Chery is recalling 23,667 vehicles in South Africa over potential rear-axle welding and brake-pipe defects, while the country's consumer watchdog is also investigating allegations that the automaker failed to report some recalls, CnEVPost reported.
South Africa's National Consumer Commission, or NCC, announced the recall on November 10 and said it had opened a separate investigation in October. Acting commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu said the probe concerns allegations that Chery recalled certain vehicles without notifying the regulator.
The largest part of the recall covers 17,508 Tiggo 4 vehicles that were made available for sale nationwide between October 17, 2023, and March 27, 2024.
Information Chery provided to the NCC said those vehicles may have welding irregularities at the rear axle sleeve. That could cause the rear axle to dislodge and the rear suspension to collapse.
Another 2,685 Omoda C5 vehicles are being recalled for potential welding defects at the rear axle sleeve. The affected Omoda C5 vehicles were made available for sale nationwide between February 2023 and July 2026.
The recall also covers 3,474 Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0 vehicles manufactured from May 20, 2026, onwards. Their front brake pipes may come into contact with the turbocharger assembly, which could cause wear and possible brake-fluid leakage.
The NCC said that could reduce braking performance and increase stopping distances, potentially resulting in a collision, serious injury or death.
Verene Petersen, group communications manager for Chery South Africa, said the recall is a voluntary and precautionary measure and that not every vehicle included has a defect. She also said the necessary parts are already in South Africa, all repairs are free, and vehicles currently on sale are unaffected.
The NCC urged owners to visit authorized dealerships for inspections and repairs where necessary. Consumers can check their vehicle identification number on Chery's website to see whether their vehicle is affected.
If a vehicle cannot be driven safely, owners should contact an authorized Chery dealership or its contact center to arrange towing. All remedial work will be carried out free of charge.
Related recalls in China and Malaysia
The South African recall follows earlier Chery actions over rear-axle welding issues in other markets.
China's State Administration for Market Regulation announced on November 6 that Chery would recall 53,882 Tiggo 5x and Omoda-series vehicles starting on November 27 over potential rear-axle welding defects.
In October, Chery recalled 8,878 Omoda 5 vehicles in Malaysia after the rear axle of a 2023 model detached while it was being driven. That prompted the local regulator to suspend the model's certification and new registrations.
South Africa expansion and exports
The recall comes as Chery expands in South Africa. Including its Jetour, Omoda and Jaecoo brands, Chery ranked third in passenger-vehicle sales in South Africa in October.
Chery inaugurated its Rosslyn plant in South Africa, acquired from Nissan, in July. Under plans announced at the time, production is scheduled to begin in mid-2027, with annual capacity reaching 50,000 vehicles on a single shift once fully operational.
Overseas markets remain central to Chery's sales mix. Chery Group exported 1,751,766 vehicles in the first 10 months of 2026, up 64.8% year-on-year and accounting for about 70% of its total sales.
Its October overseas sales were 200,618 vehicles.
