Westvaal Volkswagen Mbombela: Poor Workmanship and Customer Relations

Westvaal Volkswagen Mbombela. 5 November 2025, I took my Amarok for its 240000km services. I requested the V-belt tensioner to be inspected as it was making a noise. During the service, a timing-belt kit was installed, as well as a new V-belt and a V-belt tensioner. Total cost of service = R20 112.78. During a visit to the KNP, driving with open windows, I heard a strange noise from the engine. On inspection the tensioner pulley was found to vibrate a lot. I send a video of this vibration to the service dealer but no definite solution was offered. 21 November2025, after arrangements with Amanda, I took the vehicle back for inspection. Samantha and Stephan assisted me on the day. The tensioner pulley was again replaced at no cost to me. On inspection, the tensioner was still vibrating, and the strange noise was still there. It was said to me that there is no cer*****y if the tensioner should vibrate or be stable. No other 2.0tdi Amarok was on the floor to compare with. As the workshop manager was not at work on this day, I was told that I will be contacted on Monday, 1 December with an answer on the vibrating tensioner. The next communication between Westvaal Volkswagen and myself will be this letter, 66 days later. Not getting response/service from Westvaal Volkswagen, I asked social media for assistance. An immediate answer from a person from VAG Spec Group was to replace the Alternator pulley. I don’t know the details, but this is a “clutch-pulley”. According to him this alternator pulley failing was the cause for the tensioner to be damaged. 17 January 2026 I took my vehicle to VAG Menlyn. The alternator pulley was replaced and my vehicle is as new, no vibration, no strange noise, running like an Amarok should. Cost for alternator replacement = R2 408.19. 26 January 2026 I send above email to Westvaal Volkswagen for Workshop Manager and Sales Executive's attention. No reply 4 February 2026 WhatsApp message to Sales Executive. Speedy reply confirms receiving mail and discussing with Workshop Manager. No reply from WShop Manager. 12 February 2026 Again confirms issue was brought under WShop Manager’s attention and to expect a phone call. No reply from WShop Manager. I've had dealings with this institution since 2011. Never did I experience any problems with 2 vehicles been serviced by them . Only change I know was Westvaal taking over from Alan Hudson Volkswagen. I really don't trust this institution to service any of my vehicles in the future. The service I received from Amanda (Sales Executive) and Samatha (Service Consultant), was exceptional. I sallute you.