Steering and engine defects prompt recall of Mercedes-Benz trucks and Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles

GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has notified consumers of product safety recalls involving certain Mercedes-Benz trucks and Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles.

The recalls were reported to the NCC by Daimler Truck Southern Africa Limited and Stellantis South Africa (Pty) Ltd.

Mercedes-Benz trucks affected

Daimler Truck Southern Africa is recalling 153 Mercedes-Benz Atego 967, Actros 963, Arocs 964 and eActros 983 trucks that were made available for sale nationwide from 2022 onwards.

The recall follows a self-disclosure by supplier ZF Friedrichshafen AG, which identified a potential manufacturing deviation involving ball joints installed in the steering components of affected vehicles.

According to the supplier, some components may not have undergone the prescribed hardening process during manufacturing, potentially resulting in insufficient material hardness.

This could lead to increased wear of steering components. Over time, the components could lose strength and fracture, particularly at low speeds when greater steering force is required, such as during manoeuvring.

Should a component fracture, the vehicle could become impossible to steer, increasing the risk of an accident.

Alfa Romeo Tonale recall

Stellantis South Africa is recalling 141 Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles equipped with a 1.5-litre engine.

The affected vehicles were made available for sale nationwide between March 2022 and March 2026.

According to the supplier, engine misfires could cause the connecting rods to bend or break, resulting in engine damage. In the worst-case scenario, this could cause a vehicle fire while driving.

To address the problem, the engine control module software will be updated.

Owners urged to visit dealerships

Owners of affected vehicles are urged to take them to their nearest authorised Daimler Truck or Stellantis dealership for inspection and the necessary corrective work.