Figo and sedan Classic, manufactured during different periods.
“Ford India is extending its existing voluntary field service action and will recall the remaining batches of Figo and Classic models to inspect them for potential issues related to the rear twist beam (RTB) and the power assisted steering (PAS) hose,” the company said in a statement.
“This is to ensure the safety and satisfaction of our customers by inspecting and replacing any potentially affected parts as required,” the company said, adding “no injuries or accidents related to the RTB or PAS issues have been reported”.
With respect to the RTB, a total of 1,31,922 vehicles have been recalled by the company, of which 1,09,469 are Figos and remaining 22,453 are Classics. These vehicles — produced and sold between January 2011 and June 2012 — will need to be inspected but might not necessarily need part replacements.
Ford India is recalling a total of 34,099 units – 30,681 Figo vehicles and 3,418 Classics – for the PAS hose issue. These are vehicles produced and sold in India from January 2010 to August 2010 and March 2011 to November 2011, it added.
Ford India is contacting owners of the potentially affected vehicles through its dealership network.
REPEATING HISTORY
In August 2012, Ford recalled more than 1.28 lakh Figo and Classic vehicles to fix steering and rear suspension problems.
The recalls were for different batches of cars made between January 2008 and December 2010, and from September 2010 and February 2011.
Under the “voluntary and pre-emptive field service action”, rolled out on July 23, all Figo and Classic vehicles manufactured between January 2008 and December 2010 will have their RTB inspected and replaced, if found defective, Ford had said in a statement.
In July, General Motors India (GMI) recalled 1.14 lakh units of its multi-purpose vehicle Chevrolet Tavera to address emission and compliance issues. The automobile company recalled vehicles manufactured between 2005 and 2013 (BS3 2.5L and BS4 2L variants).
The Government had also formed a committee, headed by Nitin Gokarn, CEO, National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project, to probe into Tavera recall and decide of any penal action.
Car manufacturers such as Renault (Pulse and Scala models), Toyota (Corolla Altis, Corolla sedan and Camry), Nissan (Micra and Sunny) and Honda (CBR 250R bike) were other companies that recalled vehicles to inspect or rectify manufacturing defects.
rajesh.kurup@thehindu.co.in