Based on recent customer reviews, Motor Industry Ombudsman SA is described by consumers as slow, unresponsive and difficult to reach once a case number is issued. Complainants report waits of six to fifteen months for rulings on defective vehicles, gearbox failures, code 3 disclosures and dealer disputes, with emails unanswered and call centre agents repeating that the case sits in a queue awaiting review. Several feel outcomes favour dealerships and insurers, or that files are closed on technicalities, pushing them toward attorneys, the NCC or court instead.
TrustIndex
1.8
NPS Score
-100
Recommended: Unlikely
Nov '25 - Oct '26
Frequently Asked Questions About Motor Industry Ombudsman SA
What do customers say about Motor Industry Ombudsman SA?
Based on recent customer reviews, Motor Industry Ombudsman SA is described by consumers as slow, unresponsive and difficult to reach once a case number is issued. Complainants report waits of six to fifteen months for rulings on defective vehicles, gearbox failures, code 3 disclosures and dealer disputes, with emails unanswered and call centre agents repeating that the case sits in a queue awaiting review. Several feel outcomes favour dealerships and insurers, or that files are closed on technicalities, pushing them toward attorneys, the NCC or court instead.
Is Motor Industry Ombudsman SA trustworthy?
Motor Industry Ombudsman SA has a TrustIndex of 1.8 out of 10 on Hellopeter, based on 40 reviews in the last 12 months. Hellopeter has tracked Motor Industry Ombudsman SA across 451 total reviews. How is the TrustIndex calculated? →
Recent reviews (40)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your Experience1 reviews | Active since Apr 2023
Horrible service at Ford NMI Pietermaritzburg Charterton Road
My name Ms. Xolile Mbili I am absolutely devastated by the shocking treatment, negligence, and total lack of accountability from Ford NMI Pietermaritzburg and Ford South Africa. On 27 August 2026, I booked my 2020 Ford EcoSport, 74,439km mileage, in with Service Advisor Mr. Siyabonga Mavuma for clutch repairs. My car was stripped and grounded. For nearly a full month, I was left stranded while being told via email that they were "waiting for the part" to arrive. On 22 September 2026, after I threatened to escalate the matter to executive leadership, the truth came out: Mr. Dash in the parts department had never actually ordered the part. My car sat stripped in their workshop for four weeks due to pure employee incompetence. He only placed the order for the clutch pedal (Part No: ***) last week after I exposed them. Now, because of their internal failure, I am told the part will only arrive in South Africa on 20 October 2026. I am expected to be stranded for nearly TWO MONTHS for a standard repair! Worse yet, Parts Manager Mr. Julian Sujpathy actively covered up for his subordinate's mistake instead of apologizing, and Branch Manager Mr. Gareth Crouch has completely ignored the situation. No one cares, no one is taking responsibility, and Ford South Africa is refusing to provide a courtesy vehicle to mitigate the damage they caused .Under Section 54 of the Consumer Protection Act, I have a right to timely service. Ford NMI PMB has completely violated my rights, **** to me, and left me stranded. I demand that the President of Ford Africa, Neale Hill, intervenes and provides a courtesy car immediately.#FordSouthAfrica #FordNMIPiermaritzburg #ConsumerProtectionAct #BadService #HelloPeter
1 reviews | Active since Apr 2023
Horrible service at Ford NMI Pietermaritzburg Charterton Road
My name Ms. Xolile Mbili I am absolutely devastated by the shocking treatment, negligence, and total lack of accountability from Ford NMI Pietermaritzburg and Ford South Africa. On 27 August 2026, I booked my 2020 Ford EcoSport, 74,439km mileage, in with Service Advisor Mr. Siyabonga Mavuma for clutch repairs. My car was stripped and grounded. For nearly a full month, I was left stranded while being told via email that they were "waiting for the part" to arrive. On 22 September 2026, after I threatened to escalate the matter to executive leadership, the truth came out: Mr. Dash in the parts department had never actually ordered the part. My car sat stripped in their workshop for four weeks due to pure employee incompetence. He only placed the order for the clutch pedal (Part No: ***) last week after I exposed them. Now, because of their internal failure, I am told the part will only arrive in South Africa on 20 October 2026. I am expected to be stranded for nearly TWO MONTHS for a standard repair! Worse yet, Parts Manager Mr. Julian Sujpathy actively covered up for his subordinate's mistake instead of apologizing, and Branch Manager Mr. Gareth Crouch has completely ignored the situation. No one cares, no one is taking responsibility, and Ford South Africa is refusing to provide a courtesy vehicle to mitigate the damage they caused .Under Section 54 of the Consumer Protection Act, I have a right to timely service. Ford NMI PMB has completely violated my rights, **** to me, and left me stranded. I demand that the President of Ford Africa, Neale Hill, intervenes and provides a courtesy car immediately.#FordSouthAfrica #FordNMIPiermaritzburg #ConsumerProtectionAct #BadService #HelloPeter
1 reviews | Active since Dec 2022
Miosa no feedback
After i submitted my claim a month ago no feedback you can email as much as you like to ask for feedback if just gets ignored no wonder dealerships get away with everything cause they know nothing will be done to them
1 reviews | Active since Dec 2022
Miosa no feedback
After i submitted my claim a month ago no feedback you can email as much as you like to ask for feedback if just gets ignored no wonder dealerships get away with everything cause they know nothing will be done to them
1 reviews | Active since Nov 2023
Usless
I have been waiting for nine months while my car that I bought from we buy cars sits on my drive way gathering dust I have been calling them every week with absolutely no fees back this place is just as bad as the companies we are reporting
1 reviews | Active since Nov 2023
Usless
I have been waiting for nine months while my car that I bought from we buy cars sits on my drive way gathering dust I have been calling them every week with absolutely no fees back this place is just as bad as the companies we are reporting
1 reviews | Active since Oct 2018
The worst experience and the most *********** bunch of people !!
The worst place to trust with your complaint. High levels of incompetence. I reported an incident end of June 2025, the evidence deadline was 8th December 2025, I met my deadline and silence was too loud , I then followed up in Feb 2026, I was told the matter is being finalised for an outcome. I checked in again in April, I received a copy and paste of the very same response I got in February. I checked in May and received the same message. Whose budget do these people get paid from. What a shame!!!
1 reviews | Active since Oct 2018
The worst experience and the most *********** bunch of people !!
The worst place to trust with your complaint. High levels of incompetence. I reported an incident end of June 2025, the evidence deadline was 8th December 2025, I met my deadline and silence was too loud , I then followed up in Feb 2026, I was told the matter is being finalised for an outcome. I checked in again in April, I received a copy and paste of the very same response I got in February. I checked in May and received the same message. Whose budget do these people get paid from. What a shame!!!
1 reviews | Active since Jul 2026
Formal Complaint Regarding Smart Panel Shop
Formal Complaint Regarding Smart Panel Shop To: The Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa (MIOSA) / Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) Subject: Request for Investigation into Smart Panel Shop I wish to lodge a formal complaint regarding the operations of Smart Panel Shop, situated at 12 Hadji Ebrahim Crescent, Belgravia, Athlone, Cape Town, Western Cape, 7764. Based on my experience, I have serious concerns regarding the quality of workmanship, professionalism, and business practices at this workshop. In my opinion, the standard of repairs and customer service falls well below what should be expected from an RMI-accredited repair facility. My concerns include: Workmanship that I believe is of an unacceptable standard. A lack of professionalism in the operation of the business. Concerns that staff may not have received adequate training to perform vehicle repairs to an acceptable industry standard. Poor quality control and repair processes, which have caused me to lose confidence in the workshop. Given these concerns, I respectfully request that the relevant authorities conduct a thorough inspection and investigation into the business, including: Whether the workshop complies with all applicable RMI accreditation requirements. Whether the technicians performing repairs possess the necessary qualifications, training, and competence. Whether the workshop adheres to recognised industry standards for vehicle repairs and customer protection. If the investigation finds that the workshop does not meet the required standards or has failed to comply with applicable accreditation requirements, I request that appropriate regulatory action be taken in accordance with RMI rules and applicable legislation. This may include suspension or revocation of its accreditation until all compliance requirements have been satisfied. I submit this complaint in good faith and am willing to provide supporting documentation, photographs, invoices, correspondence, and any other evidence relating to my experience to assist with the investigation. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Yours faithfully, Zahid Adam
1 reviews | Active since Jul 2026
Formal Complaint Regarding Smart Panel Shop
Formal Complaint Regarding Smart Panel Shop To: The Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa (MIOSA) / Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) Subject: Request for Investigation into Smart Panel Shop I wish to lodge a formal complaint regarding the operations of Smart Panel Shop, situated at 12 Hadji Ebrahim Crescent, Belgravia, Athlone, Cape Town, Western Cape, 7764. Based on my experience, I have serious concerns regarding the quality of workmanship, professionalism, and business practices at this workshop. In my opinion, the standard of repairs and customer service falls well below what should be expected from an RMI-accredited repair facility. My concerns include: Workmanship that I believe is of an unacceptable standard. A lack of professionalism in the operation of the business. Concerns that staff may not have received adequate training to perform vehicle repairs to an acceptable industry standard. Poor quality control and repair processes, which have caused me to lose confidence in the workshop. Given these concerns, I respectfully request that the relevant authorities conduct a thorough inspection and investigation into the business, including: Whether the workshop complies with all applicable RMI accreditation requirements. Whether the technicians performing repairs possess the necessary qualifications, training, and competence. Whether the workshop adheres to recognised industry standards for vehicle repairs and customer protection. If the investigation finds that the workshop does not meet the required standards or has failed to comply with applicable accreditation requirements, I request that appropriate regulatory action be taken in accordance with RMI rules and applicable legislation. This may include suspension or revocation of its accreditation until all compliance requirements have been satisfied. I submit this complaint in good faith and am willing to provide supporting documentation, photographs, invoices, correspondence, and any other evidence relating to my experience to assist with the investigation. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Yours faithfully, Zahid Adam
1 reviews | Active since Jun 2026
Suzuki fails a loyal, multi-vehicle customer after a 10-day delay.
I am deeply disappointed and shocked by the absolute lack of post-sale customer care from both Suzuki South and Suzuki South Africa. I am not a brand-new customer; I have been a loyal supporter of the Suzuki ecosystem for many years, having purchased their cars, motorcycles, and now this scooter. Yet, despite my long-standing brand loyalty and paying the full amount upfront on 10 June 2026, I have been treated with zero goodwill. The Branch Manager (Suzuki South) withheld my fully funded asset for 10 days because they discovered a faulty fuel pump that required replacement before handover, delaying delivery until 20 June 2026. While I appreciate that the mechanical defect was caught, the reality is that I went without my transport for 10 day after making full payment, causing me significant inconvenience and alternative transport costs. As a reasonable gesture of goodwill for this 10-day delay, I requested that the dealership cover the cost of the scooter's first 1-month service. The Branch manager has officially refused , stating that Suzuki South Africa has reviewed the matter and that covering the first service "does not fall within their parameters." This is a complete failure of basic customer service and appreciation for brand loyalty. I am not asking for a manufacturer warranty payout; I am asking for fair business accountability regarding a massive delivery delay on a brand-new asset. Suzuki gladly took my money upfront but refuses to take responsibility for the loss of use. Because of this rigid unhelpful attitude, I refuse to give Suzuki South any future business. I will be taking my scooter to Suzuki Vredenburg for its service instead. If this is how Suzuki treats loyal, long-term customers who support their cars and bikes, I highly regret my purchase. Suzuki SA needs to look at their "parameters" and realize that they are losing lifelong customers over a minor cost of a basic oil change.
1 reviews | Active since Jun 2026
Suzuki fails a loyal, multi-vehicle customer after a 10-day delay.
I am deeply disappointed and shocked by the absolute lack of post-sale customer care from both Suzuki South and Suzuki South Africa. I am not a brand-new customer; I have been a loyal supporter of the Suzuki ecosystem for many years, having purchased their cars, motorcycles, and now this scooter. Yet, despite my long-standing brand loyalty and paying the full amount upfront on 10 June 2026, I have been treated with zero goodwill. The Branch Manager (Suzuki South) withheld my fully funded asset for 10 days because they discovered a faulty fuel pump that required replacement before handover, delaying delivery until 20 June 2026. While I appreciate that the mechanical defect was caught, the reality is that I went without my transport for 10 day after making full payment, causing me significant inconvenience and alternative transport costs. As a reasonable gesture of goodwill for this 10-day delay, I requested that the dealership cover the cost of the scooter's first 1-month service. The Branch manager has officially refused , stating that Suzuki South Africa has reviewed the matter and that covering the first service "does not fall within their parameters." This is a complete failure of basic customer service and appreciation for brand loyalty. I am not asking for a manufacturer warranty payout; I am asking for fair business accountability regarding a massive delivery delay on a brand-new asset. Suzuki gladly took my money upfront but refuses to take responsibility for the loss of use. Because of this rigid unhelpful attitude, I refuse to give Suzuki South any future business. I will be taking my scooter to Suzuki Vredenburg for its service instead. If this is how Suzuki treats loyal, long-term customers who support their cars and bikes, I highly regret my purchase. Suzuki SA needs to look at their "parameters" and realize that they are losing lifelong customers over a minor cost of a basic oil change.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2023
Shut them down
Their inability and incompetence only points to another ******* bunch who ride on the name of what used to be of some benefit to the consumer!!
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2023
Shut them down
Their inability and incompetence only points to another ******* bunch who ride on the name of what used to be of some benefit to the consumer!!