Missed gear recall slows Ford

FORD Motor Company of Australia has flagged a recall for more than 10,000 Territory and Ranger models to avert a potential loss of vehicle control caused by a transmission fault.

In a recall notice today, the car-maker said “there is a possibility that an intermittent output shaft speed sensor failure may result in an unintended downshift into first gear".

“If the failure occurs while the vehicle is in use, it could cause an abrupt wheel speed reduction. This may cause the rear tyres to slide or lock up until the vehicle speed slows, which could result in a loss of vehicle control,” Ford said.

As an ironic twist, the notice comes on the same day that Ford Motor Company president and CEO Mark Fields announced an increase of the Australian research and development budget to $450m in 2017.

The extra cash will be used to fund local projects including expanding facilities at the You Yangs development facility as well as reducing project turn-around times.

According to Ford, 10,520 vehicles are affected in the recall including the Territory SZ model built from September 19, 2011 to February 5, 2013, and the Ranger PX model built from November 5, 2011 to November 7, 2012.

Owners are being contacted to arrange inspection and remedial work where necessary but until the safety recall is completed, owners of the affected vehicles are advised to drive with caution and at moderate speed.

“Consumers will be contacted by direct mail,” the statement reads. “Consumers should contact their local Ford dealer to arrange for an inspection and repair.”

It is the third recall for Ford of Australia this year after it announced a fix for the headlight control module on the Mondeo in October, and the repair of a seat latch mechanism in the Ranger dual-cab models that was announced in September.

Further information on the latest Territory and Ranger issue is available from any authorised Ford dealer or Ford's Customer Relationship Centre on 1800 503 672.

The problem is not thought to be related to the company’s Powershift automatic transmissions which have come under the spotlight with a growing number of customer complaints, but has yet to prompt a recall.