NADA says recall notices do not mean vehicles are poorly made

A vehicle recall is a precautionary measure taken by a manufacturer when a potential quality or safety concern is identified in a specific batch of vehicle components. To prevent a component from failing on the road, manufacturers issue recall notifications so that the affected parts can be inspected, updated or replaced. Where a vehicle is maintained within the franchised dealership network, the corrective work can be carried out when the car is booked in for a repair or a scheduled service.

Owners of older vehicles face a greater risk of missing these updates, particularly where the vehicle is no longer covered by an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) warranty or is serviced outside the franchised dealership network.

"When a car is booked into a franchised dealership for routine servicing or repairs, the service advisor would typically check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) against the manufacturer's central database for any open recalls," explains Ashley Samuel, National Director of NADA.

"If there's an open recall, the dealership carries out the required work seamlessly. However, if a vehicle is maintained through an independent workshop, that automated process might not be present. That is why we strongly encourage car owners, particularly those who service their vehicle outside the franchised dealership network, to take a proactive step and check their vehicle's status."

Key facts about recalls:

• Recalls reflect a commitment to quality and safety: A recall notice does not mean a vehicle is inherently dangerous or poorly made. Instead, it reflects a commitment by car makers to monitor vehicle performance in real world conditions and to implement improvements.
• All recall work is free to the owner: Every aspect of a factory recall, including parts, diagnostic testing and specialised labour, is covered by the vehicle manufacturer. Owners are not charged for work done under an official recall campaign, whether the vehicle is a used model or out of warranty.
• Quick and convenient resolutions: Most technical reworks involve minor software updates or straightforward component swaps that are completed relatively quickly, with minimal inconvenience to the owner.

Manufacturers also make it simple for motorists to check whether their vehicle needs a technical update. Most brands have a recalls checking tool on their websites, where owners can enter the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), found on the licence disc or registration documents, to see any active recall notices.

Motorists can also call or visit any franchised dealership for their vehicle's brand to have the VIN checked against the manufacturer's recalls database. If an open recall is found, the dealership will order the required parts if necessary and book an appointment to complete the work free of charge.

"Taking five minutes to check your VIN on a manufacturer portal or reaching out to a local franchised dealership ensures your vehicle benefits from the latest engineering refinements, keeping you and your family safe on the road," Ashley says.

Recalls in South Africa in 2026:

Dealerfloor had a look at the National Consumer Commission (NCC) published recall notices that manufacturers submit in South Africa.

At least 29 000 vehicles are covered by South African vehicle recall campaigns issued by the NCC for 2026. The true total is higher because several NCC recall notices do not disclose the number of affected vehicles, while some campaigns are follow-up actions rather than entirely new recalls.

• These figures come from NCC notices and media reports and are not an official total.