Vehicle Recall Alert: Ford, Nissan and Citroën Owners Urged to Act Over Safety Defects

South African motorists have been put on high alert after the National Consumer Commission (NCC) confirmed that Ford, Nissan and Citroën have recalled several popular vehicle models due to potentially life-threatening defects.

The advisory, announced this week, urges owners of affected vehicles to act quickly, stressing that the recalls, while classified as voluntary, are considered urgent because of the safety risks involved.

Which Cars Are Affected?

The recalls cover a wide range of vehicles, from hatchbacks and SUVs to workhorse bakkies, manufactured between 2009 and 2025.

• Citroën C4, DS4 and DS5 (2009–2016): Defective airbag inflators that could rupture on deployment, firing metal fragments into the cabin.

• Nissan Qashqai (Sept 2021 – April 2024): A faulty battery connection that may loosen and overheat, raising the risk of fire or component failure.

• Ford models including Mustang, Everest, Ranger, Ecosport and Transit (2019–2025): Problems range from infotainment freezes and faulty rear-view camera displays to a transmission defect in the 2025 Ranger Wildtrak that could cause the vehicle to lurch unexpectedly.

Why This Matters

South Africa is no stranger to global recalls, but this latest announcement has struck a nerve with local drivers. The Citroën airbag issue echoes the infamous Takata scandal that led to millions of recalls worldwide, while Ford’s Ranger and Everest models remain some of the country’s most popular vehicles, used for both family and commercial purposes.

Social media reactions reflect growing frustration, with drivers demanding quicker communication from manufacturers. “We trust these cars with our families’ lives. Finding out about recalls through news reports instead of directly from dealerships is unacceptable,” one Johannesburg driver posted on X (formerly Twitter).

What Should You Do If You Own One?

The NCC is urging owners to take immediate action:

1. Check your vehicle on the manufacturer’s website or by calling your dealership.

2. Book a service appointment at an authorised dealer to carry out the fix.

3. Repairs are free – manufacturers are required to cover all costs.

Motorists can also consult the Ford South Africa, Nissan South Africa, Citroën South Africa websites or the NCC’s own portal to confirm if their car is affected.

A Reminder For Road Safety

While recalls may sound like an inconvenience, they are part of a global safety system designed to prevent tragic outcomes. Acting quickly could mean avoiding serious injury or worse.

As the NCC put it, these repairs are not optional: they’re a responsibility – to yourself, your passengers and every other driver sharing the road.

Source:The South African 

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