WeBuyCars Faces 46 Consumer Complaints Over Allegedly Defective Vehicles

Used car dealership WeBuyCars is under scrutiny after the National Consumer Commission (NCC) received 46 complaints in nine months—with customers alleging they were sold defective vehicles.

The complaints, filed between April and December 2024, have raised concerns about the company’s sales practices, the reliability of Dekra Automotive vehicle reports, and the protection of consumer rights under South Africa’s Consumer Protection Act (CPA).

What the Complaints Reveal

According to NCC spokesperson Phetho Ntaba, WeBuyCars customers have raised concerns about:

• Defective vehicles sold without full disclosure.
• Inaccurate Dekra reports, which failed to identify significant mechanical issues.
• Hidden faults, discovered shortly after purchase, often when warranties had expired.

Of the 46 complaints:

• 23 were referred to the Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa (Miosa) and provincial consumer protection offices.
• 21 remain under consideration.
• 2 were formally investigated by the NCC—one of which was closed after WeBuyCars refunded the consumer.

One complaint that led to an investigation involved a vehicle with worn tyres, but the NCC could not confirm their condition at the time of sale.

Consumer Protection and the CPA

The NCC investigates violations of the CPA, either through consumer complaints or on its own initiative. While the Commission is not directly investigating Dekra reports, it does consider their accuracy on a case-by-case basis when linked to complaints.

Some affected consumers have sought recourse through the Motor Industry Ombudsman, but many remain dissatisfied with the lack of accountability and slow resolution process.

Dekra Reports Under Fire

Following a previous Moneyweb report, numerous buyers have come forward, questioning the accuracy and reliability of Dekra Automotive’s vehicle reports.

• Riaan Enslin purchased two vehicles that were declared fault-free but developed serious mechanical problems just after the warranty expired.
• Simphiwe Gaxela bought a BMW X1, later discovering that it had been in an undisclosed major accident despite the Dekra report stating otherwise.
• James Lekgoathi purchased a vehicle for R70,000, only to be hit with R90,000 in repair costs due to undisclosed issues.

Buyers have reported difficulties in securing refunds or assistance from WeBuyCars, Dekra, or industry regulators.

WeBuyCars and Dekra Respond

WeBuyCars sales director Janson Ponting defended the company, stating that without specific vehicle details, they could not respond to individual complaints.

Ponting clarified that the Dekra Used Vehicle Report focuses on aspects such as:

• Brake performance
• Tyre condition
• Shock absorbers
• Diagnostic error codes

However, he admitted that it is not a full mechanical evaluation and does not determine accident history.

Dekra Automotive COO Stefan Bleitner insisted that WeBuyCars does not interfere with vehicle reports, and all reports are independently quality-checked.

What This Means for Buyers

The complaints against WeBuyCars highlight ongoing risks in South Africa’s second-hand vehicle market. Consumers are urged to:

• Seek independent inspections before purchasing a used car.
• Carefully review all documentation, including terms and conditions.
• Report unresolved issues to the NCC or Miosa for mediation.

The Road Ahead

With 600 complaints filed against various second-hand car dealers in just nine months, the NCC continues to investigate widespread issues in the industry.

WeBuyCars, as South Africa’s largest used vehicle dealer, faces growing pressure to address consumer concerns and increase transparency in its sales process.

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