There were over 15 product recalls this year.
Image: ChatGPT
In just over three months, South Africa has seen a stark number of product and trade recalls, ranging from power banks to food products and vehicles.
We breakdown a list of all the recalls that have occurred this year to date and the reasons for their recall.
April 8, 2026 – ESR HaloLock Wireless Power Banks: Recalled because the lithium-ion batteries can overheat during use, posing a risk of fire and burns.
The ESR HaloLock kickstand wireless power bank.
Image: Device.report
April 2, 2026 – Land Rover Defender (60 vehicles) & Jaguar I-PACE (67 vehicles): The Land Rover Defenders were recalled due to a third-row lower seat belt anchorage bracket that may contain a weld stud of insufficient strength, potentially preventing the seat belt from working during a crash. The Jaguar I-PACE was recalled because the high-voltage traction battery pack may experience thermal overload, creating a fire and smoke risk.
The 2026 Land Rover Defender is subject to a new safety recall.
Image: Land Rover Nyack
April 1, 2026 – Ford Ranger XLT/Wildtrak, Ford Puma, and Toyota Hino 700:
Ford Ranger XLT and Wildtrak (438 vehicles): Recalled due to an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve failure that can cause a loss of engine power, engine vibration, or failure to start.
Ford Puma (26 vehicles): Previously recalled to update the Restraint Control Module (RCM) software, but the software may have been incorrectly installed, potentially reducing the performance of the vehicle's restraint system during an accident.
Toyota Hino 700 (58 vehicles): Recalled because the fuel pump housing had an inappropriate surface treatment during production, leading to potential cracks and fuel leaks. It is worth noting that this specific Hino 700 recall was also announced on January 14, 2026.
The Toyota Hino 700 has been recalled.
Image: Supplied
The 2023 and 2024 Ford Puma vehicles are being recalled.
Image: Cars.co.za
March 26, 2026 – Ford Transit and Transit / Tourneo Custom (582 vehicles): Vehicles built with an H7 AGM battery may react to increased temperatures by producing hydrogen sulphide gas, creating a foul smell and posing potential health risks to the occupants.
March 25, 2026 – 6% Slimsy Pomegranate Squash Concentrate (17,364 units): Gas formation may cause blown or swollen bottles to rupture, risking physical injury, and ingestion could lead to foodborne illnesses.
This is the product being recalled by the NCC.
Image: Facebook / Slimsy
March 19, 2026 – Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 (1,846 vehicles): An undetected solenoid failure in the 10-speed automatic transmission can cause the transmission to over-rev, potentially causing a loss of motive power, transmission fluid leaks, and an increased risk of a crash or fire.
March 17, 2026 – Lexus LX500D (110 vehicles): Similar to the Land Cruiser, an undetected solenoid failure can lead to the transmission over-revving, loss of motive power, and possible transmission fluid leaks that pose a fire hazard.
March 15, 2026 – Made 4 Tots Puffs Corn Chicken 12g (1,152 units): An affected batch tested positive for non-pathogenic Listeria contamination.
The National Consumer Commission has recalled MADE 4 TOTS Chicken Corn Puffs sold at Clicks stores after a batch tested positive for Listeria contamination.
Image: Supplied
March 6, 2026 – Nutricia Aptamil Nutribiotik 2 and Aptajunior Nutribiotik 3 (2,989 units): Raw materials may carry traces of the cereulide toxin, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
March 6, 2026 – RCL Dry Pet Foods (115,045 cases): Various pet foods (e.g., Bobtail, Catmor, Canine Cuisine) were recalled after condemned batches were linked to potential Salmonella contamination, posing health risks to pets and the humans handling the food.
The following products are affected by the recall.
Image: Supplied by the National Consume Commission
March 5, 2026 – VW Polo Vivo (25,729 vehicles): The rivet height on the handbrake lever may fall outside specifications, causing the handbrake to not engage properly or disengage unexpectedly on inclines.
More than 25,000 vehicles were recalled after Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) notified the National Consumer Commission (NCC) about a potential safety defect in certain Volkswagen Polo Vivo models.
Image: Supplied
February 9, 2026 – ButtaNutt Peanut Butter products: Affected products contained higher-than-legally-acceptable levels of aflatoxin, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
The National Consumer Commission has recalled the ButtaNutt peanut butter.
Image: NCC
February 2, 2026 – Renault Kwid (1,393 vehicles): A velocity calculation sensitivity may trigger a dashboard warning light affecting system performance. This was a product trade recall, meaning the software update was addressed before the vehicles reached consumers.
January 22, 2026 – MG MG3 (209 vehicles): Inertia forces in a collision might cause the driver's seat cushion frame to contact the unlocking mechanism, allowing the seat to move along its rail and increasing the risk of injury.
January 14, 2026 – Hino 700 Series trucks (58 vehicles): The fuel pump housing underwent an inappropriate surface treatment during production, leading to cracks and fuel leaks.
January 7, 2026 – VOLVO EX30 (372 vehicles): The high-voltage battery may overheat when charged to a high level, potentially resulting in a thermal event that poses a fire risk.
January 7, 2026 – NAN Special Pro HA Infant Formula 800g: Recalled over the potential presence of Cereulide, a toxin produced by the Bacillus cereus bacteria
The National Consumer Commission recently announced the recall of a batch of NAN Special Pro HA infant formula due to safety concerns, one of several recalls this year.
Image: Facebook
What is the difference between a product recall/product safety recall and a product trade recall?
Product Recalls / Product Safety Recalls: These apply to products already distributed to the market and sold to consumers. Consumers are required to take action, such as returning food items to the store for a refund or taking affected vehicles to authorised dealerships for free inspections and repairs.
Product Trade Recalls: This happens when an issue is identified, but the product has not yet reached consumers' hands. For example, the 1,393 Renault Kwid vehicles underwent a trade recall to update the software before the distributor released the vehicles to the public
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