Hi Mabs
I bought a popular Chinese brand’s model 11 months ago and enjoyed the car without any issues until three weeks ago when I took it in for its 15 000 km service. The morning after the service, the car wouldn’t start. I called AA, and they said my battery was drained. They boosted it and charged it, but after it started, a gear failure notification appeared.
I called the dealership and booked a time to bring the car in. The next day, it wouldn’t start again and once again, the battery was drained. I took it back to the dealership, and they said they replaced my original battery with a new one. However, two days later, the new battery was drained again and the gear failure sign reappeared.
It’s been back and forth to the dealership, and they have no idea what the problem is. They’ve taken the car in, but haven’t provided a replacement. I’m completely frustrated as this is affecting my work. I’m considering selling this car and going back to a tried-and-tested German or Japanese brand. Are these common problems with the Chinese brands?
Mabs Answers:
I feel your frustration and am sorry you are going through this uncertainty. I am not a mechanic, so I consulted experts to assist me in determining your problem. Considering the fact that they did not see and diagnose your car, their opinion is based on the symptoms you described. Unlike older, pre-2008 models, modern vehicles are technology on wheels. When an element is misdiagnosed, it results in a ripple effect.
The suggestion is that your problem emanates from a mistake caused by your service team. The fact that you didn’t have any issues until the car returned from service is telling. And since you have taken the car back to the dealership more than once without it being resolved, it suggests lack of service experience at that dealership.
Also, I did some digging online and did not come across similar cases, which then suggests that this is not a common problem faced by motorists who buy into this particular brand. As a way forward, escalate your problem by alerting the manufacturer at head office.
Make calls, reach out on social media and write emails. It will be time consuming unfortunately, but it will get the attention of the right people who will resolve your problem. All the very best and please keep us updated.
