LKQ Specialized Parts

I'm rejecting the LKQ's offer because according to Green Machine Automotive there's internal noise and in order to find out what's the problem, the mechanics from Green Machine Automotive will have to take the engine apart.Thank You

I'm rejecting the LKQ's offer because according to Green Machine Automotive there's internal noise and in order to find out what's the problem, the mechanics from Green Machine Automotive will have to take the engine apart.Thank You.

Review: I was in a roll-over accident in April, and in June purchased a very clean 2000 Mazda Protogé Lx. from a man who had just replaced the motor. Although it runs great, it died each time it came to a stop.... unless it was put into neutral, or gently accelerated with one foot on the brake. He was told that the torque converter was installed improperly.

A local ASE Certified shop ([redacted] Repair) inspected, and sent the transmission to an outside transmission specialist for a detailed inspection. The internal pump had decentigrated. The specialty shop wanted $1,900 to completely rebuild it. However I didn't have money for that kind of expense, because I am struggling to save my home from foreclosure and fraud. Next I called LKQ to purchase a low-mile transmission, knowing I could get one for about $700. I was told the warehouse had a rebuilt one in stock that was completely"Remanufactured" by the largest engine and transmission rebuilder in nation (ETE Reman formally known as: Engine & Transmission Exchange, Inc.). It came with a "3-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty." However, that would cost $1,484.50 'out-the-door', plus a %500 core deposit totaling $1,984.50. Since I put over 50,000 miles a year on my vehicle, and it was going to be $1,900 either way for a reliable transmission. On 6/19/14 I burrowed money from my legal funds to pay LKQ for the transmission, in order to get me back on the road quickly.

It took a week for the transmission to be delivered. It was installed and I picked it up at the close of business, after paying the shop $1,081.45 for their services. I drove it less than ten (10) miles home. I had no issues on the way home. However, when I put it into "PARK" ...it rolled backwards. I had to block the wheels for the night. The next day I was going to return the car to the shop...but it would NOT engage in any forward gears. It cost another $95 to have the car towed back to [redacted] Repair.

I called LKQ and spoke to [redacted] (Rancho Cordova, CA), he immediately started my claim in the computer. He gave me the claim number (#[redacted] for invoice #[redacted]), dated 6/19/14. [redacted] gave me phone numbers for ETE and the warranty through ATK, however ultimately I was referred to [redacted] at ETE Reman.

ETE sent a second (2nd) transmission, insisting the first one was to be shipped to Milwaukee, WI for diagnosis by their personnel, under warranty. I was forced to rent a car since this is my only form of transportation. The rental car came to $478.89 and my expenses started getting out of hand. When I picked it up again, just before the shop closed, I was told: "it worked great on the road test, but there is a buzzing noise from the transmission on deceleration above 40 mph. And a lower deep noise from the passenger side at 20 mph. We have noted it in the comments section of your paperwork, and it is safe to drive. It might take a little while to 'break-in', just let us know if it doesn't go away and we will look at it again." I paid another $997.25 out-of-pocket. The next day I needed to be in southern California, about six hours away, so I really hoped I would not have any problems. I figured that would give the transmission plenty of time to 'settle-in'. However, that trip and more driving didn't change anything.

When I returned to town, I called [redacted] and scheduled an appointment to remove the second faulty transmision (supplied by ETE, through LKQ). On July 3, 2014 I began demanding for these totally unnecessary expenses to be reimbursed by the seller (LKQ) and/or by the rebuilder (ETE) after being told by [redacted] (Salesman at LKQ) that the transmission came with a "3-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty." To make things even more intense, my real estate lawyers kept calling for the money to protect my home.

On July 29, 2014 at my request, [redacted] (LKQ W3 Claims Manager) sent me a copy of the Warranty, which I had not previously seen. Suddenly I discovered that LKQ offered three different levels of coverage know as the "ATK Remanufactured Engine Warranty::

1) Standard Warranty- 3 years unlimited miles, $50/hr. [redacted] labor reimbursement rate - labor paid only on approved claims after factory inspection.

2) No Fault Warranty Protection ("NFWP") - Standard warranty temrs PLUS $50 per hour [redacted] labor Reimbursement. First replacement is FREE. See specific non-factor failure coverage that applies to program at [redacted] or flyer.

3) No fault Warranty Gold ("NFWG") - NFWP coverage PLUS labor paid at posted or advertised shop rate - up to $95 per hour, $100 towing allowance, $150 car rental allowance, and $25 fluid allowance, and $25 fluid allowance. First time part replacement is free.

None of which had been explained to me. Nor I had been offered the opportunity to purchase additional coverage. By all-rights, I should have been informed of this at the time of purchase (6/19/14), just after I had been informed that there was a "remanufactured unit available"; and at the time I was quoted the price. I was intentionally presented and sold the 'upgraded' (remanufactured) product, instead of the lower-priced'used'unit, which cost twice the money. The LKQ representative knew full-well that LKQ had multiple plans of coverage, and he neglected to inform me of each of them. In fact, the stated "3-year UNLIMITED MILEAGE WARRANTY" certainly implies it is "fully-comprehensive' on its own. However, LKQ coverage's. Moreover, LKQ has refused to reimburse any of my costs to date, even after faxing a written request with accompanying out-of-pocket receipts on 7/23/14.

After many calls all over the nation, I eventually got to speak with [redacted] at ETE Reman. He assured me that he would: "do everything possible to make the proper adjustment, given the unusual circumstances of your situation. I will try to cover some fo the rental car expenses, as well." [redacted] went on to tell me that his company normally deals with retailers, and all their profit is made "up-front", that is... at the point of sale (POS) to the retailer. On 8/11/14 ETE issued a check in the amount of $355, normal industry shop rate of $120/hr. ETE is the nation's largest transmission rebuilder, it baffles the mind that they would repeatedly put in writing that the First replacement is "FREE" ... Perhaps this occurs so frequently that they would repeatedly put in writing that the First replacement is "FREE" ... Perhaps this occurs so frequently that they must mention it in every category for their transmission work, and most engines too. Direct billing for rental car fees and labor reimbursement should not be a problem in fulfilling their claims of a "3-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty", especially on "approved claims". Or, perhaps this is just a scam to entice "consumers unaware".

After getting no commitment from either ETE or LKQ for eleven days, while I needlessly footed the expose of another rental car ($658.70), I took my car to AAMCO Transmission (7/7/14) to evaluate the engine light code-error. AAMCO also refused to work on it for the sub-industry rate of only $50/hr. ETE offered to pay them. AAMCO referred me back to [redacted]. I asked [redacted] to send out the transmission to their local specialist for inspection, documentation, and to restore it to industry standards. The Rebuilder noted: "Chipped tooth on drive gear, and some rough wear pattern on drive gear also, also planetary, and ring gear. Some pitting, looks as if something metal went through transmission, suspect this is the cause of noise. Pitting will eventually result in more broken or chipped gears." I paid for a transmission to be remanufactured back to the orginal manufacturer's standard. This demonstrates that ETE failed to replace the 'chipped' and 'pitted' gears. It was also found tha the improper thickness of shims were used and further added to the audible 'Buzzing & 'Whirring' noise which was pronouncedly "not normal".

This was disturbing, especially after hearing ETE's recorded telephone claims that: "Our replacement parts are made of Kevlar to exceed OEM Standards for better shifting and reliability." Another recording says: "every transmission is bench-tested 'cold" for 30 minutes, and again when it is 'hot' to insure that when it is installed it will work right the "first-time

I contacted my bank and there was a consumer complaint investigation against LKQ for selling faulty parts from Engine & Transmission Exchange, Inc. A full reimbursement was given to me from Bank of America for the initial cost of the transmission (in the amount of $1,984.45), which had been placed on my credit card accounts. Thank God I had NOT paid them cash! The documents regarding the bank's reversal of these fees are attached.

Furthermore, I remain out-of-pocket a total of $5,023.10 (about 2.5 times the cost of the installed part) for the additional monies I was forced to advance, before I received a proper working transmission in my vehicle. Had the first Remanufactured transmission worked properly, as it was guaranteed to, I would not have cause or reason to expend this amount of money so frivolously, especially when I desperately needed to apply it towards saving my home. Even after receiving my initial transmission costs back through the bank, I am still short 71.41% of my total cash outlay of $8,182.78 (over ten times what a "used" transmission would have cost from the same supplier-LKQ).Desired Settlement: "This is "OUTRAGEOUS", I WANT ALL MY MONEY BACK!

Neither REDDING AUTO CENTER, Inc. XNACTX (dba: LKQ Specialized Retail of Sacramento [redacted]) or Engine & Transmission Exchange, Inc. (dba:ETE Reman) have stepped up to fulfill their "CLAIMS"

LKQ: "Any part, any time, anywhere... "Guaranteed!" (What....Guaranteed to BREAK?)

ETE: "every transmission is bench-tested 'cold' for 30 minutes, and again when it is 'hot' to insure that when it is installed it will work proper the 'first-time'." (WHAT? Maybe Only on the bench!)

Accounting of costs for reimbursement, and a partial list of enclosed exhibnits:

LKQ Point of Sale - 'Remanufactured' Transmission by ETE Reman

$1,984.45

Towing back to [redacted]e

$95.00

First Installation of the above ETE transmission

$1,081.45

First Enterprise Rental Car - 7 days

$478.89

Second ETE Transmission Removed, Inspected, Replaced

$997.25

Second Enterprise Rental Car - 11 days

$ 658.70

Third Rebuilt Transmission [redacted]e Removed, Inspected, Reinstalled

$2,721.16

Third Enterprise Rental Car - 4 days

$165.88

TOTAL EXPENSES PAID OUT-OF-POCKET

$8,182.78

MINUS AMOUNTS OF REIMBURSEMENTS

- < $2,339.45 >

(B of A reversals $1,984.45 + EYE, Inc. $355.00 = $2,339.45)

TOTAL UNNECESSARY "Out-of-Pocket" EXPENSES DUE NOW.... $5,843.33

Thank you for any assistance you can lend me in collected these unwarranted expenses.

Most Sincerely,

Other Enclosures;

- ATK Warranty Chart from LKQ (6pages)

- LKQ Parts Replacement Promise

- LKQ Invoice showing return credit for the ETE transmission

- Don Johnson's 7/29/14 emailed note regarding ETE & LKQ refunds

- Copy of ETE Reman check (Engine & Transmission Exchange, Inc.

- My email response to LKQ, ETE, CC to [redacted]e Repaire ([redacted])

- [redacted] Investigation & Refund notices

Review: LKQ Used Auto Parts who "provide a free 6 month/6,000 mile warranty." We bought a used engine from them and after ONE week the engine stopped on working. We then contacted the company and told them what happened to the engine. The guy from LKQ(who sold us the engine) sent some inspectors to check what happened to the engine. The inspector claimed that the engine was "overheated" BUT our mechanic said it didn't overheat and that the problem is the engine itself. The guy who sold us the engine said it cannot be replaced and he's refusing to tell us the reason why we are not getting a replacement. I called the guy a few times to ask the REASON but somehow he keeps on refusing to tell me the reason. I told him that I would file a complaint and he said "go ahead we have more than one lawyer." I also contacted him via email but he never replied.Desired Settlement: I wanted to get a replacement but after how the guy treated me I just want to get a refund. I'm getting tired of asking them to give me a reason why I can't receive a replacement if they "provide" a 6 month/6 mile warranty, also how they treat their customers.

Business

Response:

To whom it may concern. Revdex.com complaint [redacted] A running and tested engine was delivered to Green Machine Auto, delivered with invoice and warranty documents on or about 02-25-2015. The engine comes with a limited 6 month 6000 mile warranty, of which is limited as listed on the rear of the invoice, and delivered with an installation tag (see attachments above) Approximately 754 miles after installation, a problem was reported with the engine. LKQ dispatched an independent inspector and it was noted that engine had a melted heat tab, burned smell to the engine oil, along with some diagnostic codes that show powertrain management issues that may have led to the overheating condition. DTC P0507 displays possible vacuum leak, which would lead to a lean mixture that may have contributed to the overheating, as the computer was unable to meter air/fuel to the engineered level as specified by the manufacturer. It was also noted there was a transmission related code of slipping second gear. There are numerous other possibilities that can lead to the overheating. Based on findings from independent inspector, no leaks were found on the engine, and engine was overheated due to unknown causes aside from failing to monitor the gauges. Overheating will break down the oil, and this was noted that oil smelled “burnt” by an independent inspector, coupled with a melted heat tab (center material melts at a predetermined temperature), both are evidence of engine temperatures exceeding OEM specifications. The breakdown of oil from excessive temperatures may cause bearing failure, piston scuffing, cylinder head warping, etc. The installed heat tab melts at 255-260 degrees, which is beyond the limits of safe engine operation. This was explained to the customer that overheating is not a covered failure. Limited Lifetime Sheet Metal Parts Warranty We protect your investment with a lifetime guarantee against inside-to-outside perforation caused by rust. This covers the cost of repair, including reasonable and customary parts and labor, and begins on the original date of purchase from LKQ Corporation or one of its subsidiaries (“LKQ”), extending for as long as the original purchaser owns the vehicle. The Sheet Metal Warranty does not cover: Cosmetic or surface corrosion resulting from chips, scratches, or other causes; corrosion perforation caused by improper installation, neglect, accident, abuse, or any event not considered normal use to your vehicle; damage from the environment, including weather, hail damage, airborne fallout (chemicals, acid rain, etc.), cleaning solvents and/or polishing materials. 6-Month Limited Mechanical Parts Warranty We protect your investment with a 6-month guarantee against mechanical product failure due to defect. At its option, LKQ will repair, replace, or refund the purchase price of the part in the event of a failure. LKQ reserves the right to replace failed parts with equal to or greater than original mileage parts. The mechanical parts warranty begins on the date the part was purchased from LKQ as indicated on LKQ’s invoice and ends six months later. The Mechanical Parts Warranty excludes: Breakdowns caused by non-covered components, improper installation, failure to clear computer codes, defective workmanship, usage for which the part was not intended and/or improper maintenance (e.g. using the incorrect types and levels of fluids and lubricants as outlined in the vehicle’s “Owner’s Manual”). All Warranties are Null and Void if: The vehicle is used in a fleet, taxi, government, commercial vehicle, or limo service or has been converted from private passenger use to commercial or fleet use, or is used for racing or other competition or off-road recreational purposes. The part is installed in an application for which the vehicle manufacturer did not intend it. Failure is caused by abuse, misuse, or modifications. Failure is caused by towing a trailer or other vehicle unless your vehicle is equipped for this purpose as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. The vehicle has been modified to plow snow, whether the snowplow is attached to the vehicle or not. The part fails or becomes defective due to the vehicle being involved in a collision The part is installed or operated in a vehicle outside of the United States or Canada The installed heat tab center is melted or removed The LKQ “Required Installation Procedures Tag” is not complied with upon installation. The part is sold “As Is” as indicated on the front of the invoice. The vehicle is not serviced at proper intervals, or fuel/oil/coolant is not used in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. The engine oil and filter are not replaced and documented every 4,000 miles with appropriate OEM recommended motor oil. (Must be documented) The transmission fluid and filter are not replaced at time of installation with OEM recommended transmission fluid. (Must be documented) Failure is caused by or related to a collision, fire, theft, vandalism, riot, explosion, lightning, earthquake, windstorm, hail, water, freezing or flood. Terms and Conditions Approval for repairs or replacements must be approved by LKQ prior to any work being performed. We reserve the right to inspect any product prior to replacement Payment for labor requires approval by LKQ of the estimate, prior review or proof of scheduled maintenance, and proof the work is done. The original invoice must accompany all returns. Appropriate maintenance receipts required. This warranty is not transferable. The year and model of the vehicle or part printed on this invoice is within a range of interchangeability and may not necessarily be the exact model and year as the part or vehicle that has been provided. Windshield and other glass breakage are not covered under this warranty. Refer to the vehicle manufacturer’s “Owner’s Manual” for correct operation and maintenance schedule. This part may have accessories that are attached, and must be switched or removed to accommodate proper installation, which is the responsibility of the installer. Such accessories have been included to aid in the convenience of installation and are not covered by this warranty. Engine warranties are limited to defects in the block, heads, pistons, crankshafts, camshafts, rockers and oil pumps. All other parts that may be provided are “Accessories and Extra Parts.” No warranty is provided for any such parts that are attached, including parts such as switches, sensors, cables, electronics, belts, hoses, water pumps, and manifolds. Any “Recommended Installation Procedures” provided by LKQ must be followed by the installer to maintain warranty coverage. This warranty does not cover freight costs or similar damages. We are not responsible for injury or damages during, or as a result of, the installation of our product. Timing belts, water pump, thermostat, spark plugs, fluids and seals are routine maintenance items and should be replaced at the time of installation and at the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended service intervals. Proper operation of the cooling and electrical system must be checked during the installation of products that can be affected by those systems. While most fluids have been drained from our products, it is your responsibility to completely drain and replace fluids, lubricants, antifreeze, and filters with replacements that are fresh, clean and approved by the vehicle manufacturer. Transmission: It is the responsibility of the installer to replace the radiator or transmission oil cooler, flush the transmission oil cooling lines, fill differential, adjust shifter mechanisms, replace filters, replace seals, replace pan gaskets and reset or replace computer codes when installing a transmission. Engine: Claims related to the overheating and/or improper lubrication of the engine or its components are not covered by this warranty. Other: Tie rod ends, ball joints, wheel bearings, and bushings related to steering and suspension components are not covered by our warranty and should be inspected and replaced as needed by the installer. In the Event of Failure: The purchaser must use all reasonable means to protect the product from further damage and must return the original defective product to LKQ. The purchaser must furnish LKQ with such information as LKQ may reasonably require, including proof of the vehicle’s regular maintenance as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer in the owner’s manual. Important Notices FOR ANY RECYCLED SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (“SRS”) SUCH AS A RECYCLED AIRBAG OR SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER TO OPERATE PROPERLY, A QUALIFIED INSTALLER MUST INSTALL THE SRS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER’S SPECIFICATIONS. Any SRS that is not installed correctly will subject passengers in a vehicle to risks of serious injuries, including death. The purchaser of a SRS assumes all risks of damages or injuries, including death, which may arise as a result of the improper installation of a SRS. A SRS may contain Perchlorate Material and special handling may be required. For additional information refer to this website: www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate LKQ guarantees with respect to non-deployed airbags sold by LKQ or its subsidiaries that LKQ and such subsidiaries have followed the Automotive Recyclers Association Protocol for the Use of Original Equipment Non-Deployed airbags. ALL NON-DEPLOYED AIRBAGS AND OTHER SRS'S ARE SOLD ON AN "AS IS" BASIS AND THE USER ASSUMES ALL RISKS THAT MAY ARISE AS A RESULT OF THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT. LKQ MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY REGARDING SALES OF NON-DEPLOYED AIRBAGS OR OTHER SRS'S (INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY). LKQ is not responsible for safe transportation, securing products or insuring their security on or in your vehicle. If any part sold hereunder has a Vehicle Identification Number (“VIN”) on it, the installer must obtain a replacement VIN for such part to the extent necessary to comply with applicable laws. Tires: Due to many varied and different conditions to which used tires may have previously been exposed, LKQ makes absolutely NO warranty, expressed or implied, as to the fitness for a general or particular purpose or of merchantability in connection with any sale of used tires. ALL USED TIRES ARE SOLD “AS IS”. Used tires are not tested or labeled by LKQ to meet any safety standards. The purchaser of used tires from LKQ agrees to accept all risks relating to the use of such used tires. All implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to the duration of this warranty and do not cover incidental or consequential damages. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state. The purchaser hereby understands that due to the nature of used auto parts, any liability of LKQ from all causes shall be limited to the price paid for the goods sold or provided. If a part sold by LKQ is defective, liability shall be limited to the replacement of the part or a remedy not to exceed the price paid for the part, at LKQ’s option. LKQ has adopted a policy of charging a Company Environmental Charge. This fee will help assure the proper collection, treatment, and disposal of any hazardous materials that are a by-product of recycling. This fee is not a tax or governmental collection mandate. Payment not received by due date will result in an additional charge of 1.5% per month (18% per year) and in addition the customer is responsible for all costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and other fees incurred in the collection process. LKQ Corporation offers an Optional Service Agreement on many parts. An Optional Service Agreement does not apply to your part unless specifically indicated on the front of this invoice. ATTENTION CHECK WRITERS – CHECKS ARE ACCEPTED UNDER THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS: If your check is dishonored or returned for any reason, you authorize LKQ to electronically debit your checking account for the amount of the check, plus the maximum processing or returned check fees allowed by state or federal law. Your usage of a check for payment is your acceptance of these conditions. 30-Day Return Policy The original sales receipt must accompany all returns. Returns without the original sales receipt will not be accepted. A part returned undamaged within 30 days of the original purchase date may be credited at management’s discretion, but no credit will be given for any part returned more than 30 days after the original purchase date Findings: The engine oil is full, very dirty and there is a burnt crankshaft type smell in the oil and under the filler neck. A Carquest oil filter is installed, there are no oil or coolant leaks, there is no varnish or sludge under the oil filler neck. No misfire codes are set, there are no audible or visual misfires during engine operation. The heat tab is melted. The coolant pump is in new condition and there is no oil smoke or coolant steam at the tailpipe. There is a knocking noise from the crankshaft area during engine operation that does not diminish when the ignition coils are disabled. The spark plugs are not broken and an inspection with a borescope discovers no piston crown damage or debris in the cylinders. tab Rotate (Will not permanently affect the image): Disable Magnifier: Close

Consumer

Response:

I'm rejecting the LKQ's offer because according to Green Machine Automotive there's internal noise and in order to find out what's the problem, the mechanics from Green Machine Automotive will have to take the engine apart.Thank You.