Extremely disappointing experience with SA Motor Lease

I am extremely disappointed with my experience with SA Motor Lease and the way my concerns have been handled as a paying customer.

I took the vehicle on 20 June, and only 17 days later, on 7 July, I reported that there was a loud noise coming from the vehicle and that the radio kept switching on and off.

I subsequently travelled from Soshanguve to the company’s offices in Marlboro on 11 July to have the matter investigated. I was told that the maintenance department does not work on weekends and that no one was available to assist me. I had travelled a considerable distance and spent approximately R300 on fuel, only to leave without receiving assistance.

On 6 August, I returned to the offices again because of the ongoing issue. I was told that they were fully booked and could not assist me. I was also told that there was no way the noise could have been caused by work previously done on the vehicle. Despite it being around 09:00, no one offered to inspect the vehicle or even listen to the noise I was reporting.

I explained that I could not take leave the following week and that travelling from Pretoria to Marlboro was expensive for me. Despite this, I was again sent away without the issue being properly investigated. I then had to spend another approximately R300 on fuel to return home.

The situation has now escalated because the vehicle is not starting at all, and I have requested that SA Motor Lease arrange for the vehicle to be towed from my home.

I have also raised concerns regarding towing fees, additional R300 charges being added to my account, and R1,000 that I have already paid, as well as my need for alternative transport while the vehicle is unavailable.

What is most disappointing is that I have continuously tried to report these issues and get assistance, yet I feel that my concerns have been dismissed rather than properly investigated.

I have now submitted a formal complaint directly to SA Motor Lease and have given them an opportunity to resolve the matter. I will allow them until 18 August 2026 to provide me with a satisfactory response and resolution.

If the matter is not resolved, I will proceed with the appropriate escalation channels, including MIOSA and the National Consumer Commission.

I hope SA Motor Lease takes this complaint seriously and resolves the matter fairly.