Volkswagen Group Africa has initiated a nationwide recall of 25,729 Polo Vivo vehicles due to a potential defect in the handbrake lever that could prevent it from engaging properly or cause it to disengage unexpectedly. The affected models were manufactured and sold between February 2025 and February 2026, prompting the National Consumer Commission (NCC) to urge owners to contact their nearest dealerships immediately for a free inspection and repair.
The issue stems from the rivet height on the handbrake lever being outside the required specifications, which poses a safety risk, particularly when parking on inclines. NCC spokesperson Pheto Ntaba emphasized the importance of prompt action, advising motorists to minimize parking on uphill or downhill slopes until the fix is completed. “The repair should take only a few hours, so book your vehicle in as soon as possible,” Ntaba stated, noting that while the number of affected cars is significant, dealerships are prepared to handle the process efficiently.
Volkswagen has proactively notified the NCC and assured customers that all repairs will be conducted at no cost. Owners can verify if their vehicle is impacted by checking the manufacturing date or contacting a Volkswagen dealership directly. This recall underscores ongoing efforts to prioritize vehicle safety in South Africa, where the Polo Vivo remains one of the country’s most popular budget hatchbacks. Further updates will be provided as the recall progresses.