MG ZS EV strands me after driving through water: Spends 4 months at ASC

For the past 4 months, our vehicle has remained in the garage, while we continue to cooperate and provide requested information.

BHPian thecbguy recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

This is the first time I am writing on the forum,

We have a May 2022 bought MG ZS EV Exclusive Variant.

I am writing to report an incident that occurred on November 6th, around 11:30 pm, which has left me in a dire situation and need of assistance.

On the mentioned date, adverse weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and water clogging on the roads (water levels up to 1-1.5 feet), posed a serious challenge to driving conditions. While navigating near Richmond Road, our vehicle was unexpectedly impacted by a surge of water from the opposite lane, caused by a passing BMTC bus. Consequently, upon reaching our destination near my residence, the car abruptly came to a halt. Despite our efforts to restart the vehicle, it failed to respond (Transmission fault showed up on the dash).

In response, I promptly contacted customer service for assistance. The following morning, the vehicle was towed for further evaluation and repairs to the MG Service Centre on Mysore Road. Subsequent inspections revealed battery issues, yet since then, there has been a concerning lack of progress in resolving the matter.

The service center executives opened the battery apart without my consent or prior information and declared the battery to be an issue.

I do not understand how an IP69 K-rated battery could go faulty just by a splurge of water from the opposite side. Note that the interior and electronics have not been exposed to any sort of water damage which shows that the car has not been into deep water or any sort of risky or adventurous situations and it was a very negligible level of water that any ICE could sustain so logically expecting an EV to do better.
Note: The car's battery has IP69K water resistivity.

Both the company and the insurance representatives have engaged in a blame game, each deflecting responsibility for addressing the issue under warranty or guarantee. Despite submitting all required documentation and diligently following up with MG Jubilant Motors Mysore Road executives, there has been a notable absence of meaningful action.

There is a blame game going on between the insurance company and the showroom, the insurance company states that there is no water damage found in any other part except the battery and denied the claim. I feel it should be a warranty claim as it is a defective battery according to the water resistivity standards.

For the past 116 days, our vehicle has remained in the garage, while we continue to cooperate and provide requested information. However, the lack of clarity on when we can expect a resolution is deeply concerning.

I am confused what to do. I am stuck in this loop between the insurance and the company.

What do I do now? How do I proceed further?

Here's what BHPian FourBanger had to say on the matter:

A: First thing first ask MG service center, Mysore to give you a documented reason in writing or Email as to why they dismantled the battery without informing the owner.

B: Forward the same document to all top executives of MG highlighting the point you were not informed in any of this decision making by the service center.
Also point out the rating of the battery and hit it was not required to dismantle it.

C: Read the fine terms and condition of your insurance provider that in case the battery is damaged due to water would they hold their end of deal or not.

D: 116 days is a lot for a consumer to wait for a solution, you should ask MG to provide you with a minimum of back up car for your need till this is resolved.

E: Tag and tweet to all MG handle on all social media wherever they are visible to gain traction as like I said 116 days is a lot, this should have been done earlier in my opinion.

This is my personal opinion and advice, I am sure other senior members of Team Bhp would be able to add more to it.

I can only imagine the trauma and frustration you must be going through right now but hope it gets resolved quickly as possible. Stay strong and don’t bow down to any of their explanations till you are completely satisfied.

Here's what BHPian Lobogris had to say on the matter:

There have been several previous cases discussed on MG ZS EV forums where MG India has refused to honour warranty on the battery in the event of water damage. They seemed to have an unofficial policy where they made the customer claim insurance coverage even when it should have been covered under MG warranty. Several customers were frustrated and eventually forced to go along with this suggestion while some took MG to court. Was your insurance purchased via MG?

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.