More than 25,000 Volkswagen Polo Vivo vehicles have been recalled in South Africa due to a potential handbrake defect that could pose a safety risk.

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) announced on Thursday that 25,729 vehicles are affected by the recall.

The vehicles were sold nationally between February 2025 and February 2026, according to the commission.

Handbrake may not engage properly

Manufacturer Volkswagen Group Africa informed the NCC that the rivet height on the handbrake lever in the affected vehicles may be outside the required specification.

If this happens, the handbrake may not engage correctly or could unexpectedly disengage, particularly when the vehicle is parked on a slope.

Authorities say this could create a potential safety hazard, especially if a vehicle rolls while parked.

What owners should do

Owners of the affected vehicles are urged to take precautionary steps until their vehicles are inspected.

Drivers should:

• Park the vehicle with extra precautions, such as leaving it in first gear for manual cars or “P” for automatic vehicles.
• Avoid parking on slopes (uphill or downhill) until the inspection and any necessary repairs have been completed.
• The NCC says vehicle owners should take their cars to any authorised Volkswagen dealership as soon as possible.

Free inspection and repairs

Acting Commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu urged affected motorists to act quickly.

“Given the high potential risks of the defect, owners of affected vehicles are urged to immediately get their vehicles to any authorised VW dealership for inspection,” he said.

Volkswagen confirmed that all inspections and repairs related to the recall will be done at no cost to vehicle owners.

The NCC says it will continue monitoring the recall to ensure compliance with consumer protection laws and to safeguard motorists.