The Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa (MIOSA) has ruled in favor of Wesley Joubert, a Gauteng resident, in a dispute with Rifle Range Car Sales over a used Ford Fiesta purchased in August 2024. Joubert had lodged a complaint citing persistent mechanical problems with the vehicle, which he was only able to leverage for three months after purchase.
Joubert, from Ferndale in Randburg, initially paid R169,000 for the Fiesta, which had approximately 138,117 kilometers on the odometer at the time of sale. Following repeated repairs that failed to resolve the issues, Joubert attempted to sell the vehicle to a car-buying company to mitigate his losses. During this process, he alleges he was informed the car had a history of being involved in an accident.
According to Joubert, a representative of the car-buying company stated the vehicle had been sourced from an auction house specializing in accident-damaged vehicles. He subsequently obtained a vehicle history report confirming this information, and also believes the driver’s side door may have been replaced, citing a malfunctioning emergency key. He provided a recording of his conversation with the car-buying company representative as evidence.
MIOSA’s ruling, issued on March 14, 2026, determined that the dealership remains responsible for ensuring the vehicle supplied meets standards of quality, and durability. The ombudsman’s decision follows a previous report by IOL detailing Joubert’s difficulties with the faulty vehicle and his attempts to seek redress.
The Motor Ombudsman is a certified Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) provider, offering an impartial and evidence-based process for resolving disputes between consumers and accredited businesses, avoiding the need for court action. The service operates in line with the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and relevant Codes of Practice. Consumers are advised to first attempt to resolve issues directly with the trader before escalating to The Motor Ombudsman after eight weeks.
For car owners who have purchased a vehicle from a dealer or retailer, The Motor Ombudsman’s ADR service can assist with disputes related to faulty cars, unsatisfactory repairs, vehicle purchase issues, and warranty claims. The organization also notes that if a used car develops a fault within the first 30 days of purchase, the buyer may have the right to a full refund.
Consumers experiencing issues with auto lenders or dealerships in the United States can submit complaints to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). State attorneys general also offer avenues for filing complaints related to automotive fraud or breaches of law.
