Renault Menlyn – Ongoing Engine Failures on Brand New Vehicle & Unacceptable After-Sales Service

I am extremely disappointed with Renault South Africa and the after-sales service related to my brand-new Renault vehicle, purchased on 25 January 2025 from the Menlyn branch.

Within two weeks of purchase, the vehicle displayed a “Check Engine” warning. I immediately returned it to the dealership and was told the issue was minor and sensor-related. While I accepted this explanation at the time, this is something that should never happen on a brand-new vehicle.

Approximately two months later, the vehicle began making abnormal mechanical sounds. I returned it to the dealership again, where the situation became far more serious: - The vehicle was kept by the dealership for three months - Multiple repair attempts were made - I was issued with a loan vehicle during this time

After eventually receiving my car back, I drove it for roughly three months, only for it to fail again completely, stopping in the middle of the road and displaying an “Engine Fault” message. This placed me in a dangerous situation and required the vehicle to be towed back to the dealership.

What is completely unacceptable is that this time I was not provided with a loan vehicle, forcing me to pay out of pocket for public transport—while still making monthly payments on a vehicle that is clearly defective.

To make matters worse, I have now been informed that the dealership intends to strip down the engine and that I will be held liable for a cost of R8,060.00. I do not understand how I can be expected to pay for this when the vehicle has been faulty from the very beginning and is still under warranty.

This experience has caused me severe inconvenience, financial strain, and a complete loss of confidence in the Renault brand. I am requesting urgent intervention from Renault South Africa to resolve this matter fairly and permanently.