Ford—PJ & PK Ranger and Wildtrak- 2006 - 2011 Recall - Faulty Towbar

[Antman]

Heard this on the radio and thought I would share.
http://www.recalls.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/1015318
Antman

Ford—PJ & PK Ranger
PRA number: 2012/13271
Date created: 20th August 2012
Product information
Product description
Certain PJ and PK Ranger XLT and Wildtrak models equipped with factory fitted tow bar and built from September 18, 2006 through June 17, 2011
Identifying features
PJ and PK Ranger XLT and Wildtrak models
What are the hazards?
Fracturing of the tow bar tongue welding can affect safe operation and handling when an affected vehicle is towing, presenting a potential traffic hazard to the driver and/or other road users.
What are the defects?
The tow bar assembly fitted to affected vehicles may develop weld fracturing around the towbar tongue.
Dates available for sale
18th September 2006 - 17th June 2011
Where the product was sold
Nationally
Traders who sold this product
Authorised Ford dealers.
Supplier
Ford Motor Company of Australia Ltd
What should consumers do?
Consumers should not use the tow bar. Owners are advised to contact their nearest Ford dealership for inspection and rectification.

For further information contact Ford's Customer Relationship Centre on 1800 503 672.

 

[MolongMick]

Yet another reason to buy a Mazda.

Seriously though that is no good. I always have a fear of something breaking, it is good that they are doing something, but unfortunately it is probably too late for some.

 

[Capt. Gadget]

Luckily I bought my tongue and towball after market as they were a bucket load cheaper than the Ford ones

 

[Bank of Dad]

As I understand the situation, these tow bars were fitted in Thailand at manufacture!?

Most other Ford tow bars are dealer fitted aren't they - certainly our Territories was.

 

[Tuco]

As I understand the situation, these tow bars were fitted in Thailand at manufacture!?

Most other Ford tow bars are dealer fitted aren't they - certainly our Territories was.

Yes the rear step/towbar is fitted to XLT and Wildtrax models on the assembly line in Thailand.

When I bought my 2010 PK XLT 4x4 - a towbar was included as part of the package. The "Towbar" is in fact a receiver hitch style tongue, 50mm ball and the wiring package with your choice of round or flat trailer socket. If one opted for no towbar - the towbar is still part of the rear step/bumper, but no tongue or wiring is supplied.

If a HD towbar is requested - then a higher rated tongue with WDH is supplied - same rear step/bumper.

I had severe towing issues with the Ranger and ended up replacing it with a Nissan Patrol wagon.

The long story is here ... http://myswag.org/forum/index.php?topic=17564.0

 

[Capt. Gadget]

Well since this thread is titled PK Ranger I thought I would share a little about mine and where it is at the moment. I have been sooking about the transmission ever since I bought it 2 years ago (to the day today) I was never happy with the way it behaved under load ,slipping into the next gear, changing up instead of down when turning off the overdrive,poor fuel economy and a general lack of power at higher speeds. Well persistence pays off I finally convinced the dealer that there was something wrong, even though their "diagnostic computer" says it's all OK and it has been removed and sent to a transmission specialist, who has said the Valve body assemblies, the solenoid and the pump are all buggered. So I am expecting it to drive like a new vehicle when I get it back next week.

Re the Tow bar mine came with all the metal work receiver etc I just bought an aftermarket tongue with a ball on it and wired in a 7 pin plug myself

 

[Capt. Gadget]

Well here's one for the books! Had my tow bar assembly replaced because of this recall a few months back, when we arrived at our caravan park this trip on the weekend, I heard a few unusual noises as we went over the speed humps, when we disconnected and set up had a look at the towbar assembly to find it hanging on by 3 loose stripped bolts instead of 4 very lucky indeed to have not had the Expanda overtaking me on the highway. Guess which dealer will be getting a visit from me tomorrow!!!

 

[cruza driver]

Better buy a lotto ticket CG, unless you have just used up your luck :thumb:

 

[Dean81]

noticed my towbar tongue on the new 2016 wildtrak is solid steel. nearly broke my arm, when I removed it the first time.

my point is :- maybe this issue was identified by Ford also, hence the towbar tongue on mine now. All dealers are very sneaky in keeping there name out of the mud.