Extended Warranty, Repeated Failures every year

I am submitting this complaint regarding Audi Claremont and repeated incorrect repairs carried out on my vehicle over the past two years. Each year, my vehicle’s warranty has been extended, and the battery replacements were carried out during these periods. Despite this, the battery has failed in under 12 months on two consecutive occasions, which is entirely inconsistent with normal vehicle ownership. I have never owned a vehicle that required a battery replacement within such a short timeframe. In January 2025, Audi Claremont replaced my vehicle’s battery. Less than 12 months later, the battery failed, placing me and my son in a dangerous situation. This followed a similar battery failure the previous year, also shortly after a battery replacement by the same dealership, which nearly resulted in an accident.

After the most recent failure, an independent Audi specialist confirmed that the incorrect battery type was installed:

• Installed by Audi Claremont: EFB battery (incorrect coding of battery for my vehicle) • Required for my vehicle: AGM battery (as per Audi specification for start-stop systems)

This is now the second consecutive year that Audi Claremont has installed a battery not suitable for my vehicle. Installing an EFB battery where an AGM is specified compromises the vehicle’s energy management system, leads to premature battery failure, and creates a serious safety risk, with potential damage to the alternator, battery management system, and onboard electronics.

I have consistently supported and advocated for the Audi brand. However, this experience has significantly eroded my trust, particularly given that this occurred at an authorised Audi dealership.

I have raised this incident with Audi, but I still have not received a response. If this matter is not resolved promptly, I will escalate it to the Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa (MIOSA).