The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has announced the recall of 23,667 Chery and Omoda vehicles in South Africa due to safety defects that could put motorists' lives at risk. The affected vehicles include 17,508 Chery Tiggo 4s, 3,474 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0s, and 2,685 Omoda C5s. The recall was initiated after Chery International, trading as Chery South Africa, notified the NCC of the defects.
The Chery Tiggo 4 and Omoda C5 models are recalled due to welding defects on the rear axle sleeve, which could cause the rear axle to dislodge and result in the rear suspension collapsing. This defect affects Tiggo 4 vehicles made available for sale between October 17, 2023, and March 27, 2024, as well as Omoda C5 vehicles sold between February 2023 and July 2026.
A separate safety concern affects the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0, involving its front brake pipe, which may come into contact with the turbocharger assembly. This could cause the pipe to wear and leak brake fluid, reducing braking performance and increasing stopping distances. The defect could potentially result in a collision, serious injury, or death, and affects Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0 vehicles manufactured from May 20, 2026, onwards.
The NCC has urged consumers to take their vehicles to authorised Chery dealerships for inspections and any necessary repairs, which will be carried out free of charge. Motorists can also check their vehicle identification numbers (VINs) on Chery's website to establish whether their vehicles are affected. Those whose vehicles may be unsafe to drive should contact an authorised dealership or Chery's contact centre to arrange towing.
NCC acting commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu has urged consumers to respond to the recall, while reminding suppliers of their obligation to notify the commission promptly about product recalls. He also revealed that the NCC launched a separate investigation against Chery in October 2026 over allegations that certain vehicles had been recalled without notifying the commission.
The investigation into Chery's alleged failure to notify the NCC about previous recalls is ongoing. The NCC's recall notice affects vehicles sold in South Africa, and consumers are advised to take immediate action to ensure their vehicles are safe to drive. Chery South Africa has not provided a comment on the recall or the investigation.
The recall highlights the importance of vehicle safety and the need for manufacturers to promptly notify regulatory bodies about defects. Consumers can check the NCC's website for updates on the recall and take steps to ensure their vehicles are safe to drive. Key points include:
Key points
- 23,667 Chery and Omoda vehicles are recalled in South Africa due to safety defects.
- The defects affect the rear axle and brake pipe of certain models, potentially causing collisions or injuries.
- Consumers are urged to take their vehicles to authorised dealerships for inspections and repairs.
