Johannesburg - From burning Kugas to easy access is the latest collision crisis between Ford Motor Company and clients reeling from having valuables stolen from their cars.
In 2017, Ford was forced to recall more than 7000 Ford Kugas in South Africa after these models were mysteriously catching fire while in motion. Disgruntled car owners have even started a Facebook group to share their stories called: “My Ford was broken into South Africa.” The group has nearly 5000 members.“I went there to buy groceries and when I came back after about two hours, I found that the car was broken into.”
“When I went to Ford they said I could remove the two pins in the lock but if I do that then insurance won’t cover me any more. I was thinking of upgrading to a Ford Everest but would rather wait because it seems all their cars have problems,” Ndlazi said. The lock complies with the correct standards but the guys use a tool that puts stress on the lock. When they use that tool, all the locks open on the Ford and the alarm doesn’t go off. I don’t know why,” he said.“I have a special tool that takes the lock out and remove the two pins that are placed in the lock. Once you do that if they ever try to use that tool there is nothing to turn in the lock any more.Parker’s car has been modified in the same manner for the past 14 months.
“And having my boot cleaned out three times in six months was all the sign I needed. Turns out Subaru and Mitsubishi don’t even feature on the stat lists for most stolen and hijacked cars in SA. Went with the latter. Really did love my Ford but it wasn’t worth it.”