Recalled: New Ford Rangers and Everests with dealer-fitted ARB winches

Ford Australia has recalled 110 examples of its 2021-2022 Ranger ute and Everest SUV, after it was discovered the remote controller for dealer-fitted winches made by off-road equipment specialist ARB could fail after being exposed to water.

ARB’s 'Warn VR Evo' series winches were recalled by the company in February, though Ford’s recall for current-generation Rangers and Everests equipped with the off-road recovery equipment by its dealers was only issued this week.

The recall notice, lodged with the Department of Infrastructure, says: "The internal circuit board of the remote control for ARB/Warn VR Evo winches can corrode if exposed to water. Corrosion of the remote control’s circuit board may cause the winch’s cable to stop, wind up or release unexpectedly.

"If a winch stops or starts unexpectedly while being used, the cable or vehicle may move suddenly. The winch may also operate unintentionally while not being used, for example when parked or driving.

"If the winch operates unexpectedly, there is an increased risk of accident and serious injury to occupants of the vehicles or persons nearby."

If an affected vehicle passes through a water crossing, the remote control for the winch may fail while being used, presenting a high risk of injury.

A full list of vehicle identification numbers for the 110 vehicles involved in the recall can be found here.

Ford Australia has advised affected owners to immediately stop using the remote control, while announcing it will contact affected owners in writing requesting they make an appointment at their preferred Ford Authorised Dealership for replacement of the remote control, free of charge.

Owners can contact Ford's Customer Relationship Centre by phone on 133 673.

Alternatively, those affected can contact ARB directly via its dedicated winch recall portal.