Active Vehicle Recalls in South Africa Right Now

This is a snapshot of vehicle safety recalls known to be active in South Africa as of September 2026. Recall campaigns open and close over time, and new ones are added regularly, so treat this as a starting point for checking your own vehicle by VIN — not a complete or permanent list. See our general guide to checking a used car's recall history for the step-by-step process.

Takata airbags — the largest recall in SA history

The Takata airbag inflator recall is the largest vehicle safety recall in history, both globally and in South Africa specifically. Affected inflators can rupture during deployment, sending metal fragments into the cabin. In South Africa alone, an estimated 1.7 million vehicles across roughly 34 brands are affected, and despite years of manufacturer communication campaigns, a significant share remain unrepaired.

Toyota — Land Cruiser 300 transmission fault

Toyota has an active recall affecting Land Cruiser 300 models fitted with a 10-speed transmission — around 1,847 vehicles in South Africa. A transmission solenoid fault may not communicate properly between control units, which can result in engine over-revving, reduced power, or possible transmission damage.

Volkswagen — Polo Vivo and Golf 8

Volvo — XC90 hybrid brakes

Volvo has recalled 26 XC90 hybrid 2025 and 2026 models in South Africa over a fault where brake functionality can become temporarily disabled while braking. Given the safety-critical nature of the fault, this is a priority check if you're looking at an affected model year.

What to actually do about it

1. Get the VINWhether you're checking your own car or one you're about to buy, you need the full VIN — see our VIN check guide for where to find it.
2. Contact an authorised dealer for that brandAsk them to check the VIN against any open recall campaign. This is free and doesn't commit you to anything.
3. Book the repair if one's outstandingRecall repairs are always free. There's no reason to delay once you've confirmed one applies.
4. Keep the paperworkA record that a recall was actioned is worth keeping — it can matter for resale and for insurance purposes down the line.

Common mistakes

• Assuming a car is too old or too new to have an open recall — Takata affects a wide range of model years, and new recalls are issued on current models too.
• Not checking because the car "seems fine" — several of these faults, like the Takata inflator and the Volvo brake issue, aren't things you'd notice until they fail.
• Paying for a recall-listed repair instead of getting it done free through an authorised dealer.
• Treating this list as complete or permanent — always check the specific VIN directly, since recall status changes over time.

Frequently asked questions

This guide is general information for South African motorists, not an official or complete recall database. Recall campaigns open, close and are updated regularly. Always confirm current recall status directly with the vehicle's manufacturer or an authorised dealer using the specific VIN.