Ford Australia has announced a safety recall affecting a total of 1,487 units of its full-size Transit commercial van, covering vehicles manufactured between 2024 and 2025. The recall has been issued due to a potential defect involving the vehicle’s main body wiring harness, which could pose a serious safety risk if left unresolved. According to the manufacturer, the issue arises from the way the wiring harness is routed near the transmission housing, where ongoing contact may lead to physical wear and eventual electrical failure.
Details published in the official recall notice, which has been submitted to the Department of Infrastructure, explain that the wiring harness may rub against the transmission housing during normal vehicle operation. Over time, this repeated contact can cause the protective insulation around the wiring to degrade or wear through. If the wiring becomes exposed or damaged in this way, it may result in an electrical short circuit. In severe cases, such a fault could generate excessive heat, significantly increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.
Ford has acknowledged that this issue stems from a manufacturing defect rather than owner misuse or poor maintenance. As a result, the company is taking responsibility for inspecting and repairing affected vehicles at no cost to customers. While no incidents have been publicly confirmed in relation to this defect, Ford has acted proactively to reduce the potential risk to drivers, passengers, and surrounding property.
To ensure transparency, Ford has published a comprehensive list of vehicle identification numbers (VINs) for all 1,487 Transit vans included in the recall. This allows owners, fleet operators, and businesses that rely on the Transit for daily operations to quickly confirm whether their vehicle is affected. The company has also committed to contacting all registered owners directly in writing. These notifications will advise customers of the issue and encourage them to arrange a service appointment with their preferred authorised Ford dealership.
Once a vehicle is booked in, technicians will inspect the wiring harness and carry out any necessary repairs or modifications to prevent further contact with the transmission housing. All repair work related to this recall will be completed free of charge, minimising inconvenience and financial impact for owners. Ford has not specified how long the repair process will take, but recalls of this nature are typically resolved within a single workshop visit.
Given the Transit’s widespread use in commercial and delivery fleets, Ford has emphasised the importance of addressing the issue promptly. A vehicle fire, even if rare, presents serious safety concerns not only for vehicle occupants but also for other road users and nearby structures. Commercial vehicles are often parked in depots, warehouses, or residential areas, which further increases the potential consequences if a fault were to escalate.
Owners who believe their vehicle may be affected, or who have questions about the recall process, are encouraged to contact Ford Australia’s Customer Relationship Centre directly. Assistance is available by phone on 133 673, where representatives can provide guidance on checking VINs, booking repairs, and understanding the recall procedure.
Ford Australia has reiterated its commitment to vehicle safety and customer support, stressing that recalls are an important part of maintaining long-term reliability and trust. Owners are strongly advised not to delay arranging repairs once contacted, even if no warning signs are present, as electrical issues can develop gradually and without obvious symptoms.