COMESA consumer watchdog warns Ugandan motorists over recalled Ford 4X4s

August 7, 2025 in Business, Companies, Trade & Industry by Editor

The COMESA Competition Commission (CCC) has issued a consumer alert to motorists across the region, including Uganda, following a safety recall of more than 5,000 Ford vehicles by Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (Ford SA).

The voluntary recall, which affects vehicles manufactured between 2021 and 2025, includes popular models such as the Ford Ranger, Everest, EcoSport, and Puma. Safety defects range from fuel leaks and engine stalls to potential vehicle rollaway incidents and increased fire risk.

In a notice dated August 7, the CCC said several of the affected models are regularly imported into Uganda and other COMESA member states, and consumers should urgently verify whether their vehicles are affected.

“The Commission wishes to inform the public of the risks associated with the recalled Ford vehicles and advises affected consumers to have them checked and repaired at no cost,” the CCC said.

Affected Models and Faults

• Ford Puma (Nov 2021 – Sept 2024): Risk of fuel line damage leading to leaks, engine stalls, or fire hazards.
• Ford EcoSport (Apr 2021 – Jul 2022): Faulty front half shafts may disengage from the transmission, risking loss of power or rollaway accidents.
• Ford Ranger & Everest with 3.0L V6 (Jun 2022 – Mar 2025): Camshaft sprocket fractures may cause sudden engine failure.

While the bulk of the affected vehicles are in South Africa, hundreds have been sold or imported into Botswana, Namibia, Eswatini, and potentially Uganda, where corporate procurement and second-hand imports from South Africa are widespread.

The CCC has called on Ugandan consumers to use Ford’s official online VIN checker at www.ford.co.za/support/recalls to confirm if their vehicle is affected.

Affected owners are entitled to free inspection and repairs at any authorized Ford dealership. The CCC further noted that it is working with national consumer protection agencies across COMESA to assist affected customers upon verification.

The recall underscores the growing challenge of cross-border consumer protection in the region, especially given the volume of used car imports from South Africa.

Consumers seeking clarification or support may contact the CCC directly at compcom@comesacompetition.org.

 

How Many Ford 4x4s Are Imported into Uganda? 

While Ford South Africa’s recall of more than 5,000 vehicles may appear to primarily affect southern African markets, the warning from the COMESA Competition Commission (CCC) shines a light on Uganda’s rising appetite for 4×4 imports, and South Africa’s emergence as a source market.

Over the past decade, Ford models such as the Ranger and Everest have gained popularity among Ugandan motorists, especially in districts with rugged terrain and among NGOs, government agencies, and private contractors. Their blend of durability and off-road performance makes them an attractive option in Uganda’s import-driven vehicle market.

According to data from Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), more than 1,200 Ford Rangers and Everests were imported between 2021 and 2024, largely from South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. Many of these units fall within the same production years flagged in the latest safety recall.

Despite this, Uganda still lacks a comprehensive vehicle recall enforcement mechanism, meaning imported vehicles affected by foreign recalls often remain in circulation unless individual owners act on manufacturer alerts.

As CCC’s alert makes clear, consumer vigilance is key. In the absence of a structured national vehicle recall system, Ugandan motorists — especially importers and second-hand car dealers — must take responsibility to track global notices and ensure the safety of their vehicles.

What Can Motorists Do?

• Check VINs against official Ford recall databases (https://www.ford.co.za/support/recalls)

• Report suspected affected vehicles to the Ministry of Trade or the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS)

• Request servicing or recall certification before purchasing used 4x4s from regional dealers

Until Uganda adopts stronger consumer protection policies around vehicle recalls, regional alerts like the one from CCC remain the best early-warning system for buyers of imported vehicles.