2025 models of the Ford Ranger XLT and Wildtrak have been recalled for faults that could see them stall at slow speeds.
More than 500 mostly bakkies and trucks have been recalled by Ford and Toyota for manufacturing faults that may cause accidents – in one case, because driving slowly might cause engine failure.
Toyota is recalling 58 Hino 700 series heavy-duty trucks for a fuel pump defect that can lead to fuel leaks. The recall, announced by the National Consumer Commission (NCC), is for trucks sold between 4 February and 9 November 2025.
“The affected vehicles have a defect in that the fuel pump housing has an inappropriate surface treatment process done during production. Cracks may develop when repeated high loads are applied to the supply pump, resulting in a fuel leak.”
Meanwhile, 438 Ford Ranger XLT and Wildtrak bakkies are recalled for a problem that may cause engine power loss, but only when travelling slower than 24 km/h. It affects the 2025 model sold between 18 February and 18 March 2025.
“According to Ford, the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve in some of the affected vehicles may fail, which may result in a loss of engine power, typically at speeds below 24 km/h. Drivers may also experience warning indicators such as a check engine light appearing on the dashboard, weak acceleration, engine vibration, or the engine failing to start.”
Ford is also recalling 26 older Ford Puma passenger cars for the second time. The vehicles sold between 28 April 2022 and 25 September 2023 were previously recalled, but the remedy software may not have been correctly installed, meaning the original fault with the cars’ restraint control system may still exist.
Owners are urged to take their vehicles to a Toyota or Ford dealer to have problems fixed at no charge.
Vehicle recalls have increased dramatically over the past few years, to the extent that NCC Acting Commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu has flagged it as concerning.
However, the recalls are predominantly preemptive and, so far, have not been linked to specific incidents, injuries or deaths.
More than 50 000 vehicles were recalled in 2025, including BMW and Stellantis brands. Among the biggest recalls was that, in March 2026, more than 25 000 Volkswagen Polo Vivos were recalled for handbrake problems.
