Safety recalls are commonplace in the automotive world. Car-makers flag known problems when there are potential safety issues, such as faulty airbags or fuel leaks that can pose a fire risk.
But cars often strike problems that affect the operation of the vehicle but don't necessarily pose a safety threat, which is why they're usually subject to a dealer ‘service bulletin' rather than a safety recall (which is also voluntary in Australia).
That's the scenario facing owners of Australia's top-selling sports car, Ford's first global Mustang, after a fault was discovered in the most popular V8-powered GT versions.
The oil-cooler in certain right-hand drive (RHD) GT models can leak – internally and externally. This can result in what Ford Australia quantifies as "engine damage" via either a lack of lubrication or the potential for water and/or engine coolant and oil to mix inside the engine block.
After corresponding with Ford Australia, motoring.com.au can confirm that there will be no recall for the faulty part.
Is your car affected? Well, unless your V8 is grinding to a halt or spraying oil all over your garage, it will be difficult to tell. Contaminated oil would suggest your car is at risk.
"The oil-cooler on RHD V8 Mustangs may leak oil and in extreme cases, can result in engine damage," said Ford Australia communications and public affairs director Martin Gunsberg.
However, Gunsberg told motoring.com.au that Ford estimates the number of affected vehicles "to be less than one per cent of the population of Mustangs in Australia".
Ford says the majority of affected models were built in 2016 and that, of the 15,494 Mustangs sold in Australia since late 2015, just 24 cases of engine damage have been reported.
The faulty oil-cooler also affects early-build vehicles in the UK and South Africa, two other major RHD markets for the Mustang.
Ford South Africa released a technical service bulletin outlining the fault on February 1, 2017. It confirms that RHD Mustang GT models "built on or before 26 July 2016" could be affected.
Asked how many other countries are at risk of the leaky engine oil-cooler, Gunsberg stated: "This issue [only] relates to RHD V8 Mustangs."
Several motoring.com.au readers alerted us to the issue, including this letter from one concerned owner:
"I would like to discuss the major issue facing many of us who are owners of the current Mustang GT. There is a major flaw with the engine oil cooler on our RHD GTs and is widespread as we have had contact with fellow owners in South Africa and the UK.
"The oil cooler has been failing for no apparent reason and as it fails it will in many cases allow water and oil to mix and circulate within the engine causing engine failure.
"Ford Australia has denied there is an issue and refuse to do a recall on the part."
Asked how customers could find out if their Mustang GT has a faulty engine oil-cooler, Ford Australia's PR boss said it will be up owners to take their car to a Ford dealer and request an inspection.
No correspondence will be issued to customers to alert them to the potential fault.
"We have issued a Technical Service Bulletin to dealers who will inspect Mustangs on customer request or at their normal service intervals," said Gunsberg.
Although customers will not be notified of the potential fault, Ford says it will cover all costs associated with any engine oil-cooler issues, whether it's an inspection to check for the fault or an entire engine replacement.
"It will be at no cost to customer," Gunsberg confirmed.
The issue only affects V8 vehicles built in 2016 but there's a strong chance some of these were sold in 2017.
The faulty engine oil-cooler has the potential to effect all 2016 Mustang GT models – manual and auto, coupe and convertible.
The Mustang was Australia's most popular sports car in 2016 with more than 6200 sold (and also in 2017, when 9165 were registered) and the vast majority were V8 versions.
However, Gunsberg stated that only a small percentage of vehicles carry the defective oil-cooler.
"We've seen leaks on that oil-cooler on a very, very small number of cars. The majority of 2016 cars have no issue."
Ford has since rectified the issues, according to the Ford Australia PR chief.
"Anything built [in] 2018 is unaffected. But keep in mind some dealers might have 2017 stock," he said.
"If any customer has experienced this issue or has a concern regarding oil leaks on their V8 Mustang, we encourage them to call 13FORD so we can help rectify any outstanding issues."
Ford will release an upgraded 2018 Mustang around mid-year, bringing upgrades including a more powerful V8 and 10-speed automatic transmission.