Ford, Toyota Recalls Hit Regional Market as COMESA Warns of Safety Risks

By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter

Kenya, 27 April 2026 - Motorists across Eastern and Southern Africa are being urged to exercise caution following a fresh wave of vehicle recalls involving models from Ford Motor Company and Toyota, with regional regulators warning of potential safety risks.

The COMESA Competition and Consumer Commission has issued a formal alert after becoming aware of recalls affecting multiple vehicle models supplied through Southern Africa.

The affected units include Ford Ranger XLT and Wildtrak pickups, Ford Puma passenger vehicles, and Hino 700 trucks distributed under Toyota-linked supply chains.

“The Commission has become aware of a recall of various Ford and Toyota-supplied vehicles,” the regulator said in its notice, signalling growing concern over the safety of vehicles circulating within the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) region.

The recalls stem from a range of mechanical and software-related defects that could compromise vehicle safety under normal operating conditions.

In some Ford models, faults in the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system may lead to a loss of engine power, increasing the risk of accidents, particularly at low speeds.

Other defects flagged in the recall include potential failures in restraint control systems, which could reduce the effectiveness of safety features during a crash, as well as fuel pump issues in certain truck models that may result in leaks, raising the risk of fire.

In a separate but related alert, the Commission also highlighted safety concerns involving the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 series, where a defect in the transmission control system could lead to over-revving, loss of power at high speeds, or even fluid leaks that heighten the risk of fire if exposed to an ignition source.

While many of the affected vehicles were initially sold in South Africa, COMESA warned that the region’s high volume of cross-border vehicle imports means the risks extend far beyond a single market.

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Countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Zambia and Tanzania are particularly exposed due to the steady inflow of both new and used vehicles from southern Africa.

Consumers have now been advised to verify whether their vehicles fall within the affected batches and to seek immediate inspection and repair from authorised dealerships.

Manufacturers have indicated that the necessary fixes, ranging from software updates to component replacements, will be carried out at no cost to vehicle owners.

The latest alert underscores a broader regulatory concern about vehicle safety oversight in cross-border markets. With thousands of vehicles moving across jurisdictions each year, defects identified in one country can quickly become a regional risk if not communicated and addressed promptly.

For regulators, the recalls highlight the importance of coordinated consumer protection frameworks, while for motorists, they serve as a reminder that safety risks may not always be immediately visible, but can have serious consequences if left unresolved.