Recall, or simply an update? How software-defined cars are changing the industry

Why have so many cars been recalled in South Africa recently? Even Toyota, the brand known for durability and build quality, has suffered this fate…

There’s no denying the statistical reality: there are more car recalls now than in the early 2000s. Are cars becoming less reliable? Is build quality deteriorating? Or are we potentially misunderstanding the difference between mechanical or structural recalls, and simple software upgrades?

When your smartphone updates, it’s mostly seamless. Continuous updates build confidence between users and brands, knowing that their devices are ‘renewed’. But doesn’t the same thing apply to cars? Does that explain why it feels like there are many more recalls now than in the past? Is it a simple case of updating electronic architecture?

More electronics mean regular updates

*The infotainment in your new Swift would shame an S-Class from the early 2010s.*

Cars have more advanced electronics and sensors than ever before. An entry-level hatchback like a Hyundai i10 or Suzuki Swift has a touchscreen infotainment system that is more advanced, with deeper functionality, than an S-Class had in the early 2010s.

With all cars now featuring more smartphone-linked in-car features through the infotainment system, the need for smartphone-like update cycles has also entered the car world. And that means a lot of small updates that aren’t really recalls…

Read more: Are Chinese cars reliable?

There are recalls and then there are recalls

*Many contemporary ‘recalls’ are actually digital operating system upgrades, not mechanical failures.*

Not all recalls are the same. If a vehicle has a structural defect, such as a welding issue or a suspension component known to fail, or a safety feature like an airbag that’s faulty, the recall issued is essential or critical. So are issues with engines, transmissions and brakes.

But if a recall doesn’t involve mechanical disassembly and component replacement, can it be referred to as a recall, or an update? That’s the real question. Since over-the-air updates (OTAs) have become possible, it’s seamless and easy to address certain issues on vehicles that, in the early 2000s, would require a full dealer visit, diagnostics, and hours of inconvenience for the owner.

Traditional car companies have struggled to integrate high-end UX into their cars, unlike Chinese brands, which are masters at it. Infotainment glitches, laggy menu selections and overall UX frustration create significant annoyance for drivers and passengers. But they can hardly be classified in the same vein as, for example, a weak weld point on the chassis.

Structural safety is the recall issue that matters most. Here you can include chassis design flaws, potential steering failure, issues around braking system integrity or a transmission that might lock-up at speed. But such extreme mechanical engineering issues are exceedingly rare.

Most non-digital recalls are due to assembly concerns, often caused by misunderstandings between suppliers and manufacturers. It happens when industrial engineering teams fail to properly integrate component upgrades or rigorously enforce batch specification standards for parts.

What is happening with SA car recalls?

Lexus LX 700h Overtrail — *Trusted like few other luxury all-terrain SUVs, but the Lexus LX has suffered a recall.*

Toyota is South Africa’s most influential car company. It has double the market share of its nearest rival and the Hilux has been South Africa’s best-selling light-commercial vehicle for decades. When Toyota starts recalling, it’s noteworthy – but it also proves that consumer accountability works.

There is an ongoing recall of legacy products throughout Toyota’s South African product line, which has also affected many other Japanese brands. It’s not structural, it’s an airbag issue, and it’s not of Toyota’s making. Japanese company Takata is the global airbag supplier of choice, and it has admitted a fault with several of its airbag production batches.

There have been other instances involving Toyota, however. The most recent recall has concerned its ultra-luxury all-terrain SUVs: the Land Cruiser 300 and its twin, the Lexus LX. These are two of South Africa’s most in-demand full-size luxury SUVs. And both are built on the famed Land Cruiser platform, perhaps the most regarded off-road vehicle architecture available.

The Land Cruiser 300 and Lexus LX recall relates to the ECU software and control unit integrated within the 10-speed Aisin automatic transmission. It affects 1 846 vehicles sold between January 2025 and January 2026.

When traditional tech fails

*The Polo Vivo parking brake issue – would an electronic parking brake have been better?*

Ford’s most important vehicle, the Ranger, has also been affected. Ford has recalled 438 Ranger XLTs and Wildtraks from 2025. The issue? Failing exhaust-gas recirculation valves, limiting engine power at low speeds and potentially causing engine start-up failures.

Last year, Ford faced a challenging period of recalls. And this year, it’s VW’s turn, with a big recall of its locally made, highly popular Polo Vivo. The issue? Handbrake integrity.

VW discovered a rivet height issue that could cause the parking brake to disengage unexpectedly when a Vivo is parked. This is what triggered the company to engage with Polo Vivo owners who bought their vehicles new between February 2025 and February 2026.

The Polo Vivo is valued for its combination of simplicity and functional design, but this recall would probably never have happened if it had an electronic parking brake. It’s a feature that is increasingly standardised in more passenger vehicles.

Fewer recalls in future?

*Will huge screens still seamlessly update in 10 years’ time, or become a software recall nightmare?*

There was a time when vehicle rust was the primary concern for owners. But the industry’s coating, primer, and paint specialists solved that. You rarely, if ever, hear of a corrosion issue on a new vehicle.

The increase in software-defined vehicle architectures will make many non-structural or mechanical recall issues irrelevant, solved by seamless monthly OTA updates. But in the hot, dusty and demanding South African driving environment, modern engines will continue to be tested.

Engineering diesel engines for emissions compliance is expensive and complicated. That matters in the South African context because, for most buyers in the country’s most popular full-size vehicle categories (double cabs and SUVs), the overwhelming majority still choose turbodiesel engines.

Stop-start city traffic doesn’t allow diesel engines to reach the operating temperature required for their emissions-control components to trigger the chemical reactions that purge carbon build-up and soot. And over time, that can degrade engine performance and ultimately lead to premature wear and component failures.

Range Rover SV Ultra (2026) Price & Specs

The Range Rover SV Ultra has arrived in SA and is quite possibly the most luxurious iteration of the flagship SUV. Here’s pricing and details.

The Range Rover SV Ultra is said to be the most technologically advanced and most luxurious Range Rover yet, according to the brand.

The new Range Rover flagship is powered by a BMW-sourced 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 engine. In this application it makes a mammoth 452 kW and 750 Nm and an 8-speed automatic is on duty. Expect a 0-100 sprint to be dispatched in around 4.5 seconds.

But it’s so much more than just its performance. The SV Ultra is all about that soft life and the cabin is possibly one of the finest places to appreciate loud music. Thanks to a new technology called Electrostatic Sound, there are speakers integrated into the seats and there’s a sensory haptic floor.

The system features 21 thin transducers which essentially convert each seat into a personal auditorium. There are speakers integrated into the headrests, footwells, seatbacks and headlining. Electrostatic speaker tech uses up to 90% less power and are lighter, saving 90% mass compared to the conventional coil speakers. Additionally, they are manufactured with zero rare earth elements and from 100% upcycled and recyclable materials by mass.

Pictured is one of the new colours; Titan Silver. This paint incorporates real aluminium flakes for a sparkly, mirror-like finish. The vehicle features Satin Platinum Atlas and Silver Chrome accents and rides on 23-inch alloy wheels.

How much does the new Range Rover SV Ultra cost in South Africa?

Range Rover SV Ultra

R5 729 100

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What is the price of the Range Rover SV Ultra in South Africa?

As of its April 2026 launch, the Range Rover SV Ultra is priced from approximately R6,850,000 for the P550e plug-in hybrid and R7,420,000 for the P615 V8 variant, depending on bespoke SV Bespoke commissions.

What engine options power the SV Ultra?

The SV Ultra offers two primary powertrains in SA: the P550e Plug-in Hybrid (405 kW) and the P615 Twin-Turbo V8 with mild-hybrid technology, producing 452 kW (615 PS) and 750 Nm of torque.

What is the 0-100 km/h time for the SV Ultra V8?

Equipped with the P615 V8 engine and Dynamic Launch engaged, the Range Rover SV Ultra can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds, reaching an electronically limited top speed of 261 km/h.

What is the “Body and Soul Seat” (BASS) technology?

Standard on the Ultra, the Body and Soul Seats use transducers and a pulsating floor to synchronize with the 29-speaker Meridian Signature Sound System, allowing passengers to “feel” the music through immersive vibrations in the first and second rows.

What warranty and maintenance plan is included in SA?

The SV Ultra includes the Land Rover Care Plan, providing a 5-year/100,000 km maintenance plan and a 5-year/100,000 km warranty, ensuring comprehensive coverage at any authorized retailer in South Africa.

Best cars for ride-hailing fleets in South Africa

For ride-hailing fleets, drivers need specific vehicle features and tech specs. Local operational risks mean drivers working for companies such as Uber need to think differently about the kind of vehicle they want to purchase to operate their businesses in South Africa. These are their best options…

Minibus taxis might be South Africa’s most important people movers, but ride-hailing services like those offered by Uber are very popular in large cities such as Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.

What makes the South African Uber (the most popular of the lot, so we’ll use them as the example) fleet owner’s needs different from those of other markets? Theft risk is one of the biggest issues in the South African market. That’s why most Uber drivers prefer compact sedans offering a lockable, secure luggage area. But there is a big difference in the theft risk of a locally built compact sedan and an imported one. That’s why so many Uber drivers choose imported budget sedans, which are stolen less often.

Another consideration for Uber operations in South Africa is engine power. For operators using a vehicle with a 3rd row of seating, load factor matters. Most budget vehicles have small-capacity, non-turbocharged engines experiencing significant power loss at altitude when operating in Gauteng. Add the load factor of passengers in the 2nd- and 3rd-row seating, and the issue of highway performance becomes a real concern.

Taking all these factors into consideration, the following vehicles offer the best balance of value, dependability and practicality for ride-hailing operators.

Honda BR-V

*Expensive for an Uber but that Honda engine’s integrity is probably worth it.*

It’s not the cheapest 3-row people mover for Uber fleets but the BR-V’s engine has real benefits over its much cheaper rivals.

If you are operating as a Highveld Uber driver, power is everything. The BR-V’s 1.5-litre petrol engine isn’t turbocharged, so you do lose some power at Gauteng altitudes. But these Honda 1.5-litre engines are incredibly durable, which is important for the heavy-duty cycles that Uber vehicles often endure. The BR-V’s powertrain has a chain-driven timing system, which is much more durable than a belt-driven system. That means lower long-term running costs, which is everything for an Uber fleet vehicle.

With 89 kW of power, the BR-V has enough performance to cruise on the highway with a full passenger load. But on long, steep inclines at high altitude, it does suffer a bit when fully loaded.

Safety spec matters when you are transporting passengers. The BR-V has ABS and ESP, with stability control being a real win for an Uber MPV. Ground clearance is decent at 207 mm, so some dirt-road detours to reach a final destination are doable. Honda’s engineers have also done great things with the BR-V’s packaging, fitting a 3rd row of seats and a full-size spare wheel in the rear section of the vehicle.

Although discontinued locally in 2025, a used BR-V is still a desirable purchase for Uber drivers seeking that Honda powertrain quality in a 3-row vehicle.

Honda BR-V (2016-2022) Buyer’s Guide

Kia Pegas

*There aren’t many flattering angles to the Pegas, but the boot is worthy of Uber-hero status.*

Not Kia’s finest design moment but the Pegas is all about having a huge boot and a mechanical design that allows for high-mileage, low-cost fleet operations.

If your Uber passengers have a lot of luggage, the Pegas is brilliant thanks to a 475-litre boot. That boot volume rivals the luggage capacity of many large SUVs. That means this Korean sedan is never overwhelmed by the luggage volume when operating as an airport Uber.

The Pegas might have a huge boot but it does have a small engine. The 1.4-litre petrol engine is rated at 69 kW, which is reasonable, but a fully loaded Pegas will feel a touch slow on long inclines in Gauteng.

Safety spec is a strange mix. Unlike many South African budget family cars, the Pegas has 4-wheel disc brakes, but strangely, no ESP. For fleet buyers, there’s therefore no point in buying anything other than the base-spec Pegas LX because spending more doesn’t mean better safety spec.

Why is the Pegas LX the ride-sharing Kia sedan to have? It has steel wheels, which handle potholes better than alloys, a real issue for South African Uber operators. And the LX, despite being the cheapest Pegas, comes with a 7-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, helping Uber drivers navigate more intuitively.

Buy a Kia Pegas on Cars.co.za

Suzuki Dzire

*Swift with a boot, the Dzire is an ideal compact Uber car.*

The Suzuki Swift is one of South Africa’s most popular hatchbacks, and for good reason: it’s great. It makes sense, then, that the Dzire sedan version would be equally accomplished.

Suzuki’s proven 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder engine powers the Dzire. Peak power is only 60 kW, so a fully loaded Dzire isn’t going to be in the far right lane of a Gauteng highway. But Suzuki’s 3-cylinder engines are easy and affordable to maintain, which matters more to Uber fleet operators.

Boot space is currency for Uber drivers, and despite being based on a compact vehicle platform, the Dzire offers plentiful room at 378 litres.

When transporting ride-hailing customers, dynamic safety features are crucial on South Africa’s high-risk highways and urban roads. The Dzire features both ABS and ESP.

Buy a Suzuki Dzire on Cars.co.za

Renault Triber

One of those Renaults that the French aren’t allowed to buy… The Triber is one of Renault’s vehicles sold only in emerging markets, not in Europe.

Despite being a budget MPV, the Triber has a charming design. But Uber fleet vehicles aren’t about appearance; they are all about versatility and cost. And you can’t get more Uber car for less than the 3-row Triber.

To the credit of Renault’s engineers, the Triber manages to combine 405 litres of luggage space with the versatility of a 3rd row of seating. You can’t argue with its cabin architecture and space utilisation as an Uber vehicle.

The weakness is that 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine, which is not turbocharged. So, it might be durable, but with only 53 kW, it really struggles on the Highveld when fully laden.

A noteworthy standard feature across the Triber range is tyre-pressure monitoring. This is invaluable for Uber vehicles that can’t risk the downtime of a slow puncture becoming a blowout on the highway. With standard pressure monitoring, Triber drivers always know about a tyre inflation issue before it escalates into a potential operational disaster.

Toyota Corolla Quest

*When Uber drivers dream of their ideal fleet car, it’s usually one of these.*

Toyota sets the standard in many South African vehicle classes, and it’s no different for Uber fleets. The recently retired Corolla Quest is, for many Uber operators, the definitive sedan model.

The continuation version of Toyota’s 11th-generation Corolla means the Quest has a proven platform, a spacious cabin, intuitive ergonomics and, crucially, a massive boot.

Uber sedans rarely have folding rear seats to accommodate long items that Uber passengers might need to transport (like a wooden statue of a giraffe to the airport). But the Quest has a solution: its 60/40-split folding rear seats increase load capacity. Boot capacity is enormous, too, at 450 litres.

Toyota Corolla Quest (2020-2025) Buyer’s Guide

Like most Toyotas, used Corolla Quests aren’t cheap. But you do get a durable 1.8-litre engine, which makes an average but usable 103 kW. It feels quite lethargic at Gauteng altitudes, though. But in the realm of Uber sedans, there are very few turbocharged options, so an unresponsive throttle when operating with a full complement of ride-hailing customers is a given.

The theft risk with Corolla Quests is real, as with any locally built Toyota. But these are truly the best Uber sedans if you need driver and passenger comfort, all the space, and proven mechanical durability. Best of all, the budget trim level comes with 15-inch steel wheels. For Uber fleets, the base trim is a much better buy than the Corolla Quest Prestige and Exclusive trims, which feature large alloy wheels and are vulnerable to South Africa’s challenging road surface conditions.

Buy a Corolla Quest on Cars.co.za

Land Rover Defender 130 D350 X (2026) Review

The flagship Defender 130 X combines the new, more powerful D350 engine with every off-road tool in the Land Rover arsenal. Is this the most complete luxury SUV currently on sale in South Africa?

We like: Effortless D350 engine despite Defender 130 bulk, standard off-road hardware, menacing “X” styling, interior luxury.

We don’t like: Massive physical footprint in the city, side-hinged rear door limits access in tight spots, significant price tag.

FAST FACTS

Model: Land Rover Defender 130 D350 X
Price: R2 327 700
Engine: 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbodiesel
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Power/Torque: 257 kW/700 Nm
0-100 kph: 6.4 seconds (claimed)
Claimed fuel consumption: 8.7 L/100 km
Luggage capacity: 389-2 281 litres

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Where does the Land Rover Defender 130 fit in?

*The Defender 130 is 340 mm longer than the 110, which itself isn’t exactly petite.*

The Land Rover Defender is clearly a product that works for the South African market. Demand remains high and the brand seems to sell every unit that hits our shores.

The 130 is the largest of the litter, offering a stretched body to accommodate three rows of seating. While it shares its wheelbase with the 110, the extra 340 mm of rear overhang allows for a proper 8-seat configuration.

*All the additional length is added to the rear overhang to accommodate a properly spacious 3rd row.*

This 26MY update brings more than just extra length; it introduces the D350 engine, which replaces the outgoing D300, and a host of interior refinements like the larger 13.1-inch touchscreen and the option of individual captain’s chairs.

How the Land Rover Defender 130 fares in terms of…

Design & Packaging

Stepping into the Defender 130 X feels special. There is an immediate sense that you have bought the real McCoy and not a cut-price alternative. While Chinese manufacturers offer superb value, if you can afford the Defender, you would choose it every time for its blend of luxury and hard-wearing materials. The X model distinguishes itself with a gloss-black bonnet and signature orange recovery hooks, giving it a more purposeful, premium look compared to the standard models.

*These captain’s chairs are very comfortable, but they do turn the 130 into a 2+2 vehicle when the 3rd row is stowed for luggage.*

Our test unit came fitted with the new captain’s chairs in the second row, which truly makes you feel as though you are travelling in the lap of luxury. These individual seats feature heating, cooling, and winged headrests, separated by an aisle that provides easy access to the third row, which also offers cupholders and heating functionality.

*The 130 is difficult to navigate along tight streets despite the light steering and clearly visible body extremities.*

However, the 130 is a massive vehicle. Navigating narrow streets like those in Sea Point can be treacherous when cars are parked on both sides. Thankfully, the 3D surround cameras are excellent and the safety systems provide fair warning before you connect with anything.

One packaging quirk is the quintessentially Defender swing-out rear door. While it looks the part, it creates a narrower aperture for loading cargo compared to a traditional lift-up tailgate, and you need a significant amount of space behind the car to open it fully.

Ride, Handling & Comfort

Land Rover may not have a flawless reliability record, but it certainly has the best capability record in the business. The X model comes standard with the Electronic Active Differential and Terrain Response 2 with a Dynamic program, ensuring a serene, faultless driving experience on any surface. The air suspension does a magnificent job of masking the vehicle’s bulk, providing a plush ride that few SUVs can match. It feels solid and planted, giving the driver a sense of status that only a Defender badge can provide.

*Air suspension means ride comfort is exceptional.*

For the 26MY update, Land Rover has introduced Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control. This system makes negotiating rough terrain even easier by allowing the driver to focus on steering while the car manages the speed and traction across varying surfaces. Even in this long-body format, the Defender remains an unstoppable expert when the tarmac ends. The interior insulation is top-notch, ensuring that very little wind or road noise enters the cabin, even at highway speeds.

Performance & Efficiency

The star of the show is the new D350 straight-6 diesel engine. It is absolutely brilliant. The power delivery is responsive and torquey, with 700 Nm available from low in the rev range. The throttle mapping feels perfect, allowing for delicate inputs off-road and effortless overtaking on the freeway. It is a significant step up from the D300, offering 36 kW more power and a much more refined character.

*Despite its bulk, the Defender 130 is impressively frugal.*

Perhaps the most surprising aspect is the efficiency. Despite its size and weight, the 130 averaged under 10.0 L/100 km during our time with it, which is close to the manufacturer’s claim of 8.7 L/100 km. Its biggest competitor, the Lexus GX, is currently not available with a diesel engine in our market, making this straight-six the logical choice for those who do long distances. With the current price of fuel, the efficiency of this diesel unit is a massive plus for a vehicle of this stature.

Land Rover Defender 130 Price & Aftersales support

The Defender range is premium, and the 130 D350 X sits at the very top of that scale. The vehicle is sold with a 5-year or 100 000 km warranty and a 5-year or 100 000 km maintenance plan.

Defender 130 D350 Outbound	R2 029 100
Defender 130 D350 X-Dynamic HSE	R2 062 200
Defender 130 D350 X	R2 327 700

Pricing correct as of April 2026.

Verdict on the Land Rover Defender 130

*The Defender shape has aged very well, but the 130 does have some ungainly proportions due to that large rear overhang.*

The Land Rover Defender 130 X is a very expensive vehicle, but there is nothing else on the market that quite matches its combination of status, luxury, and raw capability. The introduction of the D350 engine has addressed any concerns regarding performance, providing a silky smooth and efficient heart for this giant SUV.

While its size makes it a handful in the city, the addition of the captain’s chairs and the “X” specific hardware has elevated the 130 to the ultimate expression of the Defender brand. If you need the space and want the best, the 130 X remains the definitive choice.

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Below is the FAQ Schema in HTML format for the Land Rover Defender 130, updated with the latest April 2026 pricing and specifications for the South African market.

What is the price of the Defender 130 in South Africa?

As of April 2026, the Defender 130 range starts at approximately R2 050 800 for the D300 S. The high-performance Defender 130 V8 is priced from R2 873 800, while flagship models can exceed R3 000 000 depending on options.

How many seats does the Defender 130 have?

The Defender 130 is standard as an eight-seater with a 2+3+3 configuration. However, the specialised Outbound edition is available as a five-seater to maximize cargo space for overlanding and adventure gear.

What engine options are available for the Defender 130?

South African buyers can choose from the D350 (257 kW/700 Nm 3.0L straight-six diesel), the P400 (294 kW 3.0L petrol mild-hybrid), and the range-topping P500 V8 (368 kW 5.0L supercharged petrol).

What is the fuel consumption of the Defender 130?

The popular D350 diesel variant has a claimed average fuel consumption of 8.7 L/100 km. Real-world consumption typically ranges between 10.0 and 11.5 L/100 km depending on load and driving conditions.

What warranty and maintenance plan is included?

The Defender 130 includes the Land Rover Care Plan, which provides a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan and a 5-year/100 000 km warranty as standard in South Africa.

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