The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has announced a recall of 879 vehicles across three brands — Audi, Hyundai and Toyota Hino — after safety defects were identified affecting seat belts and truck mounting components.

The recall covers 235 Audi Q3 models, 162 Hyundai Santa Fe MX5 HEV vehicles and 482 Hino 700 truck tractors.

NCC spokesperson Phetho Ntaba has called on owners of the affected vehicles to bring them to their respective dealerships for inspection and, where necessary, repairs.

Audi South Africa, a division of Volkswagen Group Africa, is recalling 235 Q3 units that were sold nationally through its approved dealer network from 16 April 2026. The issue relates to the front seat belts, where the webbing may not have been properly threaded through the metal eyelet on the lap belt tensioner. The NCC warned that this fault could mean the seat belt is not properly connected to the vehicle's load-bearing structure, compromising its effectiveness in a crash.

Hyundai Automotive South Africa is recalling 162 units of its Santa Fe MX5 HEV, sold through dealerships during 2025. In this case, the defect involves a possible misalignment of the front seat belt's snap-on anchor, which could alter the belt's positioning and create a safety risk for occupants in the event of a collision.

Toyota South Africa Motors has also issued a recall for 482 Hino 700 truck tractors sold through its dealer network between 17 April 2023 and 17 January 2025. According to the NCC, the problem stems from a bolt fracture that occurred during the vehicles' production-line assembly. This may have resulted in fractures to the fifth-wheel coupler securing bolts and the mounting plate securing bolts, which could compromise the secure mounting of these critical components.

The NCC has urged all owners of the affected Audi, Hyundai and Hino vehicles to get in touch with their dealerships to find out whether their specific vehicle falls under the recall. Those affected are advised to arrange inspections and any required repairs as soon as possible to avoid safety risks on the road.

The commission reiterated that such recalls are part of standard consumer protection measures, aimed at ensuring that manufacturers address faults before they lead to accidents or injuries. Motorists driving any of the listed models have been encouraged to act promptly once notified by their respective dealerships.

Source: Jacaranda FM

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