Chery recall puts 23,667 South African vehicles under inspection

Chery owners in South Africa are being asked to check whether their vehicles are affected by a recall involving 23,667 units of the Tiggo 4, Omoda C5 and Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0. The recall follows the discovery of two defects. One concerns the rear axle on selected Tiggo 4 and Omoda C5 models. A welding problem could cause the axle to separate, potentially leading to the rear suspension collapsing while the vehicle is being driven.

The second affects the Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0. Its front brake pipe may come into contact with the turbocharger assembly. If the pipe wears through, brake fluid could leak and reduce the vehicle's braking ability. The Tiggo 4 accounts for most of the affected vehicles, with 17,508 units included in the recall. There are also 2,685 Omoda C5s and 3,474 Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0 models.

The next step for owners

Chery and Omoda owners can check their vehicle identification number (VIN) on the brands' South African websites or contact an authorised dealer. Repairs will be carried out free of charge. Chery has said parts for the rear-axle campaign are available locally.

That is the information owners need, but the practical side of the recall still has to be managed. Dealers will have to arrange inspections and repairs across thousands of vehicles. Some customers may be able to get an appointment quickly; others could face a wait, depending on the workshop and parts required. There is also the question of transport. People who rely on their vehicles for work, deliveries or family commitments will need clear advice on whether they can keep driving while waiting for an inspection. Anyone concerned about the safety of their vehicle should contact Chery or an authorised dealer before using it. The NCC has advised owners of potentially unsafe vehicles to arrange towing where necessary.

A test for Chery's dealer network

A recall involving this many vehicles is not something a manufacturer can manage through a notice on its website alone. Dealers need to reach owners, answer calls, arrange bookings and complete the work. The quality of that process will matter. Customers should not have to chase a dealership repeatedly for basic information, particularly when the issue involves brakes or suspension.

Chery has expanded its range and customer base in South Africa. That means its local service operation must be able to deal with problems across a growing number of vehicles. Workshop capacity, parts supply and communication all come into play during a recall of this size.

Questions over previous recalls

The latest campaign also comes while the National Consumer Commission (NCC) investigates allegations that some earlier Chery recalls were not reported to the commission. The investigation was opened in October 2026 and is separate from the current recall. No findings have been announced.

The NCC has a role in monitoring product recalls and making sure the relevant processes are followed. The investigation adds another issue for Chery to address as it deals with the vehicles currently included in the safety campaign. For owners, the immediate concern is whether their vehicle is affected and how soon it can be checked. For Chery, there are thousands of vehicles to account for and repairs to complete. The company will need to make sure customers are contacted and that the work is carried out properly. A recall is inconvenient at the best of times. When it involves a possible suspension failure or a brake-fluid leak, owners need more than reassurance. They need the problem fixed.