Massive vehicle recall hits nearly 19 000 drivers in South Africa
This safety action highlights the importance of consumer vigilance, following a series of major vehicle recalls across the motoring sector.
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has issued a major safety warning, announcing the urgent recall of a staggering 18,923 vehicles across the country, encompassing specific models of Jeep Wrangler and various Kia vehicles.
Suppliers Stellantis South Africa and Kia South Africa informed the NCC of severe safety defects requiring immediate repair.
“Consumers who are affected by these recalls are urged to take these recalls seriously and arrange for the necessary inspections and repairs at any authorised dealership without delay to ensure their safety. The necessary repair work will be carried out at no cost to the consumer,” the NCC said in a statement.
Kia South Africa is recalling 18,600 units of its Sportage, Sorento, Optima, Cerato, and Soul models, which were sold between 2009 and 2015. These vehicles require an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) fuse replacement. A malfunction in the ABS system could increase the vehicle’s stopping distance to a standstill and, in some cases, lead to engine bay damage.
Meanwhile, Stellantis South Africa is recalling 323 Jeep Wrangler vehicles, sold nationally between 2016 and 2018. Owners of these SUVs are warned that dust inside the clockspring could compromise the airbag circuit. This fault may cause the airbag warning light to illuminate or, more critically, result in the driver’s airbag failing to deploy during a crash.
This widespread safety action highlights the importance of consumer vigilance, following a series of major vehicle recalls across the motoring sector.
Recent vehicle recalls in South Africa
In October 2025, the NCC confirmed three major alerts, including the recall of 1,665 Nissan Qashqai SUVs due to a potential fire hazard from fuel pipe issues, and 12,491 BMWs (including models from the 3 Series, 4 Series, and X-ranges) facing a risk of engine fire.
And in September 2025, 374 Volkswagen Amarok vehicles were recalled over a brake safety concern, where a defect reduced braking assistance and increased stopping distances.