Seatbelts, brakes, and faulty tools spark urgent safety warnings

If you’re behind the wheel of a VW Golf GTI, a Volvo plug-in hybrid, or a heavy-duty Hino truck in South Africa, it might be time to park it and call your dealership.

This week, the National Consumer Commission (NCC) confirmed multiple vehicle recalls from Volkswagen South Africa, Volvo Cars SA, and Toyota SA. Each involves serious safety risks that could endanger drivers, passengers and pedestrians.

Here’s what you need to know.

Faulty Seatbelts in VW Golf Models Could Be Deadly

Volkswagen South Africa is recalling 159 units of its Golf 8 R 2.0 TSI and Golf 8 GTI 2.0 TSI, sold between 16 April and 30 June 2025. The issue? A sewing fault in the front passenger seatbelt.

The seatbelt may not be correctly anchored to its lower point, weakening its function in a crash. That could turn what should be a lifesaving feature into a fatal flaw.

This is particularly worrying in South Africa, where speeding and high-impact collisions are common on both urban and national roads. Motorists with affected models are urged to book an inspection with an approved dealership immediately, it’s free.

Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrids Have Brake Glitches

Volvo has also raised the alarm, this time about 26 of its flagship XC90 plug-in hybrids from the 2025 and 2026 model years.

According to the manufacturer, braking functionality may temporarily cut out when the vehicle is in ‘B’ mode (for battery regeneration) or when using One Pedal Drive, particularly after coasting downhill.

While electric cars are marketed for their convenience and sustainability, this issue strikes at the heart of safety. A moment without brakes, especially in SA’s hilly urban areas or winding highways, could be disastrous.

Toyota’s Hino Trucks Can’t Be Released from Park Mode

Toyota SA is recalling a staggering 6,739 Hino 500 series trucks made between 2017 and 2024. The problem? A simple but critical oversight, the wrong cage bolt spanner was included in the toolkit (or not included at all).

While the handbrake works fine under normal conditions, drivers may be unable to release the brake in a breakdown situation, rendering the vehicle immobile.

This could lead to major disruptions for commercial fleets and freight operators across Gauteng, Durban and Cape Town, especially with SA’s delivery and logistics industry under pressure from crime and delays.

Social Media Reacts: ‘Do They Test These Cars Anymore?’

South Africans have taken to X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook to vent their frustration:

“Another recall? Is this a trend now? Makes you think twice before upgrading.”
– @NkosiSpeed

“Love my GTI but this seatbelt thing is scary. Already booked mine in.”
– @JHBDriverLife

Others are asking why so many recalls are happening at once. According to NCC Acting Commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu, recalls are rising as part of a broader trend and the agency is now monitoring manufacturers more closely.

“We’ve noted the recent rise in motor vehicle recalls and are engaging affected suppliers to get clarity. Our top priority is consumer safety,” Ratshisusu said in a statement.

Here’s What to Do If You Own One of These Cars

1. Check your model and manufacturing dates: These are usually listed on your car papers or inside the driver-side door.

2. Call your nearest approved dealership: Inspections and fixes are free of charge.

3. Don’t delay: Faulty components may not seem urgent, until it’s too late.

For thousands of drivers, these defects could be the difference between a close call and a catastrophe. Whether you’re hauling goods cross-country or simply driving to school, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

{Source: George Herald}

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