The National Consumer Commission (NCC) in South Africa has issued a warning to motorists to take vehicle recalls seriously and return affected cars for repairs. This warning comes amid a growing number of vehicle recalls this year, with thousands of cars affected by safety concerns involving different manufacturers. According to NCC spokesperson Phetho Ntaba, motorists whose vehicles are affected should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure that the necessary corrective work is carried out.
The latest recall involves 23,667 Chery Tiggo 4, Omoda C5, and Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0 vehicles, as well as 738 Volvo EX30 and EX30 Cross Country vehicles covering certain 2024 to 2027 models. Motorists should first establish whether their vehicles are affected by checking the recall notice and contacting the manufacturer or dealership. They should then follow the instructions provided, including arranging an inspection or repair where required.
Ntaba emphasized that motorists should not assume that a vehicle is safe to drive simply because it has not shown any symptoms of the reported defect. The time needed to repair a recalled vehicle depends on the nature of the defect and the availability of replacement parts. This means motorists may have to wait for parts or repairs to be completed. However, they should not continue using a vehicle if the manufacturer or recall notice advises against it.
Motorists who are still paying instalments on their vehicles are not exempt from recalls. The financial commitment does not remove the safety risk or the need to have the defect addressed. Consumers experiencing difficulties during the recall process can contact the NCC at [email protected]. Ntaba said consumers do not need to lodge formal complaints with the commission simply because their vehicles have been recalled.
The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) requires that suppliers notify the commission within two days of becoming aware of a safety concern. Manufacturers must also take reasonable steps to inform affected vehicle owners about the risks and explain what action they need to take. The commission has the power to investigate manufacturers and suppliers whose conduct is inconsistent with the act.
The NCC has raised concern about suppliers who allegedly conceal recalls or fail to notify it about safety problems. Where recalls were not communicated on time or not communicated at all, the NCC is investigating such matters. Manufacturers who fail to comply with the CPA could face enforcement action, including referral to the National Consumer Tribunal.
Figures published by Top Auto in June showed that the NCC had issued 17 vehicle recall notices affecting 39,164 vehicles since the beginning of the year. The growing number of recalls highlights the importance of motorists paying attention to safety notices and manufacturers being transparent about defects that could endanger road users.
Key points
- Motorists are urged to take vehicle recalls seriously and return affected cars for repairs to avoid safety risks.
- The NCC has the power to investigate manufacturers and suppliers whose conduct is inconsistent with the Consumer Protection Act.
- Manufacturers who fail to comply with the CPA could face enforcement action, including referral to the National Consumer Tribunal.
