

BAIC South Africa
Based on recent customer reviews, BAIC South Africa faces severe criticism around vehicle safety, build quality and after-sales support. Customers repeatedly report life-threatening defects including steering failure, loose wheels, brake malfunctions and limp mode incidents. Parts availability is a persistent problem, with delays stretching months. Communication from dealerships and head office is described as slow, dismissive or non-existent. Multiple customers have escalated to the Motor Industry Ombudsman. Positive experiences centre on the BAIC Umhlanga and Hatfield branches, where sales consultants like Tarique and Solo are praised for professionalism and personalised service.
Replied to 92% of negative reviews
Reply time on negative reviews: 7 hours 49 min
TrustIndex
0
Ranking
#44
in Automotive
Avg Reply
6h 44m
NPS Score
-67
Recommended: Unlikely
Replied to 92% of negative reviews
Reply time on negative reviews: 7 hours 49 min
May '25 - Apr '26
Based on recent customer reviews, BAIC South Africa faces severe criticism around vehicle safety, build quality and after-sales support. Customers repeatedly report life-threatening defects including steering failure, loose wheels, brake malfunctions and limp mode incidents. Parts availability is a persistent problem, with delays stretching months. Communication from dealerships and head office is described as slow, dismissive or non-existent. Multiple customers have escalated to the Motor Industry Ombudsman. Positive experiences centre on the BAIC Umhlanga and Hatfield branches, where sales consultants like Tarique and Solo are praised for professionalism and personalised service.
BAIC South Africa has a TrustIndex of 0 out of 10 on Hellopeter, based on 33 reviews in the last 12 months. They reply to 92% of negative reviews, typically within 7 hours 49 min. Hellopeter has tracked BAIC South Africa across 113 total reviews. How is the TrustIndex calculated? →
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 Jan 2020
I’ve never gone this far as to write a negative review about any brand or service, but this experience has been incredibly frustrating. I purchased my X55 in December 2025, and it has honestly been one of the WORST decisions I’ve made. Since buying the vehicle, I’ve been struggling with the brakes making a constant clicking noise. I was told that it is “normal,” which is concerning for a brand-new car. (Reading all the other reviews I see this is an ongoing issue) On top of that, the time on the screen keeps displaying two hours earlier, even after I took the vehicle back to the dealership. The sales representative said he would ask head office about the issue, but there has been no proper resolution. For a new vehicle, I expected far better support and reliability. At this point, the lack of clear answers and solutions is extremely disappointing. This is a WARNING to anyone considering buying this car, there is a reason many of us stick with the brands we know and trust.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I’ve never gone this far as to write a negative review about any brand or service, but this experience has been incredibly frustrating. I purchased my X55 in December 2025, and it has honestly been one of the WORST decisions I’ve made. Since buying the vehicle, I’ve been struggling with the brakes making a constant clicking noise. I was told that it is “normal,” which is concerning for a brand-new car. (Reading all the other reviews I see this is an ongoing issue) On top of that, the time on the screen keeps displaying two hours earlier, even after I took the vehicle back to the dealership. The sales representative said he would ask head office about the issue, but there has been no proper resolution. For a new vehicle, I expected far better support and reliability. At this point, the lack of clear answers and solutions is extremely disappointing. This is a WARNING to anyone considering buying this car, there is a reason many of us stick with the brands we know and trust.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Just trying to get a service for my car is a nightmare, I have phones like 4 different branches that either tell me they don’t do services anymore or they don’t have service kits for the Beijing, try booking a service and then I am told the service department has gone home, this was at 5 , site states they close at 5:30, managed to get through then I have to provide a whole vin number , even though it’s not my first service it makes no sense why don’t the branches share a database. I didn’t have any issues with my first 2 services
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Just trying to get a service for my car is a nightmare, I have phones like 4 different branches that either tell me they don’t do services anymore or they don’t have service kits for the Beijing, try booking a service and then I am told the service department has gone home, this was at 5 , site states they close at 5:30, managed to get through then I have to provide a whole vin number , even though it’s not my first service it makes no sense why don’t the branches share a database. I didn’t have any issues with my first 2 services
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
On 19/12/2025, I took the car for service at Baic Rustenburg. When I came to collect the car after the service, around 2, driving back home where I stay, I heard a funny noise on the left-hand side of the car. I decided to return to the dealer. The gentleman at the reception of the service department tested the car with me, and he was driving; however, the sound disappeared, and that’s how we declared that perhaps it was not a permanent sound. I even told the gentleman that I am going to Polokwane and, due to the high rate of accidents, especially on N1, I don’t want to risk my life and the life of my family. When I drove back home again, the noise on the left-hand side of the car started again, and I endured it until I got home. I never drove the car again. On the 20th of December 2025, alternatively, we used another car for the return trip ( Home to Polokwane and return ) On 28 December 2025, I was with my family, four kids, and myself driving to Rustenburg Waterfall Mall for shopping. It was raining, yet I could hear the clunking noise again. The Car started to shake, and my younger daughter was crying for her life. We decided to find the safest place and check the car around, and guess what we found. All five lug nuts were completely loose, and the wheel was moving relative to the hub, separating from the rim. It only took a moment to realize that this had happened to all three wheels, indicating a serious and dangerous situation. Because I was with the kids, the Samaritan two gentle men from the other house alongside the road, came to assist. All lug nuts were facing opposite direction which makes the wheel loosen up when the car is in motion, and as a result, my life and my kids' lives were in danger, which is not an easy thing to digest. I even attached the photos and the videos because a few things could have happened 1. The possibilities of getting an accident due to these was morethan 95% should the wheel come out on R510. How many other lives would be affected due to what was done by BAIC Rustenburg? 2. Do you know the kind of trauma they caused to my kids, especially my younger daughter? 3. Do you know how this could have affected our parents, siblings, and other loved ones? 4. If it were the only car in the yard, it means my wife and I were gonna use it to go to Polokwane, should we die on the way, do you know what was gonna happen to our kids, and no one would have known the cause of the accident. BAIC RUSTENBURG, BART HETTEMA, and Felicity M Kekana, whom we believe is the manager and customer relationship management specialist, their response to apologise was to indirectly use me to advertise their business by offering me BAIC B30 from Monday to Friday with a R1000 voucher to put in their car so I can advertise it, which is good for their business. I emailed Motor Industry Ombudsman; however, if there is anyone who knows where we can get help please assist because the same thing happened to me, did happen to another customer and yet they do not care, risking peoples life.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
On 19/12/2025, I took the car for service at Baic Rustenburg. When I came to collect the car after the service, around 2, driving back home where I stay, I heard a funny noise on the left-hand side of the car. I decided to return to the dealer. The gentleman at the reception of the service department tested the car with me, and he was driving; however, the sound disappeared, and that’s how we declared that perhaps it was not a permanent sound. I even told the gentleman that I am going to Polokwane and, due to the high rate of accidents, especially on N1, I don’t want to risk my life and the life of my family. When I drove back home again, the noise on the left-hand side of the car started again, and I endured it until I got home. I never drove the car again. On the 20th of December 2025, alternatively, we used another car for the return trip ( Home to Polokwane and return ) On 28 December 2025, I was with my family, four kids, and myself driving to Rustenburg Waterfall Mall for shopping. It was raining, yet I could hear the clunking noise again. The Car started to shake, and my younger daughter was crying for her life. We decided to find the safest place and check the car around, and guess what we found. All five lug nuts were completely loose, and the wheel was moving relative to the hub, separating from the rim. It only took a moment to realize that this had happened to all three wheels, indicating a serious and dangerous situation. Because I was with the kids, the Samaritan two gentle men from the other house alongside the road, came to assist. All lug nuts were facing opposite direction which makes the wheel loosen up when the car is in motion, and as a result, my life and my kids' lives were in danger, which is not an easy thing to digest. I even attached the photos and the videos because a few things could have happened 1. The possibilities of getting an accident due to these was morethan 95% should the wheel come out on R510. How many other lives would be affected due to what was done by BAIC Rustenburg? 2. Do you know the kind of trauma they caused to my kids, especially my younger daughter? 3. Do you know how this could have affected our parents, siblings, and other loved ones? 4. If it were the only car in the yard, it means my wife and I were gonna use it to go to Polokwane, should we die on the way, do you know what was gonna happen to our kids, and no one would have known the cause of the accident. BAIC RUSTENBURG, BART HETTEMA, and Felicity M Kekana, whom we believe is the manager and customer relationship management specialist, their response to apologise was to indirectly use me to advertise their business by offering me BAIC B30 from Monday to Friday with a R1000 voucher to put in their car so I can advertise it, which is good for their business. I emailed Motor Industry Ombudsman; however, if there is anyone who knows where we can get help please assist because the same thing happened to me, did happen to another customer and yet they do not care, risking peoples life.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I purchased a brand new, 2026 BAIC X55 from the Table View dealership, and have had a horrific experience with the car as well as the salesmen who sold the car to me. Within the first 24 hours of driving the car out of the dealership, I had a major brake problem that could have costed the lives of my son and me, as well as others. The brake issue was resolved after taking the car in for the necessary repairs, BUT, a LONG list of other issues continued to occur almost daily. I have been repeatedly **** to by the owner of the dealership, Keith Brown about the condition of my car and have been bul**** by his salesman after demanding a refund for the car (R500,000). The car is currently in the possession of the dealership, and they are refusing my request for a refund. Below is the timeline of events that occurred: December 15, 2025 Before I drove the car out of the dealership for the first time, I noticed my large middle computer screen was not working properly. Dirk Rheeder (car salesman) stated that it’s likely because my phone was still on the USA cellular network. I informed Dirk that I will get my SA number soon and felt confident that the computer issue will be resolved. December 17, 2025 I reported to Dirk that my brakes violently vibrated when I gently pressed down on it. I informed Dirk that it also happened once the day before on the 16th. December 29, 2025 GPS Map icon disappeared from view. Although I had already secured the Vodacomm network on my phone, the split screen feature on my car still did not work. The clock on the screen was also off by 2 hours and Dirk was not able to adjust it to the correct time. I also complained to Dirk about the doors not unlocking when the car is running. January 5, 2026 I called Dirk and informed him about the camera glitches. The camera does not work about 25% of the time when I am reversing, even after pressing the 360 button on the steering wheel. I am completely blind to what is behind me 25% of the time. At times, the camera view stays on and I am not able to exit out of the camera view even after pressing the buttons that normally turn it off. January 6, 2026 I requested a refund for my car through Dirk. At this point, I had stopped by the BAIC Table View dealership 5 times as I had started to realize that this car has SEVERAL glitches as well as dangerous brake & technical flaws. January 20, 2026 My car went to the repair shop for an “update”. January 21, 2026 Picked my car up from dealership after repairs were “complete”. I reported to Dirk that I was still having the same issues. The computer completely shut off while I was driving. Apple CarPlay still did not work. The car would often kick my phone off of the Bluetooth network and I am not able to reconnect. I restated that I need a REFUND. January 22, 2026 I reported to Dirk that the Bluetooth in the car continuously kicks me off and does not allow me to reconnect. Also, the rear A/C blew HOT AIR while the front A/C blew ice cold air. Dirk informed me that this is because I needed to shut off the mini A/C inside the middle console. Why offer this "unique" feature if it's going to cause other units to not work properly??? January 23, 2026 I stopped by the dealership to speak to Keith Brown (dealer principal) about getting a refund. Keith informed me that there are 2 other software updates that we would need to work through. Keith offered to replace my computer box if the updates do not work. January 26, 2026 I stopped by the dealership to demand a refund. Keith explained the process I will need to undergo through the ombudsman, but only after I give the dealership a chance to try to fix it. Keith took the car in and gave me his loaner car, which happens to be the same exact year and model of my car. January 31, 2026 Keith's loaner vehicle, which had the identical tech issues as mine did, began to kick me off of the Bluetooth network more often. Please note that I am not fami**** with the roads in Cape Town, as I just recently moved here. Therefore, I heavily rely on my GPS. While I was in the Woodstock area near downtown, my GPS map was suddenly disconnected. I immediately pulled over to the side of a road to reach for my phone to try to get directions to the building I was looking for. As I was coming to a complete stop, I scratched the passenger side front rim on the curb of what appeared to be a loading zone. This was the direct result of the Bluetooth not functioning correctly on the car. I took a look at the damage, and noticed some scratches on the rim, but was able to drive to Hout Bay and then back home to Table View with no issues. Feb 1, 2025 After driving about 5 km down the road, the tire pressure alert sounded an alarm. I pulled over to check, and the front passenger tire was completely flat. The air must have depleted overnight. The sensors did not pick up on the flat tire until I drove 5 km. This is a MAJOR safety concern. I am still uncertain if the scratch on the rim was the culprit for the flat tire, but it is just another reason why I don’t feel safe in this car. The dealer principal has advised me to open a case through the ombudsman and hire an attorney as he refuses to issue a refund. NOTHING has been resolved, and the Table View dealership has even stopped responding to my attorney. As of today, February 11th, the dealership has not offered an amicable resolution.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I purchased a brand new, 2026 BAIC X55 from the Table View dealership, and have had a horrific experience with the car as well as the salesmen who sold the car to me. Within the first 24 hours of driving the car out of the dealership, I had a major brake problem that could have costed the lives of my son and me, as well as others. The brake issue was resolved after taking the car in for the necessary repairs, BUT, a LONG list of other issues continued to occur almost daily. I have been repeatedly **** to by the owner of the dealership, Keith Brown about the condition of my car and have been bul**** by his salesman after demanding a refund for the car (R500,000). The car is currently in the possession of the dealership, and they are refusing my request for a refund. Below is the timeline of events that occurred: December 15, 2025 Before I drove the car out of the dealership for the first time, I noticed my large middle computer screen was not working properly. Dirk Rheeder (car salesman) stated that it’s likely because my phone was still on the USA cellular network. I informed Dirk that I will get my SA number soon and felt confident that the computer issue will be resolved. December 17, 2025 I reported to Dirk that my brakes violently vibrated when I gently pressed down on it. I informed Dirk that it also happened once the day before on the 16th. December 29, 2025 GPS Map icon disappeared from view. Although I had already secured the Vodacomm network on my phone, the split screen feature on my car still did not work. The clock on the screen was also off by 2 hours and Dirk was not able to adjust it to the correct time. I also complained to Dirk about the doors not unlocking when the car is running. January 5, 2026 I called Dirk and informed him about the camera glitches. The camera does not work about 25% of the time when I am reversing, even after pressing the 360 button on the steering wheel. I am completely blind to what is behind me 25% of the time. At times, the camera view stays on and I am not able to exit out of the camera view even after pressing the buttons that normally turn it off. January 6, 2026 I requested a refund for my car through Dirk. At this point, I had stopped by the BAIC Table View dealership 5 times as I had started to realize that this car has SEVERAL glitches as well as dangerous brake & technical flaws. January 20, 2026 My car went to the repair shop for an “update”. January 21, 2026 Picked my car up from dealership after repairs were “complete”. I reported to Dirk that I was still having the same issues. The computer completely shut off while I was driving. Apple CarPlay still did not work. The car would often kick my phone off of the Bluetooth network and I am not able to reconnect. I restated that I need a REFUND. January 22, 2026 I reported to Dirk that the Bluetooth in the car continuously kicks me off and does not allow me to reconnect. Also, the rear A/C blew HOT AIR while the front A/C blew ice cold air. Dirk informed me that this is because I needed to shut off the mini A/C inside the middle console. Why offer this "unique" feature if it's going to cause other units to not work properly??? January 23, 2026 I stopped by the dealership to speak to Keith Brown (dealer principal) about getting a refund. Keith informed me that there are 2 other software updates that we would need to work through. Keith offered to replace my computer box if the updates do not work. January 26, 2026 I stopped by the dealership to demand a refund. Keith explained the process I will need to undergo through the ombudsman, but only after I give the dealership a chance to try to fix it. Keith took the car in and gave me his loaner car, which happens to be the same exact year and model of my car. January 31, 2026 Keith's loaner vehicle, which had the identical tech issues as mine did, began to kick me off of the Bluetooth network more often. Please note that I am not fami**** with the roads in Cape Town, as I just recently moved here. Therefore, I heavily rely on my GPS. While I was in the Woodstock area near downtown, my GPS map was suddenly disconnected. I immediately pulled over to the side of a road to reach for my phone to try to get directions to the building I was looking for. As I was coming to a complete stop, I scratched the passenger side front rim on the curb of what appeared to be a loading zone. This was the direct result of the Bluetooth not functioning correctly on the car. I took a look at the damage, and noticed some scratches on the rim, but was able to drive to Hout Bay and then back home to Table View with no issues. Feb 1, 2025 After driving about 5 km down the road, the tire pressure alert sounded an alarm. I pulled over to check, and the front passenger tire was completely flat. The air must have depleted overnight. The sensors did not pick up on the flat tire until I drove 5 km. This is a MAJOR safety concern. I am still uncertain if the scratch on the rim was the culprit for the flat tire, but it is just another reason why I don’t feel safe in this car. The dealer principal has advised me to open a case through the ombudsman and hire an attorney as he refuses to issue a refund. NOTHING has been resolved, and the Table View dealership has even stopped responding to my attorney. As of today, February 11th, the dealership has not offered an amicable resolution.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I am extremely disappointed in both BAIC South Africa and the approved service centre, Nearco Motor Group. My BAIC Beijing X55 Premium 2024 model vehicle was diagnosed on 3 December 2025 with a failed aircon compressor. I was informed the part would be submitted for warranty approval and replacement. Almost two months later, nothing has been resolved. What concerns me most is: • This is a BAIC-approved workshop • No clear timeline has ever been provided • Communication has been poor and unprofessional • I keep receiving automated replies instead of real updates • My vehicle remains unrepaired after weeks of waiting plus i drove two full months with no a/c and its freaking hot. As a BAIC customer, I expect the brand to ensure its approved centres deliver acceptable service standards. A warranty repair should not take months with zero accountability. BAIC South Africa needs to intervene urgently and assist in resolving this matter. Right now, this experience makes me regret choosing the BAIC brand. Jeetesh
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I am extremely disappointed in both BAIC South Africa and the approved service centre, Nearco Motor Group. My BAIC Beijing X55 Premium 2024 model vehicle was diagnosed on 3 December 2025 with a failed aircon compressor. I was informed the part would be submitted for warranty approval and replacement. Almost two months later, nothing has been resolved. What concerns me most is: • This is a BAIC-approved workshop • No clear timeline has ever been provided • Communication has been poor and unprofessional • I keep receiving automated replies instead of real updates • My vehicle remains unrepaired after weeks of waiting plus i drove two full months with no a/c and its freaking hot. As a BAIC customer, I expect the brand to ensure its approved centres deliver acceptable service standards. A warranty repair should not take months with zero accountability. BAIC South Africa needs to intervene urgently and assist in resolving this matter. Right now, this experience makes me regret choosing the BAIC brand. Jeetesh
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
BAIC Hatfield – Exceptional Service Beyond Expectations! I recently purchased a vehicle from BAIC Hatfield, and the entire experience was nothing short of outstanding. From start to finish, the team delivered professionalism, warmth and genuine care — but my highest praise goes to my Sales Consultant, Solo. Solo is simply the best. His attention to detail, customer service, and dedication to creating a memorable experience are unmatched. He didn’t just sell me a car — he created a moment my wife and I will never forget. He went the extra mile to make my wife’s collection experience romantic and exceptional, turning it into a beautiful celebration for our 20th Anniversary. It’s rare to find someone who blends passion, service excellence and authenticity the way Solo does. If you want a world-class buying experience, look no further than Solo at BAIC Hatfield. Highly recommended!
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
BAIC Hatfield – Exceptional Service Beyond Expectations! I recently purchased a vehicle from BAIC Hatfield, and the entire experience was nothing short of outstanding. From start to finish, the team delivered professionalism, warmth and genuine care — but my highest praise goes to my Sales Consultant, Solo. Solo is simply the best. His attention to detail, customer service, and dedication to creating a memorable experience are unmatched. He didn’t just sell me a car — he created a moment my wife and I will never forget. He went the extra mile to make my wife’s collection experience romantic and exceptional, turning it into a beautiful celebration for our 20th Anniversary. It’s rare to find someone who blends passion, service excellence and authenticity the way Solo does. If you want a world-class buying experience, look no further than Solo at BAIC Hatfield. Highly recommended!
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I went to baic wanted to trade in my Kia SUV, While I was test driving the X55 Beijing and changan. They took the car for observation and test driving. When I came back their report said that Mechanism of my car is perfect the only thing that needs attention is the paint of the car. To a nasty surprise, when I drove back home my car was shaking, making sounds that were not there before, I contacted them to let them know they said it has got nothing to do with them, the kind of treatment I got from the company,boats were missing in my car the coil pack cover was not there, I do not recommend this company
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I went to baic wanted to trade in my Kia SUV, While I was test driving the X55 Beijing and changan. They took the car for observation and test driving. When I came back their report said that Mechanism of my car is perfect the only thing that needs attention is the paint of the car. To a nasty surprise, when I drove back home my car was shaking, making sounds that were not there before, I contacted them to let them know they said it has got nothing to do with them, the kind of treatment I got from the company,boats were missing in my car the coil pack cover was not there, I do not recommend this company
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I purchased a BAIC X55 Beijing Premium line in June 2025, since then i have been having issues with the car and the dealership that doesnt care about their customers but more about making the sale. The day i collected the car there was no spare key and since then im waiting for the spare key, the rubber on the side back passenger is crumbled and i showed the service manager, sales agent and the manager and till date im waiting with no responses from them. The day i bought the car i asked for the back tyres to be replaced as its worn out and the manager said he gave me a good price so he cant change the tyres, the stick on the car has a fuel consumption of 7.1 or 7.7 however its around 9/10 this is all bull**** and people just want to make a sale. At times they car senses when you nearby then it unlocks other times it doesnt, the car at times drives without the seat belt on in reverse it rolls. i was told all this is normal but i cant even justify it. the first time i bought the car there was a huge noise coming from the front of the car as well. i always loved a Beijing from the time i saw it but now i whole heartedly regret buying it because of the issues im having and the service im receiving.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I purchased a BAIC X55 Beijing Premium line in June 2025, since then i have been having issues with the car and the dealership that doesnt care about their customers but more about making the sale. The day i collected the car there was no spare key and since then im waiting for the spare key, the rubber on the side back passenger is crumbled and i showed the service manager, sales agent and the manager and till date im waiting with no responses from them. The day i bought the car i asked for the back tyres to be replaced as its worn out and the manager said he gave me a good price so he cant change the tyres, the stick on the car has a fuel consumption of 7.1 or 7.7 however its around 9/10 this is all bull**** and people just want to make a sale. At times they car senses when you nearby then it unlocks other times it doesnt, the car at times drives without the seat belt on in reverse it rolls. i was told all this is normal but i cant even justify it. the first time i bought the car there was a huge noise coming from the front of the car as well. i always loved a Beijing from the time i saw it but now i whole heartedly regret buying it because of the issues im having and the service im receiving.
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