Volkswagen has flagged a potential handbrake malfunction affecting approximately 26,000 Polo Vivo vehicles sold across the country between February 2025 and February 2026. The automaker's African division alerted the National Consumer Commission (NCC) to the issue, which concerns 25,729 units produced during the past year.
According to Volkswagen, the rivet height on the handbrake lever installed in the affected vehicles may fall outside the required specification. This could result in the handbrake failing to engage correctly or, in uncommon instances, releasing without warning — a hazard particularly when the car is stationed on an incline.
All Polo Vivo owners whose vehicles were built within the last year have been urged to visit their nearest authorised Volkswagen dealership without delay to have the handbrake examined. Acting consumer commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu confirmed that inspections and any necessary repairs would be carried out at no cost to motorists.
Until vehicles can be assessed and fixed where required, owners have been advised to take extra safety measures. Ratshisusu recommended that drivers engage first gear on manual models or select "P" on automatic versions when parking, in line with the owner's manual. He further cautioned against parking on any gradient — whether uphill or downhill — until the inspection and repairs have been completed.
