7 major car brands recall vehicles in South Africa

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has urgently recalled several vehicle brands and models sold in South Africa.

The recall is over various defects found in the vehicles related to airbags, axles, batteries, and seatbelts.

According to the NCC, the affected brands include Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler, Citroën, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, VW Polo and Sedan, and Volvo.

This recall applies to specific car models under these brands that were manufactured between 2014 and 2016. 

According to Prudence Moilwa, head of complaints and investigations at the NCC, these recalls were initiated following notifications from suppliers, who are legally required to alert the Commission upon discovering a product defect.

Moilwa explained that when suppliers discover a problem with a product, they have a responsibility to inform the commission.

She stressed that the NCC’s role is to ensure the recall is successful and to protect consumer safety. 

However, the delay in issuing recalls—sometimes more than a decade after the vehicles were sold—has raised concerns. 

“It’s one of the issues that the Commission would like to engage with them on,” Moilwa said, adding that the NCC is setting up meetings with the manufacturers (OEMs) to understand the reason for the time lapse.

In some cases, issues only emerge years after the vehicles have been on the road. “You might find that this issue only arises after the vehicle has been used for 10 years,” Moilwa noted. 

However, she added that safety concerns remain the manufacturer’s responsibility regardless of warranty status.

“Once you create a vehicle and it is still on the road, it is still your responsibility to ensure safety.”

The current recall relates to potentially defective airbags, possibly linked to the global Takata airbag scandal, which risk explosive deployment and could endanger occupants with flying debris. 

Moilwa compared the situation to the Ford Kuga recall, where manufacturing defects caused engine fires and led to a R35 million fine against Ford South Africa.

As the NCC investigates further, consumers are encouraged to take their affected vehicles in for repairs immediately. 

“Book it in as soon as you can,” Moilwa said. While it’s too early to speak of compensation or refunds, she advised concerned consumers to lodge formal complaints if they no longer feel safe using their cars. 

The specific car models under the brands being recalled and the reasons for the recall are listed below, as outlined by the NCC. 

Jeep Wrangler and Chrysler 300c

Stellantis South Africa informed the NCC that they are recalling the Jeep Wrangler and Chrysler 300c models due to a defect in the Takata airbag. 

According to the supplier, “the passenger airbag inflator may rupture, due to excessive internal pressure, during regular airbag deployment events. 

In the event of an inflator rupture, metal fragments could strike the vehicle occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.”

These vehicles were available for sale from 2014 to 2016. Consumers must visit the nearest authorised dealership for an airbag repair or replacement.

Citroen C4, DS4, and DS5

Stellantis South Africa is recalling the Citroen C4, DS4 and DS5 models distributed from 2009 to 2016. 

These vehicles are being recalled due to a driver’s and passenger’s airbag inflator that may rupture during the airbag deployment phase. 

The potentially high energetic deployment of the inflator may lead to metal fragments detaching from the bursting inflator.

It added that these parts could fly in the direction of the driver or occupants in the vehicle, capable of causing serious injury or possibly death in a worst-case scenario.

Mercedes-Benz CLA and S-Class

Mercedes-Benz South Africa has notified the NCC that the length of the brake hoses on the rear axle might not have met the specifications of certain CLA (118 platforms) vehicles.

The rear axle’s brake hoses might contact surrounding components, chafe over time, and subsequently leak brake fluid. 

According to the supplier, this will lead to reduced braking performance in one of the two brake circuits, increasing the risk of an accident caused by the brake fluid loss.

The same is true for the S-Class (model series 223). Mercedes-Benz AG South Africa is recalling these vehicles due to a brake in the hoses on the front axle. 

After an extended operating period, the brake hoses may gradually start to leak in hot and moist areas. 

As a result, the brake fluid could leak out, impairing brake power in one of the two brake circuits and increasing the risk of an accident. The recalled vehicles were produced between 2020 and 2023.

Audi e-tron GT

Audi South Africa informed the NCC that they were recalling the Audi e-tron GT vehicles due to a high-voltage battery. 

“This is caused by some individual cell modules of the high-voltage battery that may display technical irregularities.” 

“The high-voltage battery may overheat, resulting in an acute fire hazard, with the associated risk of severe fatal injuries to people inside or outside the vehicle and significant property damage,” according to the supplier.

A total of 46 affected vehicles were made available nationally. Consumers with affected vehicles should submit them to any Audi SA-approved Dealer for checking and module replacement if necessary. 

The affected cars were produced on 27 October 2021 onwards.

VW Polo

Volkswagen of South Africa Limited notified the NCC that they were recalling the VW Polo Sedan.  

According to the supplier, the latch plates for the rear seat belt were produced with insufficient hardness. 

Therefore, in the event of powerful deceleration (accident or hard braking), “there may be a reduced retention or protective effect and related increased risk of injury.” 

From 2 April 2025 onwards, 905 affected vehicles were made available for sale nationally. Affected consumers are urged to contact an approved Volkswagen dealer for a check and, if necessary, replacement of the affected components.

Volvo XC90

Volvo Car South Africa is recalling 27 Volvo XC90 models (years 2020-2022) due to a potential issue with the high-voltage battery. 

According to the supplier, the issue may lead to overheating the battery cells when fully charged.

The supplier added that in a worst-case scenario, overheating the high-voltage battery may lead to a thermal event. 

Consumers with affected vehicles are requested to book their cars into the nearest approved agents or dealerships for a check and to replace defective components where necessary.