1 reviews | Active since Aug 2019
Sold vehicle with unresolved engine light fault, now refusing to repair under warranty
I bought a BAIC Beijing x55 elite brand new from Harval Rustenburg in 2023. On the day of purchase, the vehicle’s engine warning light was already on.
I reported this immediately. The dealership told me they were “waiting for software” to clear the fault permanently and that it would be sorted out. Based on this assurance, I took delivery of the car.
To date, the engine light has never been properly fixed. I have followed up multiple times, but was always told they were still waiting on BAIC for the software update.
Now that the car is out of warranty, the dealership suddenly says I must pay for diagnosing and repairing the same fault that existed when I bought it.
This is unacceptable because: 1. The fault existed at point of sale — I bought the car with the engine light on. 2. I was promised a repair — BAIC/Dealer delayed the fix until warranty expired. 3. Consumer Protection Act — Section 56 says goods must be free of defects for 6 months after purchase. A pre-existing engine fault is a defect.
What I want: BAIC must diagnose and repair the engine light issue at no cost to me, as it was reported before delivery and never resolved due to their delays.
I have complained before and have proof of emails complaining showing I reported the issue from day one. If this isn’t resolved within 7 days, I will escalate to the Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa and the National Consumer Commission
BAIC South Africa Customer Care
BAIC South Africa Customer Care
For full transparency and to assist your representative:
> Vehicle: 2023 BAIC Beijing X55 Elite, Reg KWN 045 NW, > Mileage: 89,237km as of 05/05/2026 — warranty is active until 2028/01/01 or 150,000km.
> Critical updates since my original review:
> 1. New engine damage: After Jetor BAIC Rustenburg’s 90,000km service on 26/06/2025, the vehicle developed a dangerous knocking noise. Job Card 26BIAA44314 states “all is well” on arrival. Noise reported to dealer via WhatsApp 05/05/2026 10:43.
> 2. Technician misconduct: Technician Jimmy Manamela liable for harval selling me a car with engine light, and admitted verbally the fault existed “before the cruise control switch broke”.
> 3. Driving under protest: I have no alternative transport. I am using the vehicle under protest and BAIC is on notice that any further damage is your liability per CPA Section 56.
> Formal legal demands sent to ***, MIOSA & NCC today include:
> 1. Written confirmation warranty is active
> 2. Loan vehicle/tow truck within 24 hours due to safety risk
> 3. Independent dealer appointment — I will not return to Jetor BAIC Rustenburg
> 4. Disciplinary action against Mr. Manamela
> I will update this review once BAIC provides written confirmation of the above.
> Please ensure all communication is in writing via email to ***. I do not consent to verbal discussions or return to Jetor BAIC Rustenburg.
For full transparency and to assist your representative:
> Vehicle: 2023 BAIC Beijing X55 Elite, Reg KWN 045 NW, > Mileage: 89,237km as of 05/05/2026 — warranty is active until 2028/01/01 or 150,000km.
> Critical updates since my original review:
> 1. New engine damage: After Jetor BAIC Rustenburg’s 90,000km service on 26/06/2025, the vehicle developed a dangerous knocking noise. Job Card 26BIAA44314 states “all is well” on arrival. Noise reported to dealer via WhatsApp 05/05/2026 10:43.
> 2. Technician misconduct: Technician Jimmy Manamela liable for harval selling me a car with engine light, and admitted verbally the fault existed “before the cruise control switch broke”.
> 3. Driving under protest: I have no alternative transport. I am using the vehicle under protest and BAIC is on notice that any further damage is your liability per CPA Section 56.
> Formal legal demands sent to ***, MIOSA & NCC today include:
> 1. Written confirmation warranty is active
> 2. Loan vehicle/tow truck within 24 hours due to safety risk
> 3. Independent dealer appointment — I will not return to Jetor BAIC Rustenburg
> 4. Disciplinary action against Mr. Manamela
> I will update this review once BAIC provides written confirmation of the above.
> Please ensure all communication is in writing via email to ***. I do not consent to verbal discussions or return to Jetor BAIC Rustenburg.