JPJ suspends Chery Omoda 5 VTA approval following rear axle detachment incident in Johor Bahru

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has temporarily suspended the Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) certification for the Chery Omoda 5 following a recent incident in Johor Bahru involving a black Omoda 5 whose rear axle assembly reportedly detached from the vehicle.

In a statement dated October 11, 2026, JPJ said it was treating the incident seriously, particularly over concerns surrounding the safety of the affected model.

As an initial precautionary measure, the department will suspend the relevant VTA approval and halt new registrations of the Chery Omoda 5 until its technical investigation is completed and any potential safety risks have been identified.

JPJ clarified that the suspension will be implemented on a targeted basis, covering models and variants that may be affected rather than necessarily extending to every vehicle in Chery's Malaysian line-up.

The latest development follows a similar incident widely reported in 2024, when an Omoda 5 suffered a rear axle-related failure. At the time, Chery Malaysia responded by initiating a recall campaign to inspect and rectify potentially affected vehicles.

The recurrence of a similar incident has now prompted regulatory intervention, with JPJ seeking to establish whether there are outstanding safety concerns involving the model.

Chery instructed to identify potentially affected vehicles

As part of the investigation, JPJ has directed Chery Malaysia to identify all vehicles that may be affected, using component part numbers, production batches, Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) and other relevant technical information.

The department has also instructed Chery to conduct a recall covering all vehicles identified as potentially at risk, allowing the affected units to undergo inspection and any necessary corrective work.

This means the scope of the recall will depend on the findings of the technical investigation and the identification of potentially affected vehicles.

JPJ has not specified the number of vehicles involved in the latest action.

JPJ to audit Chery's production and assembly processes

Beyond identifying affected vehicles, JPJ will also carry out a technical audit of the Omoda 5's production and assembly processes, including the relevant rear axle component suppliers.

The audit will examine compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), quality control systems, welding inspection procedures and the safety standards of components used in production.

These checks are intended to establish whether any shortcomings in manufacturing, assembly or component quality may have contributed to the incident.

The department emphasised that vehicle manufacturers are responsible for ensuring every vehicle sold complies with the applicable safety standards and technical requirements.

JPJ also stated that it would not compromise on any non-compliance that could jeopardise road user safety.

Suspension to remain until safety concerns are addressed

According to JPJ, the temporary suspension will only be lifted after all necessary corrective and preventive measures have been fully implemented.

Chery will also need to obtain technical confirmation from JPJ that the identified safety risks have been adequately addressed before the relevant VTA approval can be reinstated.

For now, the measure primarily affects the approval and new registration of the relevant Omoda 5 vehicles. The statement does not announce a blanket prohibition on existing owners continuing to drive their vehicles.

The latest incident places renewed attention on the Chery Omoda 5's rear axle assembly, particularly given the similar failure reported in 2024 and the recall campaign that followed.

Further details on the affected production batches, the precise cause of the latest incident and the extent of any subsequent recall are expected to depend on the outcome of JPJ's technical investigation.

The earlier 2024 recall involved 600 Omoda 5 vehicles, with 60 units initially identified as having potentially defective rear axle components. Chery subsequently traced that incident to incorrectly calibrated welding equipment at a component supplier.

The latest incident reportedly occurred on October 6, 2026, in Tebrau, Johor Bahru. No injuries were reported. However, it has not yet been established whether the latest failure shares the same underlying cause as the 2024 case.