JPJ suspends approval for Chery Omoda 5 over rear axle issue

The road transport department (JPJ) has suspended the vehicle type approval (VTA) for Chery Omoda 5 and halted new registrations of the model pending a technical investigation following a recent incident in which a car’s rear axle came off in Johor Bahru.

In a statement today, JPJ director-general Aedy Fadly Ramli said the move was a precautionary measure and would target the models and variants potentially affected by the safety issue.

“JPJ will also conduct a technical audit of the Omoda 5’s production and assembly line and related axle component suppliers, covering compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice, quality control systems, weld joint inspection procedures and the safety level of the components used,” he said.

Aedy said Chery Malaysia had been instructed to identify all potentially affected vehicles using part numbers, production batches, vehicle identification numbers and other relevant technical parameters.

“A recall should be carried out on all vehicles identified as at risk, for inspection and proper corrective action,” he said

Aedly stressed that the suspension will be lifted only after corrective and preventive measures are fully carried out and JPJ confirms that all safety risks have been addressed.

“The department stressed there is no compromise on any non-compliance that could endanger road users,” he said.

“Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring every vehicle marketed meets the prescribed safety standards and technical requirements.”

Photos and videos circulating on social media showed an Omoda 5 stranded on Jalan Pandan, near AEON Mall Tebrau City, on Oct 6, with its rear suspension assembly and wheels separated from the vehicle’s body.

In April 2024, a similar rear axle failure involving an Omoda 5 went viral, prompting a JPJ investigation and a recall of 600 units by Chery Malaysia.