Meineke Car Care Center

Review: I went to the shop to get exhaust done on my car. I spoke to [redacted] at first and he seemed like a very nice guy. I quickly learned he wasn't. After a little while of driving around my exhaust began to rattle and because of that I am embarrassed to drive around. I went to [redacted] a good 7 times after this had occurred and he kept telling me that it was multiple issues that would all result back to him. Under no circumstance did he want to fix my exhaust until he told me if I go buy a new set of exhaust tips he will fix them for me. Today I went to his office and he was having a big attitude. The deal was a get new exhaust tips and he fits the whole exhaust system, but instead I pad him $35 just so that he could put my exhaust tips on my car when I could have done it by myself for free. When I asked him why isn't he fixing the whole system, he stated that the machine was broken, meanwhile when I pulled into the shop and when I left a shop they were putting on new exhaust for the customer of that time. I spent in total nearly $500 when all I should've spent was $180. Please do something about this so others don't have to go through what I went through.Desired Settlement: For him to fix my exhaust for free.

Review: I was charged $1,708 for a new transmission and it failed two weeks later. When calling to resolve the matter I was told that it's not their problem and I was hung up on. It was a 9 hour job where I was charged an astronomical amount of money more than it should've been. Citing the [redacted] as the main source of complaint: [redacted]. I've been going to this shop for over a decade. I now have to get my vehicle repaired elsewhere and pay for the service again in full.Desired Settlement: I would like to be reimbursed for the service that I paid for that ended up defaulting two weeks later

Review: May **, 2013 - at the above facility I was provided a verbal estimate of $120 for labor for very specific work I wanted performed. There were no parts included. May **, 2013 - When picking up vehicle I noticed only half the work was performed and I was given a bill for $299.41. The shop manager claimed the work required about 2 hours to complete. I contacted the Meineke Corporate office and a customer care rep spoke with the manager and asked to resolve this issue. May **, 2013 - The manager was unwilling to renegotiate the cost. I was forced to pay $299.41 to get my car back. I feel I was over charged for this work as the final cost was over double the estimated price. The facility also failed to provide me with a written estimate as must be provided by law. Furthermore the Check Engine light comes on indicating a problem with the O2 Sensors (exhaust system). I don't know if this is due to the work performed.Desired Settlement: I want a refund of the difference from the estimate/final cost and for the facility to reimburse me for any necessary repairs to the O2 sensors if due to the work performed.

Consumer

Response:

At this time, I have not been contacted by Meineke Car Care Center regarding complaint ID [redacted]. Nor have thy replied to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles regarding this complaint.

Sincerely,

Review: I brought my car to the shop for repair, and the shop advised me to replace the engine. I agreed to this. When the shop said that they completed the work, I paid $3,670.39 with my credit card and picked up the car. The car continued to have problems. I brought the car to another shop who told me that the engine was original and never replaced. I asked the [redacted] for a refund because they never put in a replacement engine. He acknowledged that my original engine is in the car, but he refused to refund the money. I complained to the national Meineke franchise office who also refused to refund the money.Desired Settlement: I want the shop to refund my credit card for $3,670.39.

Consumer

Response:

At this time, I have not been contacted by Meineke Car Care Center regarding complaint ID [redacted].Sincerely,[redacted]

Review: On October *, 2013 I brought my car in to the service center complaining of a squeaking/metallic sound that occurs when I completely turn my steering wheel to the right or left. The service person inspected my car and reported that I needed new front brakes, new front rotors, flushing of my brake line and fluid, and cleaning and adjustment of my rear brakes. For this the charge would be $550.00. I am a female senior citizen and I called my son to speak to the repair person before I authorized the work to begin. My son told me that he felt the repair person was over-inflating the price and arranged for me to go elsewhere for an estimate.

On October *, 2013, I went to another auto repair shop where upon inspection that advised me that the squeaking metallic sound was simply a heat shield that was bent. The repair person straightened it a bit and the sound went away. This person inspected my brakes and stated they were fine and did not need replacement for a while. I drive approximately 4000-5000 miles a year. The 2nd repair person did not charge for the simple task of straightening the heat shield. I gave him a tip for lunch.

My complaint is that the Meineke Care Service Center willfully lied to me about me needing brakes and the other service and I believe tried to take advantage of a senior citizen who was also a woman. This business displayed a predatory practice when dealing with me. I don't think much can be done accept that other people should know and the Revdex.com is a place where people go to learn about a business and their practices.Desired Settlement: I request that the business send me a letter apologizing for such practices and a pledge to be more ethical.

Business

Response:

To whom it may concern:

As the lady [redacted] said in her complaint she come to us with a squeaking/

metallic sound. we test drove her car and after that we took her wheels off.

upon inspection we found that she need Front Brakes. we told her that the right

way to do the Brake job was to install new Front Brake Pads, New Front Rotor, Brake Labor and we recommended to do a Brake Sys. Flush and Clean & Adjust the rear brakes. the Brake Flush and C&A Rear Brake was just recommended and not a must do for the Front Brakes. to do all that it come to about $550.00.

Then the lady called her son and asked us to speak with him. when we spoke with

him, he declined the C&A of the Rear Brakes and the Brake Flush. Then he asked if we can resurface the front Rotor and we had answered that we can but we recommend new Front Rotor. after we gave him all the option the son said it is

too much and decline the job. we put the car back and gave the lady the keys. we didn't charge her at all. we checked her car for over then 45 min. and

didn't charge her. we are not sure what is her complaint since all we did was check her car and let her know what we are seeing.

Thank you

Meineke Car Care Center

Review: I left my [redacted] Pick Up truck at the Meineke location at 11711 Hull Street Road in Midlothian VA on Monday evening, 05/04/15. I left a note Saying that the engine was getting hot, the Air conditioning and heating weren’t working, it needed a Tune up and an oil change. The “Service Engine Soon” Light has been on for over a year, but I did not put it on the list because I did not feel it was a priority. The next day (Tuesday 05/05/15) they told me it needed a new engine fan, which would fix the engine getting hot and the AC and Heating. They would also perform the Tune up and oil change. They told me the “Service Engine Soon” light was on because it needed a new catalytic converter. The total cost for all the work was quoted at $1700.I picked up my vehicle, Tuesday 05/05/15. The engine was very loud, and was having trouble with pickup and acceleration. I was told it was normal, because the fan was new and was drawing power form the engine. On Thursday 05/07, the “Service Engine Soon” light came on again. They had my vehicle all day, Friday 05/09. When, I picked it up, they had got the light off, but they told me they did not know why it had come on again. They told me when it came on again, to drive it around for a few days before bringing it back, so they could examine the codes. The light came back on Tuesday, 05/12. The explanation given to me about the new fan is not correct. The vehicle drove as if it is in a very low gear with minimal acceleration and pickup. I have found myself in dangerous situations while trying to merge onto highways, drive across intersections, and go up small, steep hills. I reached out to Meineke for help. Someone named Jamie contacted me and told me to bring it to the location at 5216 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23230. It was there 05/19 all day, Jamie called to tell me that it was ready and that there are no further issues. The Service Engine soon Light is still on they are claiming there are issues with the transmissionDesired Settlement: I am seeking a full refund of the$1719.21 I paid. I no longer believe that the repairs were made correctly or were necessary. I tried to ask Jamie for a refund and was refused. When I told him I would contact my credit card company to discuss options, he threatened to file a felony against me.

Business

Response:

To whom it may concern,

I have been bringing my cars here for 3 years, I am very pleased with their work and customer service. Not to mention their labor rates are much cheaper than a dealership and my cars are always ready as promised. Would I recommend Meineke to family and friends? Yes I would!

Review: I had my brakes inspected. Told the rear ones were fine. The next day I went back in because of noise and they said I needed work done.

I took my car in to have a brake inspection. They told me that my front brakes needed repair but that my rear ones were fine. They just recommended a cleaning for the rear. I had the front brakes repaired, picked up my car and left. After leaving the service shop I drove down the street and noticed a noise coming from my wheels when I applied the brakes. It want the same noise from before the service work. I went ball into the shop the next morning and told them the problem so they inspected my brakes again. They told me some story about how my drums were not perfectly round so they rattled around when I braked. Something to that effect. I'm not sure on the auto vocabulary. They said I needed my drums resurfaced and charged me another $120.Desired Settlement: I would like a full refund on the repair charges for the rear brake work or a partial refund.

Business

Response:

Business' Initial Response

In response to [redacted] complaint Meineke statement is as follows. Vehicle came into shop making scraping noises when driving at slow speeds,no noise when braking,and moreso from the front passenger [redacted] Four wheel brake inspection found noise coming from front brakes worn to 0/32 = worn to wear sensor and need replaced. Rear brake worn to 5/32 = visually ok at that time. Front brake job completed and car was delivered. [redacted] returned the following day and stated he was hearing brake noise again. This time noise appeared to be coming from the rear brakes. Meineke again checked brakes. Meineke was able to hear noise from rear brake at this time as well. Noise heard seemed as if drums may have been slightly out of round and were not grabbing properly. Customer advised of rear drums needing resurfaced / turned and while in there the brakes could be cleaned also if customer elected and wished to authorize. Customer authorized drum turning / resurfacing,and cleaning. The repairs were completed. Customer then picks up car and files a complaint for total money reinbusement. At this time Meineke stands behind it's diagnostics,and workmanship. Meineke did not charge nor recommend rear brake work as the rear brake noise was not able to be heard at the time the front brake repair. Final roadtest at Meineke after front brake repair was ok. No noise was heard. Customer must not have heard noise immediatly as well as he did not return until next day instead of turning around and coming right back. Meineke is submitting this as a final reponse.

Consumer's Final Response

(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)

Had the mechanics done a proper brake inspection, they should have noticed the problem with the rear brakes and suggested a repair instead of just recommending a simple cleaning. I am not familiar with brake repairs so I initially assumed that the noise was some kind of breaking in of the new brake shoes. I only drove a couple miles away from the brake shop and did not have ample time to access where exactly the noise was coming from. I did not have enough time in that day to return to the Meineke shop and have repairs done to my car. That is why I returned the next day after I got off work. My main complaint and source of my dissatisfaction, is the fact that the employee at the shop did not point out any problem with my rear brakes after the inspection. Had they said that there was a problem with the rear brakes after the inspection then I would not be filing a complaint. However, the mechanic at the shop merely suggested a cleaning and that was all. I was also not offered a ride home after I came back which I was offered the first time I came in. Not saying that is a cause for guilt but it certainly did add to my frustrations.

Review: I took my car (HONDA 2013-brand new) in to Meineke(on El Cajon) on 19FEB2014 for an oil change. '[redacted]', the manager recommended a tire rotation with it and I agreed. After the rotation was completed, I noticed the tire pressure sensor light came on, right then and there I informed them. He said I needed to drive around to fix itself. I came back two days later and let them know the sensor light was still on. Then he put the tires all to the same PSI and told me I had to drive around some more. I went back after a month to let him know the light was still on. (I am in the military I could not come back sooner). He then told me he had nothing to do with it and to prove that it was him that caused it. The car was never taken to any other repair place or any other place, it was only driven around as suggested by Meineke's manager and parked.Desired Settlement: Sascha, the manager of this Meineke, should fix the tire sensor and should not charge anything for it. Also an apology for his rudeness and lack of customer service would be appreciated.

Business

Response:

On 02/19/2014 Mr. [redacted] brought his 2013Honda Accord for oil change, Air filter and tire rotation. A few days later he returned back indicating that his vehicle tire pressure indicator warning light is on, we recommended diagnostic; he refused. He also filed a separate complaint with California BAR. Rep.Mr. Marquez guided him to follow his owner's manual to reset the TPMS and the issue is resolved and the BAR closed his file. There was/is any proof that Meineke of El Cajon have caused any defect with his vehicle.

Thank You

[redacted], mgr

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me. I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.

Regards,

Review: I had went to go get a full engine scan on my 1999 Ford Windstar van at Meineke @ 185 South Union road Manteca CA and when I went I had told I wanted a full engine scan which cost 90.00 and I left van there to see what was wrong with the vehicle. They had called me later that day and said it was wiring and my wiring was crossed then they fixed it they also said that my transmission fluid was bone dry so they would top it off, they said they put 4 gts in car to top it off, my husband later that day he checked the transmission fluid and it wasn't even showing on the dip stick so they didn't even do that and charged me 4.00 per qt they supposedly put in , which is a lie. My check engine was still on when I picked up vehicle and I had called them 2 days after the service to let them know they didn't fix my car issue, my vehicle was still not driving right and they were supposed to check everything that was wrong with the vehicle but didn't they then wanted to be pay an additional 90 to another check engine scan of full vehicle I told them no because I already paid them once to find out. I paid them a total of 153.00 for everything. I had called Meineke Corporate Office which they didn't do anything about it said I had to ask Meineke if I wanted a refund. Everybody that I had told them what happened said was getting ripped off which is true. I want a full refund of 153.00 in check mailed to me. I dont want to work with Meineke ever again.Desired Settlement: I want a full refund in amount I had paid 153.00 estimate

Review: I took my car in to have the passenger door window repaired, it wouldn't go up or down. They the motor was burnt out. They said it would take about a week to get the regulator. On 8/21/15 I took the car in and had the window repaired. I asked for the used part, they said they didn't have it. I said I would get it out of the trash bin. Then, the mechanic went in the store room and took one out of a box and siad it was the one out of the car. He wouldn't let me have it. It looked brand new, my car is a Lexus 400SC 21 years old. I don't think it was changed. I went to Lexus garage talked to a mechanic, he said the car has a reset button under the dash board. I'm 93 years old.Desired Settlement: Refund $640.20

Business

Response:

We are sorry that Mr. A[redacted] does not feel that his car was repaired. Perceptions can be confusing, especially if one is misled. In this case the Lexus dealer has misled Mr. A[redacted].

Review: I went to the meineke on [redacted] to get my car repaired, My check engine light was on and had issues driving. When I first went in the guy up front "[redacted]" told me he'd have to do a diagnosis on my vehicle to determine what the issue was, I agreed to do that. When he came back he told me "it had something to do with my transmission, and was lucky it was only part of it and not the whole transmission " that I only had to replace 2 pieces. I dnt no much about cars, I was told if I replaced a "transmission clutch shift solenoid" ($706.05) and a "a/t clutch pressure solenoid" ($432.00) my car would be and I quote "in perfect condition with nothing wrong". I agreed to get my car worked on. They didn't have the parts at the shop so I ended up waiting 6hrs at the the shop only for them to tell me only 1 part came so I paid $706.05 for the one part they told me to come back in 2 days for the 2nd part. When I drove off I notice nothing had changed my car still had problems,I called meineke and informed them of this. They told me it was due to the other part not being installed and they would have to and I quote "do some research" I came back to get the other part installed when they finished they told me I had to pay the $432.00 for the other part and they weren't unable to fix the issues with my car and I would need a new transmission that cost $2600. I paid $1138.05 and my car isn't fixed it runs exactly the same way it did before I went to meinekeDesired Settlement: I would simply like meineke to remove the expensive parts they sold me and refund me 1138.05

Review: I took our 2000 Toyota Truck Tundra to repair the brake on 1/12/2016. I told the mechanic that when trying to step on the brake one has to step on the pedal hard to stop. On the invoice the tech noted that the rear drums and shoes, hardware and wheel cylinders were replaced and that the vehicle is in good operating condition when it was test driven. At the end of the day I picked up the truck and paid $660.10 - parts is $425.46 and labor is $200.60 and tax is $34.04 = total $660.10. When I took the truck for an oil change on 1/14/2016 I mentioned to the mechanic that the brake is not working right still and to double check again. The mechanic noted in the afternoon when my husband tried to pick up the truck that the mechanic inspected the braking system and found that the brake master cylinder was empty. He also mentioned that it was previously inspected and was Ok and continued to note that the brakes lines and metering blocks were Ok. The mechanic noted that he removed the master cylinder from brake booster and found internal diaphragm wet and soaked in brake fluid, recommended to replace brake booster and master cylinder for another $1,000 or so more. It is hard to comprehend that in one day that we have the truck that something very serious happened that will cost us more than $1,000. My husband declined the service and explained that we did not have that problem before. My husband mentioned to the mechanic that if indeed there was a leakage how come that we did not find any wet area under the truck where we usually park the truck at our house. The mechanic performed the oil change and advised my husband to have the vehicle towed because it is unsafe to drive at this time.Desired Settlement: Since they did not repair the brakes properly the first time we took the truck on 1/12/2016 we should be refunded for the whole amount of $660.10 so that we could bring the truck to another repair shop. Currently the truck is parked in our driveway.

Business

Response:

contacted [redacted], offered to replace the master cylinder and booster at no cost to the customer. She accepted the offer for [redacted] to proceed with repairs and would call back to coordinate a date for the repairs.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to my concern, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Review: I went to Meineke in Ventura (4519 telephone rd) for a standard oil change on 4/29/2014 with 178,026 miles. After driving my vehicle for a couple of months (10/16/2014 with 182,826 miles on odometer: 4 800 miles since my last oil change) I noticed my car lossing power. Immediately, I begin to try to get off the freeway to address the issue but my engine began to knock, shut down and I threw it into neutral and coasted off the freeway. I was able to get a mechanic to look at it and was informed that I did not have an oil filter. The mechanic said, that the oil filter should not come off under any conditions and that it fell off likely due to poor instillation and that I should reach out to the company that last did my oil change. I reached out to [redacted] (owner of ventura Meineke) and wanted to find a resolution. I informed him that my oil filter fell off and that this should not happen under any circumstances. He stated that we would work with me to get my car fixed. However, after looking into it he came back with full priced repair costs for the engine and labor costs.Desired Settlement: I would like for my engine to be replaced because of the oil filter falling off due to Meineke improper installation which caused an engine knock in my vehicle. I would like all costs to be covered by [redacted] and Meineke as their negligence (improper installation of oil filter) caused the issue. I would like my car to be repaired to its previous working condition prior to the issue.

Review: Told [redacted] noise in rear. Advised by [redacted] Meineke #2100 to repair front brakes on 6/11/13 $370.24 noise still in the rear on the way home. 7/2/13 he clean&adjust rear brakes and drum $94.99 2 wks later noise in rear again. [redacted] at Meineke #2100 said I had a crack in front brake pad. (My front brakes were repaired 8/17/12 by Meineke [redacted] store) On 8/2/13 I complained about repairs not needed then [redacted] threaten me. Cust. care rep. [redacted] told me to take car to another location. Took car back to #4056 Meineke [redacted] assisted and found the rear drum needed to be resurfaced. [redacted] said [redacted] should have referred me back to them if there was a problem in front. Now that [redacted] resurfaced drum car sounds much better. I know #2100 stole my money and now I'm fighting legally to get it back. My whole purpose was get rid of noise in rear not another brake job on front.Desired Settlement: [redacted] said where he was from he had busted a lot chins before after I ask why he was speaking to me rudely after I stated I felt he did work on my car that was not necessary. I could not continue business there with that response out of fear. The problem wasn't the front brakes it was the drum.

Business

Response:

Dear [redacted],

Thank you for forwarding Mrs. [redacted]'s complaint,

I review the complaint and our record and found that Mrs. [redacted] was advised by [redacted] of Meineke customer service department and she agreed to take her vehicle to Meineke Chula Vista location. Meineke Chula Vista location inspected her vehicle and confirmed that all brake work performed at Meineke El Cajon location were need are in good working order.

Meineke Chula Vista location made a minor adjustment (machined rear brake drums) to the rear brakes of her vehicle at no charge.

Since, Meineke Chula Vista location advised us that Mrs. [redacted] has no concern about her brakes.

Our position is that all brake work performed to Mrs. [redacted]'s vehicle were authorized by her and were necessary, we are not offering any refund.

En route to Garden City Beach SC for our family vacation, my ACURA began making so much noise I wasn't certain we would get there. Limped to our destination doing 35 MPH. Next morning on the advice of my son-in-law I took the car to Meineke after the local Honda dealer refused to help me. Joe listened to my description of the problem, asked a few questions and then his crew started working on it. Joe called 2 hours later with his diagnosis, discussed repair options, and sent photos to my cell. Repaired 2 hrs later, back on the road, car running great. I was very pleased and impressed with the service Joe and his crew provided; I plan to visit Meineke more often should the need for repairs arise.

Review: On 6/6/14 I had an oil change at Meineke. On 6/12/14 while on my way to LA with my family, the oil light came on with a constant buzz. We immediately pulled over and checked the oil. There was no oil. I called Meineke and had my car towed to the shop. I told the manager [redacted] that I would like to look at the leak if possible. That wasn't possible so I asked to see the parts to which he agreed. They told me that the housing for the oil filter was warped and it happens over time. To which I replied, so this happened in the last 6 days and [redacted] said yes this happened in the last 6 days. I asked what we could do and he said it has to be replaced. He would give me a discount but this was in no way their fault. I asked him if there was a chance they just put it on wrong and he replied no. I didn't believe him but didn't know how to prove it. I approved them to fix it. When it was done I asked for the parts. My Dad and I looked and it and it looked fine to us. At this point they had to get paid. I paid $200 and drove straight to the VW dealership with the part. I showed the VW mechanic the part and he said it looks fine and didn't look warped. He asked where the rubber ring was that goes with it because he has seen it where the mechanic pinches the rubber part and oil will leak out. He said he has never seen a warped housing. I immediately called Meineke since I had just left. [redacted] answered and I told him he forgot to give me the rubber ring and I would like to come back and get it. He put me on hold for a minute and came back and said it was nowhere to be found.Desired Settlement: $200 refund.

Review: Meineke failed to ensure that my 2007 gmc envoy was safe to drive of the lot of the buisness. After inspection was completed and signed off I then noticed my car began to make strange noises, shortly after that my car completely locked and it was then that I was told by another machanic that the cars break fluid had been contaminatedDesired Settlement: I would like Meineke to take responsibility and replace the damages done to my car by using the wrong break fluid on my car and for the lack of attention they paid towards my car while in their hands. I would also would like them to take the responsibility for not ensuring that my car was in safe condition to drive before allowing me to leave the lot as the damages to my car could have been life treating. failing to make sure that

Business

Response:

We like to respond to every complaint and resolve issues before they become problems. Here we responded to the consumer's complaint, but she did not like the answer.

Review: Diesel Dodge Ram pickup truck brought in for service and not repaired properly yet charged $3741.79 in repairs on or about April, 2013. One day after picking up the truck it didn't work because of the same issue. I then took it to the dealer and they repaired it properly.Desired Settlement: I want my money back.

They push things you dio not need and practice deceptive business practices. I would stay away! Suggested work that not only did not help my car but broke my car and then doctored documents submitted to the Revdex.com after I complained. Stay away!