Ford Australia has issued a safety recall affecting 7509 vehicles, covering certain Ford Transit Custom vans and Ford Tourneo people-movers built across the 2021 to 2025 model years. Although the vehicles involved are identified as 2021–2025 builds, Ford notes that some of them may have been supplied to customers and officially sold after those model years, depending on when individual vehicles were delivered or registered.
The recall has been formally recorded through a notice submitted to the Australian Government’s Department of Infrastructure. In that notice, Ford explains that the issue relates to the operation of the vehicles’ 12-volt battery venting system. According to the statement, a manufacturing defect may prevent the vent from working correctly or as originally designed. If the vent does not function as intended, there is a risk that, in particular circumstances, gases from the 12-volt battery could be released into areas they should not reach.
Ford’s recall documentation highlights that the concern may be more likely to appear in specific driving or operating conditions, including situations involving higher temperatures. In these scenarios, the problem could allow toxic gases to seep into the passenger cabin. The recall notice points out that this potential gas intrusion is a serious safety matter because it could expose occupants to harmful fumes inside an enclosed space.
To help owners recognise possible warning signs, the notice describes several indicators that may occur if gases begin leaking into the cabin. These reported signs include hearing a hissing noise, noticing an odour similar to acid, or a smell often compared with rotten eggs. The documentation also mentions that a gas leak might be visible in some cases, and that occupants could experience heat felt through a seat. Any of these symptoms could indicate a dangerous situation requiring immediate attention.
The recall notice makes clear that exposure to toxic gases has the potential to impact the health and wellbeing of drivers and passengers. Ford states that if such gases enter the cabin, it increases the risk of serious injury, which is why the recall has been initiated and owners are being advised to have their vehicles checked and repaired.
A complete list of the affected Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) has been published as part of the recall information, allowing owners to confirm whether their specific Transit Custom or Tourneo is included. Ford Australia has also advised that it will directly contact owners of impacted vehicles once an approved repair process is ready. At that point, customers will be asked to bring their vehicle to their preferred Ford dealership, where the required rectification work will be carried out at no cost.
For further information, or if they believe their vehicle may be affected, owners can reach Ford Australia’s Customer Relationship Centre by calling 133 673.