“We are seeing a significant increase in the number of aftermarket accessories being fitted to Ford Rangers and Ford Everests recently, from grille replacements to body kits, which are a major concern for us,” says Neale Hill, MD of Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA). “While we appreciate the desire of enthusiastic owners to make their vehicles unique, it has major implications for the performance, reliability and safety of the vehicles.

Ford says that aftermarket accessories that have not been tested and are thus not approved as original equipment (OE) items, haven’t been exposed to the same rigorous evaluations and proven under the most extreme conditions, ranging from sub-zero tests in the coldest climates to searing desert heat. Additionally, if the fitment is not done by fully trained and accredited Ford technicians, there’s no guarantee of the quality of the workmanship.

These parts are also not tested to support and work with the vehicle itself, including important factors such as wind flow, cooling and vehicle stability. And in the case of mods to the engine, suspension and lights, these changes could in fact negatively affect the vehicle’s durability.

Fitting these non-approved accessories, says Ford, could therefore result in the premature failure of certain components. This could end up being a costly exercise as it may affect the vehicle’s warranty, leaving the owner to cover the repair bills. Even more concerning is the risk it potentially poses to the driver and passengers, as well as other road users.