In a move that has raised alarm among South African drivers, the National Consumer Commission (NCC) has issued an urgent recall affecting seven major vehicle brands due to severe safety risks. Jeep, Chrysler, Citroën, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, and Volvo are all impacted by this critical recall, which highlights potentially life-threatening defects.
The defects identified include faulty Takata airbags, which pose a serious risk of rupture during deployment, defective brake hoses that could lead to dangerous fluid leaks, and overheating high-voltage batteries in electric vehicles, which increase the risk of fires. Additionally, substandard seatbelts have been flagged, with the potential to fail during crashes, further heightening the danger to drivers and passengers.
The recall affects several popular models, including:
- Jeep Wrangler
- Chrysler 300C
- Citroën C4, DS4, and DS5
- Mercedes-Benz CLA and S-Class
- Audi e-tron GT
- Volkswagen Polo Sedan
- Volvo XC90
The NCC is urging all owners of these vehicles to immediately contact authorized dealerships for free inspections and necessary repairs. With the defects presenting serious safety hazards, it’s essential that drivers take swift action to ensure their vehicles are thoroughly checked and repaired to prevent any risk of accidents.
This recall underscores the importance of ongoing vehicle safety standards and highlights the critical role of manufacturers in addressing these potentially deadly flaws. Owners of affected vehicles are advised to act quickly to protect themselves and their families from the dangers these defects pose.
