Most drivers think about steering and front suspension because that is where they feel the car. The Omoda 5 rear axle recall announced this month is a timely reminder that the rear suspension carries just as much responsibility for keeping a vehicle stable, safe and predictable on the road.

On 11 October 2026, SoyaCincau reported that Chery Malaysia is recalling the pre-facelift Omoda 5 over a rear axle issue. This follows an incident reported by CarNewsChina in which the rear suspension of an Omoda 5 separated from the car on 6 October on Jalan Pandan, near AEON Mall Tebrau City in Johor Bahru. No injuries were reported.

According to SoyaCincau, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) temporarily suspended the model's Vehicle Type Approval and instructed Chery to identify and recall all units that may be at risk. Chery announced the recall on social media hours later, saying affected vehicles will receive comprehensive inspections and that any follow-up work, including component replacement, will be free of charge.

What Do We Know About the Recall So Far?

It is important to separate confirmed facts from speculation. At the time of writing, the cause of the October 2026 incident has not been publicly explained, and the number of affected units has not been stated in the reports we reviewed.

What has been reported:

• Model affected: the pre-facelift Chery Omoda 5, launched in Malaysia in July 2023 and since replaced by the facelifted "Chery 05".
• Component: the rear axle. The Omoda 5 uses a torsion beam rear suspension, while the facelifted model and the electric Omoda E5 use multi-link rear suspension, according to SoyaCincau.
• History: this is not the first time. CarNewsChina reported that a 2024 precautionary campaign covered 600 vehicles after a rear axle beam broke in April 2024. Chery attributed that case to a supplier's equipment calibration failure that left incomplete weld penetration on the rear axle beams.
• Regulatory response: JPJ's suspension of type approval shows how seriously authorities treat structural suspension issues.

How Can Owners Check if Their Car Is Affected?

If you own a pre-facelift Omoda 5, the process reported by SoyaCincau is simple:

• Find your VIN. It can be seen through the windscreen on a label at the top left of the instrument cluster, on a label on the bonnet, stamped under the driver's seat, or at the back door.
• Enter the VIN on the Product Update page at chery.my.
• Contact Chery to arrange an inspection if your car is included.
• Call the Chery Careline on 03-9388 0888 for enquiries.

Recall work is carried out at no cost to the owner. A recall is not a reason to panic, but it is a reason to act promptly. The few minutes it takes to check a VIN are well spent.

The same habit applies to every car. Many owners never learn their vehicle was recalled, especially after it changes hands, so checking your VIN after buying a used car is a simple safety step.

Why Is Rear Suspension So Important?

The rear suspension keeps the rear wheels aligned with the front, carries a large share of the load when passengers and luggage are on board, and helps the car stay settled under braking, when the weight shifts and the rear must stay planted.

There are two common designs on Malaysian roads:

• Torsion beam: a single cross-member links both rear wheels. It is compact, robust and cost-effective, which is why it appears on many compact cars and SUVs.
• Multi-link: each rear wheel is located by several arms and joints, giving more precise control and comfort at the cost of more components.

Whatever the design, the rear relies on the same family of parts found throughout the chassis: springs, shock absorbers, bushings, mounts and, on multi-link designs, control arms and ball joints. As we often say, every component is part of one ecosystem, and compromising one part compromises overall safety.

What Warning Signs Should Every Driver Watch For?

A recall concerns a specific manufacturing issue, and it is handled by the carmaker. But everyday wear on rear suspension parts is something every owner should keep an eye on. Have your car checked if you notice:

• Knocking or clunking from the rear over speed humps, potholes or uneven roads.
• The rear of the car sitting lower on one side, or sagging when lightly loaded.
• Uneven or rapid tyre wear on the rear tyres, which can point to alignment or bushing problems.
• A floaty or unsettled rear at highway speeds or during lane changes.
• The rear stepping out or feeling loose under braking or in corners.
• Visible rust, cracks or leaking oil around springs, shock absorbers or mounting points.

As a general guide, SAIKO's workshop recommendation is to inspect and consider replacing a suspension kit every 50,000 km or two years, and coil springs at around 100,000 km, adjusting for how and where the car is driven. Malaysia's rain, potholes and speed humps put real strain on rubber and metal alike.

Most drivers never look underneath their car, and they shouldn't have to worry about what is there. That confidence depends on two things: manufacturers and regulators acting quickly when something goes wrong, and owners keeping up with maintenance using parts that fit correctly and are built to last.

SAIKO has supplied quality-controlled automotive replacement parts since 2007, with coverage for more than 400 vehicle models and a nationwide dealer network. Our steering and suspension range is designed as a complete system, so every part works with the next.

If something feels wrong at the back of your car, don't wait. Have it inspected, and explore SAIKO's suspension range or find a dealer at saiko.com.my