Ford recalls EcoSport over airbag

FORD Australia has issued a recall for its EcoSport baby SUV after a fault with the wiring of airbags, seat belts and impact sensors was discovered.

Unrelated to the massive Takata airbag problem that has caused millions of cars around the world to be recalled, the Ford problem it affects 2804 EcoSports sold in Australia and built between June 16, 2013, and August 26, 2014.

Ford Australia brand communications manager Neil McDonald said incorrect wiring might stop curtain airbags from deploying or prevent pre-tensioner seat belts from working properly in an accident.

“The curtain airbag, seat belt pre-tensioner and side impact sensor circuits have been incorrectly orientated between the right hand side and left hand side in the main wiring harness RCM connector,” he said.

“Ford is notifying each owner by letter and they can arrange with an authorised Ford dealer to have the wiring orientation of the main wiring harness corrected. This will be performed free of charge.”

Mr McDonald told GoAuto Ford had no reports of incidents connected with the fault.

He said that if customers were concerned about their car they could call the Ford Customer Relationship Centre on 1800 503 672 toll free between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.

A record number of vehicles have been recalled in Australia this year, with most of them connected to the Takata airbag problem affecting 17 million cars worldwide and about 150,000 in Australia.

Earlier this year Toyota recalled 142,900 HiLux utes and 2050 LandCruiser Prado SUV due to wiring problem with the airbags.