Auto industry union warns of road safety risks following Jaguar Land Rover recall

Recall Models and Validity Period

The recall covers Jaguar F-Pace, Land Rover Defender, Land Rover Discovery, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and Range Rover Velar models sold in South Africa between March 2024 and April 2026. Owners of affected vehicles are advised to visit the nearest authorized Jaguar Land Rover dealership for a free inspection and replacement of the FEAD roller.

Union Appeals and General Situation

MISA stated that every recall serves as a reminder of the vital role technical specialists play in ensuring public safety. Martle Cather, MISA's Chief Operating Officer, noted: 'Any defect that compromises road safety must be treated as urgent. MISA believes that every recall reminds us of the crucial role workers play in maintaining safety standards. Every technician performing repairs under the recall contributes to safer roads and strengthens public trust in our sector.'

The union called on employers in the automotive industry to support technical specialists during recall campaigns by providing them with adequate training, resources, and recognition. It also stressed that manufacturers, workers, and consumers share a collective responsibility for maintaining road safety in South Africa and upholding confidence in the automotive sector.

Scale of Safety Issues

This measure is part of a broader increase in vehicle recalls monitored by the NCC in recent months. This year, over 40,000 vehicles from manufacturers such as Toyota, Lexus, Volkswagen, MG, Ford, Hyundai, and Jeep have been recalled in South Africa. Recalls have covered various defects, including faulty Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valves, malfunctioning wipers, seatbelt attachment issues, and battery overheating risks.

Earlier this year, the NCC also recalled some Land Rover Defender and Jaguar I-PACE models due to specific safety concerns. These included the third-row seatbelt mounting bracket, which features a welded pin that may not meet required strength specifications, and a high-voltage traction battery defect in the Jaguar I-PACE that could cause thermal overload and, in rare cases, smoke or fire. As a temporary measure, I-PACE owners were advised to limit battery charging to 90% until repairs were completed.

MISA believes that the growing number of recall campaigns should not be viewed solely as a reputational problem for vehicle manufacturers, but also as an opportunity to acknowledge the skilled technical specialists responsible for carrying out critical safety repair work.