Volkswagen Group Africa has recalled 25 729 VW Polo Vivo vehicles sold across South Africa between February 2025 and February 2026 due to a potential handbrake defect that could pose a safety risk.
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) announced the recall after being notified by Volkswagen Group Africa (Pty) Ltd that the rivet height on the handbrake lever fitted to the affected vehicles may be outside the required specification.
According to VW, if the rivet height is out of specification, the handbrake may not engage properly or could, in rare cases, disengage unexpectedly. This presents a safety risk, particularly when the vehicle is parked on an incline.
The manufacturer has advised owners of affected vehicles to take precautionary measures until their vehicle has been inspected and, where necessary, repaired. Owners should ensure that the vehicle is parked with additional precaution, such as selecting first gear for manual vehicles or “P” for automatic models, as specified in the owner’s manual. VW has also warned owners not to park the vehicle on any slope, whether uphill or downhill, until the inspection and any required repairs have been completed.
Acting Commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu said owners of affected vehicles are urged to immediately take their vehicles to any authorised VW dealership for inspection. “Given the high potential risks of the defect, owners of affected vehicles are urged to immediately get their vehicles to any authorised VW dealership for inspection. Any inspection and associated repairs will be done at no cost to the vehicle owners,” he said.
The NCC is monitoring the recall to ensure full compliance with the Consumer Protection Act and to safeguard consumer rights.
