Mercedes-Benz and Alfa Romeo recall 294 vehicles in South Africa

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has notified motorists and business owners of a recall affecting vehicles sold by Stellantis and the Mercedes-Benz Group in South Africa.

The NCC was informed by Daimler Truck Southern Africa that it is recalling certain Mercedes-Benz trucks that were made available for sale nationwide from 2022 onwards.

This applies to the Atego 967, Actros 963, Arocs 964 and eActros 983 trucks, affecting a total of 153 units.

The recall follows a self-disclosure by supplier ZF Friedrichshafen AG, which identified a potential manufacturing deviation in the ball joints installed in the steering components of the affected vehicles.

“According to the supplier, some of these components may not have undergone the prescribed hardening process during manufacturing, resulting in insufficient material hardness,” said the NCC.

“This may lead to increased wear of the steering components. Over time, the components may lose strength and could fracture, particularly at low speeds when high steering force is required, such as during manoeuvring.”

The commission warned that, if this occurs, the vehicle may no longer be steerable and there may be a risk of accident.

In a separate notice, Stellantis South Africa is recalling certain Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles that were made available for sale between March 2022 and March 2026.

More specifically, the NCC said the issue affects Tonale units equipped with a 1.5-litre engine. The recall applies to 141 units.

“According to the supplier, the affected vehicles may suffer engine damage caused by the bending or breakage of the connecting rods due to engine misfire,” it said.

“In the worst case, this could cause a fire in the vehicle while driving. To solve this problem, the engine control module software will be updated.”

Private owners and fleet managers of the affected vehicles are urged to take their vehicles to the nearest authorised Daimler Truck or Stellantis dealerships for an inspection.

If a problem is identified, the necessary repairs will be carried out at no cost to the consumer.

Owners can find out more about this recall by contacting: [email protected].