NCC announces Mercedes, Range Rover recalls over safety risks in South Africa

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has confirmed fresh safety recalls involving multiple vehicles from Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar Land Rover, affecting South African customers.

Mercedes-Benz South Africa is recalling several 2023 models, including the C-Class (206), GLC (254), S-Class (223), SL (232), and EQS (297). According to the NCC, the issue stems from a potential fault in the fuse box that may result in sudden power loss, malfunctioning instrument clusters, or compromised restraint systems. In some cases, the defect could even pose a fire hazard.

Jaguar Land Rover has also issued a recall for various Range Rover Evoque models sold between 2021 and 2024, including certain 2025 units. The problem involves the front passenger airbag, which may have been improperly folded during assembly. If deployed, the airbag could tear, reducing its effectiveness in protecting occupants and potentially causing burns from hot gases.

Owners of affected vehicles are urged to contact their nearest authorised dealership immediately. Repairs will be conducted at no cost to consumers. Acting NCC Commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu stressed the importance of acting swiftly to prevent any safety risks.

This follows recent recalls by other major manufacturers, including Volkswagen, Volvo Cars, and Toyota, involving well-known models such as the VW Golf 8, Volvo XC90 PHEV, and Toyota Hino 500 Series. The NCC has noted a concerning rise in recall activity and is currently engaging with vehicle manufacturers to understand the underlying issues better and assess appropriate responses.