NCC warns consumers of urgent vehicle recalls for certain Ford, BMW, Volkswagen and Hino models
Motorists are urged to check their vehicles following urgent recalls of certain Ford, BMW, Volkswagen, and Hino models.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has announced that a series of critical vehicle recalls have been issued by car manufacturers, including Ford, BMW, Volkswagen, and Hino for certain models.
In a statement, the NCC said: “The National Consumer Commission (NCC) notifies the affected consumers about the recalls for Ford Mustang, Ford Transit Custom, BMW X3 (G45) vehicles, and Hino 500 Series buses as notified by the suppliers.”
Ford Motor Company confirmed that Mustang vehicles made available from 2021 to 2022 are affected by a defect in the low-pressure fuel pump.
According to the notice: “Loss of fuel pressure and flow can result from internal contamination of the jet pump, particularly in low fuel conditions, and from reduced internal clearances of the fuel pump, leading to increased internal friction and sensitivity to vapour lock. This may cause a loss of fuel delivery to the engine and result in an engine stall. An engine stall while driving increases the risk of an accident.”
Another recall involves Ford Transit Custom vehicles made available between 2024 and 2025. The NCC said the supplier reported that the affected models have an airbag defect.
“On the affected vehicles, the passenger’s airbag needs to be replaced as the filter within the inflator might not meet the thickness specification. In the event of an accident that can cause airbag deployment, the filter can block the gas, stopping it from moving through the inflator.”
BMW AG is recalling its X3 (G45) series over safety concerns with the rear seat head restraints.
The NCC said the manufacturer reported that in the event of an accident, the support function may be compromised, and the outer head restraints on the rear seat may not provide the required protection.
“This may cause severe injuries as parts of the head restraint could knock or dislodge.”
Volkswagen South Africa has recalled Polo models distributed between May 19 and 23, 2025.
“This is due to the rear axle, which was not bolted to the body with the necessary torque. As a result, this can lead to the bolts detaching and in the worst case, dislodgement of the rear axle and loss of control when driving,” the notice read.
The recall also extends to Hino 500 Series buses manufactured between July 2018 and August 2025.
The NCC said it was informed that the affected Hino 500 series buses may have been manufactured with a drag link that was not torqued correctly, and in some cases, split pins may be missing.
“These components are critical to the steering system. This fault may cause a loss of steering control while the bus is in motion.”
The NCC urged affected owners to take their vehicles to authorised dealerships.
“The necessary repair work will be carried out at no cost to the consumer.”