Ford Everest Wildtrak – Dangerous Defects, Poor After-Sales Service & Total Disregard for Customer Safety

I am writing this public complaint after months of absolute frustration, mechanical failures, and shocking disregard for customer safety by both Ford South Africa and Rola Ford Riversdal. I purchased a 2024 Ford Everest Wildtrak (VIN: MNBRXXMAWRRG20424 | Reg: CCC 16683) with the reasonable expectation that a brand-new vehicle would be safe, reliable, and supported by professional after-sales service. What I experienced was the opposite. Chronological Timeline of Events: • May 2025: Vehicle taken in for a camshaft sprocket recall. It remained at Rola Ford Riversdal for over a month. I received a courtesy vehicle, but it was not equivalent to my Wildtrak — unsuitable for my family and long-distance needs. • June 2025: Less than a week after receiving the vehicle back, the water pump failed due to multiple bolt issues. According to the service report: “Diagnosed and found coolant reservoir had no coolant in. Topped up coolant to do pressure test and found water running out from coolant pump. Found one bolt missing, one bolt broken off, and a third bolt was slightly loose and bent — causing the water pump to leak out coolant.” – Technician: Corne Vermeulen The coolant pump had to be removed and resealed. New bolts were fitted. The cooling system was tested and reportedly passed – but the fact remains: this failure occurred immediately after the vehicle was returned from the prior repair. • Despite these serious mechanical failures, no courtesy vehicle was provided this time. • I was also told that the glow plugs were replaced, but no documentation has been given to confirm this. Arthur and Ian acknowledged the replacement, but the parts were allegedly installed without new seals, and no service record was produced. • July 2025: Rola and Ford SA claimed the vehicle is “fit for purpose” and offered: 1. Return of the same vehicle I no longer trust. 2. Repurchase at R925,000, far below market value (±R1.1 million). 3. An undefined “VLP” (Vehicle Loan Plan) with no formal agreement. • 28 July 2025: One missed call from Arthur Warner. No written follow-up. No feedback from Ford SA. No accountability.

Mechanical Failures – Summary of Broken Components: 1. Camshaft Sprocket Bolt(s): Recalled due to manufacturing defect. Replaced May 2025. 2. Water Pump Bolts (June 2025): o One bolt broken off o One bolt completely missing o Third bolt loose and bent → This resulted in coolant loss and risk of engine overheating. 3. Glow Plug Seals: Claimed to be replaced, but no paperwork or confirmation provided. Concerns remain over whether the seals were fitted properly.

Important Notice: I will NOT be collecting the vehicle. This is not a preference — it's a refusal based on safety, loss of trust, and gross negligence. If this vehicle causes harm or failure again, it will rest on Ford SA and Rola Ford Riversdal, who were fully aware and chose to act irresponsibly.

Key Issues: • Three serious mechanical incidents under 16,000km • Water pump failure due to missing and broken bolts • No service documentation for other repairs (e.g., glow plugs) • No courtesy vehicle during the most recent failure • Low repurchase offer far below advertised market value • No meaningful communication or accountability

Conclusion & Next Steps: Ford's silence and Rola's dismissal of these serious issues speak volumes. I will now escalate this to: • Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa (MIOSA) • National Consumer Commission (NCC) • Automotive journalists and national media outlets This is not just about one customer – this is about holding Ford accountable for putting defective, dangerous vehicles on South African roads, then refusing to take responsibility when things go wrong.