NCC issues warning as safety defects trigger mass vehicle recalls
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) on Tuesday, 8 July, issued an urgent warning to motorists across South Africa following recall notifications from three major automotive brands, reports Cape {town} Etc.
The companies, Volkswagen of South Africa (VWSA), Volvo Cars South Africa (Volvo South Africa) and Toyota South Africa Motors (PTY) Ltd (Toyota South Africa), recalled some of their models as a result of several faults which could potentially pose safety threats to motorists and occupants of the vehicles.
The recall includes the Golf 8 TSI, Golf 8 GTI, Volvo CX90 hybrid and Hino 500 truck models, some of which are experiencing faulty braking systems, while others were identified as having improperly secured seatbelts and missing tools essential for operating parking brakes.
Owners of the affected models are advised to immediately book their vehicles in for a thorough inspection at authorised dealerships – at no extra cost.
Volkswagen: Seatbelt defect in Golf 8 models
VWSA is recalling a total of 159 Golf 8 R2.0 TSI 7 speed DSG 235 KW and Golf 8 GTI 2.0 TSI 7 speed DSG 180 KW vehicles sold between 16 April 2025 and 30 June 2025.
These vehicles are being recalled due to a manufacturing defect in the front passenger seat belt.
According to VWSA, there is a possibility that the seat belt on the front passenger side is not properly attached to the lower anchoring point because of a fault in the sewing process.
‘If the lower anchoring point of the belt system is not securely attached, the protective function of the seat belt is significantly reduced. In the event of an accident, this could result in serious or fatal injuries to the occupant in the front passenger seat,’ stated VWSA.
Volvo: Braking risk in XC90 plug-in hybrids
Volvo South Africa also notified the NCC about the recall of 26 XC90 plug-in hybrid vehicles, model years 2025-2026.
The issue relates to a temporary braking failure while using ‘B’ mode (in plug-in hybrid cars) or One Pedal Drive (in pure electric cars), after coasting downhill for a period.
The malfunction could lead to a collision with potentially serious safety consequences for occupants of the vehicle and others.
Toyota: Parking brake tool missing in Hino trucks
Toyota South Africa has flagged a total of 6 662 Hino 500 SKD series and 77 Hino 500 CBU series that were made available from 11 May 2017 to 14 December 2023, and from 31 May 2018 to 25 December 2024, respectively.
According to the supplier, an incorrect cage bolt spanner was supplied in the Hino 500 SKD vehicles, while the Hino 500 CBU came without the cage bolt spanner.
‘Although the parking brake will continue to operate during a vehicle failure, it will not be possible to release the parking brake as the tool is incorrect and is not supplied,’ stated Toyota.
In its statement, Acting NCC Commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu noted the growing pattern in automotive recalls with concern and called on affected consumers to not delay corrective action.
‘The NCC has noted the recent rise of recalls of motor vehicles or related components of such motor vehicles and is engaging affected suppliers for further information to determine the required steps to address this,’ said Ratshisusu in a statement.
‘In the meantime, consumers with affected vehicles are urged to urgently book their vehicles with their nearest approved dealerships for a thorough vehicle check, at no cost.’
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Picture: Volkswagen / Facebook
