CJ
Curtis J
Active since Nov 2019
14
Reviews
0
Industries
Reviews
14 reviews3 months ago
Poor Customer Care and Ongoing Delays in Warranty Department (Dont buy a Renault)
Dear Executive Management, I am writing to formally escalate this matter as I have reached a point of extreme frustration, financial strain and disappointment. On 2 February 2026, my vehicle was towed to Renault Umhlanga after it overheated. The vehicle is still under full warranty, including a warranty booster that I was encouraged to take at the point of purchasing this brand-new vehicle which is meant for added “peace of mind.” After diagnostics were completed, I was informed that the engine needs to be replaced. All required reports were submitted to the Renault Warranty Department. Since then, there has been no decisive action. Instead of approving the engine replacement, the focus has shifted to testing the oil cooler — a part that was already replaced about a year ago. The dealership has confirmed they do not have the equipment to test the oil cooler and must outsource the testing, which requires approval from the warranty department. That approval has still not been granted after several back-and-forth emails between the Renault dealership and Renault S.A warranty claims department, leaving the matter stalled. My vehicle has been off the road since 2 February 2026. I have been paying for Uber for weeks just to manage my daily responsibilities, including travelling to the dealership to seek updates. This follows a previous experience where I was left without my vehicle for over two months due to service delays. Over the past three years, my ownership experience has involved more disruption than reliability. In addition, I have contacted Siphiwe from Renault South Africa, who advised that he would escalate my complaint to the warranty department. While I appreciate the engagement, I continue to receive promises of call-backs and updates that do not materialise into clear outcomes. The feedback remains the same: “I will escalate again.” There is no final answer, no clear direction, and no resolution. I purchased a brand-new vehicle trusting that I would be supported, especially while under warranty. Instead, I am left without transport, without urgency, and without accountability. I am requesting the following without further delay: • Immediate approval and replacement of the engine as per dealership diagnostics; or • Immediate approval for outsourced testing so this matter can move forward; and • A courtesy vehicle for the duration of repairs due to the prolonged inconvenience and financial impact. This situation is unacceptable. I require a clear written resolution and timeline within three business days. If there are technical reasons for delaying the engine replacement, they must be clearly explained in writing. I expect this matter to now be handled with the urgency and seriousness it deserves. I cannot continue to carry the financial and emotional burden caused by these ongoing delays. Kind regards, Curtis James 0636082492 MEERBC00000132212
0 replies
4 months ago
Unjust Cancellation Charge Bolt
Today I booked a ride with Bolt and waited outside my company as instructed. When I couldn’t see the driver, I messaged him to ask where he was. He did not respond at all and instead cancelled the ride without explanation. Despite this, I was charged a R22 cancellation fee for a ride I did not cancel and a driver who never showed up. This is extremely unfair and disappointing. I did everything expected of me as a customer, yet I was penalised for the driver’s actions. I then had to book another ride through Uber. While Uber may cost a few rands more, I have never experienced this level of poor service or unjust charges. What makes this even worse is the complete lack of customer support. There is no customer care number to contact, no accountability, and no way to resolve an issue that was clearly not my fault.
0 replies
5 months ago
Formal Complaint: Overheating Issues – Honor 400 Devices Purchased on Contract
Dear Honor SA I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding two Honor 400 smartphones that I took on contract less than a month ago from the Vodacom Store at Gateway Mall. I would like to make it clear from the outset that I have no issues whatsoever with the salesperson or the service received in-store. The staff were professional and helpful. My complaint lies solely with the Honor 400 devices themselves. I have been a long-time Samsung user, and after being impressed by the advertised features of the Honor 400, I decided to take a double contract deal, moving both myself and my wife away from Samsung devices. My wife previously owned a Samsung S23, which we replaced with an Honor 400. Unfortunately, both Honor 400 devices have exhibited significant overheating issues, including: Excessive heating while charging Overheating during normal usage, such as watching videos or general phone use This is extremely concerning, especially given that the devices are less than a month old and are being used under normal conditions. The overheating affects comfort, usability, and raises concerns about long-term device safety and battery health. What further reinforces my concern is the fact that Honor has since released a newer device featuring a cooling function, which strongly suggests that overheating is a known issue with previous models, including the Honor 400. Based on my experience so far, I am deeply disappointed. I would not recommend that anyone switch from Samsung or iPhone to an Honor device, particularly the Honor 400, given the issues I have encountered in such a short period of ownership. I respectfully request that Honor Investigate this matter urgently, and Advise on possible remedies, including device replacement, contract review, or alternative resolution, in line with the Consumer Protection Act and Vodacom’s quality standards. I look forward to your prompt response and a fair resolution to this matter.
0 replies
6 months ago
Formal Complaint Regarding Poor Repair Service – Samsung Store Gateway
Dear Samsung Customer Care / Store Management, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding the service I received at the Samsung Store at Gateway in relation to my Samsung Galaxy S22. I initially took my device to the Gateway branch for a charging pin replacement and battery replacement. Unfortunately, ever since requesting and receiving these repairs, my device has gone from functioning poorly to performing significantly worse than before. The most concerning issue is the battery performance. Since the repair, my phone no longer holds power as it should. For example, my device can be at approximately 30% battery at night and be completely switched off by morning, despite not being in use. This issue was not present prior to the repair and has severely affected my ability to rely on the device for daily use. When I attempted to seek assistance for these ongoing problems, I was informed that the Gateway branch had a shortage of technicians, which resulted in me having to visit the Pavilion branch instead. This caused further inconvenience, time loss, and frustration, especially considering the issue originated at the Gateway store who did the diagnostics and took payment for these repairs. I have been a loyal Samsung user for several years, choosing the brand because of its reputation for quality and reliability. However, this experience has significantly damaged my trust and confidence in Samsung. Instead of resolving existing issues, the repair process has introduced new and more serious problems. Regrettably, this experience has made me strongly consider switching to another brand. I would appreciate this matter being taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. I expect a clear explanation, accountability for the poor repair service, and an appropriate resolution, whether that be a proper repair, replacement, or another suitable remedy. I look forward to your response and a prompt resolution.
2 replies
10 months ago
VW South Africa Has Completely Let Me Down
I have been a loyal Volkswagen customer for years, owning over 10 VWs, but my recent experience has left me completely frustrated and disappointed. I sent my 2022 VW T-Cross to VW Umhlanga in Durban for almost 2 months due to DSG gearbox issues and a noisy suspension. When I got my car back, the problems were worse than before. During the repair period, I received almost no updates. Phone lines were always down, and I had to Uber to the dealership just to get minimal feedback. After relocating to Johannesburg, I contacted VW SA to find out how to continue repairs locally, but no one followed up. I even received an SMS promising a call on 6th August, but it never happened. The lack of communication, accountability, and urgency has been shocking, especially from a brand I trusted. This experience has made me start looking at other brands. I reached out to Haval, and the level of service I received was outstanding — like private banking — even though I am not yet a customer. It’s clear VW no longer values its customers or prioritizes repairs. I am stuck in Johannesburg, stressed about getting my car fixed and worried about transport to work. It’s upsetting that so many others share similar experiences on HelloPeter. VW SA needs to seriously improve their customer service.
0 replies
27 months ago
Once again another disappointed customer
I am extremely frustrated with the poor customer experience with Motovantage I sold both my vehicles and requested cancellation on the existing cover. I was meant to get my refund due to early cancellation as per my policy but I only received refund for 1 vehicle I called in so Many times and everytime I call in the consultant give you different versions of why I did not get my refund. I purchased to new vehicles and to my suprise they contacted me very quickly and signed me up for new VW care plans yet my refund is still due for early cancellation of cover on my previous vehicles which I already settled the bank in full. I will be referring VW Financial services to come to hellopeter to view the overwhelming poor ratings for MotoVantage maybe they will give someone else to do a better Job since customers like myself are absolutely disappointed with the customer experience. I think we deserve better since we pay every month and get treated as if we are being done a favor for taking services like this. I would like all my call recordings to be listened into and someone to come back to me with solid feedback on my cancellation and refund.
2 replies
29 months ago
Poor customer experience through claims
I would like to share poor service I have received throughout the claims process with Naked insurance. I had a accident on the 14th December and although the claim has been approved Mid Jan the car is still not settled with the bank. I am being told that I need to post the car manual and spare keys to Johannesburg if not received the car will not be settled. I am unable to get another vehicle due to the current one not being settled, I have been struggling for transportation to get to work and to transport my little baby daily it's becoming a a real struggle. Also the accident took place on the 14th December I believe festive slowed down the process of working with claims I had paid for the vehicle installment and insurance end of December and now in Jan I will end up paying another installment due to Naked Insurance stalling my settlement due to a simple thing like the manual and spare keys. Paying for a vehicle that you dont have saddens me. I arranged for the manual and spare keys to be sent with post but honestly this is poor customer experience is disappointing and I can't imagine someone else going through what I'm going through. My vehicle needs to be settled and I need to continue with my life I have a small baby I hope someone who attends to this will understand where I am coming from and do something to speed up the process.
2 replies
35 months ago
Worst aftersales experience ever at Alpine Hillcrest
Hi. I've sent my car in 4 times already for mechanical issues on my vehicle that is only 5 months old with no joy in getting the issue resolved. I walked in the dealership with honest intentions, purchasing my vehicle at its full price, hoping for peace of mind and reliability. Spending over 400k on a vehicle and going through this experience is certainly not up to the standards of Vw. I am now not willing to take the risk on the 5th occasion, only to realize that the issue persists. I travel daily with my family and I cannot afford to drive a vehicle that is not mechanically sound. Please revert with a solution to either replace the vehicle with one that is of similar specs and price or please take the car back as I am still within my rights from a cpa standpoint. Should you not be able to give me the options above, I will escalate to further. I also called in today at 3.30pm asking to speak to a dealer principal for used cars and I was told that he has left for the rest of the afternoon when I asked the receptionist to give me a contact number for the dealer principal because its urgent she refused and when I asked for her name she hungup on me and refused to answer my call 3 times afterwards. These instances really saddens me as this is my 5th Purchase of the VW brand and people who are standing in the frontline damages the VW brand and reputation with their actions. I say these words with a heavy heart having to pay my hard-earned money for this type of service and experience. Hope whoever reads this can treat me the way he/she would like to be treated if they were in my situation.
0 replies
36 months ago
Dealing with claims with FNB home insurance is an absolute nightmare. Do not take insurance with FNB
FNB Insurance: I am a 1st time homeowner, I have chosen FNB as the insurer for my home due to me being loyal with them for almost 15 years in banking. I took out my bond with them and was convinced to also keep my home insurance with them so I trusted and went ahead with home insurance as well. I logged a claim on the 9th June for multiple damages that became noticeable in my property which needed urgent attention with the likes of water leakages and damp walls and ceiling. There is also damages to exterior boundary walls. I was told that an assessor will be appointed to assist me from Digicall Assessing solutions PTY LTD. I have since adhered to all the requests made by the assessors to make myself available on multiple occasions to ensure the issues are taken care off asap and to avoid more water damages to my property. Since the 9th of June I have stressed and called both Digicall and FNB to keep following up on the progress but nobody had answers and kept passing the buck to each other stating reports sitting with Quality etc and then afterwards say no we still waiting for reports every statement just contradicts itself. Eventually there was another heavy storm on the 27th June which led to my Lounge being flooded and walls deteriorating even more, I am then told there has to be another claim logged for this incident and an assessor will be appointed again to come assess. Bare in mind I already logged a claim for a similar issue on the 9th of June which I still haven’t received feedback for. Now I feel hopeless and finally made a decision to post on Hellopeter hoping that someone who will be reading this will put themselves in my position living in a damp flooded house with a small baby and maybe they will have a sense of heart to assist me.
2 replies
56 months ago
Don't ever recommend Bidvest VW umhlanga to anyone
WORST experience, poor customer service and daylight robbery at Bidvest McCarthy Umhlanga. We have been using this dealership to do all services and repairs for the past 2 and a half years since we have purchased our polo 1.0tsi. We recently sent the vehicle in for a Major service of which we have explained that we have been hearing a funny noise whilst traveling therefore asked if this could be diagnosed and repaired as we have paid almost 10k cash to take out a maintenance plan on the vehicle which will assist us if and when we had issues with the vehicle for the next 2 years.When the vehicle went in for the Major service the entire front discs and disc pads etc was changed and the major service was done, I was told that the brakes could have been the issue therefore I should take the vehicle away and bring it back should we still hear the noise. After 2 months of using the car we noticed the noise is still there however seems to be getting a bit louder therefore we booked the vehicle in once again as we were told to bring it back should we have an issue after the brakes were changed. This has caused an inconvenience to us as customers by bringing the vehicle back to the dealership for the issue again and then taking an Uber to get back to work etc because apparently due to covid-19 the shuttle service still does not operate at this dealership. After all the frustration and inconvenience of bringing the vehicle back I received a call from the dealership saying the front rim seems to be a bit damaged and our car could have been in an accident previously hence the reason for them asking me to pay cash for this repair. My question is why sell us a maintenance plan of which we had taken credit with our bank to pay and now find new excuses to repair the vehicle? Besides this the car came in 2 months ago being exactly how it is now and both the front brakes were changed whilst the rim had slight curb rashes on it yet that was fine but now it's a problem to change the wheel bearings on the same sides? Dont recommend this dealership to anyone as their service is based on emotions and their opinions besides that why sell customers such expensive motor plans and then make various excuses when customers needs to use the plans to get their vehicles fixed? In these difficult times we as customers are been robbed and humiliated just to get good service like we deserve. I asked the service adviser Janine for a report on why the claim was rejected she advised the claim was not even sent because the assessor declined it internally based on his analysis. I asked for the findings and reports on what they declined the claim based on but then I was told that info or pictures is not available and I should take the car back to where I purchased it previously to query what's wrong with the car. All friendly when we have to pay cash for services but as soon as you need to claim using the plan you suffered and paid for no one wants or can help you. I also escalated the issue to vw financial services however they have communicated that the dealership has skilled people to analyze therefore the story remains the same so I then explained my side of the story again and now Amanda from vw financial services wants to do a conference call tomorrow between me and the dealership to get clarity on the rejection of the claim. I do not want to speak to the dealership I need everything in writing as I need to use all my info and recordings to escalate further to the relevant authorities. This experience is like a nightmare and I would like to know if the maintenance plan is for real or just a trick to get us as customers to pay lumpsums upfront for it and still pay cash for future repairs.
0 replies
Review Distribution
5 Star
0 (0%)
4 Star
0 (0%)
3 Star
0 (0%)
2 Star
0 (0%)
1 Star
14 (100%)