The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has announced that Toyota and Lexus have issued vehicle recalls affecting more than 6,500 vehicles sold across South Africa.
According to the NCC, the recall affects 4,858 Toyota vehicles and 1,667 Lexus vehicles manufactured and sold between 2021 and 2025.
The affected Toyota models include the Toyota Crown, Land Cruiser 300 (LC300), Land Cruiser Prado, RAV4 and bZ4X, sold between 2022 and 2025.
NCC spokesperson Pheto Ntaba said the vehicles are equipped with a Parking Assist Electronic Control Unit (ECU), which forms part of the Panoramic View Monitor system responsible for displaying the rear-view camera image.
"The supplier identified that the software in the Parking Assist ECU may cause the rear-view image to briefly freeze when reverse gear is selected shortly after the vehicle is started," said Ntaba.
"In some instances, the rear-view image may fail to display entirely."
The recall also affects several Lexus models, including the Lexus ES, GX, LC500, LX500/700, LX600/500d, NX, RX, RZ and UX vehicles sold between 2021 and 2025.
According to the supplier, the same software issue may cause the rear-view camera image to freeze or fail to display while the vehicle is reversing.
"As a result, drivers may not have a clear view of the area behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a collision or accident during a backing event," Ntaba said.
The NCC has urged owners of affected vehicles to take their vehicles to any authorised Toyota or Lexus dealership for inspection as soon as possible.
Dealerships will perform the necessary software update or repairs free of charge.
Consumers seeking additional information are encouraged to contact their nearest authorised Toyota or Lexus dealer to confirm whether their vehicle forms part of the recall campaign.