Mercedes-Benz, Alfa Romeo vehicles recalled over safety risks

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has announced the recall of selected Mercedes-Benz trucks and Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles after defects were identified that could increase the risk of crashes and vehicle fires. The recalls affect 153 Mercedes-Benz trucks and 141 Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles sold in South Africa. The NCC said Daimler Truck Southern Africa Limited is recalling certain Mercedes-Benz Atego 967, Actros 963, Arocs 964 and eActros 983 trucks sold nationwide from 2022 onwards.

The recall follows a self-disclosure by supplier ZF Friedrichshafen AG, which identified a potential manufacturing defect in the ball joints fitted to the steering components. According to the commission, some steering components may not have undergone the required hardening process during manufacturing, leaving them susceptible to premature wear. Over time, the steering components could weaken and fracture, particularly during low-speed manoeuvres that require high steering force.

“If this occurs, the vehicle may no longer be steerable, and there would be a risk of accident,” the NCC said. The second recall affects Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles fitted with 1.5-litre engines that were sold nationwide between March 2022 and March 2026. The NCC said the vehicles could suffer engine damage caused by bent or broken connecting rods resulting from engine misfires. “In the worst case, this could cause a fire in the vehicle while driving.”