Volkswagen Group Africa is recalling 291 Amarok bakkies in South Africa because the spare-wheel winch cable can fail, allowing the spare wheel to detach from the vehicle. The National Consumer Commission (NCC) announced the recall on 5 October 2026. Owners should check their vehicle identification number (VIN) with Volkswagen and arrange the free recall work if their vehicle is affected.
Information checked: 8 October 2026. This is a safety recall explainer, not a substitute for Volkswagen’s VIN-specific instructions.
For useful South African motoring updates, follow @motordeal_premium and @motordealpremium on Instagram.
According to the NCC, corrosion can develop between the zinc-coated spare-wheel winch cable and the aluminium crimp sleeve. If that connection deteriorates, the cable may break and the spare wheel may separate from the bakkie.
A loose wheel on a public road can create a serious collision risk for the Amarok’s occupants and other road users. Treat any recall notification as important even if the vehicle appears to drive normally.
The sale date alone does not confirm whether a specific bakkie is included. Recall campaigns are identified by VIN, so verify the vehicle directly with Volkswagen Group Africa or an authorised Volkswagen dealer.
No DIY repair is recommended. Do not rely on a visual inspection, cable tie, improvised strap or home repair as a substitute for the recall. Corrosion may not be obvious, and the approved remedy must be completed by an authorised dealership.
If the spare wheel looks loose, hangs unusually low or the carrier appears damaged, stop using the vehicle until Volkswagen or a qualified recovery professional advises that it is safe to move. Do not crawl under a vehicle supported only by its factory jack.
The NCC notice directs affected owners to authorised Volkswagen dealerships for inspection and replacement. Recall remedies are normally performed without charging the consumer for the recall-related repair; confirm the booking and scope with the dealer.
Ask the seller for the VIN and proof of completed recall campaigns before purchase. A recall does not automatically make a vehicle a poor buy, but an unresolved safety campaign should be completed promptly. Include it alongside service-history, accident-history and finance checks.
Browse our current showroom, learn about vehicle finance, request a trade-in assessment, or contact Motordeal Premium.
Follow the Motordeal Premium Facebook page and share this safety notice with an Amarok owner.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
