Mercedes-Benz and Range Rover cars recalled in South Africa – Details

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has issued a recall for certain Mercedes-Benz and Range Rover vehicles sold in South Africa.

The NCC was recently notified by Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Jaguar Land Rover South Africa that a number of cars need to be urgently recalled as a result of safety concerns.

For Mercedes, the recall applies to several different models sold in 2023, including various C-Class (206), GLC (254), S-Class (223), SL (232), and EQS (297) units.

The company identified a problem with the cars’ fuse boxes, which may not have been reworked as required.

This may potentially lead to serious malfunctions that could compromise the functionality of the car, including power failure, impaired instrument clusters, or failure of critical restraint systems.

Mercedes warned that these possible defects will significantly increase the risk of an accident.

The NCC added a separate warning, cautioning users about the possibility of a thermal event, such as a fire, cannot be ruled out.

As for Jaguar Land Rover, the automaker is recalling specific Range Rover Evoque models manufactured between 2021 and 2024, along with a handful of 2025 units.

According to the NCC notice, the passenger airbag inside these vehicles may have been improperly folded during the assembly process.

This flaw could result in the airbag tearing upon deployment, severely reducing its ability to protect occupants in the event of a collision.

Furthermore, the compromised device will allow the hot combustion gases to escape from the airbag, significantly increasing the risk of occupants receiving burns.

The NCC is calling on all affected consumers to act quickly to avoid potential harm or injury related to the life-threatening faults in these vehicles.

“These are basic, life-critical flaws,” said Prudence Moilwa, Head of Complaints and Investigations at the NCC. 

“By the manufacturers’ own admission, something went wrong in the production process, and that’s why these recalls are happening.”

Moilwa noted that these kinds of failures should not happen, especially in high-end vehicles where consumers have a justified expectation of build quality.

“We’re talking about improperly folded airbags that can tear and electrical faults that could cause cars to lose power or even catch fire,” she said. 

“Manufacturers must invest more in research, development, and quality control to avoid these defects and the high costs associated with recalling and repairing vehicles.”

An issue that needs to be taken seriously

Moilwa warned that, while the vehicle manufacturers have taken steps to alert the owners of the affected models, not all motorists are responding accordingly.

“We are monitoring these recalls and are aware that in some instances, suppliers have informed consumers, but they are not bringing in their vehicles. 

“This is a safety-critical recall, and consumers need to understand the urgency,” she said.

Under Section 61 of the Consumer Protection Act, manufacturers are liable for any harm caused by their products, regardless of whether a consumer ignores a recall notice. 

Acting NCC Commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu has also called on vehicle owners to take action immediately. 

“Affected consumers are urged to immediately contact any nearest authorised dealership of these motor vehicles to have the defect repaired at no charge,” he said.

Moilwa stressed that the recall process is straightforward and not something to be avoided, arguing that it is as simple as taking the car in for a regular service.

“The parts are already available. You simply need to book your vehicle at the dealership, and the repairs are done for free.”

“Depending on the dealership’s service policies, you might be dropped off at your destination or given a courtesy vehicle.”

She added that product recalls are standard international practice and are supported by South African law.

The NCC has not confirmed the exact number of Mercedes and Range Rover models affected by the latest recall.

“We urge consumers to check whether their vehicle is affected by entering the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the manufacturer’s website, calling the helpline, or contacting a dealership. The VIN is the most important identifier,” she said. 

Moilwa warned all vehicle owners not to dismiss the recall simply because their cars appear to function normally, arguing that matters of safety should never be taken lightly.

“Taking your vehicle in might feel inconvenient, but it’s nothing compared to the risks of driving a car with a potentially deadly defect.”