Based on recent customer reviews, Dekra Automotive draws heavy criticism across its branches, from Randburg and Salt River to Montague Gardens, Pinetown and Polokwane. Customers describe long waits for roadworthy and Uber inspections, inconsistent failure findings, and reluctance to explain defects or extend re-test periods. Several report damage caused while Dekra drivers collected vehicles, followed by unanswered emails and denied liability. Front desk attitude and perceived unfair queueing also feature. A minority praise individual staff members like Kgomotso, Nelo and Janey Erasmus for genuinely helpful, efficient service.
Replied to 75% of negative reviews
Reply time on negative reviews: 40h
TrustIndex
3
Ranking
#79
in Automotive
Reply Time
33h 16m
NPS Score
-100
Recommended: Unlikely
Replied to 75% of negative reviews
Reply time on negative reviews: 40h
Nov '25 - Oct '26
Frequently Asked Questions About Dekra Automotive
What do customers say about Dekra Automotive?
Based on recent customer reviews, Dekra Automotive draws heavy criticism across its branches, from Randburg and Salt River to Montague Gardens, Pinetown and Polokwane. Customers describe long waits for roadworthy and Uber inspections, inconsistent failure findings, and reluctance to explain defects or extend re-test periods. Several report damage caused while Dekra drivers collected vehicles, followed by unanswered emails and denied liability. Front desk attitude and perceived unfair queueing also feature. A minority praise individual staff members like Kgomotso, Nelo and Janey Erasmus for genuinely helpful, efficient service.
Is Dekra Automotive trustworthy?
Dekra Automotive has a TrustIndex of 3 out of 10 on Hellopeter, based on 15 reviews in the last 12 months. They reply to 75% of negative reviews, typically within 40 hours. Hellopeter has tracked Dekra Automotive across 252 total reviews. How is the TrustIndex calculated? →
Recent reviews (15)
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 Sept 2022
Dekra Dragging Feet
I had the pleasure of a lost morning at Dekra Egoli today. If I did not know any better, I would have swirn it is a government department. Everything happens at a snails pace. I thiught I was being too judgemental having some 30 years experience in the Motor Industry, but I was approached by two other customers sharing their concern that inspectors seem to be wandering about without inspecting cars. I was told that the report would be emailed to me within an hour or two as it needed to be vetted. It is now 4 hours after I have keft and no e mail. It is clear that these stores are now corparately owned and no entrepreneurs are in charge to drive productivity
1 reviews | Active since Sept 2022
Dekra Dragging Feet
I had the pleasure of a lost morning at Dekra Egoli today. If I did not know any better, I would have swirn it is a government department. Everything happens at a snails pace. I thiught I was being too judgemental having some 30 years experience in the Motor Industry, but I was approached by two other customers sharing their concern that inspectors seem to be wandering about without inspecting cars. I was told that the report would be emailed to me within an hour or two as it needed to be vetted. It is now 4 hours after I have keft and no e mail. It is clear that these stores are now corparately owned and no entrepreneurs are in charge to drive productivity
1 reviews | Active since Nov 2015
DEKRA Midrand - All about money
STAY AWAY! Money over common sense. I took my late aunt’s 2011 Hyundai i10 here for a roadworthy inspection to transfer ownership. They gave me a long list of repairs, which I completed at a cost of over R5,200. I brought the car back for the re-test, only to have it fail over a noise when turning the steering wheel. My mechanic had already inspected the steering rack, found nothing wrong, and confirmed everything was in good condition. I explained this, but they refused to budge. I then contacted my mechanic to investigate further. When he called for a steering rack price, they themselves told him there is a common issue with a steering-column coupling that can cause this exact noise — potentially a R50 part, with labour being the main cost. I was prepared to have it fixed. Unfortunately, the repair couldn't be done before their 14-day re-test period expired. I called the manager and simply asked for a reasonable extension so I wouldn't have to pay the R830 inspection fee all over again. They refused outright. No flexibility. No understanding. No attempt to help. Just another R830 charge. It's incredibly frustrating that trying to do things legitimately and get a car roadworthy can become this difficult and expensive. Very disappointing experience. Money seems to come before customer service or common sense.
1 reviews | Active since Nov 2015
DEKRA Midrand - All about money
STAY AWAY! Money over common sense. I took my late aunt’s 2011 Hyundai i10 here for a roadworthy inspection to transfer ownership. They gave me a long list of repairs, which I completed at a cost of over R5,200. I brought the car back for the re-test, only to have it fail over a noise when turning the steering wheel. My mechanic had already inspected the steering rack, found nothing wrong, and confirmed everything was in good condition. I explained this, but they refused to budge. I then contacted my mechanic to investigate further. When he called for a steering rack price, they themselves told him there is a common issue with a steering-column coupling that can cause this exact noise — potentially a R50 part, with labour being the main cost. I was prepared to have it fixed. Unfortunately, the repair couldn't be done before their 14-day re-test period expired. I called the manager and simply asked for a reasonable extension so I wouldn't have to pay the R830 inspection fee all over again. They refused outright. No flexibility. No understanding. No attempt to help. Just another R830 charge. It's incredibly frustrating that trying to do things legitimately and get a car roadworthy can become this difficult and expensive. Very disappointing experience. Money seems to come before customer service or common sense.
1 reviews | Active since May 2023
DEKRA RANDBURG IS SO LOVELY !
Get there before 8am and you’ll get excellent service. Kgomotso and Nelo helped me today with my Roadworthy certificate and they were FANTASTIC !!! Huge thank you to the staff in Dekra Randburg !
1 reviews | Active since May 2023
DEKRA RANDBURG IS SO LOVELY !
Get there before 8am and you’ll get excellent service. Kgomotso and Nelo helped me today with my Roadworthy certificate and they were FANTASTIC !!! Huge thank you to the staff in Dekra Randburg !
1 reviews | Active since Jul 2026
Dekra cracked and chipped my windscreen
Dekra sent a driver to collect my car in Franschhoek for the roadworthy test to be done in Paarl. Once driving the car a few days later, I found my windscreen chipped in many places and cracked. I have camera footage showing the driver leaving my home and the windscreen had no chipped places or cracks. I'm a new driver and I hardly drive my car at the moment, so I noticed the damaged windscreen only a few days later. Upon noticing this, I whatsapped the employee who arranged the car to be collected. He said he would speak to the driver. He then spoke to the driver and I was told that the driver was careful and Dekra can't be held liable. I've now emailed them three times requesting camera footage and the time that the driver arrived on site - I still haven't had a reply. This has now become ridiculous. Own up to what occurred instead of making excuses and ignoring the client. This is a terrible customer service.
1 reviews | Active since Jul 2026
Dekra cracked and chipped my windscreen
Dekra sent a driver to collect my car in Franschhoek for the roadworthy test to be done in Paarl. Once driving the car a few days later, I found my windscreen chipped in many places and cracked. I have camera footage showing the driver leaving my home and the windscreen had no chipped places or cracks. I'm a new driver and I hardly drive my car at the moment, so I noticed the damaged windscreen only a few days later. Upon noticing this, I whatsapped the employee who arranged the car to be collected. He said he would speak to the driver. He then spoke to the driver and I was told that the driver was careful and Dekra can't be held liable. I've now emailed them three times requesting camera footage and the time that the driver arrived on site - I still haven't had a reply. This has now become ridiculous. Own up to what occurred instead of making excuses and ignoring the client. This is a terrible customer service.
1 reviews | Active since Sept 2023
Poor customer service
The lady by the front desk (Zambezi branch), Donel is her name I believe, she has quite a terrible attitude, and when it’s brought to her attention, she in not so many words indicated that it’s my problem that I think she has one, and continued to be dismissive in the process of rendering her services. Quite an unpleasant experience to say the least.
1 reviews | Active since Sept 2023
Poor customer service
The lady by the front desk (Zambezi branch), Donel is her name I believe, she has quite a terrible attitude, and when it’s brought to her attention, she in not so many words indicated that it’s my problem that I think she has one, and continued to be dismissive in the process of rendering her services. Quite an unpleasant experience to say the least.
1 reviews | Active since Jun 2016
Formal Complaint Regarding Service, Inconsistent Vehicle Inspection Results, and Discriminatory Treatment
Good day, I am writing to lodge a formal complaint regarding the unacceptable service and treatment I experienced at your Montague Gardens and N1 City branches. As one of many South Africans affected by unemployment, I recently registered to become a Takealot parcel and food delivery driver. As part of the onboarding process, I was required to obtain a DEKRA vehicle inspection certificate. My first visit was to your Montague Gardens branch. I arrived at approximately 09:00 and waited the entire day. During that time, I observed several customers who arrived after me being assisted ahead of me. I noticed that many of these customers were foreign nationals. When I questioned why I was continually being overlooked, at around 14:00, one of the employees responded dismissively, telling me that I was free to leave if I wanted because they were going to lunch. I found both the tone and the manner in which I was addressed to be unprofessional and disrespectful. Despite this, I remained and continued waiting until I was eventually assisted. Following the inspection, I was informed that my vehicle had failed solely because the rear tyres needed to be replaced. I immediately purchased two new rear tyres and also had the wheel alignment done. I then returned to the Montague Gardens branch for a retest at approximately 10:00. I was informed that I could not be assisted because they were too busy, despite there only being a few vehicles at the branch. I then visited your N1 City branch, where I unfortunately experienced similar treatment. I observed other customers being assisted promptly, while I, as a Black female, was told to leave and return after 14:00 because the inspector would allegedly be available then. I returned at the requested time, only to be told that additional customers had arrived and that I should come back another day. As someone who is currently unemployed, every unnecessary trip places additional financial strain on me. The cost of fuel alone has become a significant burden, especially when I am simply trying to complete a mandatory inspection in order to secure employment. Eventually, at around 16:00, an inspector conducted the retest. After handing me the report, I asked him to explain the findings. He informed me that he could not do so because he does not normally perform these inspections. I therefore submitted the report to Takealot without receiving any explanation. It was only afterwards that I discovered the vehicle had again failed, this time because of scratches on the bodywork. This was surprising because, during my initial inspection, the vehicle's body condition had been recorded as fair, and I was specifically informed that the only issue preventing the vehicle from passing was the rear tyres. The second report differs significantly from the first, despite the inspections being conducted only a few weeks apart. I have attached copies of both inspection reports, together with unedited photographs of my vehicle, to illustrate these inconsistencies. I respectfully request that DEKRA conduct a thorough investigation into: The inconsistent inspection findings between the two reports. The poor customer service and dismissive attitude displayed by staff members. Whether proper inspection procedures were followed. My concerns regarding the differential treatment I experienced compared with other customers. I believe every customer deserves to be treated fairly, professionally, and with dignity, regardless of their race, gender, or background. The experiences I have described have caused unnecessary financial hardship, delayed my ability to begin working, and left me feeling deeply disappointed by the service I received. I request that this matter be escalated to the appropriate manager and that I receive a written response outlining the outcome of the investigation. Should DEKRA be unable to resolve this matter satisfactorily, I would appreciate being provided with the appropriate contact details for the next level of escalation. I look forward to your prompt response. Yours faithfully,
1 reviews | Active since Jun 2016
Formal Complaint Regarding Service, Inconsistent Vehicle Inspection Results, and Discriminatory Treatment
Good day, I am writing to lodge a formal complaint regarding the unacceptable service and treatment I experienced at your Montague Gardens and N1 City branches. As one of many South Africans affected by unemployment, I recently registered to become a Takealot parcel and food delivery driver. As part of the onboarding process, I was required to obtain a DEKRA vehicle inspection certificate. My first visit was to your Montague Gardens branch. I arrived at approximately 09:00 and waited the entire day. During that time, I observed several customers who arrived after me being assisted ahead of me. I noticed that many of these customers were foreign nationals. When I questioned why I was continually being overlooked, at around 14:00, one of the employees responded dismissively, telling me that I was free to leave if I wanted because they were going to lunch. I found both the tone and the manner in which I was addressed to be unprofessional and disrespectful. Despite this, I remained and continued waiting until I was eventually assisted. Following the inspection, I was informed that my vehicle had failed solely because the rear tyres needed to be replaced. I immediately purchased two new rear tyres and also had the wheel alignment done. I then returned to the Montague Gardens branch for a retest at approximately 10:00. I was informed that I could not be assisted because they were too busy, despite there only being a few vehicles at the branch. I then visited your N1 City branch, where I unfortunately experienced similar treatment. I observed other customers being assisted promptly, while I, as a Black female, was told to leave and return after 14:00 because the inspector would allegedly be available then. I returned at the requested time, only to be told that additional customers had arrived and that I should come back another day. As someone who is currently unemployed, every unnecessary trip places additional financial strain on me. The cost of fuel alone has become a significant burden, especially when I am simply trying to complete a mandatory inspection in order to secure employment. Eventually, at around 16:00, an inspector conducted the retest. After handing me the report, I asked him to explain the findings. He informed me that he could not do so because he does not normally perform these inspections. I therefore submitted the report to Takealot without receiving any explanation. It was only afterwards that I discovered the vehicle had again failed, this time because of scratches on the bodywork. This was surprising because, during my initial inspection, the vehicle's body condition had been recorded as fair, and I was specifically informed that the only issue preventing the vehicle from passing was the rear tyres. The second report differs significantly from the first, despite the inspections being conducted only a few weeks apart. I have attached copies of both inspection reports, together with unedited photographs of my vehicle, to illustrate these inconsistencies. I respectfully request that DEKRA conduct a thorough investigation into: The inconsistent inspection findings between the two reports. The poor customer service and dismissive attitude displayed by staff members. Whether proper inspection procedures were followed. My concerns regarding the differential treatment I experienced compared with other customers. I believe every customer deserves to be treated fairly, professionally, and with dignity, regardless of their race, gender, or background. The experiences I have described have caused unnecessary financial hardship, delayed my ability to begin working, and left me feeling deeply disappointed by the service I received. I request that this matter be escalated to the appropriate manager and that I receive a written response outlining the outcome of the investigation. Should DEKRA be unable to resolve this matter satisfactorily, I would appreciate being provided with the appropriate contact details for the next level of escalation. I look forward to your prompt response. Yours faithfully,
1 reviews | Active since Jun 2026
Worst Service ever Dekra Salt River
This is the worst possible service at Dekra Salt River brought my car for Roadworthy and had amazing service came back again to have it checked for Uber and they have made me wait for 3 hours no explanation,it feels like they think Uber drivers are not real customers altought they charge like R 500.00 per car. This is totally unacceptable
1 reviews | Active since Jun 2026
Worst Service ever Dekra Salt River
This is the worst possible service at Dekra Salt River brought my car for Roadworthy and had amazing service came back again to have it checked for Uber and they have made me wait for 3 hours no explanation,it feels like they think Uber drivers are not real customers altought they charge like R 500.00 per car. This is totally unacceptable