Late in April 2019, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa said it was “aware” of potential security system problems with “certain older” EcoSport and Fiesta vehicles, before revealing the costs of the upgrades it planned to offer (while also explaining why it "cannot provide solutions at no cost to customers"). Now, the local arm of the Blue Oval brand has revealed a little more detail about the main security system upgrade.

Ford says in many of “the reported instances” the alarm (if fitted) does not sound when access is gained via the key lock barrel. And, as we’ve already reported, Ford says its dealer network will offer an upgrade at the “nominal cost” of R155,25.

So, what exactly will the upgrade achieve? Well, the automaker says it will “ensure that when the vehicle is opened, with a key or an object the system perceives to be a key (for example, a screwdriver), the alarm will immediately sound and all doors, except the driver door, will remain locked”.

If the vehicle in question does not feature a standard alarm, Ford says the upgrade will “make it more secure by disabling automatic door unlocking”.

“Further to this we are working with a supplier to be able to offer an alarm system that can be retrofitted as an accessory. We are also investigating a stronger security replacement lock accessory. We will continue to communicate with customers on the availability of these accessories,” Ford says in its latest statement.

“Should customers wish to proceed with the security upgrade on offer, they should contact their Ford dealer to book an appointment. The upgrade should take no more than 30 minutes to complete, however it is imperative that customers book an appointment,” the statement adds.

In addition, the company says customers who require a door lock replacement as a result of their vehicle being tampered with can also make an appointment with their dealer, with the replacement lock priced at R1 199 “providing there is no additional damage to the door that requires repair”.

“It is important to note that only customers [who] have had their locks broken should make an appointment for a lock replacement,” Ford adds.

Original article from Car