Car safety under scrutiny as consumer watchdog reports spike in vehicle recalls

CapeTalk's Clarence Ford chats to the National Consumer Commission spokesperson, Pheto Ntaba.

Listen below:

"We are seeing quite a number of recalls this year."

- Pheto Ntaba, National Consumer Commission spokesperson 

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has expressed concern over the rising number of vehicle recalls in South Africa, with more cases reported by September this year than in the entire previous financial year.

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It recently issued two urgent vehicle recall notices involving Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis South Africa.

Mercedes-Benz is recalling 102 vehicles, including EQE-295 and GLC-254 models manufactured between 2022 and 2025, due to a steering defect that couldresult in a total loss of control while driving.

The issue relates to faulty bolting in the steering coupling that may loosen over time.

In a separate recall, Stellantis South Africa has flagged serious safety risks in Jeep Wrangler and Chrysler 300C models released between 2009 and 2013.

These vehicles are equipped with defective Takata airbags that could rupture during deployment, potentially sending metal fragments into the cabin and causing severe injury or even death.

The NCC is urging all affected consumers to immediately contact authorised dealerships for inspections and repairs.

The necessary repair work will be carried out atno cost to the consumer.

Both recalls are being monitored under the Consumer Protection Act, with the Commission stressing that swift consumer action is vital to prevent harm.

"We cannot downplay any recall. It doesn't matter how tiny you think the recall issue is... do heed the call because it's for your own safety."

- Pheto Ntaba, National Consumer Commission spokesperson 

Ntaba says many of these recalls are triggered by defects that surface years after vehicles are sold, often due to wear-and-tear affecting components like steering systems and airbags.

She explains that while vehicles may meet safety standards at the time of production, problems can emerge over time, highlighting the need for regular inspections and consumer vigilance.

While the NCC welcomes the proactive stance of some manufacturers, Ntaba stresses that effective recalls require consumer action. 

Ntaba urges motorists to respond to recall notices promptly, even if no issues are immediately visible, and to follow up with dealerships if parts are delayed. 

"What is comforting from our side as the NCC is to really notice that consumer protection is very much alive in South Africa."

- Pheto Ntaba, National Consumer Commission spokesperson 

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