Ford to Recall 120,000 Cars in India

Ford Motor Co.'s Indian unit has begun repairing about 120,000 locally built Classic sedans and Figo hatchbacks with rear suspension and/or oil leak problems.

Ford says its dealers are inspecting and if necessary replacing the rear suspension twist beam in 111,000 Classics and Figos built from 2008 through 2010. The component could crack and break, interfering with handling and braking and eventually rending the vehicle inoperable.

The second recall involves nearly 18,000 gasoline-powered Figo and Classic vehicles produced between September 2010 and February 2011. Ford says a power steering hose could leak and cause a fire in the engine compartment.

Local media describe the Ford suspension campaign as among India's largest recalls ever. In 2010 Maruti Suzuki recalled more than 100,000 of its A-Star small cars to replace a defective fuel tank component. Last year Honda Siel Cars India replaced faulty power window switches in about 72,000 City sedans.