Cars.co.za report offers interesting insights
Cars.co.za recently launched Industry Report 2026 at its DealerCon summit, offers insight into the forces shaping South Africa’s vehicle market.
- Dealer News
- 22 September 2026
Volkswagen’s popular locally build Polo Vivo is the latest vehicle in South Africa to be recalled this year.
Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) says it has informed the National Consumer Commission (NCC) of an issue affecting the handbrakes of Polo Vivos built during last year.
The issue has been detected in some Vivos built between February 2025 and February 2026. As a result of the issue affecting handbrake levers, the risk exists that handbrakes may not engage correctly or may disengage; as such, Volkswagen proactively reported the safety risk to its customers.
Customers who purchased their Vivos in the limited window affected, are advised to visit their nearest Volkswagen dealership for inspection of the vehicle and if necessary, for repairs at no cost.
Volkswagen will contact the owners of the affected vehicles. Alternatively, customers can contact the Customer Interaction Centre at 0860 434 737 or support@vwconnect.co.za .
Based on records from the National Consumer Commission (NCC) in South Africa, over 27 000 vehicles have been formally recalled between January 1, 2026, and early March 2026 according to reports.
The vast majority of these recalls are concentrated in a few major campaigns the NCC says:
Global automotive recalls in 2025 to 2026 are dominated by massive, ongoing Takata airbag safety campaigns, with major brands like Ford (12.9 million), Toyota (3.2 million), and Stellantis (2.7 million) reporting millions of affected vehicles. Other significant global recalls include Honda (1.5 million), Hyundai (1 million), and Tesla (745 000).
Cars.co.za recently launched Industry Report 2026 at its DealerCon summit, offers insight into the forces shaping South Africa’s vehicle market.
Nissan has introduced the Tekton, a new compact SUV for the South African market. The model is built on the Renault‑Nissan alliance’s CMF‑B platform and is closely related to the Renault Duster, sharing engines and mechanical components.
At the recent DealerCon 2026, hosted by Cars.co.za automotive excellence was celebrated by honouring top executives in the automotive retails industry.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Cars are the ultimate symbol of freedom, independence and individualism. They offer the freedom to ‘go anywhere,’ whenever it suits and with whom one chooses.
Sarah Redshaw
Car recalls often raise concern among owners, but the National Automobile Dealers' Association (NADA) says recall campaigns show that manufacturers are accountable and committed to quality, safety and customer care.
Affordability is driving a structural shift in South Africa’s vehicle market, with SUVs gaining significant ground as consumers increasingly seek competitively priced, well-equipped vehicles.
South Africa’s used car market continued to grow during the first half of 2026, despite pressure on household budgets and a 25 basis point interest rate increase in May.