Why Volkswagen, Volvo, Toyota recall nearly 7,000 vehicles in South Africa

Nearly 7,000 vehicles have been recalled in South Africa due to serious manufacturing defects, affecting models from Volkswagen, Volvo, and Toyota’s Hino trucks, according to the National Consumer Commission (NCC). The move raises fresh concerns about rising safety lapses in the country’s auto industry.

The largest recall involves 6,739 Toyota Hino 500 trucks, spanning models assembled between May 2017 and December 2024. Toyota South Africa revealed that some vehicles received incorrect cage bolt spanners or none at all, weakening parking brake functionality. “This oversight poses a significant risk of rollaway accidents,” the NCC said, urging truck owners to seek immediate dealership inspections, which will be conducted free of charge.

Volkswagen South Africa is also recalling 159 units of its Golf 8 GTI and R models sold between 16 April and 30 June 2025. The flaw is a defective passenger seatbelt anchorage, caused by a sewing error during manufacturing.

Meanwhile, Volvo’s XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrid SUVs have come under scrutiny. Only 26 vehicles from the 2025 and 2026 ranges are affected, but the danger is no less severe. The recall relates to intermittent brake failure in ‘B’ mode or One Pedal Drive, particularly after coasting downhill. “Loss of braking function, even temporarily, is not something we take lightly,” Volvo Cars SA commented in a written statement.

According to Hardin Ratshisusu, Acting Commissioner at the NCC, these recalls reflect a worrisome trend in vehicle safety compliance. “We are engaging with manufacturers to reduce defects at the source,” he said. But he also stressed the role of consumers: “Owners must act quickly; these repairs are free, but delays could endanger lives.”

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