The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has notified consumers of recalls involving several vehicle models, including the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Lexus GX, Lexus UX and Jeep Grand Cherokee. The recalls are due to various safety concerns, including software errors and potential steering failures. According to the NCC, any corrective work required as part of these recalls will be carried out at no cost to consumers. The affected vehicles were sold nationally through authorised dealerships.
The Toyota Prado recall affects 2 279 vehicles made available between December 5, 2023, and August 7, 2025. The recall is linked to a software error affecting the vehicle’s combination meter. During start-up, the 3D graphics Micro Controller Unit may fail to initialise fully, resulting in a blank section of the meter. Important warning indicators, including those for engine oil pressure, engine coolant temperature and electrical charge, may not be displayed. Toyota SA Motors has urged owners of the affected vehicles to contact their nearest authorised dealership.
The recall also affects 255 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WL) vehicles, of which 251 were sold nationally between 2023 and 2025. The NCC said Stellantis South Africa identified a software issue involving the Airbag Control Unit. The software may cause temporary door airbag pressure sensor faults to remain active for the lifetime of the sensor. This could result in delayed deployment of the side airbag, potentially reducing protection for front-seat occupants during certain crashes.
A further 41 Lexus GX and Lexus UX vehicles have been recalled due to the same Airbag Control Unit software issue identified in the Jeep vehicles. The affected vehicles were made available between April 17, 2024, and September 8, 2025. The Lexus recall involves the same potential risk of delayed deployment of the side airbag, potentially reducing front-seat occupant protection during certain types of crashes.
Meanwhile, Volkswagen and Audi vehicles have been caught in a separate global recall involving a potential steering problem. According to Germany’s transport authority, about 2.16 million Volkswagen vehicles worldwide are potentially affected, along with nearly 700 000 Audi Q3 vehicles. The affected Volkswagen models include the Tiguan, Touran, Golf, Golf Variant and Caddy, with vehicles produced between September 24, 2013, and July 1, 2024.
The problem involves a bolt used in the steering assembly, which could corrode and break, potentially compromising the steering connection and resulting in a loss of steering control. No injuries or incidents linked to the defect have been reported. The corrective measure involves replacing the affected steering bolt with a more corrosion-resistant version. The repair is being carried out free of charge for affected vehicles.
The NCC is urging owners of the affected Toyota, Lexus and Jeep vehicles to immediately contact their nearest authorised dealership to arrange an inspection and repair. Owners of Volkswagen and Audi vehicles should also check whether their vehicle is affected by the applicable recall and contact an authorised dealer if required. The NCC has assured consumers that any corrective work required as part of these recalls will be carried out at no cost.
Key points
- The recalls affect over 2 600 vehicles in South Africa, including Toyota, Lexus, Jeep, Volkswagen and Audi models.
- The recalls are due to various safety concerns, including software errors and potential steering failures.
- Any corrective work required as part of these recalls will be carried out at no cost to consumers.
