Motorists driving certain Toyota and Lexus models are being urged to act immediately following the National Consumer Commission (NCC) ‘s announcement of a nationwide safety recall affecting more than 6,500 vehicles. 

According to the NCC, the suppliers of the vehicles in question have identified a software fault in the Parking Assist Electronic Control Unit (ECU) used for rear-view camera images.  

“The supplier identified that the software in the Parking Assist ECU may cause the rear-view image to briefly freeze when reverse gear is selected shortly after the vehicle is started. In some instances, the rear-view image may fail to display entirely,” said the NCC’s Pheto Ntaba.  

4,858 Toyota models manufactured between 2022 and 2025 are being recalled, namely the Toyota Crown, Land Cruiser 300 (LC300), Land Cruiser Prado, RAV4 and bZ4X. 

1,667 Lexus vehicles sold across South Africa between 2021 and 2025 are being recalled for the same software issue.  

The affected Lexus models include the ES, GX, LC500, LX500/700, LX600/500d, NX, RX, RZ and UX. 

The NCCs’ Pheto Ntaba said this fault may increase the risk of collisions.  

“As a result, drivers may not have a clear view of the area behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a collision or accident during a backing event.” 

Owners of affected vehicles are urged to take their vehicles to any authorised Toyota or Lexus dealership for inspection. Any required software updates or repairs will be carried out free of charge. 

Consumers seeking further information can contact the NCC via email at ProductRecall@thencc.org.za. 

This NCC also announced a recall of certain Hyundai Tucson vehicles earlier this week.

There was a similar recall on Land Rover Defender and Jaguar I-Pace vehicles earlier this year.