Brand new Faulty Mahindra

I purchased a brand new 2025 Mahindra Karoo 2.2 D/C Auto from Mahindra Heidelberg on 10/12/2025, and from the very first day I started experiencing serious problems with the vehicle as well as extremely poor after-sales service from both the dealership and Mahindra SA.

The day after delivery I reported severe steering wheel vibration to the salesperson, Joe. Shortly after that I also reported incorrectly adjusted headlights that were aimed so high that I could barely see the road at night. I was told the issue was fixed, but during my trip from Sasolburg to Port Elizabeth the lights were still dangerously misaligned. I was continuously flashed by oncoming traffic and eventually had to stop on the side of the highway with my family in the vehicle to adjust the lights myself.

During the same trip I experienced:

Extremely poor fuel consumption (7–8 km/l) Lack of power and difficulty reaching highway speed Cruise control disengaging on slight inclines Loud noises from the rear brakes Brakes grabbing badly after stopping and pulling away

I immediately reported these issues to the dealership, but I was told that the vehicle was “still new” and that the fuel consumption and lack of power would improve after 15,000 km. I was also told the brake issue could wait until the 10,000 km service.

The problems became progressively worse.

I then experienced ongoing administrative issues:

Delays with registration and number plates Expired temporary permits Multiple unnecessary trips to Heidelberg at my own cost Poor communication regarding tracking and registration documents

At around 4,500 km the service light came on. I was sent between branches because the vehicle was not properly loaded onto Mahindra’s system.

The braking problem became extremely dangerous. The vehicle would shudder so violently under braking that it would pull into another lane on the highway. I repeatedly asked Mahindra Heidelberg to investigate the root cause instead of simply “skimming” parts. I specifically requested that components be replaced because this was a brand new vehicle.

Instead of investigating properly, I was blamed for the issue and told that the front brake discs were “blue” because I brake too hard. This accusation was made before any proper technical investigation or consultation with me as the driver. I was also told I was “using too much” of the salesperson’s time.

After escalating the matter to management, I met with the branch manager and workshop manager. To their credit, they took the vehicle for further inspection and confirmed several of the issues during a test drive.

Although some work was done, including replacing front discs and working on the brakes, the problems continued. I sought a second opinion from Mahindra Benoni, where a mechanic also confirmed the brakes needed attention.

I then met with Dealer Principal Douw and again explained all concerns, including:

Unsafe brake behaviour Poor fuel consumption and lack of power Rear brake noise Water leaking onto carpets Misaligned doors and body panels Rear seatbelt issues

I requested clear communication and proper investigation into the root cause of the brake issues, because I no longer trusted the safety of the vehicle.

Unfortunately, communication remained poor and I later discovered:

The front brake calipers had been re-greased The old brake pads were refitted despite overheating concerns The rear brake noise was considered “within tolerance” My brand new vehicle would need to go to a panel beater for door alignment repairs

At that stage I completely lost confidence in both the vehicle and the support from Mahindra Heidelberg and Mahindra SA.

I made it clear that I no longer felt safe transporting my family in this bakkie. No customer should have to question the safety of a brand new vehicle, especially when brake-related concerns are involved.

I attempted to resolve the matter amicably and even considered a replacement vehicle, but the offer made to me was unreasonable. I was then informed that the matter could “go to court.”

To make matters worse, another Mahindra branch later confirmed that the body alignment issues were serious enough to require panel beater quotations, and I was informed that the entire vehicle appeared misaligned.

I have kept all WhatsApp messages, voice notes, reports, and supporting documentation and a video showing panels not aligned.

This entire experience has been exhausting, expensive, stressful, and deeply disappointing. I expected reliability, professionalism, and customer care when buying a brand new vehicle. Instead, I have spent months fighting for basic service and vehicle safety.