The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has issued another set of recall notices, confirming that the number of vehicle recalls in South Africa is steadily increasing.
VW Amarok and Mercedes-Benz recall: Here’s what you must know
The latest involves the VW Amarok, with 374 vehicles recalled on Friday, 19 September 2025.
Just a day before, the NCC also confirmed recalls for 102 Mercedes-Benz vehicles, specifically the EQE-295 and GLC-254 models, sold between 2022 and 2025.
For the VW Amarok, Volkswagen South Africa reported a problem with the brake servo control unit.
This fault can cause a loss of braking assistance, meaning the car’s brakes still work, but drivers must press much harder to stop.
This could increase stopping distances and raise the risk of accidents. Owners are advised to immediately take their vehicles to an approved VW dealership for a free inspection and repair.
As for Mercedes-Benz EQE-295 and GLC-254 vehicles, the issue lies in the steering coupling bolts, which may not have been properly secured.
Over time, this can loosen the connection between the steering wheel and the steering rack.
In plain terms, the car could eventually lose its ability to steer properly. Mercedes-Benz dealerships will inspect and fix the problem free of charge.
The NCC made it clear that recalls are not meant to scare consumers but to keep them safe.
“These recalls are about consumer safety. Drivers should not ignore them,” spokesperson Phetho Ntaba reminded motorists.
Other NCC vehicle recalls you must know about
The recent VW Amarok and Mercedes-Benz recall notices are part of a long list of recalls in South Africa this year.
Just days earlier, Stellantis South Africa recalled Jeep Wrangler and Chrysler 300C vehicles (2009–2013 models) because of dangerous Takata airbags.
These airbags may explode when deployed, sending metal fragments into the car and potentially injuring or killing passengers.
Other recalls announced in 2025 include:
- Ford Mustang (2021–2022 models): Fuel pump defects that can cause the engine to stall while driving.
- Ford Transit Custom (2024–2025 models): Faulty airbags that may not inflate in a crash.
- BMW X3 (G45): Rear seat head restraints may not protect passengers properly in a collision.
- VW Polo (May 2025 models): Rear axle bolts may not be secured, risking complete axle detachment.
- Hino 500 buses (2018–2025): Steering parts may have been fitted incorrectly, causing a risk of steering failure.
The NCC has urged all affected vehicle owners to act quickly by visiting authorised dealerships. All repairs will be done free of charge.
While recalls can be worrying, they are a safety net to prevent accidents before they happen. Motorists should not delay taking their vehicles in when a recall is announced.
Even if the car seems to drive normally, the risks are often hidden and only show up under stress — such as during emergency braking or a collision.