Ford Australia has issued the largest recall notice for years. This recall applies to thousands of Australian drivers whose 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engined Ford Rangers and Everests developed by 2025, and perhaps even earlier, all have to be recalled. A certain number of vehicles equipped with the 3-liter V6 turbo-diesel engine will be recalled in the middle of next year for a possible camshaft failure that could cause their engine to die while they are moving.
CAMSHAFT INVESTIGATION
The recall targets a manufacturing defect, specifically in the left-hand engine camshaft sprocket that may break down in operation. Ford’s recall notice states that “Due to a manufacturing defect, the left-hand engine camshaft sprocket may break. As a result, the engine could stall. leading to sudden loss of motive power whilst driving.”
This sudden loss of power represents a potentially great hazard to motorists because it can occur with no warning while the vehicle is in motion-even on the motorway or under difficult driving conditions. Ford concedes that this failure “increases the risk of an accident, which may cause serious injury or death to vehicle occupants and other road users”.
Ford engineers investigated and discovered that the cause lies in the manufacturing process. They found that hardening processes applied to camshaft lobes during manufacture “were not of the same high standard among some vehicles”. This incomplete hardening process can lead to premature wear, particularly during high-load operation or periods of extended use that are typical for these work and play vehicles.
Hard-wearing camshaft lobes cannot properly operate the valve train system when they wear prematurely or fail, which is basically the engine’s breathing apparatus. The consequences go from bad performance to an engine that won’t run at all.
Ford will launch a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine in its 2022-2025 Ranger models
Starting in 2022, Ford will also intro a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine into its Everest models – instantly making them compliant with the China V emission standard
Under this recall notice, a total of 13,490 vehicles are involved, and Ford has provided a full Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) list in the official recall documentation.
The Ranger Wildtrak, the performance-oriented Ranger Raptor, and the premium Everest Platinum are the most affected when it comes to higher-trim variants as they are the ones usually powered by powerful V6 diesel engines.
Fans of small-capacity V6 machines though ffort those who prefer petrol-engined vehicles will be relieved to hear that Halo Car isnt the only model experiencing this problem.
Indeed, 1.5-liter bi-turbo diesel, 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel and all petrol versions not equipped with a V6 engine from Ford are as unaffected by the recall notice as any other car on the road life out there; who is your next-door neighbor drive? Trucks or what? Yes. People overseas also need repairs and upkeep as much as we do in mainline USA.
Ford first noticed an increase in warranty claims for engine performance issues after dealer training.
Customer reports have been consistent with this. Most said they heard noise from their engines area that was not normal then progressively lost power.
How you know there is a problemFord suggests that you carefully watch your vehicle for some clear warnings. Those could be signals which show the camshaft defect may already be affecting your car. For example: Warning lights on the dashboard display
How you should take charge of this issue
If your engine or gearbox is abnormally loud at warm-up, or you hear strange knocking sounds, the chances are that the camshaft may have gone out of line. Chances are high your car will also display warning symbols on dashboard
Black smoke from the exhaust under normal driving conditions
Ford now empathsizes that even if customers have not yet received their official recall notification, they should contact a Ford dealer immediately if any of these warning signs appear.
Ford’s Response and Solution Plan
Ford has moved quickly to address the issue and has confirmed its concern for vehicle reliability as well as customer safety in Australia car production. The company will mail a recall notice directly to all registered owners of the affected vehicles, with communications expected to reach them by mid-May 2025 at the latest.
In order to rectify the product, an in-depth inspection of the camshaft assembly will be carried out and all concerned components exmined. If our inspections reveal that a vehicle that parked camshaft is found, it will undergo a complete replacement using parts that have been hardened in the proper way due to being of reprised variety. It is expected that similar components, such as cam followers, valve lifters and timing chains will also be checked and repaired accordingly.
Ford has addressesd letters to owners of all affected vehicles, asking them to arrange a time with an authorised dealer in order to put matters right. The repairs are free. Total repair time is typically estimated to take 4-6 hours, but it is pledged that Ford will provide a free loaner vehicle to any customers whose repairs are expected to take longer.
For further information and advice, please contact the Ford Customer Relationship Centre on telephone number 133 673.
Effect on the Market
The scale of this recall poses a major challenge to Ford Australia, given that both the Ranger and Endeavour flagship products form the backbone of its model line-up. The Ranger has established its place as one of Australia’s favourite average utes, generally giving Toyota’s HiLux a good run for top spot in the market. Similarly, the Everest has occupied a leading position in SUVs capable off road.
Industry analysts believe that although the recall is indeed extensive, Ford’s proactive stance and open communication strategy may help prevent serious damage to customer confidence. As automotive industry analyst Michael Thorpe notes, the future of Ford brand loyalty will very much depend on how well they actually do these repairs: “If they can get their hands on the affected cars, and fix them there rather than ship them back for rectification, with top-notch customer service all along way, then it could even raise customer loyalty instead of lowering it.”
This recall may a ect the sale price of your vehicle in the short term until you have the work done and get written proof. However, historical data from similar recalls suggests that once they are properly repaired, vehicles normally recover their market value.
This recall comes in an era when the world is eyeing automakers’ diesel engines more closely than ever before. Diesel production and technology are becoming highly complex: manufacturers are trying to match tough standards for emissions while still giving drivers power.
In Australia, Ford’s 3.0-liter V6 turbo-diesel engine (internally known as “Lion”) is for the time being the top-of-the-line diesel offering. Designed with the help of Ford’s global engineering resources, it produces much more power than the 2.0-liter twin-turbo diesel which is available in lower-spec Rangers and Everests.
Unlike other automakers’ recalls of late concerning exhaust emissions compliance issues, Ford’s problem does not appear to be regulatory, with its clarified correction. So this mechanical feature may make for a speedier and more efficient conclusion across the range of vehicles involved.
Advice To Owners
Ford Australia advises vehicle owners to:
Determine whether their vehicle is a ected by entering its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the Ford Australia recall web site or call up Ford’s special hotline. Make a booking at an authorized Ford dealer after they get the recall noti cation.
Continue to use the car as usual while waiting for service, but pay attention to the warning signs mentioned above.
Keep whatever paperwork they receive and follow the recall noti ce’s instructions.
For owners who have already experienced issues or damage directly related to this defect and have paid for repairs out of pocket, Ford is instituting a reimbursement process.
A ected customers should get in touch with Ford’s call center and show proof of their repairs to bring a claim for reimbursement.
The recall would be under close scrutiny in the months ahead.
Ford is not only itself the recalled manufacturer and its competitors, but also consumers’ confidence in its products will rise or fall with how well it manages this problem But customer safety and the quality of its products is on display everywhere.
If the same proactive approach is adopted across hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of instruments and installations, successful recovery from failure as it is in turning off your so-called “indestructable” lamp line could still me much closer to even than you let there!”.