Toyota South Africa Motors and Lexus South Africa Motors have recalled 6,525 vehicles across the country due to a software fault affecting rear-view camera systems, the National Consumer Commission (NCC) said on Sunday.
The recall covers 4,858 Toyota vehicles and 1,667 Lexus vehicles sold between 2021 and 2025. Authorities said the issue affects the Parking Assist Electronic Control Unit (ECU), a key component of the Panoramic View Monitor system used to display rear camera images when reversing.
According to the NCC, the software defect may cause the rear-view image to freeze briefly when the reverse gear is engaged shortly after the vehicle is started. In some cases, the display may fail to appear altogether.
The commission warned that the malfunction could reduce driver visibility behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of collisions during reversing manoeuvres, particularly in congested urban environments or tight parking spaces.
Toyota and Lexus said all affected vehicles would be inspected and repaired free of charge, with software updates or technical corrections applied at authorised dealerships.
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Owners of the affected models have been urged to contact Toyota or Lexus service centres or visit dealerships to determine whether their vehicles are included in the recall and to schedule corrective maintenance.
The recall affects a wide range of popular models in both brands. For Toyota, the impacted vehicles include the Crown, Land Cruiser 300, Land Cruiser Prado, RAV4 and bZ4X models sold between 2022 and 2025. Lexus models included in the recall are the ES, GX, LC500, LX series, NX, RX, RZ and UX vehicles sold between 2021 and 2025.
The NCC said the recall was issued as a precautionary safety measure and reflects the manufacturers’ commitment to addressing potential risks before they lead to accidents or injuries.
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Vehicle recalls are common in the global automotive industry and typically occur when manufacturers identify defects in components, software or mechanical systems that could affect safety, performance or compliance with regulatory standards.
South Africa, one of the continent’s largest automotive markets, has seen several similar recalls in recent years as modern vehicles become increasingly reliant on electronic systems and software-driven features.
Industry analysts say the growing complexity of vehicle software has made recalls more frequent globally, as automakers must continuously monitor and update systems to ensure reliability and safety.
The latest recall also highlights the increasing importance of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which include features such as rear-view cameras, parking sensors and automated braking systems. While these technologies are designed to improve road safety, they also introduce new risks linked to software malfunctions.
Toyota remains one of the most dominant automotive brands in South Africa, particularly in the SUV and light commercial vehicle segments. Lexus, its luxury division, serves the premium end of the market with models widely used in executive and high-income segments.
The NCC urged vehicle owners not to delay in responding to recall notices, noting that timely repairs are essential to maintaining road safety standards and preventing avoidable accidents.
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It also encouraged consumers to regularly check for recall announcements issued by manufacturers or regulators, especially as vehicles become more digitally integrated.
The recall comes at a time when the global automotive industry is undergoing rapid transformation, with increasing integration of software, sensors and connectivity features in modern vehicles.
Regulators in several countries have stepped up oversight of automotive software systems, warning that digital faults can pose safety risks similar to mechanical failures.
Toyota and Lexus said they remain committed to ensuring customer safety and maintaining product quality standards across all markets.
The companies added that affected customers would experience minimal disruption during the repair process, as the required updates are expected to be completed within a short time frame at authorised service centres.
The NCC said it will continue to monitor the recall process to ensure full compliance and timely resolution for affected vehicle owners across South Africa.
