JOHANNESBURG – The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has announced a new round of vehicle safety recalls affecting hundreds of Nissan, Toyota and Lexus vehicles sold in South Africa, warning that the defects could result in fuel leaks or sudden engine failure while driving.
In a statement issued on 22 July 2026, the commission said the affected models are the Nissan Qashqai, Toyota Land Cruiser 300 and Lexus LX600. The vehicles were sold through authorised Nissan and Toyota dealerships in South Africa, with some also exported to Botswana and Namibia.
Nissan expands Qashqai recall
Nissan is recalling a further 314 Qashqai vehicles as an extension of a larger recall launched in October 2025, when 1,688 vehicles were called back over the same defect.
According to the NCC, the issue relates to the way the fuel pipe is secured in the engine compartment. During normal engine operation, the fuel pipe can move within its retaining clip, causing it to rub against surrounding components over time.
The commission warned that continued wear could eventually perforate the fuel pipe, resulting in a fuel leak.
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Nissan has advised the NCC that it has now introduced a permanent repair to replace the interim solution applied during the previous recall.
The affected Qashqai models were sold between 4 May 2021 and 17 September 2024.
Fuel leaks are regarded as one of the more serious vehicle defects because of the increased risk of fire, particularly under demanding driving conditions.
Toyota and Lexus recall over engine contamination
Toyota is recalling 507 Land Cruiser 300 vehicles, while Lexus South Africa is recalling 124 LX600 SUVs after a manufacturing defect was identified in the V35A engine fitted to both models.
The NCC said machining debris may not have been completely removed during production, allowing contaminants to remain inside the engine.
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Over time, the debris can damage the crankshaft main bearings, potentially causing engine knocking, rough running, difficulty starting or complete engine failure.
The commission warned that if the engine stalls while the vehicle is in motion, motorists could lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash, particularly at higher speeds.
The affected Toyota Land Cruiser 300 vehicles were sold between 13 December 2022 and 7 May 2024, while the affected Lexus LX600 models were sold between 15 December 2022 and 7 May 2024. Some of these vehicles were also exported to Botswana and Namibia.
Owners urged to act promptly
The NCC has urged owners of affected vehicles to book an inspection at their nearest authorised Nissan or Toyota dealership as soon as possible. Any necessary repairs will be carried out free of charge.
Motorists can confirm whether their vehicle is included in the recall by contacting an authorised dealership and providing their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Consumers requiring additional information can email the NCC’s recall unit at ProductRecall@thencc.org.za.
The commission emphasised that the recall applies only to vehicles manufactured within the specified production periods and does not affect every Nissan Qashqai, Toyota Land Cruiser 300 or Lexus LX600 currently on South African roads. Owners are encouraged to verify their vehicle’s status with an authorised dealer rather than assume it is included in the campaign.
