The KIA, Jeep Wrangler recall announced by the National Consumer Commission affects more than 18 900 vehicles in South Africa over braking and airbag safety defects.
According to the NCC, Stellantis South Africa and Kia South Africa have both notified authorities of product recalls that require urgent safety inspections and repairs at authorised dealerships.
KIA, Jeep Wrangler recall: which vehicles are affected?
Stellantis SA is recalling 323 Jeep Wrangler vehicles sold nationally between 2016 and 2018.
The affected models were discontinued in 2018 but remain on South African roads.
Kia SA has reported a much larger recall, covering 18 600 vehicles across five model ranges: Sportage (SL, KM), Sorento (XM), Optima (TF), Cerato (TD) and Soul (AM).
These cars were sold through Kia-approved dealerships between 2009 and 2015.
What is the safety risk in these vehicles?
For the Jeep Wrangler units, Stellantis has warned that dust can accumulate inside the steering-wheel clockspring.
This may interfere with airbag circuits, trigger the warning light and, in a worst-case scenario, prevent the driver’s airbag from deploying in a crash.
In the Kia models, the defect lies in the anti-lock braking system (ABS) fuse.
The NCC says the fuse must be replaced because the fault could cause the ABS system to malfunction, increasing the distance needed to bring the vehicle to a complete stop and, in some cases, leading to damage in the engine bay.
What KIA and Jeep owners must do now
The NCC has urged all affected owners not to ignore recall notices.
“Consumers who are affected by these recalls are urged to take them seriously and arrange inspections and repairs at any authorised dealership without delay,” the regulator said, stressing that all work will be carried out free of charge.
Owners who suspect their vehicles may fall within the affected ranges should contact Kia South Africa or Stellantis dealerships with their vehicle identification number (VIN) to confirm whether their car is included in the recall and to book a workshop slot.
Vehicle recalls in South Africa are rising
This KIA, Jeep Wrangler recall comes in a year in which the NCC has already issued multiple safety alerts involving brands such as VW, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, BMW and Hino, citing defects ranging from braking problems to faulty airbags and steering components.
The regulator has repeatedly emphasised that recalls are a preventive safety measure rather than a reason to panic.
However, motorists are warned that many defects only become apparent in emergency situations, which is why authorities say vehicles should be taken in as soon as a recall is announced, even if they appear to drive normally.
