Supplier Penalized for Engine Swap Scam | Johannesburg News

A Pretoria car parts supplier got slammed with a 75,000 rand fine after installing the wrong engine in a 2017 Ford Focus and holding the vehicle hostage for years. The customer paid a 5,000 rand deposit for the correct part, but the supplier refused to return the car—even after being asked—claiming more money was owed. The National Consumer Tribunal ruled they failed to deliver what was promised, couldn’t prove compatibility, and charged for unauthorized work. Violating multiple sections of the Consumer Protection Act, the supplier’s actions were deemed unfair and misleading, especially since the customer lacked technical expertise. As punishment, the company must return the car within 30 days, refund the deposit with interest, and pay the hefty fine—a stern warning that exploiting consumers won’t be tolerated. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/63691de1be1e5416