Tata Safari at 70,000 km: ₹60,000 Steering Bill – ‘Don’t Buy Tata’ Warning Goes Viral on Valentine’s Day


You might have seen a post on X (formerly Twitter) that’s been getting a lot of attention. A woman named Anjale Patel replied to Tata Motors’ cheerful Valentine’s Day post with a very serious warning: “Please don’t purchase a Tata vehicle.”

Her complaint has struck a chord with many, so let’s break down what happened, what it means for you, and what to make of it all in simple terms.

What Exactly Happened?

Anjale Patel owns a Tata Safari with the registration number UP22AX5788. According to her X post, her car has run about 70,000 kilometers. She claims that a Tata Motors employee told her that after 70,000 km, the car requires a steering part replacement that will cost around ₹60,000.

Frustrated by this sudden, massive expense, she publicly advised everyone against buying a Tata vehicle, using the company’s own romantic Valentine’s Day post to make her point heard.

The key points from her complaint are:

  • The Problem: A steering component needs replacement.
  • The Odometer Reading: 70,000 km.
  • The Estimated Cost: ₹60,000.
  • Her Advice: Don’t buy a Tata car.

Tata Motors responded quickly on X, saying, “Hi, your issue is being looked into & our team shall convey the resolution at the earliest.”

So, What is the “Main Baat” (The Core Issue)?

This isn’t just one person’s car trouble. It brings up a few important questions that every car owner or buyer should think about.

1. Is a Steering Problem at 70,000 km Normal?

Generally speaking, major steering components are built to last a long time—often the entire life of the car. While wear and tear is normal, a complete steering part failure at just 70,000 km is considered premature by most car standards.

However, a quick search online shows that steering-related issues in Tata’s popular models (like the Safari and Harrier) are not entirely new. Owners on car forums like Team-BHP have discussed problems like the steering pulling to one side or a loss of power steering. Replacement costs for parts like the steering rack or pump can range from ₹15,000 to over ₹50,000 depending on the specific issue. So, while not “normal,” Anjale’s problem is not an isolated incident.

2. The ₹60,000 Question: Who Should Pay?

This is the heart of the matter. No one expects to pay a huge bill for a steering repair on a car that’s done 70,000 km. The core debate is:

  • Is this a “wear and tear” part that the customer should pay for? (This is what the dealership employee reportedly implied).
  • Or is this a manufacturing defect or a known weak point that the company should cover? (This is what the customer is arguing).

By taking her complaint public and tagging Tata Motors, Anjale is trying to force the company to answer that question and take responsibility.

3. Is This a Reason to Boycott Tata?

This is where we need to be careful. One angry customer’s viral post doesn’t necessarily mean the entire brand is bad.

  • Tata’s Response: To their credit, Tata Motors responded within hours. This shows they are monitoring social media and are willing to engage with customer problems publicly. This is a good sign. Let’s see what resolution they offer.
  • Every Brand Has Issues: Maruti, Hyundai, Mahindra—every car brand has models with some known issues and unhappy customers. The key is how the company handles those problems.
  • Context is Key: We don’t know the full history of this specific car. Was the problem caused by an accident? (Her previous posts mention an accident repair). Was it regular service? The details matter.

What Should You, As a Common Person, Learn From This?

Don’t panic, but do be informed. Here’s your takeaway:

If You’re Thinking of Buying a Tata Car:

  1. Don’t Judge a Brand by One Viral Post. Look at the bigger picture. Tata cars are generally known for their high safety ratings (5 stars for many models) and solid build.
  2. Do Your Research. Join owner communities on Facebook or read forums like Team-BHP. Search for “Tata Safari common problems” or “Tata Harrier steering issues.” See what long-term owners are saying. This gives you a real-world picture beyond showroom brochures.
  3. Talk to Existing Owners. If you know someone who has been driving a Tata car for over 50,000 km, ask them about their experience with reliability and service costs.

If You Already Own a Tata Car:

  1. Keep Detailed Records. Always keep your service invoices. If a problem arises, you have proof of your car’s maintenance history.
  2. Know Your Warranty. A standard car warranty is usually for 2-3 years or up to 40,000 km. Anjale’s car is beyond that, which is why she’s being asked to pay. Extended warranties are available for purchase—consider them for peace of mind.
  3. Don’t Just Accept the First Answer. If your service center gives you a huge estimate, especially for a major part, it’s your right to ask questions.
    • Ask for a detailed breakdown of the cost (parts vs. labor).
    • Ask why the part failed. Was it regular wear or something else?
    • If you’re not satisfied, escalate the issue to Tata Motors’ customer support, just like Anjale did.

The Bottom Line

Anjale Patel’s viral complaint is a powerful reminder of the consumer’s voice in the age of social media. It has successfully put pressure on a large corporation to address a specific, expensive problem.

For the rest of us, it’s a valuable case study. It tells us to be an informed buyer, to know our rights, and to understand that a car is a complex machine with parts that can fail—sometimes at a very inconvenient time and cost. The real test now is to see how Tata Motors resolves this particular “love story interrupted.”

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