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Stefan W

1 reviews | Active since Nov 2015

03 Sept 2026, 12:18

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.

0
Replies (2)
Dekra Automotive
Dekra Automotive's reply04 Sept 2026, 12:42
Official
Dear Stefan Wilsenach, we are regulated by the National Road Traffic Act,1996 (Act 93 of 1996). "Regulation 141(4) clearly states that when a vehicle is not roadworthy the examiner MAY allow the applicant to have ONE retest for such motor vehicle, within a period fix by him or her, but NOT exceeding 14 DAYS after the date of such examination and testing, to remedy any defect..." A member of the DEKRA management team will contact you as well.
SW
Stefan W's update07 Sept 2026, 14:43
Reviewer Update
Thank you for the clarification regarding Regulation 141(4).
I understand that the 14-day retest period is governed by the regulations, and my complaint is not that DEKRA should simply ignore the legislation.
My concern is the lack of flexibility and customer service in the circumstances. I had already spent more than R5,200 addressing the issues identified during the initial inspection and was actively trying to resolve the remaining steering noise. My mechanic had inspected the vehicle and was prepared to investigate and repair it, but unfortunately could not do so before the 14-day period expired.
I subsequently contacted management to explain the situation and asked whether anything could be done to assist, rather than simply being required to pay another R830 for a new inspection. At the time, I felt my concerns were dismissed without any consideration of the circumstances.
I appreciate that a member of the DEKRA management team has now contacted me and is investigating the matter. I have provided the requested vehicle details and am awaiting their feedback.
Hopefully the investigation will provide some clarity and, more importantly, demonstrate that there is still room for reasonable customer service within the regulations.