Appalling service at two dealerships

Good day

I have received the worst service from two of your dealerships, name Kia Fourways and Kia Bryanston.

On the 20th June, I had an issue with my Kia Picanto Ex 1.2 brakes on my way to work. I took it to Kia Fourways to ask them to have a look at my vehicle. I collected it the same day as the ‘problem’ was repaired. The very next day, I had issues with my battery. My car just did not want to start. I am 100% sure that my battery was swooped our at Kia Fourways. I refuse to take my vehicle back there! I had to purchase a whole new battery and get it fitted over a weekend after being stuck with a dead battery!

A few weeks (12th July 2019) thereafter, my car is due for its 60 000kms service. After the terrible service I received at Kia Fourways, I opted to change my dealership to Kia Bryanston for the service. Wian Janse Van Rensburg assisted me with booking my vehicle in for the service and emailed me the quotation. Firstly the initial quoted was extremely expensive which I could not afford! Wian then removed the spark plugs for the quote to come to R2500 which I said was expensive but I approved the service to go ahead. I collected my vehicle in the afternoon and it seemed that everything was fine.

On Saturday, 27th July 2019, I left home driving to Broadacres centre which is 2 minutes from where I stay, my clutch cable snapped. I then called Kia Roadside assistance to help tow my car to the workshop so that it can go back to the Kia Dealership on Monday. Exclusive Towing assisted me with the towing of my vehicle and that was arranged for Monday. I then went to the dealership on Monday morningto make sure that they look at my vehicle and repair/replace what is needed. I am still under warranty however Wian advised that the warranty will not cover the cost and I would have to pay an additional R1408 to replace this clutch cable. Having no choice I told Wian to go ahead with the repair yesterday morning. He said my vehicle will be ready this morning (Tuesday 30th July 2019).

This morning at 11:22am I called Wian and I said my vehicle is just in the wash bay but the repairs are done. I got to the dealership at 12:30am, only to find that my vehicle is not ready and they were still busy with it. At 13:00pm, Wian gave me the vehicle and said all done, and they just couldn’t wash it because I needed to go to a meeting.

I left the dealership, driving to my office, I immediately felt that my vehicle was not okay to drive. The clutch paddle felt loose, changing to any gear was such a problem. It made sounds when I changed gears, and would pop out from 1st gear if I changed. I had the most UNSAFE drive. When I arrived at the office, I immediately called Wian to tell him, again I was asked to return the vehicle for the technician to look at it.

At 15:30pm, I arrived at the dealership and was furious. Your dealership put my life at risk with a vehicle that was not properly repaired. The technician, Godfrey, came and I expressed my problems that I experienced. He took and look and adjust the clip of the clutch cable. We took a test drive together and the vehicle felt better. Godfrey apologized and mentioned that he didn’t have a chance to test the vehicle before I collected it and that he only fitted the part just before I arrived. This was not what I was told! Why didn’t Wian tell me the truth and allow the technician to test drive the vehicle first before giving me a unsafe vehicle! I am appalled and really angry that your staff would not think of our safety. I am constantly on the road, and the thought of my vehicle not being checked before I drive it is terrifying!! I am beyond angry at the Kia brand and the service from both your dealerships!

I was going to trade in my vehicle and enquired with one of your sales managers this morning, however I will not even think of staying with this brand!! Your service is terrible and the fact that you put our lives at risk is even more appalling!

I would like to escalate this to the manager urgently and receive proper feedback on the way forward.

Regards