Jeep and Kia recall thousands of vehicles over life-threatening defects
Jeep Wrangler The National Consumer Commission has announced the recall of Jeep Wrangler and several Kia vehicles
Image: Jeep Wrangler
The National Consumer Commission has announced the recall of Jeep Wrangler and several Kia vehicles in South Africa due to safety defects affecting airbags and ABS systems.
In a statement on Monday, the commission said 323 Jeep Wranglers sold between 2016 and 2018 may have faulty airbags.
"Stellantis South Africa (Pty) Ltd has informed the NCC that it is recalling three hundred and twenty-three (323) Jeep Wrangler. vehicles"
"According to the supplier, the dust inside the clockspring could compromise airbag circuit(s), causing illumination of the airbag warning light and or a non-deployment of the driver’s airbag during a crash. The impacted Wranglers were sold nationally during 2016 and discontinued in 2018"
The consumer watchdog also confirmed the recall of 18,600 Kia vehicles, including Sportage, Sorento, Optima, Cerato, and Soul models, sold between 2009 and 2015.
"Kia South Africa has notified the NCC that it is recalling a total of 18,600 vehicles of the following models: Sportage (SL, KM), Sorento (XM), Optima (TF), Cerato (TD), and Soul (AM). These vehicles were sold nationally between the years 2009 and 2015 through Kia-approved dealerships"
"According to the supplier, the affected models require an ABS fuse replacement. The defect may result in the malfunction of the ABS system, which could increase the vehicle’s stopping distance to a standstill and, in some cases, lead to engine bay damage".
The NCC added that consumers who own any of the affected vehicles are urged to take the recalls seriously and have their cars inspected and repaired at authorised dealerships as soon as possible.
'Consumers who are affected by these recalls are urged to take these recalls seriously and arrange for the necessary inspections and repairs at any authorised dealership without delay to ensure their safety. The necessary repair work will be carried out at no cost to the consumer".
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