KARIEGA – More than 25,000 Volkswagen Polo Vivo vehicles sold in South Africa between February 2025 and February 2026 have been recalled due to a potential handbrake defect.
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) said in a statement that the recall affects 25,729 vehicles distributed nationally by Volkswagen Group Africa.
According to the commission, the rivet height on the handbrake lever fitted to the affected vehicles may fall outside the required specification. If this occurs, the handbrake may not engage properly or could, in rare cases, disengage unexpectedly.
“This may pose a safety risk, particularly when the vehicle is parked on an incline,” the NCC said.
Owners of the affected vehicles have been advised to take precautionary measures until their vehicles have been inspected and, where necessary, repaired.
These include ensuring the vehicle is parked with additional precautions such as selecting first gear in manual vehicles or placing automatic vehicles in “P”, as specified in the owner’s manual. Drivers are also advised not to park the vehicles on slopes until inspections and any necessary repairs have been completed.
Acting NCC commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu urged owners to take their vehicles to an authorised Volkswagen dealership as soon as possible.
“Given the high potential risks of the defect, owners of affected vehicles are urged to immediately take 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 said it is monitoring the recall to ensure compliance with the Consumer Protection Act.
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