Nissan and Citroen Recall Vehicles Over Battery and Airbag Safety Concerns

Rethabile Nyelele22 August , 2025

8 1 minute read

Nissan and Citroen Recall Vehicles Over Battery and Airbag Safety Concerns — Image: iStock

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has announced a recall of certain Nissan and Citroen models due to potential safety risks linked to battery and airbag defects. The move comes shortly after Ford Motor Company Southern Africa (FMCSA) issued its own recall notice affecting more than 21,000 vehicles sold across the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Protecting Consumers

The NCC, which enforces consumer protection laws in South Africa, is empowered under the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 to order recalls when products are deemed unsafe or could endanger the public. The legislation ensures that manufacturers take responsibility for product safety and protect consumers from harm.

Nissan is recalling Qashqai models sold between September 2021 and April 2024. According to the NCC, the issue lies with the HR13 Non-Alis – EGI Harness Battery connection, which may have been incorrectly assembled during production.

The watchdog explained that a loose retaining nut could cause a significant rise in electrical resistance. If left unchecked under certain driving conditions, the fault could result in excessive heat build-up, potentially posing a fire risk.

Citroen Recall

Stellantis South Africa, the manufacturer of Citroen, has also confirmed a recall of its C4, DS4, and DS5 models sold between 2009 and 2016. The NCC highlighted concerns over the driver’s airbag inflator, which may rupture when deployed.

Such a malfunction could release metal fragments into the cabin, putting both drivers and passengers at serious risk of injury or even death.

Action for Vehicle Owners

The NCC has urged owners of the affected Nissan and Citroen vehicles to take their cars to the nearest authorised dealership for inspection and necessary repairs.

This latest round of recalls follows FMCSA’s notice earlier this week involving the new Ford Ranger Wildtrak, which suffers from a transmission defect that may cause unexpected vehicle movement. In addition, Ford’s wider recall of 21,777 cars spans multiple models, including the Ranger, Mustang, EcoSport, Everest, and Transit Custom. Issues range from transmission problems to SYNC system errors and infotainment screen malfunctions.

Consumers concerned about their Ford vehicles can check recall status by entering their VIN number on the company’s official website.