Important Consumer Alert: Toyota Land Cruiser Recall Across COMESA Region
The COMESA Competition and Consumer Commission (COMESA CCC) has issued an urgent alert regarding the recall of 1,846 Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 vehicles sold in South Africa by Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM), a subsidiary of the renowned Japanese manufacturer, Toyota. These vehicles, sold between January 8, 2025, and January 16, 2026, are affected by a serious safety issue that warrants immediate attention.
Background of the Recall
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) of South Africa initiated the recall after identifying a critical transmission issue. If a solenoid failure occurs under specific driving conditions, both the Transmission Electronic Control Unit (T-ECU) and the Engine ECU may not detect or report the fault. This malfunction could lead to over-revving of the transmission in certain gears, risking damage to the entire transmission system and a potential loss of power while driving at high speeds. Additionally, there is a risk of fluid leakage from a damaged transmission housing, which could pose significant dangers such as crashes or fires if an ignition source is present.
Consumer Advisory Across COMESA Member States
Given that the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 series is available in multiple COMESA Member States, consumers throughout the region are being urged to exercise caution when purchasing these vehicles. It is crucial for owners to verify whether their vehicles fall within the recalled batch and to take the necessary steps for remedy.
Guidance from COMESA CCC
"The commission, in accordance with Regulation 66 of the COMESA Competition and Consumer Protection Regulations 2025, cautions the general public regarding the risks associated with these recalled vehicles. We highly advise consumers to be vigilant when considering the purchase of any affected models," stated the COMESA CCC in an official announcement.
Furthermore, the commission continues to advocate that consumers currently driving affected models check whether their vehicles are impacted and adhere to established guidelines to reach the nearest authorized dealership for assistance.
Collaborative Efforts for Consumer Safety
The COMESA CCC is actively collaborating with Toyota and COMESA Member States to ensure all affected vehicle owners are properly informed and assisted regarding this recall.
Steps for Vehicle Owners
Owners of the affected Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 are advised to visit authorized Toyota dealerships promptly. At these locations, the Transmission ECU will be reprogrammed at no cost, addressing the risk factors linked to the transmission issue. The NCC emphasizes the importance of prompt action to mitigate safety risks.
For further information, consumers can read about vehicle recalls on the official National Consumer Commission website.
Staying informed and proactive is critical to ensuring the safety of both drivers and passengers.
