Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has informed the National Consumer Commission (NCC) of an issue affecting the handbrakes of Polo Vivos built in the last year. This specifically includes some model variants of the Polo Vivo built between February 2025 and February 2026.

It seems there is a fault with the handbrake levers which intern affects the handbrakes ability to hold the brakes resulting in an unexpected disengaging of the holding mechanism. Since then VW has informed the NCC that the rivet height on the handbrake lever fitted to the affected vehicles may be outside the required specification but urges all who may be affected to remain calm and result to the following solution until the vehicle has been inspected and, where necessary, repaired :

Avoid parking on steep inclines or descents for more stable surfaces. When engaging the handbrake, simply engaging the first gear should act as an extra safety assurance that the car does not roll back and cause any harm. Do ensure to select "P" gear if the vehicle is Automatic.

The NCC is monitoring this recall closely to ensure full compliance with the Consumer Protection Act and to safeguard consumer rights. "Given the high potential risks of the defect, owners of affected vehicles are urged to immediately take their vehicles to any authorized VW dealership for inspection. Any inspection and associated repairs will be done at no cost to the vehicle owners," said Acting Commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu. 

To ensure that your vehicle is in the clear, do visit the official Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) website to enter your VIN number as a check to see whether your vehicle is affected. Alternatively, you can go to your closest dealership for a free hands-on inspection to ensure you are in the clear.