JPJ suspends approval for Chery Omoda 5 over rear axle issue

The Malaysian road transport department (JPJ) has put on hold the approval for the Chery Omoda 5 due to a rear axle issue, after a recent incident in Johor Bahru where the rear axle dislodged from the vehicle. JPJ Director-General Aedy Fadly Ramli announced the precautionary measure, targeting potentially affected models and variants.

JPJ will investigate the Omoda 5's production and assembly line, as well as the axle component suppliers, to ensure compliance with manufacturing standards. Chery Malaysia has been directed to identify all potentially impacted vehicles using technical parameters. A recall is expected for all at-risk vehicles to undergo inspection and corrective action.

JPJ will only lift the suspension once all safety risks are addressed. Manufacturers are held accountable for meeting safety standards and technical requirements. The department emphasized zero tolerance for non-compliance that could endanger road users. Social media photos and videos from October 6 showed an Omoda 5 stranded on Jalan Pandan, with its rear suspension and wheels detached from the vehicle.

A similar axle failure involving an Omoda 5 in April 2024 led to a JPJ investigation and a recall of 600 units by Chery Malaysia.