Since the start of the year, carmakers in South Africa have recalled more than 50,000 vehicles for a range of faults, undermining the integrity of the local automotive sector.
This is according to the Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA), which noted its concern surrounding the risks identified by the National Consumer Commission (NCC) regarding recalled Jaguar Land Rover models.
This recall involves six distinct vehicles sold locally in the last two years, including the Jaguar F-Pace, Land Rover Defender, Land Rover Discovery, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and Range Rover Velar.
While the NCC did not clarify how many units across each of the model line-ups were affected by the issue, it did note that they were recalled for posing a potential hazard to motorists.
MISA noted that the recall involved vehicles fitted with the AJ-20-D6 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine, which, if defective, could cause engine oil leaks, posing hazards to other road users, particularly motorcyclists.
The NCC clarified that the concern was with certain AJ20-D6 engines where the Front-End Auxiliary Drive belt idler pulley may over-rotate following a high-torsion input.
This, in turn, could cause the pulley to clash with and damage the engine oil pressure and temperature sensor.
The commission echoed MISA’s concern that the damaged oil pressure and temperature sensor may result in an engine oil leak, which would create a slip hazard for other road users.
Why MISA decided to focus on this particular recall isn’t all too clear, as it is far from the first major vehicle recall South Africa has had this year.
In fact, local vehicle recalls in 2026 have already surpassed last year’s total passenger vehicle recalls, with several major brands recalling thousands of individual models at a time, several times this year.
South Africa’s major recalls of 2026
Some of the biggest recalls in South Africa this year thus far have seen major manufacturers recalling thousands of the country’s most popular vehicles.
In March, VW recalled 25,729 Polo Vivo units sold nationally between February 2025 and February 2026.
These units were found to have issues concerning the height of a rivet used in the handbrake lever assembly, with the rivet not meeting the required specifications and preventing the handbrake from engaging correctly.
A few months later, in June, Toyota South Africa Motors and Lexus South Africa Motors recalled a total of 6,525 vehicles sold between 2021 and 2025 that shared a Parking Assist Electronic Control Unit (ECU).
According to the supplier, the software in the Parking Assist ECU may cause the rear-view image to briefly freeze when reverse gear is selected shortly after the vehicle is started, or fail to display entirely.
Most recently, in July, BMW recalled 10,961 cars sold in South Africa from 2016 onwards. These vehicles may experience increased wear of the solenoid switch after a high number of start operations.
As a result, the engine’s starting capability deteriorates, and under certain circumstances the engine may no longer be able to start.
According to MISA’s Chief Executive Officer of Operations, Martlé Keyter, any defect that compromises road safety must be treated with urgency.
“MISA believes that every recall is a reminder of the vital role workers play in maintaining safety standards,” she said.
“Every technician who performs a recall repair is contributing to safer roads and stronger public confidence in our sector.”
The union also called on employers to support their staff during recall campaigns by providing adequate training, resources and recognition.
“Together, manufacturers, workers and consumers can ensure that South Africa’s roads are safer and its motor industry remains resilient and trusted,” it said.
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