Gearhart Chevrolet

Review: I drive the 2004 Saturn Ion. There was a recall for the ignition (key got stuck). No other problems with car. After ignition recall work was completed, Gearhart Chevrolet told me my battery was weak. (Never had battery die in 10 years, and never needed a battery jump). I was told nothing can get started without the battery. I agreed to it so they could release the car to me. This was a $200.00 charge. Couple days later they contacted me again saying the fuel pump needs to be replaced. They said the car still isn't able to start, and will need that repair. I called [redacted] and said that since my car is at Gearhart Chevrolet for ignition recall, they are taking advantage of the situation. They will not release the car to me unless I agree to a repair over $1,000.00. I threatened to call a tow truck to take the car elsewhere. Few hours later Gearhart Chevrolet said by surprise now the car is running. They still pressured and told me to get that fuel pump replaced. I drove the car myself to a local [redacted] and they said it was fine. Fuel pump DOES NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED. The diagnostic charge for that was $103.00. I have proof from 3 months prior I brought the car in for over 100,000 mile 27 point safety inspection. FUEL PUMP WAS NOT CHECKED OFF AS NEEDING ATTENTION.Desired Settlement: Gearhart Chevrolet cost me $300.00 out of pocket for unnecessary expense.

Business

Response:

I am responding to complaint number [redacted]. [redacted] dropped the 2004 Saturn Ion at our dealership on 5/22/14 for the ignition switch recall. She was supplied with a rental car free of charge until the necessary parts became available for the recall. On 6/9/14 the parts arrived, we tried to program the vehicle and determined that the battery was too weak and would not charge enough to actually program the vehicle. [redacted] ok'd the replacement of the battery. At that time the fuel pump was also inoperative. Once the battery was replaced, the technician tapped on the fuel pump. By doing that he was able to free the pump and get the car started. [redacted] NEEDED to replace the 10 year old original battery in a car with 130,060 miles. This was explained to [redacted] several times. Most batteries last around 6 years under ideal conditions. This battery lasted well beyond any expectations of service. Batteries are maintenance items and the replacement of this battery was grossly neglected. As far as the fuel pump is concerned, when a car of that age, or any car, sits for a period of time,the armatures inside the pump can bind. When that occurs, the pump can sometimes be freed up by tapping it on the outside of the housing. This is an indication that the pump could malfunction. To be safe, replacement was recommended. At that juncture, the pump could work for the moment, days, weeks or years. Reliability can't be guaranteed. It was the customers decision to have a second opinion. Obviously, if the pump is working, there is no way to test if it needs to be replaced. We have been in business at this same location for many years and have an excellent reputation. We feel there is no need to reimburse the customer for any of her expenses. Thank you very much,

[redacted], Director of Sales and Marketing, Gearhart Chevrolet