BoosTech SA

Poor service and failure to fix vehicle and fully compensate me for costs incurred

They messed up my car and I had to pay thousands to get it fixed without compensation for extras after they couldn't fix Subject: Formal Complaint and Request for Investigation – 2022 Renault Duster Zen 4x4 Diesel (Reg: BJ 84 DM ZN) To: The Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa (MIOSA) Dear Sir / Madam, I hereby lodge a formal complaint and request a full investigation into the conduct and workmanship of Boostech Midlands & Durban and The Exhaust Shoppe relating to my 2022 Renault Duster Zen 4x4 Diesel (Registration: BJ 84 DM ZN). ________________________________________ Background On 3 September 2025, I delivered my vehicle, which was in perfect running condition, to The Exhaust Shoppe in Pietermaritzburg for DPF removal. The ECU remapping was performed by Boostech Midlands & Durban. Immediately after the remapping process, the vehicle failed to start. Upon inspection, I observed that multiple electrical wires had been disconnected. What followed was months of mechanical failure, delay, financial loss, and unacceptable conduct. ________________________________________ Extended Chronology of Events • The vehicle was removed from Pro Shesha Auto after they were unable to get it running. • It was then taken to Mr. Yakoob in Durban, who replaced the entire wiring loom and successfully got the vehicle started within three days. • Boostech paid R35,000 toward this repair. However: • The vehicle went into limp mode due to ECU failure. • I had to hire a trailer at my own cost and tow the vehicle to D-Tec Auto in Durban to resolve the limp mode issue. • The ECU ultimately had to be replaced. • Due to the extended period the vehicle was standing (from 3 September 2025), the turbo actuator rusted and seized, requiring replacement. • After these repairs, during a test drive, the intercooler failed and had to be replaced. All of the above repairs were necessary purely to restore the vehicle to roadworthy condition after the initial damage caused following Boostech’s intervention. ________________________________________ Period of Deprivation My vehicle stood non-operational from 3 September 2025 until 11 February 2026 — over five months — and was only restored to working condition after I personally intervened and sourced competent and qualified technicians to rectify the damage. This prolonged period resulted in: • Rental vehicle costs exceeding R52,000; • Continued vehicle finance payments to ABSA; • Ongoing insurance premiums; • Towing and trailer hire costs; • Severe inconvenience and distress. ________________________________________ Grounds for Complaint It is my firm position that: • The damage to the wiring loom and ECU was directly caused during or after the remapping procedure. • The subsequent mechanical failures were consequential damages arising from the prolonged non-use and improper handling of the vehicle. • Boostech initially undertook to cover rental costs but failed to honour this commitment. • The overall conduct demonstrates negligence, lack of technical competence, and disregard for consumer rights. It is wholly unacceptable that my vehicle was rendered unusable for over five months due to the actions of these service providers. Businesses such as Boostech, in my view, should not be operating within the motor industry if they lack the competence and accountability required to perform specialised ECU remapping. ________________________________________ Relief Sought I respectfully request that MIOSA: 1. Conduct a full investigation into the conduct and workmanship of Boostech Midlands & Durban and The Exhaust Shoppe Pietermaritzburg. 2. Assist in securing reimbur*****t for: o All rental vehicle costs; o Towing and trailer hire expenses; o Costs incurred in replacing the ECU, wiring loom, turbo actuator, intercooler, and associated repairs; o Any additional consequential financial losses. 3. Consider appropriate corrective or disciplinary action where warranted. I believe I have been more than patient and reasonable in attempting to resolve this matter directly. Unfortunately, I have been left with no option but to seek regulatory intervention. I am prepared to submit all supporting documentation, invoices, payment confirmations, and correspondence upon request. I trust MIOSA will treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves. Yours faithfully, HJ Pieterse