The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has announced the recall of certain Mercedes-Benz trucks and Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles sold in South Africa
The recalls affect 153 Mercedes-Benz trucks and 141 Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles, with safety concerns identified by suppliers.
Mercedes-Benz truck recall
Daimler Truck Southern Africa is recalling certain Mercedes-Benz Atego 967, Actros 963, Arocs 964 and eActros 983 trucks made available for sale nationwide from 2022 onwards.
The recall follows a self-disclosure by supplier ZF Friedrichshafen AG, which identified a possible manufacturing defect in ball joints used in the steering components of the affected trucks.
Some of the ball joints may not have undergone the required hardening process during manufacturing, leaving the material with insufficient hardness.
The defect could cause increased wear of the steering components. Over time, the components could weaken and fracture, particularly when high steering force is required at low speeds, such as during manoeuvring.
If a steering component fractures, the truck could become impossible to steer, creating a potential accident risk.
Alfa Romeo Tonale recall
Stellantis South Africa is also recalling 141 Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles fitted with 1.5-litre engines.
The affected vehicles were sold nationwide between March 2022 and March 2026.
According to the NCC, the vehicles may experience engine damage caused by connecting rods bending or breaking following an engine misfire.
In the worst-case scenario, the problem could result in a vehicle fire while driving.
The corrective action will involve updating the engine control module software.
Owners urged to contact dealerships
Owners of affected Mercedes-Benz trucks and Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles are urged to contact their nearest authorised Daimler Truck or Stellantis dealership to have their vehicles inspected and repaired.
The NCC said all corrective work related to the recalls will be carried out free of charge to consumers.
Consumers with questions about the recalls can contact the National Consumer Commission at [email protected].
The recalls affect 153 Mercedes-Benz trucks and 141 Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles, with safety concerns identified by suppliers.
Mercedes-Benz truck recall
Daimler Truck Southern Africa is recalling certain Mercedes-Benz Atego 967, Actros 963, Arocs 964 and eActros 983 trucks made available for sale nationwide from 2022 onwards.
The recall follows a self-disclosure by supplier ZF Friedrichshafen AG, which identified a possible manufacturing defect in ball joints used in the steering components of the affected trucks.
Some of the ball joints may not have undergone the required hardening process during manufacturing, leaving the material with insufficient hardness.
The defect could cause increased wear of the steering components. Over time, the components could weaken and fracture, particularly when high steering force is required at low speeds, such as during manoeuvring.
If a steering component fractures, the truck could become impossible to steer, creating a potential accident risk.
Alfa Romeo Tonale recall
Stellantis South Africa is also recalling 141 Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles fitted with 1.5-litre engines.
The affected vehicles were sold nationwide between March 2022 and March 2026.
According to the NCC, the vehicles may experience engine damage caused by connecting rods bending or breaking following an engine misfire.
In the worst-case scenario, the problem could result in a vehicle fire while driving.
The corrective action will involve updating the engine control module software.
Owners urged to contact dealerships
Owners of affected Mercedes-Benz trucks and Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles are urged to contact their nearest authorised Daimler Truck or Stellantis dealership to have their vehicles inspected and repaired.
The NCC said all corrective work related to the recalls will be carried out free of charge to consumers.
Consumers with questions about the recalls can contact the National Consumer Commission at [email protected].