The National Consumer Commission (NCC) in South Africa has issued a recall for 291 Volkswagen Amarok vehicles produced during a limited production period. According to Pheto Ntaba, spokesperson for the commission, the affected vehicles were sold nationwide from June 2, 2026, to September 15, 2026. The recall was initiated after Volkswagen Group Africa (Pty) Ltd notified the commission of a potential safety risk associated with the vehicle's airbag system.
The airbag safety risk is attributed to contact between the curtain airbag and a component in the vehicle interior. In the event of a front or side impact, the curtain airbag may not fully deploy, which could result in reduced protection for the driver and front passenger. Additionally, sharp-edged plastic components may come loose or remain in the airbag, posing an increased risk of injury.
The NCC has urged consumers who own the affected vehicles to submit them to any approved Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealer for the replacement of the affected components. The work will be carried out at no cost to the customer. This recall is the latest in a series of safety alerts issued by the commission, highlighting the importance of regular vehicle checks and maintenance.
The recall of VW Amarok vehicles comes on the heels of a similar recall of 543 Suzuki Grand Vitara vehicles in South Africa. The Suzuki recall was issued due to a fuel alert fault, which may cause the low fuel warning light not to turn on as the fuel level decreases. This could result in the vehicle running out of fuel, causing the engine to stall and preventing it from starting.
According to Ntaba, the manufacturer alerted the commission to the potential safety risks associated with both vehicles. The commission has been proactive in issuing recalls and safety alerts, demonstrating its commitment to protecting consumers. In recent weeks, over 2,500 Toyota, Lexus, and Jeep vehicles in South Africa were recalled due to software faults that could affect dashboard warnings or airbag deployment.
The NCC's efforts to ensure vehicle safety are crucial in preventing accidents and protecting lives. Consumers are advised to check if their vehicles are affected by the recall and to take prompt action to have the necessary repairs carried out. By doing so, they can help prevent potential safety risks and ensure their vehicles are in good working condition.
The recall of VW Amarok vehicles serves as a reminder of the importance of vehicle safety and the need for manufacturers to prioritize consumer protection. The NCC will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary actions to ensure that vehicles on the road meet safety standards. Consumers can contact the commission or visit the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles website for more information on the recall.
Key points
- The National Consumer Commission recalls 291 VW Amarok vehicles in South Africa due to airbag safety risks.
- The recall affects vehicles sold from June 2, 2026, to September 15, 2026.
- Consumers can submit their vehicles to approved Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealers for the replacement of affected components at no cost.
