DAB RADIO

[Wainw74]

Thank you for your email regarding the DAB dongle fix and the issues i been experiencing with unfortunately you have not addressed my concerns

Firstly, I understand that you have stated that the fix is a permanent fix am unsure if you have seen the difference from the 23 plate to the face-lift the significant differences between the DAB dongle fix and the 23 plate model.
Can you tell me why this has resulted in the removal of one USB connection, whereas the new style has two USB ports.
Please see from the attached pictures that there are clear discrepancies between the two.

I would like you to forward this information to the appropriate department so that they can rectify any misleading statements regarding the fix.

Regarding my problems I have encountered with my vehicle, such as the new radar and the reverse problem, can you not understand my frustration.

It is disheartening to hear that many other MG owners are facing similar issues. I recommend you reaching out to see the reports and unrest on on the these problems on social media platforms where you will find other owners sharing their experiences and concerns.

The inconvenience caused by the lengthy repair process. Should never of happened to a new 23 model

I was not informed about the DAB dongle during the vehicle handover. this indicates indicates a gap in the abysmal sales and marketing process, and would like you to bring this to the attention of the relevant department to ensure such terrible oversights are addressed in the future.

I would like obtain a mechanical habdback of my vehicle, as suggested by Motability

I strongly recommend that you reach out to my dealer holdcroft Warrington and request for a detailed report about the sales the aftermath and the points I stated in my first email to Mr wong

They will be able to provide you with the necessary information regarding the condition and performance of my vehicle including the before and after dongle fitment
MGs aim is to ensure the satisfaction of all MG owners, and this has not been done whatsoever
I ask you to escalate my concerns to the appropriate channels within the company ASAP

I have received a email from my dealer to say the following

Dear Mr Wainwright



I would like to thank you for your correspondence that Honda Warrington has received in regards to your vehicle and I would like to take this opportunity to apologise for the inconvenience you have had.

At Honda Warrington we pride ourselves on quality service and it is with regret that we have failed to meet your expectations on this occasion.



I am sorry to hear about your dissatisfaction with your vehicle and would suggest that you continue your communications with Motability to reach a satisfactory outcome.



In the meantime, I can confirm that we have replaced the radar, carried out the DAB modification and your vehicle is now ready for collection at your convenience.



Once again I would like to apologise for any inconvenience that this may have caused you and I will look forward to seeing you on your next visit to Honda Warrington.



In our continuous efforts to improve our level of service, we value your feedback. Should you require any further assistance then please do not hesitate to contact me. I will be happy to assist you.



Kind regards,



Darren

MY STRONGLY WORDED LETTER

Subject: Urgent and Furious Complaint Regarding MG HS DAB Radio and Vehicle Issues


Dear Mr Wang CEO MG Motor UK Ltd


I am writing to express my immense anger and frustration in the face of the ongoing problems I have encountered with the MG HS DAB Radio and other issues plaguing my vehicle. I have already communicated with Motability to keep them informed, and they have explicitly requested that I file this formal complaint and urge you to take immediate action to rectify these faults. Furthermore, I have been made aware of the dedicated team within Motability that will work tirelessly to ensure prospective MG buyers are well-informed about the numerous faults plaguing these vehicles.


Firstly, I am appalled that I was never informed about the release of the new style MG, which appears to have resolved many of the issues that the 23 plate model should have had in the first place. It is clear to me that MG purposely withheld this information, leading me to believe that they deliberately released an inferior product, only to rectify the faults in a subsequent model. This is an outrageous display of negligence and disrespect towards loyal MG customers.


The problems with the MG HS DAB Radio are beyond comprehension. Despite numerous attempts to address the emergency braking lights and the emergency pedestrian stop malfunctions, the response from your team has been lackluster, to say the least. I refuse to accept that this is an isolated incident, as evidence from various MG forums and social media platforms clearly demonstrates that these faults are widespread. It is absolutely unacceptable that a vehicle, especially one in this price range, would exhibit such critical flaws, jeopardizing not only my safety but also the safety of other road users.


Equally distressing is the issue I have repeatedly raised regarding the reverse parking on an incline. The fact that the DCT gearbox fails to engage when reversing on even a slight incline is a severe safety concern. I am astounded that my concerns have been outright ignored, especially considering the numerous reports from other MG owners who have experienced the same problem. This fundamental flaw compromises the usability and safety of the vehicle, making it unreliable and unfit for purpose.


The inadequacies of the FM radio capabilities provided by MG are utterly infuriating. The "temporary" DAB option offers abysmal audio quality, limited functionality, and an absolute inability to store "favorites." Furthermore, approximately 50% of the listed stations do not work at all, further highlighting the shoddy attention to detail and lack of quality control. The so-called "permanent" DAB fix provided by MG is nothing short of a joke. Not only does it replace the windscreen antenna with a concealed device, but it also removes the USB socket and fails to address the lack of "favorites" functionality and subpar sound quality. Additionally, the FM radio features are archaic, lacking basic features such as displaying the station name, retuning as signal strength decreases, and providing Traffic Programme or RDS functionality. These deficiencies are simply unacceptable in this day and age, and it reflects poorly on MG's commitment to providing a quality product.


To add insult to injury, the satellite navigation system in my MG is riddled with problems. The outdated maps and incorrect routing descriptions at roundabouts are not only frustrating but also potentially dangerous. The lack of a method to update the mapping only exacerbates the issue, leaving me with an obsolete system that fails to meet even the most basic navigation requirements. It is inconceivable that MG would release a vehicle with such glaring deficiencies in the navigation system, especially when numerous owners have reported the same update issue on MG forums. The inability of the sat nav to identify traffic delays and offer rerouting is yet another indication of the substandard quality of this product.
All new MGs are purportedly built with world-class components and are allegedly backed by a comprehensive manufacturer's 7-year warranty. However, the numerous issues I have encountered with my vehicle clearly demonstrate that these claims are nothing more than empty promises. The fact that these faults exist in a supposedly reliable and well-built vehicle is a blatant disregard for customer satisfaction and safety.


I implore you to take immediate action to rectify these problems and ensure that my vehicle is thoroughly examined and repaired by your dedicated team of experts. I expect nothing less than a prompt resolution to these issues, as well as clear communication regarding the steps being taken to address them. I demand that the mechanical handover be completed without any further delays, as I am growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress and the inconvenience this has caused me.


Not only has my health deteriorated much like MG has deteriorated and I really don't belive your claims that you have posted on LinkedIn and over the Internet .


I also request that you initiate a compansation of £500.00 for my health deterioration and the terrible customer service and the current state of poor relationship between myself and MG motors I will provide evidence for my GP if you wish to have this in writing.


I must also stress that this email and another email has directly gone to higher management including the CEO of MG


David Clarke Parts and Warranty Executive
-----------


Stephen Graham Regional Operations Manager After sales
----------
Andrew Stuart Head of Sales
-----—---
Andy Lee head of Sales CEO
—---------—-
Guy Pigoinikas Commercial Directer MG motors
----------------


I must stress that I am contemplating escalating this matter to the media if necessary. The public deserves to know about the incomparable problems plaguing MG vehicles, and I am prepared to take that course of action if my concerns are not addressed promptly and effectively.


I eagerly await your immediate attention to this matter and a satisfactory resolution


Yours sincerely,

I also have been told today that my warranty is void if I reject the fix. I cannot and will not accept that as an answer. The lady I spoke to at Chorley tried adamantly telling me that the car was only ever supposed to have one usb socket, so I could not complain. At this point I rang off.
Such balderdash.

I have a theory. When the manufacturer of the dab and Rds radio unit went bust they stuck sets in our cars from a market like Australian or somewhere else where they don’t have dab or fm Rds. Therefore we have been fobbed off with non Uk specked head units. Now they are desperate to palm us off with a bodge to avoid replacing all the head units.

What would happen if these head units go wrong. They would have to replace them

Load of rubbish mate the warranty you get are no more worth than your customer rights 1985

Load of rubbish mate the warranty you get are no more worth than your customer rights 1985

I have prof you can use to show her that the CEO states diffrent

 

[Delboy102000]

That isn't my vehicle thankful and its OK am on to it I have already emailed the CEO and received a reply and also my dealer also so it was a strongly worded email unsure if you have seen it at all
But everyone who has a vehicle


The Consumer Rights Act 2015 – what you need to know

This is what you need to know about the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and how to apply it to reinforce your legal rights.
It is a common myth that you only have 30 days grace to act, whereas the 30-day rule applies to rejecting the goods and does not affect your rights.
S22(3) Consumer Rights Act 2015 gives you a ‘short-term right to reject’ faulty goods within 30 days and demand a full refund, no questions asked. The onus (burden of proof) is on you to prove it is faulty within 30 days.
replaced three major pieces of consumer legislation, namely;

• Sale of Goods Act
• Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations
• Supply of Goods and Services Act

The purpose for doing so was to simplify, consolidate and modernise consumer legislation and to give consumers clearer rights when purchasing goods and services.

CONSUMER RIGHTS ACT 2015 – CRITERIA​

All products should be;

• Satisfactory quality
• Fit for purpose
• As described
• Last a reasonable length of time

S49 Consumer Rights Act 2015 states that a trader must perform the service with reasonable care and skill.
covers all trades including plumbers, hairdressers, takeaways and restaurants.
If you discover any faults within 6 months of ownership, the presumption is that the fault was there from the outset unless the retailer can prove otherwise. This is where you apply the Reverse Burden of Proof.
The onus is on the retailer to prove that the fault was not there at the time you purchased the product.
You need to give the retailer one opportunity to remedy the same fault. You have the right to reject the goods and demand a full refund without deductions if this fails. The only exception on deductions is for vehicles where you have had use of the vehicle for more than 30 days.
If 6 months has elapsed, the onus is on you to evidence that the fault was there at the time of purchase.
This can be evidenced by an expert opinion or evidence that this is a common fault with this product.

UNFAIR TERMS AND CONDITIONS​

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 creates a ‘fairness test’ to prevent consumers being placed at an unfair advantage. Key terms and conditions need to be transparent, fair and balanced.
S62(1) Consumer Rights Act 2015 states that an unfair term of a consumer contract is not binding on the customer.

The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 also reinforces this. This legislation considers such practices unfair if they cause a consumer to take a different decision than they would have otherwise made if they had not been given false information or put under unfair pressure to proceed. The focus is on misleading and aggressive actions and omissions.
If you had no alternative but to agree to the terms and conditions, a Court would likely consider that you have been put under unfair pressure to do so.

OTHER LEGISLATION​

There are other pieces of legislation you can refer to when it comes to reinforcing your case such as;

• Consumer Credit Act 1974
• Misrepresentation Act 1967 (this is where the Reverse Burden of Proof lies)

If a vehicle has been purchased on finance, the vehicle is owned by the finance company

BACKGROUND
“I bought a second-hand car in October 2018 and it has been a nightmare. I paid about £3,200 + my old car in exchange. After a month the ESP light came on. I went to the garage and I was given a bill of about £1,150. The warranty didn’t want to know anything about it and the dealer wasn’t picking up. I tried to go through the Small Claims Court but was scared to lose and then ended up paying more money. Do you think you could help?”

CONSUMER RIGHTS ACT 2015
First of all, this case firmly falls within the remit of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 which states that products / services must be;

Fit for purpose
As described
Satisfactory quality
Lasts a reasonable length of time

The customer has given them one opportunity to remedy the fault which occurred within 1 month of the purchase. Any faults found within the first 6 months are automatically presumed to have been there at the point of sale, so it is up to the seller to remedy it. This is known as a reverse burden of proof.

Any faults found after 6 months puts the onus on you to prove that the fault was there when you bought the item. You have up to 6 years in England and Wales and up to 5 years in Scotland to do so.

It just becomes a bit more difficult and protracted but it’s certainly not impossible, especially when the product in question has well-known faults such as Vauxhall Zafiras catching fire and Hyundai I40 clutches. I cover that on car warranty problems and your consumer rights.

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 generally gives you more protection than any warranty, although there are exceptions to the rule.

WARRANTIES
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 states that a product must last a reasonable length of time. That is subjective, and a washing machine is a good example to look at in this scenario. If you are using your washing machine every day for 2 years, the company could easily say that this equates to what would be considered as ‘normal use’ under most circumstances for 6 year use. That would be put down as ‘wear and tear’.

A warranty would probably work for you in that scenario. However, what you have to also bear in mind is the cost of the warranty itself. Given that you can buy a decent washing machine for £200 – £400 (in my humble opinion!), you need to weigh up the cost of a warranty and if it’s worth having.

Your legal rights provides you with better protection than any warranty.

If that picture was not your vehicle it was misleading to post it, I see you have also posted it on the Facebook Phev page. If it’s not yours what is the source of it!

I am keen to arrive at facts, just like mine and Kern’s post. It is only when dealing with facts that we have a case.

 

[Wainw74]

Hi this picture was suppled to me with faith and also with the owner ls permission ,I didn't actually ask for it I asked the question ..

"I would love to know of the new MG model had 2 USB ports as Rebecca from head office stated in her email to me that MG old shape after the fix will still have 2 USB but we know this is untrue

So am unsure why the pictures would be misleading as I don't post misleading information I get my information and I look to see if it's reliable to all who have the same problem .....

I don't post pictures up that are not mine to post I would expect it back ...


If you keen to arrive at the facts then I have a email I just received of head office after sales and its stating no doubt what you wanted to know of its regards to the DAB

I know from reading the email attached below that once you have the fox and that's if you want the fix you will be definitely without one USB that's a definite and that will be it ,there will be no more recalls to have a DAB done again at all ....

Very Disappointed for you all by this news after many months of fight this I haven't finished with MG .

Anyway enjoy the brand new email and when you read it it will be like you got a kick in the teeth as its a bit patronising when she states about the new model

Enjoy
Good Morning Mr Wainwright,



Thank you for your further correspondence.



Firstly, I appreciate you have been in contact and refer to other owners of MG vehicles however I am not in a place to comment on this and will only be dealing with your concerns/queries.



With regards to your questions below, the dealer is correct, they have carried out the correct available enhancement to your MG HS that has been released by MG Motor UK.



With regards to your questions around the new model year 2023 MG HS, I do believe there are now models starting to arrive with the full DAB unit as per the original factory specification. This is a positive step for MG Motor UK as this now means all new models moving forward are no longer disadvantaged by the semi-conductor shortage that has affected production for the last 18 months.



Unfortunately, the final solution available for your vehicle has already been fitted and this will be the same for every other consumer who has the same model.

Please see attached picture

Although I understand your disappointment, can I please point you in the direction of the below statement which is published on our website. This confirms that we reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice for continuous improvement. I feel the statement around design and specification particularly covers this area of enquiry.

If you feel you were not given accurate information at the time of handover of your vehicle, this will need to be addressed with the selling dealer, as the contract of sale sits with them.



Once again, the enhancement made to your vehicle is the final solution available currently for this model, I am sorry for any confusion this has caused you.



If you have any further queries in the meantime, do not hesitate to contact MG Customer Service.



Regards

Becky McCoole-Smith Customer Experience Manager Aftersales

If that picture was not your vehicle it was misleading to post it, I see you have also posted it on the Facebook Phev page. If it’s not yours what is the source of it!

I am keen to arrive at facts, just like mine and Kern’s post. It is only when dealing with facts that we have a case.

Receive My reply as you say it's misleading

 

[GaryNI]

I don’t use any of the built in radio features on my 23 plate HS PHEZ which actually arrived in June with the “fix” and only 1 usb socket up front , the MG system is just crap , I’ve an Apple car play dongle plugged I to the front usb and hidden away and I use CarPlay all the time now, saves all the stress that some seem to be experiencing.

 

[wazh]

Really disappointing that MG are not correcting this issue properly. Had I known they would not be fixing this issue correctly, I would certainly have taken my money elsewhere and purchased a different vehicle. Efficient way for a growing manufacturer to lose customer base (not grow it).

 

[Delboy102000]

I also have been told today that my warranty is void if I reject the fix. I cannot and will not accept that as ananswer. The lady I spoke to at Chorley tried adamantly telling me that the car was only ever supposed to have one usb socket, so I could not complain. At this point I rang off.
Such balderdash.

I have a theory. When the manufacturer of the dab and Rds radio unit went bust they stuck sets in our cars from a market like Australian or somewhere else where they don’t have dab or fm Rds. Therefore we have been fobbed off with non Uk specked head units. Now they are desperate to palm us off with a bodge to avoid replacing all the head units.

What would happen if these head units go wrong. They would have to replace them

I don’t use any of the built in radio features on my 23 plate HS PHEZ which actually arrived in June with the “fix” and only 1 usb socket up front , the MG system is just crap , I’ve an Apple car play dongle plugged I to the front usb and hidden away and I use CarPlay all the time now, saves all the stress that some seem to be experiencing.

Can I take it , that your fixed system still has no Rds or Fm program functions. Does it have savedDab stations.
Would be useful to know.

 

[Kerno]

From what I gather no it doesn't but if my dealer keeps their promise I will find out soon enough

 

[wazh]

From what I gather no it doesn't but if my dealer keeps their promise I will find out soon

Do you have a date for this DAB repair ?

 

[GaryNI]

Can I take it , that your fixed system still has no Rds or Fm program functions. Does it have savedDab stations.
Would be useful to know.

You are correct ,no RDS or FM station identity and a crap DAB radio that just shows the last station you listened to.

 

[Delboy102000]

You are correct ,no RDS or FM station identity and a crap DAB radio that just shows the last station you listened to.

Thnx for your response. Clearly they have now decided that a Dab dongle fixed in and robbing the second Usb socket without RDS, tp or af functions plus favourite and group selection on DAB is to be classed as an improvement.
I have owned 9 vehicles since 2012 from SAIC MG and every one of them has had full Europeanuk spec radios.
Clearly they have used non Uk/eu spec head units, to get themselves out of trouble when the manufacturers went bust and now they are trying to install a bodge fix, claiming entitlement to do so under the right to vary specs for improvements.
How can the omission of Rds and Tp functions be an improvement over the cars of the last 11 years which all had them.
Also although the Dab was notified at handover I want to make it clear that the diminished function of fm and favourites was never touched upon.
Clearly the installed head unit was never intended for the Uk market and needs to be changed.

Today, (21st August 2020) Digital Radio UK announces that all the new passenger vehicles will come fitted with DAB radio as standard from 2021 following new regulations passed through Parliament.

The new legal regulations were approved by Parliament to support the mandating of digital radios in passenger cars in the UK. On 1st September 2020, The Road Vehicles (Approval) Regulations 2020 will come into force and implement the provisions of the EU Directive covering the compulsory fitment of digital radio in passenger cars and buses that come fitted with a radio. The regulation specifies the fitment of digital terrestrial radio broadcasting, rather than IP, and includes a 4-month grace period granting automotive manufacturers until 21 December 2020 to meet the requirement.

As of Q2 2020, 93.9% of new cars registered in the UK were fitted with DAB digital radio as standard, and the new regulation will require the remaining 6% of new cars to be fitted with digital radio. The regulation does not apply to commercial vehicles, which represent 5 million vehicles on the road in the UK. As of Q2 2020, 79% of commercial vehicles were fitted with DAB digital radio as standard, an increase from 62.8% in Q2 2019.

 

[Kerno]

Do you have a date for this DAB repair ?

Yes they will do it now but I rejected the work as I will lose an USB socket. I want a genuine UK spec replacement head unit not a 2penny fix.

 

[wazh]

Yes they will do it now but I rejected the work as I will lose an USB socket. I want a genuine UK spec replacement head unit not a 2penny fix.

I am feeling the same way. I see no benefit in loosing a usb port only to move the temp DAB attena from my windscreen and gain no extra functionality. This needs a genuine repair, not another 'bodge'.

 

[Kerno]

I don't really know where to go with this now, in MG's mind the removal of a USB port to splice in yet another box of garbage behind the dash fulfils the UK requirement of a DAB radio. They obviously don't care about the ongoing customer relations as they have our money so why should they bother?
I like another gentleman on here would not have purchased the car if I had known that this was the solution to the missing DAB, RDS, TA etc. Not only has MG got one of the worst infotainment solutions of any car currently on sale they have gone out of their way to make it even worse and unbelievably succeeded! That takes commitment and puts a big two fingers up to all of us who trusted that MG would do the right thing and replace the head unit to a fully functional UK spec unit. This is what happens when you trust instead of having things in writing.

 

[ianwlk]

Can't help but think that M.G describing the rather woeful DAB fix as the "final solution" is an inopportune choice of words

 

[PaulMorland]

I think that it now clear to all that MG have no intention of making a genuine commitment to this shambolic DAB retrofit. We need to decide if we are to continue with our cause. I am so disappointed that this has now has the correct response from a major brand name

 

[alex]

Class action is the only way forward, în my opinion.

 

[PaulMorland]

Agreed, but I am no legal expert, so would appreciate any suggestions to try to get a resolution from MG Motors

 

[Kerno]

I agree as well, but I am sure that MG has themselves fully covered legally as the only requirement for UK sales is that the vehicle is DAB equipped, which it will be if we let them do the fix. I for one am not as I use both USB ports. They have a right as a manufacturer to change the specification as they see fit. We would be better off highlighting this farce to the motoring press. The likes of Auto Express and Mike Rutherford would jump on this sort of thing. Why don't they just change the radios??? Cars before and after have working DAB, TA and RDS that's all we are asking for. Absolutely shocking disregard for their customers, this is my first MG and sadly will be my last MG can you imagine Toyota, Ford, Vauxhall and the like treating their customers like this?

 

[Delboy102000]

Just to say that my new HS has the chip installed and it works a treat. When you "eventually" get one you will be happy (rub in salt)

Is yours a Mk1 or mk11. Exclusive or Trophy. Does it have Fm Rds working

 

[leepearce18]

My mg hs exclusive is booked in tomorrow for some investigation work on the dab radio , android auto and problems with the gear box not engaging on hill starts. What I noticed when I signed in was an extra item on the agenda about the dab. I've circled it in this screen shot. I'll update tomorrow after it's done to see what it is.