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Up in flames! Videos show Ford Kugas on fire in SA

Cape Town - In late December 2016, Ford South Africa, released a statement regarding its Kuga 1.6 EcoBoost SUVs catching fire. 

Ford SA said: "While our investigations into the incidents are not complete at this time, we have found that the fires may be a result of engine overheating." 

One person killed

The response comes one year after 33-year-old Reshall Jimmy was killed when his Ford Kuga caught fire whilst on holiday in Wilderness, South Coast in 2015. Since then, Jimmy's family has been seeking closure following his sudden and shocking tragedy.

Since then, videos of Kugas catching fire on local roads have emerged.

More: Kuga SUVs up in flames: Angry readers, Ford SA responds

One clip took place in Port Elizabeth. Maria White-booi Daniels uploaded a clip onto Facebook on January 2 of her Ford Kuga on fire with the caption: "As you can see I stopped because we saw smoke coming out, the engine cut out. This happened in seconds.

"Still unbelievable just 24 hours ago I was given the guarantee by the dealer and after it went in for a safety check on 29/12/2016 (December 29 2016) that I can be assured my car was checked and I must enjoy my trip. What a blessing that we delayed it. Stressed out!!! Thank you God you so wonderful." 

According to the Herald Live, Daniels purchased the used SUV on December 9 2016 from Ford dealer Eastern Cape Motors.

Watch: Ford Kuga on fire in PE


Have you experienced similar issues with your Ford Kuga? Email us or reach us via Facebook  and Twitter.

A second incident took place along the R43 close to Hermanus in the Western Cape on January 2 2017, the uploader Achmate Kazie wrote: "Another Ford Kuga on fire. R43 just outside of Hermanus." 

Watch: Ford Kuga burning on the R43

A third video shows a the burnt remains of Kuga SUV in Gauteng on the N12 near the Voortrekker off-ramp in Alberton.

According to the Alberton Record, the incident took place on Thursday morning, the driver saw smoke emerging from the engine bay and drove immediately to a Ford dealership. 

However, before the driver could get to the dealership, the car caught fire. 

Watch: Burnt Ford Kuga wreckage in Alberton

Ford Kuga owners have started a petition on Change.org titled: Ford South Africa - Recall Kuga Vehicles. 

The group says: "Ford South Africa has not taken responsibility to explain why their Kuga models just go up in flames, they have also failed to finalise a matter on the death of Reshall Jimmy who died due to his car going up in flames, it's a year since his death and no explanation or settlement for his death. 

The fear is Ford South Africa not recalling the Kuga models and putting Kuga owners lives in danger and fellow motorist who drive on South African roads." 

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