Toyota, Lexus, Jeep and Volkswagen vehicles hit by safety recalls

South African motorists have been urged to take note of several vehicle recalls affecting Toyota, Lexus and Jeep models, while a separate global Volkswagen and Audi recall has raised concerns about a potential steering failure.

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) notified consumers of recalls involving the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Lexus GX, Lexus UX and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

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Toyota Prado recall

Toyota SA Motors has recalled 2 279 Land Cruiser Prado vehicles made available between December 5, 2023, and August 7, 2025.

According to the NCC, the recall is linked to a software error affecting the vehicle’s combination meter.

During start-up, the 3D graphics Micro Controller Unit may fail to initialise fully, resulting in a blank section of the meter.

Important warning indicators, including those for engine oil pressure, engine coolant temperature and electrical charge, as well as other warning messages, may therefore not be displayed.

The affected vehicles were sold nationally through Toyota dealerships.

Jeep Grand Cherokee airbag concern

The recall also affects 255 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WL) vehicles, of which 251 were sold nationally between 2023 and 2025. Four remain with the manufacturer.

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The NCC said Stellantis South Africa identified a software issue involving the Airbag Control Unit.

According to the supplier, the software may cause temporary door airbag pressure sensor faults to remain active for the lifetime of the sensor.

This could result in delayed deployment of the side airbag, potentially reducing protection for front-seat occupants during certain crashes and increasing the risk of injury.

Lexus GX and UX recalled

A further 41 Lexus GX and Lexus UX vehicles have been recalled.

The affected vehicles were made available between April 17, 2024, and September 8, 2025, and were sold nationally.

The Lexus recall involves the same Airbag Control Unit software issue identified in the Jeep vehicles.

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The NCC said the fault could result in delayed deployment of the side airbag, potentially reducing front-seat occupant protection during certain types of crashes.

Global Volkswagen and Audi recall

Meanwhile, Volkswagen and Audi vehicles have been caught in a separate global recall involving a potential steering problem.

According to Germany’s transport authority, the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA), about 2.16 million Volkswagen vehicles worldwide are potentially affected, along with nearly 700 000 Audi Q3 vehicles.

The affected Volkswagen models include the Tiguan, Touran, Golf, Golf Variant and Caddy, with vehicles produced between September 24, 2013, and July 1, 2024.

The Audi recall affects Q3 models produced between October 31, 2017, and May 23, 2024.

The problem involves a bolt used in the steering assembly.

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Corrosion could cause the bolt to break, potentially compromising the steering connection and, in the worst case, resulting in a loss of steering control.

No injuries or incidents linked to the defect have been reported, according to the information released by the authorities.

The corrective measure involves replacing the affected steering bolt with a more corrosion-resistant version.

The repair is being carried out free of charge for affected vehicles.

Volkswagen has described the recall as a precautionary measure after a corrosion problem was identified during quality-control checks.

What affected motorists should do

The NCC is urging owners of the affected Toyota, Lexus and Jeep vehicles to immediately contact their nearest authorised dealership to arrange an inspection and repair.

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Any corrective work required as part of these recalls will be carried out at no cost to consumers, the NCC said.

Owners of Volkswagen and Audi vehicles should also check whether their vehicle is affected by the applicable recall and contact an authorised dealer if required.