Chinese Carmakers Face Scrutiny as Over 20,000 Vehicles Recalled in South Africa

Chery Group South Africa has announced a massive recall of selected Chery Tiggo 4 Pro and Omoda C5 vehicles due to rear axle issues. A total of 17,508 Chery Tiggo 4 Pro vehicles and 2,685 Omoda C5 vehicles produced between June 2022 and December 2023 are affected. The recall is part of a wider campaign that also includes 53,882 units recalled in China.

The recall was prompted by an incident in Malaysia on October 6, where an Omoda 5's rear axle detached while driving. Malaysia's road transport department subsequently suspended the model's vehicle type approval, halting new registrations while investigations were conducted. This is not the first recall by Chery in Malaysia, as the company recalled 600 Omoda 5 vehicles earlier in 2024 due to a separate rear-axle issue.

According to Chery, the vehicles are being recalled as a precautionary measure, and inclusion in the campaign does not necessarily mean that every vehicle has a defective rear axle. The affected models are no longer being produced, and models currently on sale in South Africa are not part of the affected batch. The recall relates to a rear axle manufacturing issue that may affect the weld between the rear axle trailing arm and sleeve on some vehicles.

In rare circumstances, the weld could fail and separate, potentially affecting wheel control and increasing the risk of an accident. Vehicles included in the campaign will be inspected by an authorised dealer, and if necessary, the complete rear axle will be replaced free of charge. Owners can check whether their vehicle is included in the campaign by entering their vehicle identification number (VIN) on the Chery or Omoda websites.

In addition to the rear axle recall, Chery is also recalling 3,474 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0 vehicles manufactured from May 2026 onwards due to a potential brake fluid leakage issue. The front brake pipe may contact the turbocharger assembly, causing wear and potential brake fluid leakage, which could reduce braking performance and increase stopping distances.

The South African recall comes amid increased scrutiny of Chinese carmakers in the country. Consumer journalist Wendy Knowler recently found that some Chinese manufacturers, including Chery, had failed to report recalls to South Africa's National Consumer Commission (NCC). The NCC confirmed that Chery had effectively conducted a "silent recall" affecting nearly 3,500 Tiggo 8 Pro Max models.

The NCC believes that the increasing number of recalls reflects greater transparency rather than declining vehicle quality. The commission has the authority to compel manufacturers to issue recalls and take enforcement action if necessary. Chery's latest recall was conducted through the NCC, but the commission has launched an investigation into allegations that Chery had previously recalled vehicles without notifying it.

Key points

• Over 20,000 vehicles are being recalled in South Africa due to rear axle issues.
• The recall is part of a wider campaign that also includes 53,882 units recalled in China.
• The South African recall comes amid increased scrutiny of Chinese carmakers in the country.