Hyundai Pinetown ****ty Customer Service

I purchased my Hyundai Venue new in September 2022, and until September 2024, the vehicle performed well with no issues. However, while driving to Johannesburg with my family, I experienced a significant problem where the clutch failed, making it difficult to select gears. Fortunately, I was able to temporarily resolve the issue by switching the car off for a few minutes and restarting it, which allowed me to continue my journey.

The vehicle was then towed to Hyundai East Rand at my own expense (approximately R900 for towing), where it remained from Saturday to Tuesday. The dealership identified an issue with the clutch and performed a bleed. I was informed that the vehicle was safe to drive back to Durban. Due to the timing, I had to fly back to Durban (incurring additional costs of approximately R1000 for flights) while my brother drove the car back.

However, the same issue occurred again while my brother was driving it back, prompting another visit to Hyundai Pinetown for repairs. A few days later, the problem resurfaced again. After further repairs, the issue seemed to be resolved temporarily. The vehicle drove fine for about two months, but the same issue returned in November. The dealer replaced some parts to address the problem, and the vehicle appeared to be fine again.

Sadly, the issue reoccurred last week, and I had the vehicle serviced once again at the dealer. The parts manager arranged for a foreman to resolve the issue, and the car seemed to be functioning correctly. However, on Monday, I was once again stranded in traffic due to the clutch failure during extreme weather conditions. I had to have the vehicle towed again, and I was left without communication for nearly three hours while waiting for assistance.

When I contacted you to request a courtesy car, I was informed that no vehicles were available. This is when I attempted to reach you by phone, but my call was declined. After the repairs were completed, I collected the vehicle today, and while it seems to be functioning for now, I am uncertain how long the fix will last given the recurring nature of the issue.

Given the ongoing problems with this vehicle, I am requesting compensation for all out-of-pocket expenses incurred, including towing, flights, and Uber costs for commuting to work during the periods when the vehicle was inoperable. I am also requesting to trade in this vehicle, and for Hyundai Pinetown to settle the outstanding balance with Wesbank to ensure I am not left with any financial deficit.

I purchased this vehicle in good faith, expecting it to be reliable for my daily commute from Shallcross to Umhlanga. However, the repeated mechanical failures have led me to believe I have made the wrong choice in brand.