Ford starts recall of 2021-2023 Everest, Ranger

Ford Australia sources its Rangers and Everest from Thailand and South Africa

Aside from being one of the most high-tech pickup trucks in the local market, the Ranger is also Ford Philippines’ best-selling model. It sold 9,184 units in 2021, delivered 11,396 models in 2022, and by mid-2023, 5,436 buyers drove home a Ranger.

Its Everest SUV sibling is also doing well. After its launch mid-last year, it sold 3,534 units before picking up another 3,786 examples in just the first six months of this year.

In the Land Down Under, the Ranger has done so well that it outsold the Hilux last year, while the Everest beat another Toyota – the Prado – in late 2022. Unfortunately for Ford Australia, some of these units will have to make a quick trip to the dealership after the marque issued a safety recall for 4,841 units of the Ranger and Everest.

The recall document released by the Australian government’s Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts states that “due to a software issue, under certain circumstances, if the battery level drops below a critical threshold, the transmission may shift into Park when the vehicle is traveling at speeds below 6 km/h. This may cause a sudden stop without the rear brake lamps illuminating as intended.” The VIN (vehicle identification number) of affected vehicles has been released, and owners are advised to contact “their preferred Ford Authorized Dealership for repair of the exit warning system, free of charge.”

A spokesperson for Ford Australia told Drive Australia that only models using the 2.0-liter four-cylinder, Bi-Turbo engine mated to Ford’s E-Shifter (electronic shifter) may encounter this problem. "On these affected vehicles, a supplier issue means that the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software may limit the alternator's charging output under certain circumstances," said the spokesperson.

Now for the big question. Are local Ford Ranger and Everest units affected?

Australia sources most of their Rangers and Everests from Thailand’s Rayong plant, and some from Silverton, South Africa. The Philippines gets both models from Thailand, but only the Everest Titanium 4x4 uses the E-Shifter. The all-new Territory also has this feature, but it is not part of the Australia recall as the Territory is sourced from China. We contacted Ford PH, and they are currently checking. Note that the Australia recall just came out on August 29, 2023.

We will keep you updated with the latest developments from this story.