Volkswagen is recalling 291 Amarok bakkies in South Africa after a safety issue was identified with the vehicles’ curtain airbags.

TimesLIVE reports that the affected Amaroks were sold nationally between 2 June and 15 September 2026. The recall relates to a defect that could prevent the curtain airbag from deploying correctly during a crash.

Volkswagen has not yet published a South African recall notice specifically identifying the 291 vehicles on its public website.

Airbag defect raises safety concerns

According to TimesLIVE, the curtain airbag could come into contact with an internal component during deployment.

The report says sharp-edged plastic parts could also become loose or remain in the airbag area when it inflates.

This could reduce the protection offered to occupants during a front or side impact and increase the risk of injury.

The recall forms part of the wider vehicle-safety process overseen in South Africa through the National Consumer Commission, which requires manufacturers to address products that may pose a safety risk.

Owners advised to check their vehicles

Volkswagen South Africa provides a recall-checking service that allows owners to use their vehicle identification number, or VIN, to determine whether their vehicle is affected by an active campaign.

Owners whose vehicles are flagged are advised to contact an authorised Volkswagen service partner for the necessary inspection or repair.

TimesLIVE reports that corrective work linked to the Amarok recall will be carried out at no cost to affected owners.

Recall affects a limited batch

The campaign affects 291 Amaroks sold during a period of just over three months.

While the number is relatively small compared with Volkswagen’s total South African sales, the issue involves a key safety system designed to protect occupants during serious collisions.

The National Consumer Commission has previously urged motorists affected by vehicle recalls to contact authorised dealerships promptly and complete the required corrective work.

For now, Amarok owners who bought their vehicles during the affected period should check their VIN with Volkswagen or contact an authorised dealer directly.

The specific 291-vehicle recall remains sourced to TimesLIVE, as I could not find a matching public notice from Volkswagen South Africa or the NCC confirming those exact details.