BMW Dealership Fined R20,000 After Customer’s Car Catches Fire Post-Repair

National Consumer Tribunal Holds BMW Dealership Accountable for Poor-Quality Repairs

The National Consumer Tribunal has fined Supertech Motor Holdings, a BMW dealership, R20,000 after a customer’s car caught fire following incomplete repairs.

Timeline of the Incident

The story began in October 2021 when Nomtshato Cynthia Lutu brought her 2008 BMW 323i to the dealership for repairs. The vehicle was leaking oil and losing power. After diagnosis, the dealership provided two repair quotes totalling over R19,900, which Lutu approved.

However, the saga took a dramatic turn when, after driving her car for just 10 km post-repair, Lutu noticed the same oil smell and saw smoke emanating from the vehicle. The car was returned to the dealership, where it caught fire upon arrival.

Dispute and Resolution

The dealership’s manager later informed Lutu that the parts used in the vehicle were not original and suggested selling the car. When Lutu realized the dealership would not fully repair her car, she filed a complaint with the Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa (MIOSA).

Despite MIOSA’s recommendation, repairs remained inadequate. Lutu’s vehicle, returned to her in December 2022, was non-functional. The dealership subsequently issued her a new repair quote for over R144,000, citing a blocked catalytic converter as the cause of the issue.

Frustrated, Lutu escalated her complaint to the National Consumer Commission (NCC), which pursued the case with the tribunal.

Tribunal’s Findings

The tribunal found that Supertech Motor Holdings failed to conduct repairs to the standard expected by consumers. It highlighted that the dealership should have performed a complete diagnosis and not released the vehicle while knowing additional repairs were required.

The tribunal ruled that:

1. All repairs paid for by Lutu must be properly conducted.
2. The dealership must pay a punitive fine of R20,000 to the National Revenue Fund.

Dealership’s Defense

Supertech argued that the vehicle’s age (manufactured in 2008) and previous history, including a suspension of its service plan in 2011 and an accident in 2010, contributed to its poor condition. Additionally, the dealership cited challenges in sourcing original parts.

Despite these claims, the tribunal maintained that the dealership’s service fell short of expectations.

Consumer Rights and Implications

This case underscores the importance of adhering to the Consumer Protection Act, which mandates that goods and services must meet reasonable standards. Customers are entitled to quality repairs and honest service.

For consumers, this judgment serves as a reminder to be vigilant about the quality of vehicle repairs and to escalate unresolved disputes to regulatory bodies like MIOSA and the NCC.

Also read: BMW Reveals All-New Mini Cooper Prices: Petrol and EV Options Confirmed for South Africa