In a proactive step aimed at enhancing consumer safety on the roads, the Ministry of Commerce in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced a recall campaign that includes 1,778 vehicles of the “BAIC BJ40” model, which covers models manufactured between 2021 and 2025. This precautionary measure comes as a result of the discovery of a technical defect in the “Brake Booster”, a vital part of the braking system, which may lead to a weakening of the braking safety system’s performance while driving, thus significantly increasing the likelihood of traffic accidents.
Details of the malfunction and its impact on driving safety
The specific defect lies in the potential failure of the brake booster, the component that uses engine vacuum to help reduce the effort required by the driver to press the brake pedal. If this malfunction occurs, the driver may find it extremely difficult to stop the vehicle, especially in emergencies requiring a quick response, as much greater pressure on the pedal would be necessary. This poses a direct risk to the safety of passengers and other road users, prompting the ministry to take immediate action.
Government measures and consumer protection efforts
This campaign is part of the Ministry of Commerce's ongoing efforts to ensure that companies and manufacturers adhere to the highest quality and safety standards in the Saudi market. The Ministry, through its official accounts and dedicated online platform, has urged all owners of vehicles included in the recall to immediately check their vehicle identification numbers (VINs) by visiting the official recalls website, Recalls.sa. If a vehicle is affected, the owner should contact the local dealer, Petromin Automotive, directly to schedule an appointment for the necessary inspection and repairs, which will be completely free of charge.
The general context of recall campaigns in the Kingdom
This recall reflects the effective regulatory role played by government agencies in Saudi Arabia. Last year alone, the Ministry of Commerce conducted 173 recall campaigns for defective products, encompassing more than 284,000 vehicles, in addition to thousands of other consumer products. These figures demonstrate the Ministry's commitment to monitoring products circulating in the market and its dedication to withdrawing any product that may pose a risk to consumer safety. Consumer response to these campaigns has also seen a significant increase, indicating a growing awareness of the importance of such measures.
Impact on the brand and the local market
While recall campaigns can negatively impact a brand's reputation in the short term, a transparent and swift response to the issue, in cooperation with local authorities, as BAIC is doing through its agent Petromin, can bolster customer confidence in the long run. This demonstrates the company's commitment to customer safety and its sense of responsibility. In the highly competitive Saudi Arabian automotive market, safety standards and after-sales service have become crucial factors in consumers' purchasing decisions.
