Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV Towbar issues

I purchased my Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV from Chery Hatfield in November 2025. As part of the purchase, I paid an additional R7,500 for a Chery-approved towbar.

While I absolutely love the vehicle itself, the towbar installation and related electronics have been an ongoing problem from day one.

Whenever I plug in a bike rack or trailer, the vehicle immediately displays multiple electronic and warning errors. I reported this issue to Chery shortly after taking delivery of the vehicle. After taking the vehicle in three separate times, I was repeatedly told that “this is how the system works.”

Concerned that this could not be normal, I contacted another Tiggo 8 PHEV owner who experienced the exact same issue. They confirmed that this behaviour is not correct and that it should be repaired.

I then took the vehicle back again, this time with both the bike rack and feedback from another owner. Only then did the dealership properly test the electronics and finally acknowledge that there is indeed a fault. I was informed that the matter had been escalated to Chery South Africa.

Unfortunately, nearly two months later, I still have no solution, no repair, and very little meaningful feedback.

This is especially concerning considering the vehicle’s excellent NCAP safety rating. At this point, I honestly do not know whether important safety systems such as the airbags or other driver assistance features can be re**** upon while something is connected to the trailer socket.

I want to emphasise that apart from this issue, the Tiggo 8 PHEV is an excellent vehicle and I genuinely enjoy driving it. However, I feel extremely disappointed by the after-sales support and the lack of urgency in resolving what appears to be a legitimate electrical and safety-related concern.

I would appreciate assistance from Chery South Africa in finally resolving this matter properly.