Ford Focus cars being recalled with a potential fuel tank fault

An image of the Ford Focus cars subject to a safety recall by Ford New Zealand. Source / Ford

Ford New Zealand is recalling more than 4200 Ford Focus cars to fix a potential fuel tank problem that could lead to a fire.

The company has begun writing letters to the owners of Ford Focus cars made between April 12, 2011 and September 29, 2015.

The owners are being told to go to a local Ford dealership for an inspection of the fuel tank ventilation system and fuel tank and to fix the problem. Ford is paying for the repairs.

Ford Australia has begun recalling nearly 43,000 Ford Focus for the same problem.

In a statement, Ford said the recall is in relation to an issue with the fuel tank ventilation system that, in dusty conditions over a period of time, could become blocked and result in a fuel tank leak.

A spokesman for Ford New Zealand said a fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can lead to a fire.

He said there had been no reported cases of cracked fuel tanks in New Zealand. Only a very small number of cars had been detected with the problem in Australia.

"It is important to note that Ford has not received any reports of fires associated with this recall. We do not believe that this potential safety risk requires customers to stop driving their vehicles," the Ford statement said.