Extremely Disappointed with Ford Lazarus – Poor Service, Communication, and Workmanship

I am writing to share my deeply disappointing experience with Ford Lazarus (400 West Ave, Highveld, Centurion). As a loyal and hardworking customer, I expected better service, communication, and workmanship from a dealership representing the Ford brand. Unfortunately, my experience has left me with no trust in their service.

Background I purchased a second-hand Ford Ecosport 1.5 on 29 March 2024, with 49,150 km on the odometer. By July, the car started displaying warning signs: "Check Brake System" and "Engine Oil Pressure Low."

On 12 July, I took the car to Ford Lazarus for its 60,000 km warranty service (odometer: 54,249 km). They replaced the engine oil pressure sensor, confirmed the brakes were fine at 5mm on both sides, and assured me there were no other issues.

Issues I have Experienced

Brake Safety Negligence: On 12 September, I discovered at Tyre Mart that my wife’s brakes were uneven—one side was at 3mm and the other below 5mm. This was just 3,339 km after Ford Lazarus claimed the brakes were fine. This oversight endangered my wife, her carpool friends, and other road users.

Recurring Battery Problems: By October, the battery began failing if the car was parked for more than two days. I contacted Matrix, suspecting the tracking device, but they confirmed it wasn’t the issue. On 20 November, Ford Lazarus again replaced the engine oil pressure sensor and informed me the battery was depleted, suggesting a replacement for R3,000.

Ongoing Battery Drain: I purchased a new SABAT battery elsewhere for R1,700. Yet, after leaving the car unused for six days during the December holidays, the battery was completely drained—a worse problem than before.

My Concerns Why were the brakes deemed fine during the service, only to be unsafe two months later? Why was the real cause of the battery drain not identified earlier and why am I still experiencing a battery issue? Why did the same warning signs reappear despite multiple repairs? Why should I trust Ford Lazarus’s workmanship when issues persist and safety is compromised?

This experience has been exhausting and has completely eroded my trust in Ford Lazarus. After much frustration, my wife and I have decided to sell the car by April 2025 and move to a more reliable brand like Toyota or Isuzu.

I will never recommend Ford Lazarus to anyone and will make sure others are aware of this experience. It is sad that such poor service exists in a world where safety, quality, and honesty should be the priority—especially for hardworking citizens.

Other Ford dealerships in South Africa may provide excellent service, but Ford Lazarus has let the brand down. Shame on you, Ford Lazarus.