The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has notified consumers of the recall of certain Mercedes-Benz trucks and Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles, as notified by Daimler Truck Southern Africa Limited and Stellantis South Africa (Pty) Ltd.
In a statement on Thursday, the Commission, which is an agency of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, said it was informed by Daimler Truck Southern Africa Limited that it is recalling certain Mercedes-Benz Atego 967, Actros 963, Arocs 964 and eActros 983 trucks that were made available for sale nationwide from 2022 onwards, affecting 153 trucks.
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.
“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. If this occurs, the vehicle may no longer be steerable, and there would be a risk of accident,” said the Commission.
Meanwhile, Stellantis South Africa (Pty) Ltd informed the NCC that it is recalling certain Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles equipped with a 1.5-litre engine that were made available for sale nationwide between March 2022 and March 2026, affecting 141 vehicles.
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.
“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.”
Owners of the affected vehicles have been urged to take the vehicles to their nearest authorised Daimler Truck or Stellantis dealership for inspection and the necessary repairs.
“All corrective work will be carried out at no cost to consumers,” it said.
Questions and queries relating to this recall may be directed to: ProductRecall@thencc.org.za. -SAnews.gov.za
