Based on recent customer reviews, BAIC South Africa presents a sharply split experience. Showroom praise centres on Umhlanga and Hatfield consultants like Tarique, Ryu and Solo, who are described as transparent, knowledgeable and diligent with follow-up calls after delivery. Frustration builds after the sale, with owners of the Beijing X55, X25 and BJ40 reporting brake noise, electrical and screen glitches, suspension rattles, warranty claims stalling for months, imported part shortages, difficulty securing service bookings, no courtesy vehicles and unreturned calls, prompting several Ombudsman and consumer law escalations.
Replied to 84% of negative reviews
Reply time on negative reviews: 26h 16m
TrustIndex
3.3
Ranking
#77
in Automotive
Reply Time
24h 16m
NPS Score
-29
Recommended: Unlikely
Replied to 84% of negative reviews
Reply time on negative reviews: 26h 16m
Dec '25 - Nov '26
Frequently Asked Questions About BAIC South Africa
What do customers say about BAIC South Africa?
Based on recent customer reviews, BAIC South Africa presents a sharply split experience. Showroom praise centres on Umhlanga and Hatfield consultants like Tarique, Ryu and Solo, who are described as transparent, knowledgeable and diligent with follow-up calls after delivery. Frustration builds after the sale, with owners of the Beijing X55, X25 and BJ40 reporting brake noise, electrical and screen glitches, suspension rattles, warranty claims stalling for months, imported part shortages, difficulty securing service bookings, no courtesy vehicles and unreturned calls, prompting several Ombudsman and consumer law escalations.
Is BAIC South Africa trustworthy?
BAIC South Africa has a TrustIndex of 3.3 out of 10 on Hellopeter, based on 23 reviews in the last 12 months. They reply to 84% of negative reviews, typically within 26 hours 16 min. Hellopeter has tracked BAIC South Africa across 103 total reviews. How is the TrustIndex calculated? →
Recent reviews (23)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your Experience1 reviews | Active since Jun 2025
William Simpson BAIC Tokai - unsafe brakes still not fixed after 3 visits, car now unusable
I'm posting this because I've run out of options with the dealer, and the car is now parked at home. It isn't safe to drive. About seven weeks ago, our BAIC X55 went in for its service. We told the service team the brakes were shuddering and squeaking. They told us it was just dust on the brakes. The squeaking started again as soon as we drove out. We then booked the car in at William Simpson BAIC Tokai to have the brakes sorted. We live over an hour away. We spent the whole day there, and all we got was approval to change the brakes. We had to drive the car home on warped brakes. The next Monday we drove back and waited the entire day again. We only got the car back at around 5:30pm, with a promise that the brakes had been replaced and the problem was fixed. Despite being asked at 16:30 that same day if we experienced any grinding noise from the back wheels. Two weeks later, the brakes were shuddering again. I called the dealership four times in one day and was promised a call back every time. Nobody called. I've now spent five days trying to get this resolved, and it still isn't sorted. My wife drives this car every day. We've lost two full days and hours on the road, and now we have no usable car at all. What I'm asking BAIC South Africa for: - Collection of the car, since it isn't safe to drive - A courtesy car until it's properly fixed - The car kept until the fault is actually diagnosed and repaired, and road-tested before it's returned - A named person at BAIC SA who will follow this through and keep us updated Brakes are a safety issue, not an inconvenience. I've also emailed BAIC SA directly. If this isn't resolved, I'll be taking it to the Motor Industry Ombudsman. BAIC SA, please contact me urgently.
1 reviews | Active since Jun 2025
William Simpson BAIC Tokai - unsafe brakes still not fixed after 3 visits, car now unusable
I'm posting this because I've run out of options with the dealer, and the car is now parked at home. It isn't safe to drive. About seven weeks ago, our BAIC X55 went in for its service. We told the service team the brakes were shuddering and squeaking. They told us it was just dust on the brakes. The squeaking started again as soon as we drove out. We then booked the car in at William Simpson BAIC Tokai to have the brakes sorted. We live over an hour away. We spent the whole day there, and all we got was approval to change the brakes. We had to drive the car home on warped brakes. The next Monday we drove back and waited the entire day again. We only got the car back at around 5:30pm, with a promise that the brakes had been replaced and the problem was fixed. Despite being asked at 16:30 that same day if we experienced any grinding noise from the back wheels. Two weeks later, the brakes were shuddering again. I called the dealership four times in one day and was promised a call back every time. Nobody called. I've now spent five days trying to get this resolved, and it still isn't sorted. My wife drives this car every day. We've lost two full days and hours on the road, and now we have no usable car at all. What I'm asking BAIC South Africa for: - Collection of the car, since it isn't safe to drive - A courtesy car until it's properly fixed - The car kept until the fault is actually diagnosed and repaired, and road-tested before it's returned - A named person at BAIC SA who will follow this through and keep us updated Brakes are a safety issue, not an inconvenience. I've also emailed BAIC SA directly. If this isn't resolved, I'll be taking it to the Motor Industry Ombudsman. BAIC SA, please contact me urgently.
1 reviews | Active since Dec 2012
STAY AWAY FROM BAIC UMHLANGHA
I would like to place the following on record. My Beijing X55 started rusting very badly. Under the Baic warranty my vehicle was sent to I- Repair Auto Body for Rust Removal. My vehicle was returned today 05.10.2026 after two weeks with the following problems. 1. Mirror Mechanism broken,,mirrors cannot be adjusted 2. Overspray in the inside of the vehicle 3. Oil marks on the leather 4 Boot Damaged 5, Carpets replaced with filthy old mats 6. Panaromic glass marked. THIS IS UTTERLY PATHETIC AFTER SALES SERVICE BY BAIC UMHLANGA.
1 reviews | Active since Dec 2012
STAY AWAY FROM BAIC UMHLANGHA
I would like to place the following on record. My Beijing X55 started rusting very badly. Under the Baic warranty my vehicle was sent to I- Repair Auto Body for Rust Removal. My vehicle was returned today 05.10.2026 after two weeks with the following problems. 1. Mirror Mechanism broken,,mirrors cannot be adjusted 2. Overspray in the inside of the vehicle 3. Oil marks on the leather 4 Boot Damaged 5, Carpets replaced with filthy old mats 6. Panaromic glass marked. THIS IS UTTERLY PATHETIC AFTER SALES SERVICE BY BAIC UMHLANGA.
1 reviews | Active since Jun 2017
Horrifying
My new vehicle was financed through WesBank and the agreement commenced on 15 September 2026. My new WesBank account number is ***. The finance agreement reflects a principal debt of R550,262.50. My concern is that the dealership was supposed to settle my previous vehicle as part of the trade-in transaction, but this has apparently still not been done. I continue to receive communication from Volkswagen Financial Services regarding the finance on my previous vehicle. I have now received a further notification dated 25 September 2026 confirming that the account remains active and that the interest rate applicable to the agreement is being adjusted. Both credit obligations have also been loaded onto my credit bureau profile. I have raised this with the dealership, but I have been advised that the Dealer Principal is on leave and will contact me when he returns. He confirmed that he will be back yesterday but unfortunately only read my message without responding thereto and is not taking my calls despite being online on WhatsApp. I am extremely concerned about simply waiting while an active finance agreement remains in my name, particularly given the potential for additional interest, instalments, arrears and adverse consequences to my credit profile.
1 reviews | Active since Jun 2017
Horrifying
My new vehicle was financed through WesBank and the agreement commenced on 15 September 2026. My new WesBank account number is ***. The finance agreement reflects a principal debt of R550,262.50. My concern is that the dealership was supposed to settle my previous vehicle as part of the trade-in transaction, but this has apparently still not been done. I continue to receive communication from Volkswagen Financial Services regarding the finance on my previous vehicle. I have now received a further notification dated 25 September 2026 confirming that the account remains active and that the interest rate applicable to the agreement is being adjusted. Both credit obligations have also been loaded onto my credit bureau profile. I have raised this with the dealership, but I have been advised that the Dealer Principal is on leave and will contact me when he returns. He confirmed that he will be back yesterday but unfortunately only read my message without responding thereto and is not taking my calls despite being online on WhatsApp. I am extremely concerned about simply waiting while an active finance agreement remains in my name, particularly given the potential for additional interest, instalments, arrears and adverse consequences to my credit profile.
1 reviews | Active since May 2019
BAIC, CAR DEALERSHIP NOT TO BE TRUSTED.
I bought a brand new BAIC Beijing X55 Premium 2023 model from BAIC Pretoria North. It had several problems since I bought it. I would make calls to book it for repairs and service. My contact person is Hoosein Mota. He used to call him and attend to my problems as and when I needed his assistance. My last check in for repairs, I called him first to book for an appointment. His phone couldn't get through as well as whatsapps. I called the landline to get hold of him. He told me his number has changed to avoid frequent calls from insurance policy companies. That was a lie, he blocked me. I used my brother's phone to call him it rang, I asked him to send 'hi' on his whatsapp, it went through. I don't know what prompted him to block me because I need his help as a customer to assist me in case I have a problem with my car that I bought from them. It now indicates some serious alerts that pops up on the dashboard alerting me. (I alerts me of :- 1. PLS CHECK ESP, 2. AUTOMATIC PARKING FUNCTION MALFUNCTION 3. STEEP SLOPE DESCENT FUNCTION FAILURE I want to share with him these alerts since they affect the performance of my car, I'm still blocked. I'm frustrated now because I have no one to assist me since he is the service centre manager at the branch. I'm stuck with the problem now. Hoosein Mota is my problem. The main purpose for him to be employed is to give clients the best service they want. See me buying a vehicle again at any BAIC dealer, sue me for telling lies. I'm done with it and their cars that are not durable.
1 reviews | Active since May 2019
BAIC, CAR DEALERSHIP NOT TO BE TRUSTED.
I bought a brand new BAIC Beijing X55 Premium 2023 model from BAIC Pretoria North. It had several problems since I bought it. I would make calls to book it for repairs and service. My contact person is Hoosein Mota. He used to call him and attend to my problems as and when I needed his assistance. My last check in for repairs, I called him first to book for an appointment. His phone couldn't get through as well as whatsapps. I called the landline to get hold of him. He told me his number has changed to avoid frequent calls from insurance policy companies. That was a lie, he blocked me. I used my brother's phone to call him it rang, I asked him to send 'hi' on his whatsapp, it went through. I don't know what prompted him to block me because I need his help as a customer to assist me in case I have a problem with my car that I bought from them. It now indicates some serious alerts that pops up on the dashboard alerting me. (I alerts me of :- 1. PLS CHECK ESP, 2. AUTOMATIC PARKING FUNCTION MALFUNCTION 3. STEEP SLOPE DESCENT FUNCTION FAILURE I want to share with him these alerts since they affect the performance of my car, I'm still blocked. I'm frustrated now because I have no one to assist me since he is the service centre manager at the branch. I'm stuck with the problem now. Hoosein Mota is my problem. The main purpose for him to be employed is to give clients the best service they want. See me buying a vehicle again at any BAIC dealer, sue me for telling lies. I'm done with it and their cars that are not durable.
1 reviews | Active since Sept 2016
Faulty Passanger Doors
Dear BAIC South Africa Customer Care Team, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding an unresolved passenger door fault on my BAIC vehicle, registration number LW93FDGP. Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, I was informed by the dealership that there was an issue with the passenger doors. The dealership advised me that the fault was identified while they were installing the tracking device. I was then requested to bring the vehicle in for further investigation. Upon taking the vehicle back to the dealership, I was informed that a case had been logged with BAIC Head Office and that a specialist would be sent to assess and resolve the issue. However, despite this assurance, I have not received any further feedback, updates, or a resolution from either the dealership or BAIC. I have been following up on this matter for over a year, and it is extremely disappointing that a known fault has remained unresolved for such an extended period. I purchased this vehicle with the expectation of receiving a reliable product supported by proper after-sales service, and the lack of communication and action has been unacceptable. I kindly request that BAIC urgently investigate this matter, provide me with a clear update on the status of my complaint, and arrange for the necessary repairs to be completed without any further delays. Please treat this as a formal escalation and provide me with written feedback, including the expected timeframe for resolution. I look forward to your urgent response. Kind regards, Thandeka Tanya Mdluli *** *** Vehicle Registration: LW93FDGP
1 reviews | Active since Sept 2016
Faulty Passanger Doors
Dear BAIC South Africa Customer Care Team, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding an unresolved passenger door fault on my BAIC vehicle, registration number LW93FDGP. Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, I was informed by the dealership that there was an issue with the passenger doors. The dealership advised me that the fault was identified while they were installing the tracking device. I was then requested to bring the vehicle in for further investigation. Upon taking the vehicle back to the dealership, I was informed that a case had been logged with BAIC Head Office and that a specialist would be sent to assess and resolve the issue. However, despite this assurance, I have not received any further feedback, updates, or a resolution from either the dealership or BAIC. I have been following up on this matter for over a year, and it is extremely disappointing that a known fault has remained unresolved for such an extended period. I purchased this vehicle with the expectation of receiving a reliable product supported by proper after-sales service, and the lack of communication and action has been unacceptable. I kindly request that BAIC urgently investigate this matter, provide me with a clear update on the status of my complaint, and arrange for the necessary repairs to be completed without any further delays. Please treat this as a formal escalation and provide me with written feedback, including the expected timeframe for resolution. I look forward to your urgent response. Kind regards, Thandeka Tanya Mdluli *** *** Vehicle Registration: LW93FDGP
1 reviews | Active since Dec 2022
Are escalations the only why stuff gets done. Help.
Me again. 2.5 years into a Baic relationship and I'm once again feeling let down by the brand. If I have a mechanical issue that takes longer than 2 days, why can't I get a loan car. Why must everything be escalated. Baic The Glen does not have any additional vehicles. They referred me to yourself for assistance. Authorise a loan vehicle while you try to figure out again, what the issue is with my car.
1 reviews | Active since Dec 2022
Are escalations the only why stuff gets done. Help.
Me again. 2.5 years into a Baic relationship and I'm once again feeling let down by the brand. If I have a mechanical issue that takes longer than 2 days, why can't I get a loan car. Why must everything be escalated. Baic The Glen does not have any additional vehicles. They referred me to yourself for assistance. Authorise a loan vehicle while you try to figure out again, what the issue is with my car.
1 reviews | Active since Feb 2025
BAIC NORTHCLIFF TERRIBLE SERVICE
BAIC NORTHCLIFF Terrible service. Took my Beijing for a service two months ago, new brakes needed to be fit in. I've tried calling and asking for assistance only to be told they will contact me. Its been 2 months and no one has followed up after numerous calls I've made to them. Extremely frustrated at the terrible service and zero effect for their clients!
1 reviews | Active since Feb 2025
BAIC NORTHCLIFF TERRIBLE SERVICE
BAIC NORTHCLIFF Terrible service. Took my Beijing for a service two months ago, new brakes needed to be fit in. I've tried calling and asking for assistance only to be told they will contact me. Its been 2 months and no one has followed up after numerous calls I've made to them. Extremely frustrated at the terrible service and zero effect for their clients!
1 reviews | Active since Jul 2026
BAIC Bryanston – 30,000 km service caused major fault, zero accountability
took my BAIC BJ40 Diesel to BAIC Bryanston for its 30,000 km service on 16 July 2026. The vehicle went in perfectly fine. The moment I collected it and drove off, there was a loud, abnormal whistling noise on acceleration – so obvious that other motorists were pointing at my car. Since then, my experience has been shocking: I was promised multiple call‑backs on the day of service and afterwards – they simply never happened. When I returned the vehicle on 21 July 2026, the mechanic who allegedly serviced the car could not detect the issue, raising serious questions about the quality of the service. Service advisor Anthea and Clayton actually recorded the noise and told me it was the fan belt and that she would call me to replace it. She never did. I had to keep calling them – nothing happened. Now, suddenly, I’m told the issue is the turbocharger and that they will “order the turbo” and let me know when to bring the car back. No clear explanation how a routine service turned into a major turbo issue. Throughout, there has been no proper documentation of what was done at the 30,000 km service, no breakdown of parts replaced, and no parts shown or returned to me. I repeatedly asked for a courtesy vehicle since the problem arose immediately after their service. I was told there is “absolutely no car available” and at one point offered a completely inferior vehicle, with no real apology or accountability. Management interaction (particularly with Angelo, the Sales Manager) was dismissive and unprofessional, with finger‑tapping and impatience while I tried to explain what happened. I am now left with: A vehicle that was fine before the service, A serious mechanical fault that emerged immediately after their work, Conflicting explanations (first “fan belt”, now “turbo”), No courtesy car, no proper feedback, and broken promises of call‑backs from staff and their so‑called “VP”. As a loyal BAIC customer and a black client, I felt disrespected, unheard and taken for granted. There has been no sincere apology, no clear acceptance of responsibility, and no transparent explanation of what actually went wrong. I have escalated this to BAIC South Africa Head Office, reserved my rights under South African consumer law, and I am prepared to obtain an independent mechanical assessment and pursue further action if necessary. I strongly warn potential customers to think very carefully before servicing at BAIC Bryanston. The lack of technical clarity, transparency, follow‑through and basic respect is simply unacceptable and damaging to the BAIC brand. Michael Martin - ***
1 reviews | Active since Jul 2026
BAIC Bryanston – 30,000 km service caused major fault, zero accountability
took my BAIC BJ40 Diesel to BAIC Bryanston for its 30,000 km service on 16 July 2026. The vehicle went in perfectly fine. The moment I collected it and drove off, there was a loud, abnormal whistling noise on acceleration – so obvious that other motorists were pointing at my car. Since then, my experience has been shocking: I was promised multiple call‑backs on the day of service and afterwards – they simply never happened. When I returned the vehicle on 21 July 2026, the mechanic who allegedly serviced the car could not detect the issue, raising serious questions about the quality of the service. Service advisor Anthea and Clayton actually recorded the noise and told me it was the fan belt and that she would call me to replace it. She never did. I had to keep calling them – nothing happened. Now, suddenly, I’m told the issue is the turbocharger and that they will “order the turbo” and let me know when to bring the car back. No clear explanation how a routine service turned into a major turbo issue. Throughout, there has been no proper documentation of what was done at the 30,000 km service, no breakdown of parts replaced, and no parts shown or returned to me. I repeatedly asked for a courtesy vehicle since the problem arose immediately after their service. I was told there is “absolutely no car available” and at one point offered a completely inferior vehicle, with no real apology or accountability. Management interaction (particularly with Angelo, the Sales Manager) was dismissive and unprofessional, with finger‑tapping and impatience while I tried to explain what happened. I am now left with: A vehicle that was fine before the service, A serious mechanical fault that emerged immediately after their work, Conflicting explanations (first “fan belt”, now “turbo”), No courtesy car, no proper feedback, and broken promises of call‑backs from staff and their so‑called “VP”. As a loyal BAIC customer and a black client, I felt disrespected, unheard and taken for granted. There has been no sincere apology, no clear acceptance of responsibility, and no transparent explanation of what actually went wrong. I have escalated this to BAIC South Africa Head Office, reserved my rights under South African consumer law, and I am prepared to obtain an independent mechanical assessment and pursue further action if necessary. I strongly warn potential customers to think very carefully before servicing at BAIC Bryanston. The lack of technical clarity, transparency, follow‑through and basic respect is simply unacceptable and damaging to the BAIC brand. Michael Martin - ***