Motus announces Renault Kwid safety recall after finding velocity system fault

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has announced a safety recall affecting 1,393 Renault Kwid vehicles distributed in South Africa.

The recall follows a notification from distributor Motus and relates to a potential fault in the car’s velocity calculation system, which could trigger a dashboard warning light and affect vehicle performance if not fixed.

The issue applies to units distributed nationwide from 20 January.

Why the recall matters for drivers

Automobile Association (AA) CEO Bobby Ramagwede says the recall falls into the most serious category.

He described it as a ‘Category A’ recall, meaning it is safety-related and should be treated as urgent by owners and drivers.

The velocity calculation system is effectively the component that determines how fast the vehicle is travelling.

If it malfunctions, the vehicle may display incorrect speed information, potentially creating a safety risk on the road.

Motorists are advised to take their vehicles to a dealership as soon as possible if they suspect they are affected.

Distributor says vehicles are not yet with customers

Motus indicated that the affected vehicles have not yet reached customers.

While that reduces immediate risk to motorists, Ramagwede said proactive recalls remain critical in protecting consumers and preventing safety incidents.

He noted that recalls often become harder to manage as vehicles change ownership over time, making it difficult for manufacturers to trace drivers directly.

AA offers a recall monitoring system

The AA says it can help bridge the gap between manufacturers and motorists.

Drivers can upload their licence disc details to the AA portal, allowing the organisation to monitor recall lists and notify them if their vehicle is affected.

The AA says this system is intended to ensure motorists do not miss safety notices that could affect their vehicles.

Ongoing concerns about vehicle safety standards

The recall comes amid broader concerns about vehicle safety and build quality.

Ramagwede said motorists should consider both budget and safety when choosing a car, noting that affordability should not be the only deciding factor.

He also said South Africa is seeing an increase in vehicle recalls, driven by a combination of ageing cars and, in some cases, poor component quality.

What should motorists do now?

Drivers are encouraged to:

• Check whether their vehicle may be affected
• Monitor NCC recall notices
• Register for recall alerts through the AA
• Contact dealerships immediately if a safety recall applies

Safety recalls, experts warn, should never be ignored, especially when they involve core systems that affect how a vehicle operates on the road.

For more detailed information, listen to Ramagwede using the audio player below: