Ford recalls 1.66 lakh units of Figo, Classic

In the biggest vehicle recall in the country, Ford India said on Friday it is recalling 1,66,021 units of best selling compact cars Figo and Classic sedan to rectify problems related to steering and rear suspension.

The recall will impact different batches of Figo and Classic models manufactured between January 2010 and June 2012.

"Ford India is extending its existing voluntary Field Service Action and will recall the remaining batches of Ford Figo and Ford Classic models to inspect them for potential issues related to the Rear Twist Beam and the Power Assisted Steering (PAS) Hose," Ford India said in a statement.

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With respect to the RTB, 1,09,469 units of Ford Figo and 22,453 Ford Classic produced and sold from January 2011 till June 2012 will need to be inspected but will not necessarily need part replacements, it said.

In the case of the Power Steering Hose, 30,681 units of Ford Figo and 3,418 units of Ford Classic produced and sold in India from January 2010-August 2010 and March 2011-November 2011 will be inspected and then replaced, Ford India said.

"This is to ensure the safety and satisfaction of our customers by inspecting and replacing any potentially affected parts as required. . .Ford India will continue to drive this service initiative through its authorised dealers," the company said.

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No injuries or accidents related to the RTB or PAS issues have been reported, it added.

Last year in August, the company had recalled over 128,000 units of its best selling Figo and Classic cars to rectify problems related to steering and rear suspension.

The recall had impacted different batches of cars made between January 2008 and December 2010, and from September 2010 till February 2011.

Then, Ford India had said a potential crack in the RTB first manifests itself in the form of an abnormal noise from the rear.

If the vehicle continues to be driven and the noise symptoms are ignored, it could lead to the RTB unit breaking, resulting in diminished ride and handling and brake performance -- potentially rendering the vehicle inoperable.

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In the case of the PAS Hose issue, the company had said there was a potential for development of an oil leak, which could result in potential fumes being emitted from the area causing the leak.

It may also be possible for power steering fluid to come into contact with the vehicle's exhaust components creating a potential for smoke and, in extreme cases, fire.

This is the biggest vehicle recall since industry body SIAM had introduced a voluntary recall in July last year.

General Motors India's recent recall of 114,000 units of multi-utilty vehicle Tavera was among the biggest.