Did you buy a VW Polo in 2025? It's among six car brands recalled over safety defects

The Citizen

14-05-2025

The cars being recalled are Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300c, Citroen C4, DS4, and DS5 models, Mercedes-Benz CLA, S-Class, Audi, VW Polo Sedan and Volvo XC90
The cars being recalled are Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300c, Citroen C4, DS4, and DS5 models, Mercedes-Benz CLA, S-Class, Audi, VW Polo Sedan and Volvo XC90. Pictures: iStock
Different suppliers in South Africa have notified the National Consumer Commission of seven car brands that they are recalling because of various faults on them.
The cars being recalled are Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300c, Citroen C4, DS4, and DS5 models, Mercedes-Benz CLA (118), S-Class (model series 223), Audi, VW Polo Sedan and Volvo XC90.
The faults in the car can cause severe injuries. Therefore, consumers are required to visit their nearest authorised dealership to have them checked out.
ALSO READ: Tribunal fines car repairer R100 000 for being 'dishonest and contemptuous'
Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Chrysler 300c
NCC said Stellantis South Africa, a subsidiary of the global automaker Stellantis is recalling the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Chrysler 300c models due to a defect in the Takata airbag.
'According to the supplier, the passenger airbag inflator may rupture, due to excessive internal pressure, during normal airbag deployment events.
'In the event of an inflator rupture, metal fragments could strike the vehicle occupants, which may result in serious injury or death.'
The cars the supplier is recalling were sold from 2014 to 2016. Those who have purchased the cars are requested to visit the nearest authorised dealership for a repair or replacement of the airbag.
Citroen C4, DS4 and DS5
Stellantis South Africa is also recalling the Citroen C4, DS4 and DS5 models sold from 2009 to 2016.
The issue with these cars is that the driver's and passenger's airbag inflators may rupture during the airbag deployment phase.
'The potentially high energetic deployment of the inflator may lead to metal fragments detaching from the bursting inflator, and these parts could fly in the direction of the driver or occupants in the vehicle, capable of causing serious injury or possibly death in a worst-case scenario.'
Mercedes-Benz CLA and S-Class
Another supplier recalling cars is Mercedes-Benz AG South Africa. NCC said the models that are being recalled are the CLA (118 platforms) and the S-Class (model series 223).
The supplier told NCC that 'the length of the brake hoses on the rear axle might not have met the specifications.'
The brake hoses of the rear axle might come into contact with surrounding components, chafe over time, and subsequently cause brake fluid to leak.
'According to the supplier, this will result in reduced braking performance in one of the two brake circuits, thereby increasing the risk of an accident due to brake fluid loss.'
The supplier said the brake hose issue in the CLA models is the same issue as the one with the S-Class models. 'The brake hoses may gradually start to leak in hot and moist areas after an extended operating period.'
As a result, the brake fluid could leak out, impairing brake power in one of the two brake circuits, increasing the risk of an accident.
The models with this issue were produced between 2020 and 2023.
ALSO READ: Product recall: Toys from Takealot, Toys R Us and e-bike batteries pulled over choking, fire hazards
Audi E-Tron GT
Audi South Africa is recalling Audi E-Tron GT produced on and after 27 October 2021 due to a high-voltage battery.
'This is caused by some individual cell modules of the high-voltage battery that may display technical irregularities.
'The high-voltage battery may overheat, resulting in an acute fire hazard, with the associated risk of severe fatal injuries to people inside and or outside the vehicle, as well as significant property damage,' according to the supplier.
Audi told NCC that 46 affected cars were sold nationally. Those who bought the cars after 27 October 2021 are required to visit any Audi SA-approved Dealer for checking and, if necessary, module replacement.
VW Polo Sedan
Volkswagen of South Africa is recalling VW Polo Sedan sold nationally from 2 April 2025 onwards.
VW told NCC that the latch plates for the rear seat belt were produced with insufficient hardness. Therefore, in the event of powerful deceleration (accident or hard braking), 'there may be a reduced retention or protective effect and related increased risk of injury.'
There are 905 Polos with this issue. Those who purchased the car during the period must contact an approved Volkswagen dealer for a check and, if necessary, replacement of the affected components.
Volvo XC90
The seventh car brand to be recalled is Volvo. Volvo Car South Africa is recalling the XC90 model produced between 2020 and 2022.
Volvo told the NCC that there is a potential issue with the high-voltage battery.
'According to the supplier, the issue may cause overheating of the battery cells when the battery is fully charged. In a worst-case scenario, this overheating in the high-voltage battery could lead to a thermal event.'
There are 27 affected XC90 cars. Therefore, it is recommended that consumers visit their nearest authorised agents or dealerships for inspection and, as necessary, replacement of defective components.
NOW READ: Did you buy a Mercedes-Benz GLE? The supplier wants them back