Mercedes and Alfa Romeo Recall Sparked by Safety Flaws
PRETORIA — The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has issued an urgent notification to South African motorists regarding the recall of specific Mercedes-Benz trucks and Alfa Romeo Tonale passenger vehicles. The recall, initiated by Daimler Truck Southern Africa Limited and Stellantis South Africa, follows the discovery of critical manufacturing defects that could lead to accidents or vehicle fires.
Daimler Truck Southern Africa Limited has flagged 153 trucks for recall, including the Mercedes-Benz Atego 967, Actros 963, Arocs 964, and eActros 983 models. These vehicles, sold nationwide from 2022 onwards, are equipped with steering components that may have been manufactured incorrectly. The supplier, ZF Friedrichshafen AG, disclosed that certain ball joints did not undergo the required hardening process, leading to insufficient material strength.
According to the NCC, this defect causes increased wear on steering components. Over time, these parts may fracture, particularly during low-speed maneuvers when high steering force is applied. If a fracture occurs, the vehicle could become unsteerable, creating a significant risk of collision for heavy-duty operators and other road users.
Simultaneously, Stellantis South Africa is recalling 141 Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles fitted with 1.5-litre engines. These cars were sold between March 2022 and March 2026. The technical issue involves engine misfires that could cause connecting rods to bend or break, leading to severe engine damage. In extreme cases, this failure could result in a vehicle fire while the car is in motion.
To rectify the issues, Daimler and Stellantis have committed to inspecting and repairing all affected vehicles at no cost to the owners. For the Alfa Romeo Tonale, the fix involves an update to the engine control module software. Truck owners will have steering components replaced where necessary. The NCC, an agency of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, emphasized that consumer safety remains the priority in these self-disclosed recalls.
Owners of the affected models are urged to contact their nearest authorized dealerships immediately to schedule an inspection. The scale of the recall highlights the importance of rigorous manufacturing standards and the role of the NCC in monitoring product safety across South Africa’s automotive sector.
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