Chery recalls 23 667 cars, including Tiggo 4, Omoda C5 and Tiggo 8

Update, 10 November, 18:45: The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has published its own recall notice covering 23 667 Chery vehicles. It adds 3 474 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0 vehicles built from 20 May 2026 onwards, over a separate brake problem. The NCC's dates for the axle recall also differ from Chery's statement (Sowetan, News24). Details below.

Chery Group South Africa is recalling 20 193 cars to check their rear axles: 17 508 Chery Tiggo 4 Pro and 2 685 Omoda C5 units built between 6 June 2022 and 31 December 2023 (Engineering News).

The problem is a possible weak weld between the rear axle's trailing arm and sleeve. Chery says that "in extreme and rare circumstances" the weld could fail and separate, which could affect wheel control and raise the risk of a crash (Engineering News). Dealers will inspect affected cars and replace the complete rear axle free of charge where needed (IOL).

Which cars are part of the Chery recall?

Figures from Chery Group South Africa (Engineering News, TopAuto).

The NCC's notice gives the same unit numbers but different dates: Tiggo 4 cars made available for sale between 17 October 2023 and 27 March 2024, and Omoda C5 cars sold between February 2023 and July 2026 (Sowetan). Because the date ranges don't match, the VIN checker is the surest way to know if your car is included.

Is the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max also recalled?

Yes, but for a different fault. The NCC says 3 474 Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0 vehicles built from 20 May 2026 onwards may have a front brake pipe that touches the turbocharger. That can wear the pipe and leak brake fluid, which reduces braking and lengthens stopping distances (Sowetan). Together with the axle recall, that brings the total to 23 667 vehicles (News24).

If you think your car is unsafe to drive, the NCC says to contact an authorised Chery dealer or Chery's contact centre to arrange towing (Sowetan).

Being on the list doesn't mean your car has a faulty axle. Chery calls it a precautionary recall covering cars that may have been fitted with an axle from the affected production batch (TopAuto). Both models are no longer made, and the versions on sale in South Africa now aren't affected (Cars.co.za). The Tiggo 4 Pro has since been replaced by the Tiggo 4 Cross (Cars.co.za).

How do I check if my car is recalled?

You'll need your vehicle identification number (VIN). It's on your licence disc and registration papers.

Checkers named by Chery Group SA (IOL, BusinessDay).

Owners of cars flagged as possibly affected will also get a message asking them to contact or visit their nearest authorised dealer for an inspection (Engineering News).

Will I pay for the repair?

No. Chery says inspections and repairs are done at no cost, replacement parts are available in South Africa, and recall work will be prioritised (IOL, Cars.co.za).

Why is Chery recalling these cars now?

The South African campaign is part of a wider recall. BusinessDay reports that 53 882 Tiggo and Omoda units are being recalled in China after an Omoda 5's rear axle came off while being driven in Malaysia on 6 October, and that Malaysia's Road Transport Department suspended the model's type approval while it investigates (BusinessDay). The Omoda C5 is sold as the Omoda 5 in some other markets.

What does the National Consumer Commission say?

The commission urged owners to respond to the recall. Acting commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu also said the NCC opened a separate investigation into Chery in October 2026 over allegations that some vehicles were recalled without the commission being told, and that the probe is ongoing (BusinessDay). News24 reports that the NCC said an earlier email from Chery was a request for a recall form, not an official recall notice (News24). Chery's response to the investigation wasn't included in the reports.