Zimbabwe D-Max owners in panic as brake fault sparks recall

Zimbabwean owners of the latest-generation Isuzu D-Max are on alert following a major safety recall involving thousands of bakkies over a potentially dangerous brake pedal defect.

The recall, issued by Isuzu Motors South Africa, affects 2,586 RG19 D-Max vehicles sold between May 11 and July 3, 2026. The affected vehicles were also exported to Zimbabwe and several other African countries.

According to the National Consumer Commission (NCC), the brake pedal pivot pin on affected vehicles may be loose. This could cause the brake pedal to move sideways when pressed, potentially making it difficult for the driver to fully depress the pedal and affecting braking performance.

The recall covers single-cab, double-cab and extended-cab versions of the current-generation RG19 D-Max.

Zimbabwe is among the export destinations for the affected vehicles, alongside Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Eswatini, Uganda and Zambia.

Although the recall was issued in South Africa, Zimbabwean motorists who purchased an affected D-Max during the specified period have been urged to establish whether their vehicles form part of the recall population.

The NCC has advised owners of potentially affected vehicles to take them to an authorised Isuzu dealership for inspection. Where the defect is identified, the affected component will be replaced free of charge.

Acting NCC Commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu urged motorists not to delay contacting authorised dealerships, highlighting the importance of ensuring that vehicle braking systems remain in proper working condition.

The recall does not mean that every D-Max sold between May 11 and July 3 has a defective brake pedal. However, owners of potentially affected vehicles are encouraged to have them checked as a precaution.

For Zimbabwean motorists, the immediate priority is to confirm whether their vehicles are included in the affected batch and, where necessary, have the identified defect rectified before it affects braking performance.