'Hippo Motor Group' under fire as dozens of customers complain and cases escalate to Ombudsman
Motor Firm Under Fire as Dozens Complain and Customers Turn to Ombudsman
By staff reporter
A motor dealership is facing mounting criticism after a growing number of customers alleged they were supplied with faulty, misrepresented or potentially unsafe vehicles, with many now pursuing formal complaints through the Motor Ombudsman.
A Facebook group titled “Hippo Motor Group and Warranty Wise ‘Scammers’” has attracted over 130 members, many of whom have shared detailed accounts of their experiences.
A significant number of those who spoke to this publication confirmed they are now taking, or preparing to take, their cases to the Motor Ombudsman, citing frustration at what they describe as a lack of resolution.
“I wouldn’t touch that with a barge pole”
Among those speaking out, one customer (Liam), who claims he was supplied with a vehicle that was not road legal.
He alleges that within just one day of receiving the car, both the brakes and electrical systems failed, prompting immediate concerns over safety.
After taking the vehicle to an independent garage, he says he was told:
“I wouldn’t touch that with a barge pole.”
Liam claims the situation remains unresolved, adding:
“I am still owed money, and payments are continuing to be debited from my account. This situation is entirely unacceptable.”
He also said that since sharing his experience online, he has been contacted by numerous other individuals reporting similar issues.
Faults Reported Within Days
Other customers have described faults appearing shortly after taking delivery of their vehicles.
Emma said, 'warning lights appeared within days, indicating problems with the brakes'.
“Within around eight days, a warning appeared indicating the vehicle needed new brakes,” she said.
“By around day 15, I had already asked to return the car because I didn’t trust it.”
She claims she was told she could not return the vehicle, and later discovered further issues following independent inspections.
“The injectors were severely leaking, the timing chain had failed, and it hadn’t been serviced properly for a long time,” she said.
“All reports confirmed these were longstanding issues and not caused by me.”
Emma confirmed she is now escalating her complaint through the The Motor Ombudsman.
“A complete nightmare”
Another customer described purchasing a Ford Ranger which they claim differed significantly from what had been advertised.
“I was told it would look exactly like the one in the picture,” they said.
“When it arrived, it had a full body kit that wasn’t mentioned and required specialist insurance.”
The customer also claims the vehicle was described as manual but arrived as an automatic.
Shortly after delivery, they reported a mechanical issue which left the vehicle unusable.
“The bonnet wouldn’t close the first time we opened it. I had just paid a lot of money for a car that couldn’t even be driven properly,” they said.
Less than a year later, the vehicle allegedly suffered catastrophic engine failure.
“I paid nearly £24,000 for a vehicle that lasted less than 12 months. It has been a complete nightmare,” they added.
The customer said they have spent thousands on repairs and are now pursuing the matter through the The Motor Ombudsman.
Concerns Over Road Safety
In another case, a customer claimed they had unknowingly driven a vehicle without a valid MOT for several months.
“I had been driving the car illegally since September,” they said.
“Potentially putting my life and my child’s life in danger.”
They said the issue was later acknowledged, but only limited reimbursement was offered.
That customer has also indicated they intend to escalate their complaint to the The Motor Ombudsman.
Growing Number of Cases Escalated
A recurring theme among those who spoke to this publication was the decision to escalate complaints after failing to reach resolution directly.
Multiple customers confirmed they are now:
- Submitting formal complaints to the Motor Ombudsman
- Gathering independent mechanical reports
- Seeking further legal advice
Several described this as their “last resort” after exhausting other options.
The volume and similarity of complaints, ranging from mechanical faults and safety concerns to disputes over refunds and warranties, suggest the issue may extend beyond isolated incidents.
Company Response
Hippo Motor Group has previously disputed allegations made against it, stating that claims published about the company are “unsubstantiated” and “misleading”.
The company has also indicated it has referred earlier coverage to its solicitors, raising concerns about reputational damage.
Right of Reply
Hippo Motor Group has been approached for comment on the latest claims, including:
- Allegations of vehicles being supplied in unsafe or unroadworthy condition
- Reports of faults appearing shortly after delivery
- The number of complaints and cases being escalated to the Motor Ombudsman
At the time of publication, no further response had been received.
Developing Story
With complaints continuing to emerge, a growing online community of affected customers, and an increasing number of cases being escalated to formal dispute channels, this story is ongoing.
Further updates are expected as more individuals come forward.
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