A 2024 Volkswagen Polo Vivo. The Volkswagen Polo Vivo vehicles that were made available for sale from .February 2025 to February 2026 have been recalled by the VW Group due to a handbrake issue.
Image: Jason Woosey
The National Consumer Commission has announced that VW Group is recalling VW Polo Vivo vehicles due to a handbrake issue.
The NCC said in a statement on Thursday that it had been informed by Volkswagen Group Africa (Pty) Ltd (VW) that the recall affects 25 729 vehicles that were made available for sale from February 2025 to February 2026, nationally.
“VW has informed the NCC that the rivet height on the handbrake lever fitted to the affected vehicles may be outside the required specification. If the rivet height is out of specification, 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.”
VW further advised that owners of the affected vehicles should take the following precautionary measures until the vehicle has been inspected and, where necessary, repaired:
• 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.
• Do not park the vehicle on any slope (uphill or downhill) until the inspection and any required repairs have been completed.
The NCC said it is monitoring this recall closely to ensure full compliance with the Consumer Protection Act, and to safeguard consumer rights.
"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", said Acting Commissioner, Hardin Ratshisusu.
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