By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Volkswagen (VW) South Africa recalls Amarok bakkies made between 10 January 2025 and 12 June 2025 due to possible loss of braking assistance.
The defect may require drivers to apply significantly more effort when braking, posing a safety risk.
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has urged affected owners to take their vehicles to any approved VW dealership for free repairs.
“Product recalls are vital to ensure safety, and prompt action is essential,” the NCC said, adding that it will monitor the process in line with the Consumer Protection Act.
In June, over 140 Polos and several Taigo vehicles were recalled over a passenger airbag fault that might not deploy properly in a crash. These show VW’s ongoing efforts to keep their cars safe, but also point to the challenges of complex vehicle tech.
In a similar move, 102 Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including EQE and GLC models sold between 2022 and 2025, have been recalled for problems with the steering coupling. While not linked to the Amarok issue, it reminds us that car makers worldwide deal with these safety checks regularly.