When a driver of a Land Cruiser Prado turns the key and the digital display stays dark, the warning lights for oil pressure, coolant temperature and battery charge may never appear. The National Consumer Commission (NCC) says that a software glitch in the 3D graphics micro-controller can cause exactly that, and it has ordered a recall of the affected vehicles.
According to the NCC, the recall covers 2,279 Prado models sold between December 2023 and August 2025. The problem lies in the meter’s startup routine: the graphics controller may not initialise fully, leaving the combination meter blank and silencing critical alerts. The commission warned that drivers could miss early signs of engine trouble, increasing the chance of a breakdown or damage.
Other models caught in the safety net
Jeep’s Grand Cherokee is also on the list. Stellantis South Africa confirmed that 255 Grand Cherokee units sold from 2023 to 2025 may have been built with software that lets a side-airbag pressure sensor stay faulty for the life of the vehicle. The NCC explained that a lingering fault could delay side-airbag deployment in a crash, reducing protection for front-seat occupants.
The same sensor issue appears in two Lexus models, the GX and the UX-41, with 41 vehicles affected. Those cars were sold between April 2024 and September 2025. A delayed side-airbag could raise the risk of injury in certain collisions, the commission said.
All owners are urged to bring their cars to the nearest authorised dealership immediately. The NCC stressed that any corrective work will be carried out at no cost to the consumer.
Why does this matter to a small business owner or an entrepreneur? If your company relies on any of the recalled models for transport, delivery or client visits, a sudden service interruption could affect schedules and cash flow. The recall also highlights the importance of staying up-to-date with safety notices, a missed alert can turn a routine trip into a costly repair.
Vehicle recalls are not new in South Africa, but the NCC’s involvement signals a stricter enforcement stance. In the past year, the commission has issued several safety notices covering a range of brands, reflecting growing consumer protection activity in the automotive sector. For businesses, the message is clear: monitor NCC releases and maintain a record of vehicle registrations to act quickly when a recall is announced.
If you own one of the affected models, the steps are simple: call your dealer, book an appointment, and let the technicians update the software or replace the faulty air-bag module. Keep a copy of the service invoice, it proves the repair was done at no charge and may be useful for insurance or resale purposes.
For more information, visit the NCC’s official recall page or the manufacturers’ South African websites. Staying informed can prevent a minor software error from becoming a major safety issue.
BusinessTech reported that Toyota, Lexus and Stellantis jointly announced the recall of 2,575 vehicles, confirming the figures already outlined for the Land Cruiser Prado, Grand Cherokee, GX and UX-41. Of the 255 Grand Cherokee units in the recall, Stellantis South Africa said four have so far been confirmed by the manufacturer as actually carrying the faulty sensor, a distinction from the wider recall population still being inspected. The manufacturers stressed that the recall will be executed at no charge to owners and that the software updates will be applied by authorised service centres across the country. This coordinated announcement underscores the collaborative effort between the brands and the National Consumer Commission to address the safety faults.
The National Consumer Commission explained that the Airbag Control Unit module on the affected Grand Cherokee models may contain software that allows transient door-airbag pressure sensor faults to remain active for the sensor’s lifetime, potentially delaying side-airbag deployment. BusinessTech highlighted that the same software flaw is present in the GX and UX-41, where a faulty sensor could similarly postpone air-bag activation. The NCC warned that such a delay could reduce front-seat occupant protection in certain crash scenarios, raising the risk of injury for vehicle occupants. These technical details clarify why the recall targets both the meter display and the air-bag systems.
In South Africa, a vehicle recall follows a formal notification by the regulator, after which manufacturers must submit a remediation plan and provide free repairs at authorised dealerships. Owners receive a letter or electronic notice and are required to book an appointment within a stipulated period. The NCC monitors compliance by checking that repairs are completed and that service records are filed, ensuring that no consumer bears the cost of fixing a manufacturer-origin defect. For business owners, understanding this timeline helps minimise disruption to fleet operations and maintain compliance with safety standards.
Looking ahead, businesses should keep a close eye on future NCC safety notices and maintain an up-to-date register of vehicle identification numbers for all fleet assets. Monitoring the NCC’s official recall page and subscribing to manufacturer alerts can provide early warning of any new defects. Companies may also consider incorporating recall checks into routine maintenance schedules, reducing the risk of unexpected downtime. As the regulator continues to enforce stricter oversight, staying proactive will help protect both staff safety and operational continuity.
