My Experience with Ford Mossel Bay – Please Read Before Buying

I purchased a vehicle from Ford Mossel Bay 11 months ago, and only recently discovered — during a warranty claim submitted by Ford George — that the catalytic converter had been removed and replaced with a straight pipe. This major modification was never disclosed at the time of sale. The warranty claim for a whining turbo was rejected solely due to this modification, and I’ve been left to cover a large repair bill entirely out of pocket. The vehicle now has no warranty, reduced resale value, and potential insurance complications. I would never have purchased this vehicle if the modification had been disclosed. What’s worse is how this passed their so-called inspection. The CAT removal is visibly obvious — yet it was missed. And shortly after purchase, my insurance inspection failed the vehicle due to the severely worn, unroadworthy tyres it was sold with. How did this vehicle pass their checks if such basic safety issues weren’t even caught? The dealership claims they were unaware of the modification and offered to “assist” by installing a second-hand reconditioned turbo, at my expense, including labour. They also suggested I tow the stripped vehicle back to them for repairs — without accepting responsibility for any damage or risk involved. It’s clear the dealership is trying to resolve the matter at minimum cost to themselves, while placing all consequences on me. There has been no real accountability for selling a vehicle that should never have passed inspection. Their approach is simply unacceptable.

I’ve exhausted all attempts to resolve this and have escalated the issue to the Motor Industry Ombudsman.

Please be cautious. Ask the hard questions. Demand inspection records. Don’t assume any dealership — even with a trusted name — is acting in your best interest.

#FordMosselBay #ConsumerRights #VehicleIssues #BuyerBeware #OmbudsmanComplaint #SouthAfrica