The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has announced the recall of 23,667 Chery and Omoda vehicles in South Africa due to possible safety defects. The recall affects 17,508 Chery Tiggo 4 vehicles sold between October 17, 2023, and March 27, 2024, as well as 2,685 Omoda C5 vehicles sold between February 2023 and July 2026. An additional 3,474 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0 vehicles manufactured on May 20, 2026, are also included in the recall.
According to Chery South Africa, some Tiggo 4 and Omoda C5 vehicles may have welding defects on the rear axle sleeve, which could cause the rear axle to dislodge and result in rear suspension collapse. This defect could compromise safety and potentially lead to serious crashes. The affected Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0 vehicles may have a front brake pipe that comes into contact with the turbocharger assembly, causing wear and potential brake-fluid leakage.
The brake-pipe fault in the Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0 vehicles could reduce braking performance and increase stopping distances, potentially resulting in a collision, serious injury, or death. Chery South Africa has assured owners that all inspections and remedial work will be carried out at no cost to affected consumers. Owners can check their vehicle identification number (VIN) on Chery South Africa's website or contact an authorized dealership to determine if their vehicle is affected.
Owners of vehicles identified as part of the recall should arrange an inspection with an authorized dealer. If a vehicle is believed to be unsafe to drive, owners should contact an authorized Chery dealership or the company's contact center to arrange towing. The NCC has urged motorists to respond to the recall and reminded suppliers of their obligation to notify any product recall promptly.
NCC Acting Commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu emphasized the importance of responding to the recall, stating that it is crucial for consumers to take action to ensure their safety on the road. The commission has also initiated a separate investigation against Chery over allegations that certain vehicles were recalled without informing the commission.
The investigation, launched in October 2026, is ongoing, and consumers can direct queries about the recall to [email protected]. This recall is not the first instance of vehicle recalls in South Africa, with other manufacturers, such as VW Group, recalling vehicles over safety issues.
The recall of Chery and Omoda vehicles highlights the importance of prioritizing safety and adhering to regulations in the automotive industry. Consumers are advised to take immediate action if their vehicle is affected and to stay informed about any further developments regarding the recall.
Key points
- Over 23,000 Chery and Omoda vehicles have been recalled in South Africa due to rear-axle welding defects and brake-pipe faults.
- The recall affects Chery Tiggo 4, Omoda C5, and Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0 vehicles sold between specific dates.
- All inspections and remedial work will be carried out at no cost to affected consumers.
