Midas Auto Service Experts

To Whom It May Concern:    I contacted the customer to address their issues.  When I spoke to Mr. [redacted], he notified me that the problems he had were with a different Midas.  He explained that he attempted to contact Revdex.com to inform them of the mistake without luck.  I...

explained that I would inform the Revdex.com and not to worry.  Mr. [redacted]'s complaint meant to be on the Midas located at [redacted]. in Universal City.  Should you need to contact them their number is [redacted].  Thank you for your help with this matter.   Sincerely,  [redacted]Office Manager Hagen Enterprises, DBA Midas

I had used Furnasman to replace and move my furnace and hot water tank and air conditioner with new high efficiency units. Everything went extremely well. From the estimate to the installation, everything went extremely smooth. The quote, although not the lowest or highest, was very very fair. The work was completed in one day when every other quote had indicated 2 days. The installers were professional, courteous, and friendly. They walked us through all the differences between the new units operations and the old ones so we could feel comfortable with the new system. I would highly recommend Furnasman to anyone.

Complaint: [redacted]
I am rejecting this response because: I had called Midas immediately after the repair was made (within 5-10 minutes) that the screeching sound did not disappear and in fact, it remained as it was before the repair. So the claim that I did not contact them or talk with them is wrong. The Midas representative told me that it would get better (as in the sound would disappear) in 50-100 miles of driving. The sound did not disappear even after 50-100 miles of driving. Midas' claim that I should have talked with them before fixing it with the dealer makes no sense because the repair I had initiated with them should have got rid of the problem in the first place. The amount that was paid to them was for fixing the problem, not for them to fix it in some haphazard way and claim that the problem was fixed (when it was not). I went to the dealer only because they did not fix the brake problem properly. In fact, they did not even fix the problem on the front side brake pads well (forget the rear side brake pad issue, which they did not initiate at all). 
It is not clear to me as to why I should bring a problem that they claim to have fixed (and for which they have charged me the full amount) again to them after the dealer told me that there were issues with the fixing. If you had a surgery and did not feel better, would you be wrong if you went to a different doctor to see why you are not feeling better? To reject my reimbursement because I took it elsewhere and did not bring it to them, especially given that I DID talk with them complaining about the problem, confuses the fact that I got it fixed at the dealer AFTER trying to resolve the problem with Midas. It is not like I never contacted them and took it to the dealer because I liked a second opinion. I took it to the dealer after they did not do much about the problem they claim to have fixed. What should a customer do when an auto mechanic claims there will be/are no issues when there are issues that he can see/feel/hear? I reject their explanation and consider the problem unresolved. I request the reimbursement of $374.98 (as explained in my previous note).

Dear Ms. Oberdank ,
Thank you for your letter dated July 19, 2014 regarding [redacted].  [redacted] had work performed on her car by one of my ex-employees when he was not working on our business time clock. This former employee was doing side work and [redacted] knew he was...

doing side work. She paid my ex-employee cash and she did not get a receipt from Midas. [redacted] is not a Midas customer.  I do agree that she has been defrauded by my ex-employee.  However, I cannot help because she did not pay Midas for the service and she did not receive a Midas invoice for her service. She needs to bring legal action against my ex-employee for her damages.
Sincerely,[redacted]   
Franchisee

Midas Auto Systems[redacted]Letter Date 9/29/2015ID #[redacted]On 9/11/2015 the said vehicle was towed into our shop mid morning. The tow driver said anti freeze was leaking from the vehile onto his truck and the low coolant light was on at the time. Our three bay shop was...

very busy that day and customer was told we would try to squeeze her in to help out. About mid morning we pulled the vechile into the shop and pressure tested the cooling system. A hole was found in the lower right front of the radiator. Being in a rural community, no [redacted] dealer or any of the local auto part stores stocked the said radiator. We could order one from an auto parts hub store but it would not arrive until mid afternoon with a special delivery. We gave the customer a price to fix the radiator and fill with coolant. She gave us the okay to fix. The customer actually took a picture of the hole in her radiator with her phone. Her next question after seeing the hole, could this have been something done on purpose. Just after lunch we started to remove the old radiator and then pushed the vehicle outside to waite for the new radiator to arrive from auto parts hub store. The hood latch assembly had to be removed for the repair. We still have the said radiator in our shop showing the hole. After installing the new radiator and filling the coolant, we once again pressure tested the cooling system and no leaks where found and the low coolant light was out. Upon closing the vehicles hood something caused the hood not to open. We could not get the hood to open. The customer was informed of the situation and we suggested upon arriving at her destination maybe a [redacted] dealer could open her hood. She thanked us for squeezing her in and fixing her vehicle. She then drove 295 miles four hours and fourty five minutes away to her destination. This was Friday 9/11/2015 and the [redacted] dealer was not open until Monday 9/14/2015. On 9/23/2015 we spoke with the customer and she faxed to us her bill from the [redacted] dealer. On 9/23/2015 we contacted the [redacted] dealer regarding the vehicle. They repaired the hood latch and that bill was $520.58. They stated they are not sure we broke the latch or if the cable was damaged from before. We agreed to pay her for the latch repair $520.58. The [redacted] dealer’s bill also contained a scanner service and replacement of a mass air flow censor. We did not perform a scanner service on the vehilce so this bill had nothing to do with our repairs. The said vehicle traveled 295 miles after leaving our shop. Her statement regarding the vehicle not running, it did run to her destination four hours and fouty five minutes away. We mailed a check to the customer on 9/29/2015 for $520.58.Thank You Midas

Dear Revdex.com,Thank you for contacting me regarding this issue.  There is a simple answer for the customer's issue.  But first I would like to say that we appreciate this customer's business and hope that we can move past this to resume repairing his cars.The customer came in with a...

un-drivable car which had a locked up transmission.  We checked it out and suggested 2 routes for repair.  The first being a remanufactured or rebuilt transmission.  The second being a used transmission, which is lower cost and faster to repair.  The rebuilt transmission would come with a warranty for all things transmission related for a period of time to be established by the supplier.  This warranty would be to us from our supplier. If there was any problem we would take care of the issue and settle up with our supplier.  This warranty would be reflected in a higher price to cover such things.The used transmission is just that, a used transmission from a salvage yard.  Taken from one car and installed into the customer's car without any disassembly or repairs.  It is warranted to work for 90 days but is not warranted beyond that basic working condition.The customer's expectation of a used transmission should not be the same as what you expect from a new or rebuilt product.Our customer chose to go with the used transmission.  We replaced the transmission, checked it over and released the car back to the customer.  The price we charged the customer for the used transmission was far less than what a rebuilt transmission would have cost.  At the time we released the car there was no leaks that we observed.  Later the customer reported to us that the transmission was leaking on his driveway.   He brought the car to us and it took a few visits before we actually saw the leak.  It is minor and is coming from inside the transmission.  Now, it's important to establish, that at no time did we disassemble the transmission.  So it is not a workmanship issue.  It was a pre-existing condition from the previous car and salvage yard.Because this is not a operational issue with the transmission but a pre-existing condition from before we started with the car it is not covered by our warranty.That being said, let me put this in context;  the price the customer paid plus the amount of money the customer would pay for us to fix the leak is still less than that of a rebuilt transmission.  Plus we have offered to do this work at a 20% discounted rate.  Hindsight,  maybe the customer would have been happier with a rebuilt transmission but we can't change that now.   But the customer can feel good in that he still will have paid less than a rebuilt transmission would have cost after all the repairs have been finished.We are ready and prepared to finish the customer's car at the discounted rate.Sincerely, [redacted]

In middle of July I discovered what looked like a crack in my truck's gas tank with fuel on the ground. I called Midas & told them this. They had my truck for 3 days, called me and said "no leak it was a gas valve" which I was charged $250. Next day fuel found on the ground again. I crawled under the truck & seem putty spread over the crack. I called them & they said to bring in & we will replace the gas tank for $100. They did not know where to order the gas tank so I ordered it and had it sent to their garage. Three days later again they called and now said the cost would be $400 with no explanation for the cost increase. I agreed for them to do the job but due to me being at work, I sent my wife down there to question the cost increase and the fact putty was found and the $250 I already spent for a valve I apparently didn't need. She was meant with unprofessional, uncaring rude service with no explanation of cost increase or the putty applied. No explanation of valve not needed and paid for. Unwilling to work with us as customer. There work is shabby and deceitful with outrageous prices and long wait time. Management blames eachother for errors they are unwilling for correct. Went down the street and was given a price of $150 to do the same job.

Dear Ms. Oberdank ,

Thank you for your letter dated July 19, 2014 regarding [redacted].  [redacted] had work performed on her car by one of my ex-employees when he was not working on our business time clock. This former employee was doing side work and [redacted] knew he was...

doing side work. She paid my ex-employee cash and she did not get a receipt from Midas. [redacted] is not a Midas customer.  I do agree that she has been defrauded by my ex-employee.  However, I cannot help because she did not pay Midas for the service and she did not receive a Midas invoice for her service. She needs to bring legal action against my ex-employee for her damages.

Sincerely,[redacted]   

Franchisee

I had some sloppy work done by [redacted] Midas. I would like for the rep air to be completed correctly by [redacted] Midas.I took my truck to Midas in [redacted] on 8/10/16. I need a muffler even though I had only had this one for a year and five months. I [redacted] told that the one I had purchased before was a cheaper muffler even though I purchased it from them. Now after two hours of waiting I was told my truck was finished. I paid them 107.82 cents. Now being a mechanic myself I looked under my truck to see the worst job I ever seen by Midas. So I went inside and told the manager and he asked me to return the next day. So the next day he said he wanted to weld some more on my truck. I told him it would rub my spring and look bad. He got mad and told me he was doing me a favour because it was his day off. So I asked for money back. He said sure because I didn't do enough business with them anyway to worry about it. So I went to [redacted] Midas and when they saw it they took pictures and said it looked like it was thrown together. They said to fix there mess would be 222.66. Now this is the same company one day apart. I called the company hotline and was told that they would call me back but no one called. I tried three times. I have paper work and photos of the work. Now for a resolution I want the [redacted] Midas to pay the [redacted] Midas so that I can let them do my truck correctly. If needed I can provide photos.Desired SettlementThe only resolution is for the [redacted] Midas pay the [redacted] Midas the 222.66. The [redacted] Midas said they could fix it the correct way. I don't care about an apology. I just want my truck fix correctly.Business Response Contact Name and Title: [redacted] Store ManagerContact Phone: XXXXXXXXXXContact Email: [redacted]@gmail.commr [redacted] came into the shop with an exhaust system that was not original to the truck and had been spliced into at several points. he did not want to bring the vehicle back up to Original Equipment standards. we replaced the portion of the muffler under his warranty back to as close to OE spec as we could. mr [redacted] was still not happy with the service. when I asked him what he wanted to do he said to fix it.I stated that in order to do that we would need to go back to all OE parts and he did not want to pay for that. I told him that the only other option would be to refund his money and for him to find a shop of his choice to fix. he agreed and we refunded his moneyConsumer Response I read there comments and the fact is all my muffler work was done by them in the past without any problems. This is my third muffler and I never had problems with installation or any other problems. If anything is aftermarket on my truck they put it on and I have the paperwork to prove it. I also have pictures.

Complaint[redacted]I called the Midas shop to specify the service price. I was told the total charge before tax is $119.95. I specifically asked if there are any additional charges and they answered that there were not additional charges. When I came to pick up my car on November 16, 2015 and got the bill there were additional charges of $12 included. I told the owner that the price agreed by phone was $119.95 and he replied: "If you want your car you have to pay whatever amount is in the bill. I don't care what was agreed by phone". [redacted]Desired SettlementI believe that the hidden charges should be returned back to me.

They gave me an estimate to to fix the heat/Ac issue. I replaced exactly what they asked me to and paid them. The problem is still not fixed.My car does not have heat. Instead, it's cold air that comes out of the vents. I took it to Midas for diagnosis on Nov 17 2014. After diagnosis, they told me the car thermostat needs to be replaced and I also might need to do heater core flush. To do everything, the estimate was $297 after tax. I took it for servicing on Nov 20, 2014. They called me in the afternoon for pick as they said the problem has been fixed and the car heat is coming out perfect. I picked up the car expecting to be charged $297, but they charged me $219. I asked what was done on the car. They told me they replaced the thermostat and that fixed the problem. He said he did not have to do the flush. I paid $219 and took the car for a ride. After driving for 30 minutes, there was no heat in the car, it was the same condition as when I took it to Midas on the morning of Nov 20, 2014 before the servicing. Then I took the car back right away to Midas. They checked it and told me they don't understand how that happened. I did not argue with them, I simply asked them what do we do now?. They told me they will give me a call the following day to figure out what to do. On Friday Nov 21, 2014 I did not hear from them all day, so I took the car to Midas around 4 pm. They told me they will give a call, that I have to be patient as they're busy. I went home. They left me a voice message asking for my email address so they can send me another estimate again of what need to be done to fix the problem. I gave them my email address and waited to see what the estimate would say. on Nov 24, 2014, they sent me an estimate of $1,797.91! So I called them right away, [redacted] I had already done what they told when I had the first estimate on Nov 20, 2014. We had an argument over the phone [redacted]. So I went there right away. [redacted]. They told me there is nothing I can do to them and they would not reimburse the labor I had already paid. [redacted]Desired SettlementThey charged me $25 for the part and $189 for labor. I want my money back because I don't even know if they replaced the part or not. [redacted]

Review: Drained battery while vehicle was in their possession and left customer with responsibility to get battery charged.

I dropped of my vehicle for brake repairs in S & upon completion of the repair I received a call to let me know that the battery was dead and that I should bring jumper cables. They jumped the vehicle to move it out of their shop, but when I arrived with my husband to pick up the car, we were unable to get it started by using the jumper cables because the battery was completely drained. We had the vehicle hooked up for at least 15-20 minutes, but could not get it started. We ended up uninstalling the battery and taking it home to charge with a wall charger. It took some 8 hours to get the battery charged. We had to go back to the shop to reinstall the battery. Because of my husband's work schedule, we were only able to install the battery at night. Because it was dark and late, my husband did not reinstall the battery mounting boot. Unfortunately, my husband forgot to install it when we got home, which caused the battery to shift towards the belt & ultimately the battery got damaged and leaked, which we did not discover until 2 months after we had picked up the vehicle from Midas in Auburn. We paid to have the battery replaced. I called Midas to let them know what had happened as I felt that they left us stranded with a dead battery. The battery was newer (installed in April of 2013) & we never had any problems with the battery before the brake repair @ Midas & we did not have any problems starting the vehicle after we took the battery home and charged it. It was clearly not a faulty battery, but a problem that was caused at the Midas shop. The purpose of my call to Midas was to let them know what happened because I wanted them to know that we would not have to uninstall the battery had it not been for them draining the battery. I was not blaming them for my husband's failure to reinstall the mounting boot and I did not ask them to reimburse us for having to pay for a new battery. I just wanted them to take responsibility for causing us inconvenience. Midas responded defensively claiming that they did not cause the problem with the battery and telling us that they were not responsible for my husband's failure to reinstall the mounting boot. They did not seem to think that they should have done more than just jump the car to get it out of their shop and leave it for us to pick up with a dead battery. The owner told me that he tried to be nice by facing the car in the right direction so that it would be easier for us to hook up the jumper cables. I don't think that I should expect to bring jumper cables to pick up my car from the repair shop. Midas in Auburn was more concerned about denying the possibility of being responsible for draining the battery than acknowledging that they could have handled the situation better. All I wanted was for them to do a better job next time. [redacted] at Auburn Midas suggested that I file a complaint with the Revdex.com. Now that's hardly what I call caring about your reputation or customer. [redacted] at Midas told me that I should bring the old battery in and he would see what he could do to get it replaced. Like I said, I had already replaced the battery, and the purpose of my call was not to get them to replace my battery. I wanted them to know how their failure to recharge the battery before leaving the car outside the shop for us to pick up caused us inconvenience & money. They were at least partially to blame for the problem because they drained the battery and did not remedy the situation. I don't want their stupid money. I just wanted them to treat customers better. I will never go back to them.Desired Settlement: Acknowledge the possibility of their wrongdoing and apologize for their inconsiderate behavior.

Business

Response:

On 9/14/2013 at 12:06 pm we had a customer named [redacted] come into our shop, Midas Auto to get a brake inspection done on her 1997 Buick park avenue lic#[redacted]. When we went to pull the car into the shop the car had a hard time starting so we jumped it with our jump box, After we were done with the job the car had a hard time cranking over to start again so we tested the battery and it was low on cold cranking amps but I still was on the ok side of the chart so we hooked it up to the battery charger for awhile. The owner of Midas called her and told her about her battery and that we had put it on the charger for a little bit. The owner of the car said she would pick it up after we closed so she paid over the phone. We told her we would pull the car out and back it into the parking spot out front just incase the car had a hard time starting again and the key and the invoice would be under the front seat and she said ok. A few days later we received a phone call from her and she stated she couldn't find her key to the car but she found the receipt for the work that was done, she said we didn't put the key in the car and that we lost it. She came into the shop so we could look for it and after 20 min we found it, when she had grabbed the invoice and pulled it out from under the seat the key had slid off the envelope and fell down the side of the seat under the seat rail. She said thanks and went on her way, and she had never said anything about a problem with her battery from when she had picked the car up from the shop. Then around the end of November we received a phone call from her stating that they were out $400 to $600 because when she had to pick the car up from us they couldn't get it started with jumper cables so they pulled the battery out to take it home to charge it and brought it back and installed it. She said the battery fell over and hit the belt and made a whole in the side of the battery, AND SHE SAID IT WAS BECAUSE HER HUSBAND FORGOT TO PUT THE HOLD DOWN BRACKET ON THE BATTERY WHICH HOLDS IT INPLACE FROM FALLING OVER (THOSE ARE HER WORDS!). And she wanted to know how we were going to take care of the money for her. I told her I wasn't going to do anything because for 1 we are just now hearing about the issue and she has been in here since she had picked it up and she never said anything to us about it, and for 2 she said her husband forgot to put the battery hold down on the battery when he put it in the car and why should we do anything when it wasn't us who installed the battery and it wasn't us who forgot the hold down on the battery. She continued to yell and scream at me and asked me for my name. I gave her my name and said because she doesn't want to listen to us she should file a complaint because she wont stop yelling and we obviously cant agree on the situation. Then she asked me for my name again and said oh don't worry im going to have YOU taken care of just wait, I don't need to file a complaint, Then the owner of Midas got on the phone and she continued to yell at him and he eventually hung the phone up cause she wouldn't let him talk.

Consumer

Response:

I did not drop off my car on 9/14/2013 at 12:06 p.m. I dropped off my car around 5 p.m. on 9/13/2013 and Midas had my car in their shop all night until they started working on it on Saturday. This is an important fact since they claim that they had a hard time starting the car when they pulled it in the shop on 9/14/2013. They pulled the car into the shop while I was still at the shop on 9/13/2013 and there was no trouble starting the engine whatsoever. I dropped off the car shortly before they were closing and they did not want the car to sit in their parking lot over night - that's what they told me). I suspect the battery drained over night while the car was in their shop.

Review: Revdex.com of Wisconsin,

We have a Subaru Outback 2004. I was driving the car approx 25 MPH and it died completely. All the warning lights came on and rolled to a stop. Just before it died, heard what sounded like a belt snapped. I checked under the hood and serpentine belt was intact. Tried to start the car and nothing.

I called Midas at [redacted], used many times for multiple vehicles. Explained the above and needed brakes checked as well. Had the vehicle towed to their location later that morning.

Didn't hear until later in day, timing belt had broken. They asked if I wanted to get running, I said yes. Later I thought that was interesting, because they had just replaced the timing belt in the past year??? Recommended to get replaced before 100,000 miles.

Midas called the next day. Car doesn't run consistently, they drove it? They have $866.00 into car at this point. I asked now what? They said could check on fixing engine (rebuild) – they don't do, but would check on prices. Called the next day and new engine would be $5000 and rebuilt $2500.

I went into the Midas shop and talked w [redacted], the [redacted]. I told him wasn't going to pay $860 for a car not running, plus another $500 - 600 for the brakes! [redacted] said would check w Midas [redacted] for options. Called next day w 3 options:

Pay the $860 and the car would be ours.

Split the $860, if they install rebuilt engine ($2500 plus).

Give the car to them.

I checked w Schmidt's Salvage – would give $125 for car.

Checked w Subaru dealer in Cambridge he would give me $150. He asked what had happened and told him what I had said over the phone w Midas. Didn't say anything about taking to Midas. He stated that Subaru's have interference engines since 1998. When the timing belt breaks or even slips – the pistons slam into the valves. Engine is done. Before replacing the belt – all oil seals, pulleys, tensioners and water pump need to be meticulously inspected. He said wouldn't put anymore money into car.

I contacted the other 2 Midas shops in Madison. I explained that car had died, … as above. Didn't say anything about car being at Midas shop on [redacted]. One shop (believe it was [redacted]) said could tow it there and they would check it out. The other shop ([redacted]) sounds like timing belt had broken and engine was shot. He personally owns a Subaru.

Then I went into the [redacted] shop and [redacted] said they had to replace the timing belt and put back together to see if the car would run. Then I told him what the other shop stated, about engine being shot. I asked what the likelihood the engine would run after replacing timing belt, he said 50/50. That would have been good to know when I was called initially about timing belt breaking and was going to cost $860! I asked if the Midas shops in Madison were owned by the same person and he said yes.

At that time I told [redacted] that I wouldn't pay $860 for the car. That was where it was left.

Just received a letter in November. November 8th, would start charging $30/day for storage plus $866.12 owed for repairs. Have until December 8th to claim, paying the storage and repair fees. Otherwise, will auction the car off to pay all incurred expenses.

Thank you for your time.

###-###-####Desired Settlement: Cost of diagnosis of broken timing belt only.

Business

Response:

I talked to the customer on 11/6/2015. I think there was a break down in the communication with the customer. We offered to do the work we had into the car for the car. This was offered again and during the conversation we agreed the car wasn't worth sinking any more money into the car. We agreed for him to give us the car title and we had a local salvage yard pick up the car and pay us $150. I believe the issue has been resolved. [redacted]

Consumer

Response:

[A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. I agree, there was a miscommunication in options and the issue was resolved satisfactory.

Regards,

Review: The initial problem started when I brought my 08 Chevy Equinox in for an oil change. Once the oil change was completed I noticed that my check engine light had come on; that's when I returned to Midas and explained that my check engine light is on now and it wasn't when I brought the car in. I then asked if the oil change was done correctly because this was the first oil change that I got since purchasing the vehicle. An employee(Steve) stepped outside to do a visual inspection of the service that was performed, while also connecting the diagnostic tool to the vehicle as well. He then told me that the code that appeared on the diagnostic tool was a lean code and that it isn't from the oil change. I told him that I will have to take it to the place that I purchased it which is Carmax. So that's exactly what I did. Carmax put there diagnostic tool on the vehicle and produced the same code, which was a lean code.I asked the technician at Carmax what would cause this code to come up, because it's the same code that came up when Midas did there test. The Carmax technician said that the code came up because the intake tube wasn't properly put back after it was removed. I asked if the intake tube is normally removed when an oil change is performed on this vehicle and the Carmax tech said yes. He explained that it would cost $115. That's what it cost to perform a diagnostic test regardless of the repair cost. I asked if he thought if I would get my money back because it was the fault of Midas, and he said I should. So, I asked if he would talk to Midas and explain it to them while I was still at Carmax and that's what he did.After he explained the lean code and why it came up to Midas , Midas then asked me for a copy of the work order. I've tried for about 2 months now to get my money back and all that was offered was a credit for $115 which I do not want. I don't plan on taking my car there again so why would I want a credit for future services. I tried to communicate with Mike the store owner in regards to this issue and he tells me that he has to talk to corporate, he'll give me a call back. It's been about 2 months now, and I never received a call from him; the only time I've spoken to him was when I called. I'm getting no where with the store owner. All that he had offered was the credit. In addition to that he continues to tell me that Carmax isn't telling the entire story as if Carmax and I are trying to extort $115 from Midas, even though Midas spoke directly to Carmax. All I want is to be made whole again. I wouldn't of had to take my vehicle somewhere else if Midas did the job correctly the first time, that's why I feel I'm entitled to reimbursement from Midas. I feel I gave adequate opportunity for them to correct the problem; they didn't, so why should I have to pay for this.Desired Settlement: I would like to be refunded the $115 I had to spend having someone else correct the problem.

Business

Response:

June 10th the claim was approved by Midas for $115.

June 11th a check was written and mailed to [redacted].

June 19th the check was returned to us. Address undeliverable.

June 19th we received an email containing the Revdex.com complaint.

June 20th [redacted] was contacted and the correct address was obtained.

June 23rd the check was re-mailed to the corrected address.

June 23rd we responded to the Revdex.com email.

Please close this case as it was already resolved before the customer contacted the Revdex.com.

Thanks.

Review: On 5/20/14 I took my car down to Midas for a brake inspection. An hour and a 1/2 later, I was informed that my transmission lines, oil gasket/pan, coolant hose, and power steering hose were all leaking. I knew about the power steering hose leak and coolant leak, but all these other leaks were previously unknown to me. I asked the service manager [redacted] which leak was the worst of all those and potentially the most damaging if left un-repaired. [redacted] indicated the transmission lines. I asked how much that would cost. He indicated approx. $327.00 to replace both lines, including labor costs. I asked him if they could do it today. He indicated the parts had to be ordered and would take three days. I said I did not know when I could return as I work 14 to 16 hour days and today was my only day off. I also stated that if and when I had a day next day off or time to drop the car off, if the parts aren't already here, then it's an additional three more days from then and I may not be able to come in at that time or day. [redacted] stated if I pre-paid for these transmission lines ($70.00) =25% of total repair, that he could order them, have them here in three days and then I could call him anytime after that when I had a day off to drop off the car and get it done that same day. I said OK and pre-paid for the lines. [redacted] called me later that next week indicating the lines had arrived. I told him I did not have anytime in the next two weeks but that I would call him after that. I then contacted [redacted] in June on three separate occasions stating I was having a hard time getting the time off needed to come in. [redacted] said "no problem" and that I should call when I can drop the car off.

On July 1st, 2014, my radiator leaked all the coolant out, making the engine smoke. I filled it with a gallon of cold water and took it to a different service center located a block away. While they had it up (hoisted) I asked them about the other leaks and if something major is going to happen to my transmission next. They cleaned off the under-body and stated that there are NO leaks to the transmission lines or oil but that the power steering hose had a leak. I told them that Midas on [redacted] informed that BOTH my transmission lines were leaking as well as oil leaking from a gasket or pan. The service guys for a second time on July 1st, thoroughly checked the tranny lines and oil and found NO LEAK, period.

After they serviced the radiator on July 1, 2014, I came home and called Midas. I spoke to both [redacted] and to [redacted], the [redacted]. I told them that the car was repaired just now for the radiator issue but that they found no leaks or need for me to replace or repair the transmission lines. I asked for my refund of that $70.00 pre-payment I made on May 20, 2014. [redacted] at first told me he would reimburse me and that he would call me alter that evening of July 1. He never called me. On July 2, 2014, I called Midas again at approx 930 am and spoke to both [redacted] and [redacted] stated to me that he now was NOT going to refund the pre-payment as it has been over 30 days since the lines were ordered. I said "I ordered based on YOUR employee's inspection and diagnostics informing me that I was in need of replacing them". I stated further, that " I didn't come to YOU, telling you that I needed transmission lines; you told me I needed new lines during a brake inspection and now I find out that I don't even need that done, or have any leaks with the oil your employees claim I had!". [redacted] refused to reimburse me and so now I am out $70-.00. Midas gets my money and the parts? I don't think so.

[redacted] then had the audacity this morning to further make this my fault, claiming that I had refused a "dye-test" on 5/20/14. I was at Midas for an hour and a 1/2. At no time during that period did anyone offer a dye test for these issues. I would have gladly done a test for leaks had that been an option. I did not refuse this test as it was never even offered to me at that time or any other time by Midas. I didn't even know what a dye test was until my conversation with [redacted] this morning on July 2, 2014.

Midas told me I needed tranny lines. Based on that information, I ordered them. I was not ever told about a thirty day cut off for refunds, as I had every intention of having the tranny lines replaced. However, when the radiator blew yesterday, I was informed that there is no leak in either tranny line, nor any oil leaks. Had my radiator not blown yesterday, wherein a different service center manager indicated no issues with the transmission lines or oil I would have paid Midas an additional $327.00 for unnecessary replacement of those perfectly good transmission lines.

Now Midas refuses to pay me my money back, is keeping the parts and I am out financially for no other reason than due to their mistake and FRAUD in the first place. It is fraudulent to knowingly tell customers that repairs are necessary when they know that is not true. Midas now tries to deflect financial liability and all responsibility onto me, the customer falsely stating I refused a "dye test" on 5/20/14 and that this makes it "my problem not theirs". Midas can add any statements they wish to an invoice that they have custody of not to mention access to the computer in which to create those invoices on. Midas is scamming customers telling them they need repair work done when they clearly don't. Midas is engaging in theft of customers money by refusing to reimburse me even though it was their employees who told me I needed to replace the tranny lines when in fact, those current tranny lines are fine and without leaks.Desired Settlement: I want my $70.00 back.

Business

Response:

This person has an attorney and until I talk and work this out I can not respond to her.

Business

Response:

This person had a lawyer call us. We discussed the situation with him. The customer owes us for a brake inspection We agreed to refund her the difference if she provided us with proof there was nothing wrong with the transmission lines. At this she has neither responded or provided us the necessary documentation.

Consumer

Response:

Review: On February 29, 2012 I received a tune up from Midas. Fast forward to yesterday (August 26, 2013) the car started running funny so I brought it back to Midas to take a look at it and they found out that the car was misfiring. So I asked them to fix it and they agreed. I drove off to get the parts and when I get back one of the Midas workers tells me that one of my spark plugs was stuck in the cylinder. So I asked them if there was anyway they could get it out and they told me yes but it would be an expensive task. I told them that since I was still under labor warranty that I would not pay to fix that. So they told in so many words tough luck take it somewhere else because they're not responsible for the problem because they feel as though the part could be the problem. But I had another mechanic who's been working on for 25 years made the exact of same diagnosis as I did that the service on the car is the main reason for the car malfunctioning so soon.

Business

Response:

This customer came in February 29, 2012 with a 1995 Chevrolet Corsica and wanted to know if we would install his spark plugs and wires. On August 26, 2013 ( a year and half later) he came in because the car was running poorly and we found the engine was misfiring. We found several issues with the car one of them was bad spark plug wires and possibly bad spark plugs. The customer declined the other repairs but he wanted the spark plugs and spark plug wires replaced. When we removed the spark plugs (his parts) one of them came apart. As you can see in the attached photos we didn't break the spark plug, it came apart. See the photos attached. Also when we installed his parts originally, we explained he didn't have a warranty because he supplied his own parts. If there is any warranty on these parts he needs to talk to the company where he bought the parts a year and half ago. There is no warranty for this car at this time.

I have attached his repair order from February 29, 2012, a picture of the spark plugs and the part that is still in his engine.

Review: I took my car into Midas on February 27th, 2014 and described my issues. These were brightening of lights when accelerating/dimming when decelerating, occasions of a all dash lights turning on accompanied by a whizzing/grinding type sound. I brought my car in to have Midas technicians diagnose the problem and they said they would look for any issues that could be causing the problems. After looking at my car they said I had an intermittent alternator and needed a replacement otherwise my car could die at any time. So I felt a sense of urgency and brought my car in the next day, missing a day of school because the technicians made it seem like my car could stop at any point. I picked my car up later that day and paid $585.96, which after talking to friends told me was already a high price (they said usually around $400). Three days later on Sunday March 2nd, the same exact issues that I originally brought the car in for originally came back except more extreme and my car stopped running momentarily but then started again. I drove it back to my brothers house and then it died completely and could not be started again. I then had to pay to get my car towed to Midas the next morning (3-03-14 right as it opened) where I assumed they would promptly fix the problem that I originally brought it in for. My father and I called separately multiple times throughout the day and kept being told that they would start looking at the car soon. It was not until after my email to Midas headquarters got to a regional manager ([redacted] from [redacted]) that the technicians finally started looking at my car., after around 8 hours at the shop around 3:00 pm The technicians stated it was a problem with my starter but some other issue was causing the problem. Finally, on Tuesday the technicians said my O2 sensor connector was chewed by some rodent causing the issues and told they dad "sorry, we should have caught this during the initial inspection." They then charged use another $450+ to replace the starter and O2 sensor connector wire. We said this service should be free because they should have found the original problem when I originally took it in. They responded saying that no they shouldnt because the two issues were completely separate, even though I brought the car in both times because of the same symptoms. At this point I already missed three days of school because of the repairs and the delay of the technicians to even look at my car, so my parents and I decided not to argue anymore and just pay so I would not miss anymore school and they would talk with the technicians later about the issues and payment. Throughout March and April we communicated with Midas employees trying to negotiate on the extreme price of repair, especially after they admitted they should have found the issue causing the problems during the initial inspection. The Midas employees refused to communicate through email, continually said the two problems were completely separate (despite having the exact same issues both time), and refused to negotiate on the price. Over time they stopped responding to us altogether and have not had any communication with us for over a month, which is completely unprofessional. We have waited until now to give them a chance to respond and still have not heard anything. When asked for the parts that were replaced (starter and alternator) the employee also told me they were no longer at the shopDesired Settlement: We would like at least the $450+ refunded for the starter repair and would prefer that some of the money for the alternator repair was refunded because since the same issues came back it looks like that repair was unnecessary.

Business

Response:

Dear Revdex.com,

Thank you

contacting me to clear things up in regards to [redacted]’s car. Throughout March and April of 2014 we have

been in contact with [redacted], his father and Midas Consumer Relations about the

repairs performed on [redacted]’s car. It has

been difficult because they only want to communicate through email. It is difficult to encapsulate all that needs

to be said in regards to the diagnosis and repair process in an email. As a result we have not had any phone

conversations other than the initial ones to the shop regarding the immediate

repairs at hand.

[redacted] had 2 repair

visits, both of which were approved by him and performed. The first visit was on 2/27/14 and the car

came in with a dead battery. We tested

the starting/charging/battery system and found his alternator was not charging

the battery. We suggested replacing the

alternator, [redacted] approved the repairs and the car was retested and road

driven.

[redacted] picked up the car and later

called that the car would not start again.

He again brought the car in on 3/5/14.

We again tested the starting/charging/battery system and the car passed. The difference in the 2 visits was the first

visit was a no start because of a dead battery and the second visit was from a

no crank condition. But on the second

visit the car did crank and start (at our shop). We continued to test the car through the day

and finally found that the starter would occasionally lock up and jam. This condition probably shorted the altenator

out and was the root cause of all the problems.

This was explained to [redacted] and he approved the repairs. The car was retested and road driven.

Of course, this wasn’t convenient for [redacted]

and we recognize this, we wish that the starter had revealed its failure originally. Either way [redacted]’s car needed an alternator

and a starter.

As for the short that

[redacted] refers to, it was not related to the overall problem, but important, and

was explained to him that way.

I hope

this clears up the questions [redacted] has about the repairs performed on his

car. Nothing was misdiagnosed, or

incorrectly repaired. He had an unusual

problem that we sometimes see, but can only fix if the problem shows itself.

Sincerely, [redacted]

Consumer

Response:

My father and I decided to only communicate through email because we wanted a copy of what is said because of inconsistencies when communicating with Midas. For example, when I brought my car in the second time I called multiple times earlier in the morning and they said they were looking for the problem, however when my father called in the afternoon they told him they haven't even brought the car into the shop because they needed an extra guy to help push it. We are also capable of understanding through email and want a copy of what Midas employees tell us. My first visit was on 2/27 where I learned of my "intermittent" alternator but I was never informed that my battery was dead. After picking it up I brought it back on 03/03, not 03/05, because of the same issues. My father and I only approved the 2nd repairs because it was the only solution and the car was unable to drive until repaired and I already missed multiple days of graduate school . My father told one worker that he will argue about the price later and we just need the car done now, so that's why he paid on his credit card so it could be disputed later. We were never told the starter would only "occasionally lock up and jam" and only that the starter NEEDED to be replaced. If it only occasionally locked up, it shouldn't have been sitting outside all day because they couldn't get it into the shop. We were also told that they NEEDED to find this short but now learn that it had nothing to do with the problem at all so my car spent an extra day at the shop and we spent extra for a repair that we were told was contributing to the problem. We are also confused why one worker was apologizing over the phone for the issue they said "we should have found last time" but apparently there was no misdiagnosis. We are also confused why someone who is the owner of the Midas in Mundelein is responding, and not a worker from the shop in Racine.

Business

Response:

Dear Revdex.com,

We understand the customer's frustration. There are many things that [redacted] complains about related to our operation, timing, wait times, etc. These are all things that we manage at our repair facility.

We are very confident in our repairs and diagnosis. We are just a shop with a family of guys who work hard to do their best. We take pride in the work we do and the help we are able to deliver to our customers. We live and work in a world where things don't always move forward like we would like.

In the end, [redacted]'s car was fixed properly, we did not repair anything that the car did not need and we obtained authorizations from [redacted] each time.

Sincerely, [redacted]

Consumer

Response:

Yes, my father and I have had many complaints with the business because of responses like this, where we wait longer than needed (15 days instead of 7-10 like recommended) for a response that does not actually address any of the issues stated and instead works around them. Today I actually brought in my car to an repair shop for a clunking noise it has been making since winter and the repairman asked if I had my alternator replaced recently and I responded yes. He then said either the bolts were not tightened properly or the clutch pulley needs to be adjusted. He also pulled out a roll of black electrical tape that was partially melted to the engine. We both had the same question as to why electrical tape even had to be used in the repair and why I was never told about it, not to mention why they would be careless enough to leave it sitting in the engine. However, I'm sure it is likely just a "coincidence" like every other issue. And again we only gave authorization for repairs because I had significant need for my car after all the waiting and it was not drivable to another more competent repair shop.

We have just been asking for the explanation for how the car had the exact same symptoms within 4 days caused by two completely separate issues. We want the explanation in the form of email/writing/etc not in a phone call so they cant deny it later. We also have to take their word on the parts being bad because like we said before when I asked for the old parts they said they already got rid of them or couldn't give them to us. It does not ease the mind looking at other reviews from google/yelp and complaints from Revdex.com to see other customers have had many issues with this shop. Yes we understand like any business you treat coworkers like family, it would just be nice if the paying customers who come in trusting the workers to do their job in the best interest of the customers would also get the same respect.

VERY BAD EXPERIENCE - Called them up and told them I had a part I needed put on my car. They said no problem. I asked what the shop hourly rate was and was told $98/hour. My wife took the car in while I was at work. They charged us for 2 1/2 hours work but only took 1 1/2 hours to do the job. We were told after the job was started that they have a book that told them it would take 2 1/2 hours so they would bill us for that amount of time even though it only took 1 1/2 hours. What that means is that the shop hourly charge is approx $166/hour. NEVER WILL GO BACK AND WILL ADVISE PEOPLE TO BE VERY CAREFUL IF CONSIDERING GOING THERE.

Review: I have dealt with and had my two vehicles serviced with Midas location at 1230 South Green Bay road, Racine, WI for over the past three years. The most recent service I trusted the 1230 South Green Bay Road location to provide me, is turning out to be a nightmare. I had the transmission repaired/replaced on my 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor. Upon taking the vehicle to the stated location, I inquired if the repair/job was something they were capable of doing. The Manager in that location, stated yes, and ensuring me that they could do the job. The job took over a seven day period to complete. Since the completion, I have had to take the vehicle back on more than one occasion due to a leak that is now occurring with the transmission. Taking the vehicle back on numerous occasions is not my biggest frustration. My biggest frustration lies in that the Midas stated in this letter will not take ownership of the problem that resulted from their work on the vehicle. I satisfied the bill for the repairs ($2758.86) and am being told that the leak that apparently resulted from their work on the transmission will result in an additional bill to me averaging over $900.Desired Settlement: I believe that 1230 South Green Bay road Midas Shop should show some integrity and repair the problem that has now evolved as a result of the work they performed in repairing/replacing the transmission on my vehicle. Repairing of the leak should be at no additional cost to me.

Business

Response:

Dear Revdex.com,Thank you for contacting me regarding this issue. There is a simple answer for the customer's issue. But first I would like to say that we appreciate this customer's business and hope that we can move past this to resume repairing his cars.The customer came in with a un-drivable car which had a locked up transmission. We checked it out and suggested 2 routes for repair. The first being a remanufactured or rebuilt transmission. The second being a used transmission, which is lower cost and faster to repair. The rebuilt transmission would come with a warranty for all things transmission related for a period of time to be established by the supplier. This warranty would be to us from our supplier. If there was any problem we would take care of the issue and settle up with our supplier. This warranty would be reflected in a higher price to cover such things.The used transmission is just that, a used transmission from a salvage yard. Taken from one car and installed into the customer's car without any disassembly or repairs. It is warranted to work for 90 days but is not warranted beyond that basic working condition.The customer's expectation of a used transmission should not be the same as what you expect from a new or rebuilt product.Our customer chose to go with the used transmission. We replaced the transmission, checked it over and released the car back to the customer. The price we charged the customer for the used transmission was far less than what a rebuilt transmission would have cost. At the time we released the car there was no leaks that we observed. Later the customer reported to us that the transmission was leaking on his driveway. He brought the car to us and it took a few visits before we actually saw the leak. It is minor and is coming from inside the transmission. Now, it's important to establish, that at no time did we disassemble the transmission. So it is not a workmanship issue. It was a pre-existing condition from the previous car and salvage yard.Because this is not a operational issue with the transmission but a pre-existing condition from before we started with the car it is not covered by our warranty.That being said, let me put this in context; the price the customer paid plus the amount of money the customer would pay for us to fix the leak is still less than that of a rebuilt transmission. Plus we have offered to do this work at a 20% discounted rate. Hindsight, maybe the customer would have been happier with a rebuilt transmission but we can't change that now. But the customer can feel good in that he still will have paid less than a rebuilt transmission would have cost after all the repairs have been finished.We are ready and prepared to finish the customer's car at the discounted rate.Sincerely, [redacted]

Consumer

Response:

Review: Midas employee attempted to scam me out of hundreds of dollars by falsely analyzing the computer info. I took my vehicle to the dealer who confirmed that the parts were not bad and I was being mislead. I will never go to or trust Midas again!! I fear it may have been because of my race and I intend to follow up with the appropriate agencies.Desired Settlement: I would like the 35 I paid to be ripped off returned to me.

Business

Response:

I talked to this person a couple of days ago and apologized about what happened. I thought we had a nice conversation, he never asked for his money back. If he had I would have gladly refund the money back. I called him and left him a message to call me so I can refund his money back to him.