Had an issue with LDV Automotive? Get a real response.
How to submit a complaint with LDV Automotive
To complain about LDV Australia, start at the dealer level and escalate to LDV Customer Relations if needed. Have your vehicle registration, VIN number, purchase date, and a clear summary of the issue ready before making contact.
Phone
- Customer Service: 1800 716 894 for general enquiries
- Customer Relations (complaints and corrosion concerns): 1800 841 921 — the fastest route for formal complaints and warranty disputes
- Roadside Assistance: 1800 709 832
- Customer Relations: customerrelations@ldvautomotive.com.au — use this for formal written complaints about products, services, LDV warranty complaints, or unresolved LDV dealer complaints
Online
- Submit your complaint through the LDV online contact form
- T60 and G10 owners can access the dedicated LDV support page, which includes information on the rust and corrosion support program
In-Person via a Dealer
- Visit your nearest dealership using the LDV dealer locator — many complaints are initially lodged through dealers in person
Social Media
- Message or post on LDV Australia's Facebook page for visibility and direct contact
Step-by-Step Complaint Process
1. Contact your dealer first — explain the issue clearly and request a written record of your complaint.
2. Escalate to LDV Customer Relations — if the dealer cannot resolve your issue, call 1800 841 921 or email customerrelations@ldvautomotive.com.au with your complaint reference number.
3. Document everything — keep copies of all correspondence, repair invoices, photos of defects, and timestamps of interactions.
4. Follow up in writing — if you do not receive a response within 10 business days, send a follow-up email referencing your original complaint and requesting a timeline for resolution.
LDV Automotive customer service complaints are handled through a two-tier system: the dealer network and a central Customer Relations team operated by Ateco Automotive Pty Ltd, the Australian distributor for LDV (head office: 2A Hill Road, Lidcombe, NSW 2141).
Dealer-Level Resolution
- Most complaints are first handled by the selling or servicing dealership
- Dealers assess warranty claims and arrange repairs where applicable
Customer Relations Escalation
- Unresolved dealer complaints are escalated to LDV's national Customer Relations team at Ateco Automotive
- Customers typically receive updates via phone or email from their dealer or Customer Relations
Rust and Corrosion Program
- Following widespread LDV T60 rust problems and LDV G10 corrosion issues, LDV established a dedicated support program
- Affected owners should contact 1800 841 921 for corrosion-specific claims
Timelines and Known Delays
- LDV does not publicly state specific complaint resolution timeframes
- Simple warranty repairs may take days to weeks, while complex issues (parts availability, corrosion claims) have been reported to take weeks to months
- Multiple customers report vehicles being off-road for extended periods (up to six months or more) while awaiting parts or resolution
- LDV does not maintain a full parts supply chain in Australia, which can cause significant repair delays
- Many reviews indicate poor follow-up and a lack of proactive communication from LDV
Common complaints against LDV Automotive
LDV complaints Australia frequently centre on manufacturing quality, warranty disputes, and service delays. Here are the most common categories based on consumer reports and ACCC proceedings.
Rust and Corrosion
- The single biggest complaint category — over 5,000 consumer complaints about rust or corrosion in T60 and G10 models were received by LDV between January 2018 and November 2024
- Rust has been found on vehicle undersides, inside cabs, fuel tanks, suspension components, and body panels — often within the first few years of ownership
- This is central to the LDV ACCC court action currently before the Federal Court
Paint and Body Quality
- Customers report paint deterioration, bubbling, and peeling within three to four years
- Frequently linked to underlying rust issues on LDV vehicle defects Australia-wide
Electrical and Electronic Faults
- Battery drain requiring daily jump starts
- Remote and central locking failures
- Infotainment screen malfunctions and reversing camera failures
Mechanical Reliability
- Vehicles entering "limp mode" unexpectedly
- Power steering, gearbox, and cruise control problems
- Air conditioning failures and 4WD system fault warnings
Warranty and Service Delays
- Extremely long wait times for parts — months in some cases
- Vehicles off-road for extended periods during warranty repairs
- Warranty claims denied or delayed for issues that appear to be manufacturing defects
Water Leaks
- Multiple owners report water ingress into the cabin, particularly around seals and door frames
LDV Automotive complaints submitted through Ajust
How other consumers LDV Automotive complaints got resolved
Total Loss Due to Rust — Brisbane T60 Owner
Steve's LDV T60 developed such extensive rust that the vehicle was deemed a total loss and could not be re-registered. The tow truck operator collecting the vehicle mentioned he had three other similar LDV cases.
Tip: If your vehicle shows early signs of rust, document it immediately with dated photos and lodge a formal complaint in writing with both your dealer and LDV Customer Relations.
Court Victory for Full Refund — Gold Coast T60 Owner
Timothy Rigby's 2018 LDV T60 developed significant rust on the underside, inside the cab, fuel tank area, and suspension components. The dealership denied responsibility, but the Queensland consumer court awarded Rigby a full LDV refund of $38,415, rejecting the dealer's argument that coastal conditions voided the warranty.
Tip: If your dealer denies a warranty claim for environmental reasons while the vehicle was marketed for those conditions, you have strong grounds under Australian Consumer Law — consider escalating to your state consumer tribunal.
Vehicle Off-Road for 6.5 Months — NSW T60 Owner
Within 19 months of ownership, Matt's T60 was off the road for 6.5 months due to cruise control, gearbox, air conditioning, and 4WD faults. LDV refused compensation, and Matt ultimately sold back to the dealer at a significant financial loss.
Tip: Multiple minor failures can collectively constitute a major failure under the 2020 ACL amendments, potentially entitling you to a refund or replacement.
If you need to know how to complain about LDV Australia and your initial complaint has not been resolved, follow these escalation steps.
Step 1: Escalate Within LDV
- Contact LDV Customer Relations directly at 1800 841 921 or customerrelations@ldvautomotive.com.au
- Request a formal case number and ask for escalation to a senior case manager
- Send a formal letter of demand to Ateco Automotive Pty Ltd, 2A Hill Road, Lidcombe, NSW 2141
Step 2: Contact Your State or Territory Consumer Protection Agency
- NSW Fair Trading: 13 32 20 — submit via the vehicle complaint form
- Consumer Affairs Victoria: 1300 55 81 81
- Queensland Office of Fair Trading: 13 74 68
- WA Consumer Protection: 1300 30 40 54
- SA Consumer and Business Services: 131 882
- ACT Access Canberra: 13 22 81
- TAS Consumer, Building and Occupational Services: 1300 654 499
- NT Consumer Affairs: 1800 019 319
Step 3: Report to the ACCC
- Lodge a report via the ACCC product or service complaint page
- The ACCC does not resolve individual disputes but uses complaints to inform enforcement action — as seen in the current Federal Court proceedings against LDV
Step 4: State Consumer Tribunal or Small Claims Court
- NSW: NCAT (NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal)
- VIC: VCAT (Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal)
- QLD: QCAT (Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal)
- These tribunals handle motor vehicle disputes and can order refunds, replacements, or compensation
Step 5: Use Ajust
- Lodge your LDV complaint through Ajust — a free complaint resolution service that can help you get a response from LDV
ACCC Federal Court Action Against LDV (April 2025)
The ACCC has instituted Federal Court proceedings against Ateco Automotive Pty Ltd (trading as LDV Automotive Australia) for allegedly making misleading representations about the durability and suitability of LDV T60 and G10 vehicles.
- LDV allegedly marketed these vehicles as "durable and tough" and suitable for off-road, beach, and rural use despite knowing they had a propensity to rust within five years
- LDV advertised a 10-year anti-corrosion warranty (April 2019 to August 2020) while allegedly aware of the rust issues
- Over 5,000 consumer complaints about rust and corrosion were received between January 2018 and November 2024
- The ACCC seeks penalties, declarations, consumer redress, and costs
Full details are available in the ACCC media release on the LDV court proceedings.
Australian Consumer Law Rights
Under the ACL, consumers purchasing vehicles in Australia have the right to:
- Repair, replacement, or refund for major failures
- Products must be of acceptable quality, fit for purpose, and match descriptions
- Multiple minor failures can collectively amount to a major failure (since December 2020 amendments)
- Manufacturer warranties cannot override consumer guarantee rights — this is relevant to LDV refund consumer rights
State Fair Trading Bodies
Each state and territory has a Fair Trading or Consumer Affairs body offering free dispute resolution for motor vehicle complaints. NSW Fair Trading, for example, aims to resolve most complaints within 30 days and can refer unresolved disputes to NCAT. See the NSW Fair Trading vehicle warranty and repair disputes page for more information.
- LDV Warranty Information — Details on LDV's warranty coverage and terms
- ACCC — Cars and Vehicles — Your consumer guarantee rights for vehicle purchases
- ProductReview — LDV T60 — Customer reviews and complaints for the T60 model
- ProductReview — LDV All Models — Reviews across the full LDV range in Australia
- AutoExpert — LDV Warning — Independent analysis of LDV ownership risks
LDV Automotive Complaints FAQs
Can LDV deny my warranty claim if I live near the coast or use my T60 off-road?
LDV cannot deny a warranty claim simply because you live in a coastal area or use your vehicle off-road. The LDV T60 was marketed as suitable for rugged and coastal conditions. A Queensland consumer tribunal has already rejected this defence and awarded a full refund. If your LDV dealer cites environmental factors, you likely have strong grounds to escalate under Australian Consumer Law.
What does the ACCC court action against LDV mean for my existing rust complaint?
The ACCC Federal Court proceedings against Ateco Automotive could lead to broader consumer redress for LDV T60 and G10 rust issues. The ACCC is seeking penalties, declarations, and remedies on behalf of affected consumers. While the case does not resolve individual complaints directly, it strengthens your position when negotiating with LDV or escalating to a state tribunal. Keep your complaint documented and active.
How long will my LDV T60 or G10 be off the road while waiting for warranty repairs?
LDV warranty repair timelines vary widely but delays of weeks to months are common for T60 and G10 owners. LDV does not maintain a full parts supply chain in Australia, which is the main cause of extended wait times. Some owners have reported vehicles being off-road for over six months. Request a written timeline from your dealer and escalate to LDV Customer Relations at 1800 841 921 if delays exceed expectations.
Can multiple smaller faults with my LDV count as a major failure for a refund?
Yes, under the 2020 amendments to Australian Consumer Law, multiple minor failures can collectively constitute a major failure. This means if your LDV has experienced a combination of issues such as electrical faults, mechanical problems, and water leaks, you may be entitled to a full refund or replacement rather than repeated repairs. Document each fault separately with dates, photos, and repair records to build your case.
You’ve done your part, now it’s time to hold LDV Automotive accountable.
Take the final step and submit a complaint that gets seen and responded to.