By the end of 2024, the Committee for Consumer Rights Protection (KZPP) of the Ministry of Trade and Integration and its regional departments received 57 complaints related to cars from China. In total, there were 144 complaints regarding vehicles, as reported by the committee's press service.
"Among the main complaints from car owners are engine and transmission defects, issues with the cooling system and electronics, and discrepancies with the stated characteristics. According to KZPP, some cars had to be returned to sellers. In other cases, thanks to the intervention of the departments, buyers managed to obtain repairs or replacements of defective parts at the expense of the dealerships," the statement said.
The highest number of complaints were registered in the cities of Astana and Almaty (6 and 9, respectively). KZPP staff not only participated in legal proceedings but also facilitated pre-trial settlements, assisting with contract terminations, refunds, or exchanges of vehicles.
In the regions of Abai, Zhambyl, and Kyzylorda, no official complaints were reported, although consumers continue to receive consultations when questions arise.
In Akmolinskaya region (2 complaints), the issues involved large sums—up to 9.99 million tenge and engine replacements. In Aktobe region (1 complaint), a court awarded over 16 million tenge, including penalties and moral damages. In Atyrau region (5 complaints) and East Kazakhstan region (4 complaints), specialists conducted explanatory work, unplanned inspections, issued directives and resolutions, and in one case, returned 7.04 million tenge through mutual agreement.
"When problems arise with the quality of a vehicle, the first step is to submit a written complaint to the dealer or seller: in most cases, this helps resolve the conflict without going to court. If the seller does not respond within 10 working days or refuses to cooperate, the territorial departments of KZPP are ready to provide consultation, assist in properly drafting a claim, and, if necessary, represent the interests of citizens in court as a third party," the agency noted.
Complaints can be submitted through the “E-otinish” system or by contacting the regional department of KZPP. The hotlines for consumer rights protection inquiries in the regions can be found on the committee's website.
It is worth noting that in 2024, 31.282 million vehicles were produced in China (+3.7% compared to 2023), and the market absorbed 31.436 million (+4.5%), including imported cars.