By Zuko Komisa

- The National Consumer Commission has issued urgent recalls for 153 Mercedes-Benz trucks and 141 Alfa Romeo Tonale models nationwide.
- The recalls address severe steering component failure risks in Mercedes-Benz trucks and engine fire hazards in Alfa Romeo vehicles.
- Authorised dealerships will carry out all inspections, software updates, and repairs free of charge for affected owners.
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has notified South African consumers of safety recalls affecting specific Mercedes-Benz trucks and Alfa Romeo Tonale passenger vehicles.
Issued by Daimler Truck Southern Africa Limited and Stellantis South Africa, the recalls address manufacturing defects that could lead to loss of vehicle control or severe engine damage.
Daimler Truck Southern Africa is recalling 153 Mercedes-Benz Atego, Actros, Arocs, and eActros trucks sold nationwide since 2022.
The recall stems from a manufacturing fault identified by component supplier ZF Friedrichshafen AG, where certain steering ball joints failed to undergo a critical hardening process.
Highlighting the gravity of the steering fault, the Commission warned:
“Over time, the components may lose strength and could fracture, particularly at low speeds when high steering force is required, such as during manoeuvring. If this occurs, the vehicle may no longer be steerable, and there would be a risk of accident.”
Simultaneously, Stellantis South Africa is recalling 141 Alfa Romeo Tonale 1.5-litre vehicles sold between March 2022 and March 2026.
The distributor warned that engine misfires could cause connecting rods to bend or break, damaging the engine block. In extreme cases, this component failure presents a distinct risk of an in-transit vehicle fire, which will be rectified via an engine control module software update.
The NCC has advised all affected owners to present their vehicles to authorised Daimler Truck or Stellantis dealerships for immediate inspection and repair.
All corrective work will be completed at no cost to consumers, and enquiries can be directed to [email protected].
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