Northstar Smog and Auto Care

We read the customer complaint, customer brought the vehicle in for the transmission fluid exchange serviceUpon inspection we found that the Right Front CV Drive Shaft and the Shaft seal is leakingWe informed the customer about the transmission fluid leaks from the drive shaft sealCustomer approved the repair on 12/31/we replaced the Drive shaft, seal and performed the fluid exchange service by using [redacted] ( transmission fluid exchange machine) fluid type [redacted] QT as per specsOn 01/02/customer towed the vehicle in stated that the transmission fluid is leaking, we inspected the vehicle and found the transmission fluid is leaking from breather tubeWe checked the Drive Shaft and the Seal and found no leaks at all We showed the customer that the work we have done did not cause the leaks, the leak could be due to internal transmission problem or he must have raced the vehicle at very high RPM causing the fluid to pushed out of the breather tubeWe cleaned the transmission and added the fluid and noticed the check engine light is onWe scanned the vehicle and found that Engine Code [redacted] sensor MalfunctionAgain we explained to the customer that this code is not related to the Transmission Fluid Exchange, Drive Shaft or to the sealWe gave the customer a print out and the gave him the information that Osensor needs to be diagnosed before we replace itAfter customer filed a complaint with the Revdex.com we called the customer on Friday 01/08/and explained him that Ois not related to the transmission service and we can offer Free diagnostics and will help him fix his carHe agreed that he will bring the car to us on Saturday on 01/09/but he did not show upWe called him again on Monday 01/11/left message and still no response from the customerWe stand by our repairs ans service and always make sure that the customer is fully satisfied with our serviceOur offer is still stand if the customer brings the vehicle in we will perform free diagnostics and assist him to fix his vehicleThanks [redacted]

This is
your written response that You requestedThe customer *** *** was treated In the same professional manner that all my customers receive
Ms *** made comment to my assistant that on a previous visit to my carwash that the car was not as clean as she expected and then became confrontational and argumentativeShe offered her credit card as a method of payment and then refused to move her vehicle until it was washed and scrubbed outside of the carwash which is not a practice since all my washing tools are located in the car washMy assistant tried to explain and urge Ms *** to follow our direction but she refused until the wash was completed to her satisfactionMy assistant provided her his name and if she had any other issues to call me at her convenienceOn the following day she called and reported to me what had occurred on her visit and I tied to resolve the issue with an apology and explanation of how we can better servo our customers if they follow our direction to ensure a quality experienceShe then would not accept my explanation and said she would report me to the Revdex.com on which she has done
Soft Cloth Carwash has received the readers choice award for the favorite carwash in Crawfordsville for the past years, Our customer service Is a priority to the success and growth of our store in our communityThe assistant has over years of experience working for me and has a history of being extra conscience to a customers wants and needs
As far as a settlement I have no way of refunding her credit card because I have no records of her credit card number to refund,
We provided her with a wash but by her actions it was the attitude Of my employee that was perceived disrespectful
If Ms *** wishes to continue with this and does expect a refund I can mail her a check for $to conclude this case
Doug *** Owner/ GM

Hi my name is *** *** and I am the owner of the Northstar Smog & Auto Care.I personally assisted mr Alfredo Espinoza and explained in detail tha we have to pressurize the system to see if it is leaking or not.and we
only charged him for recharging the system.the discounted amount of $50(regular price$129.99) dollar we charged him only covers recharging the sytem not $new compressor and installation.its lack of knowledge that customer doesn't understand how HVAC works.he clled me one time and I explained it to him and he said its ok.if customer is not satisfied they can always come in and we will be more than happy to explain them in detail.thanks

Company states: Radiator was bad and fan blade was bustedWe replaced thoseWater pump was totally brokenWhen the water pump was broken ?it caused the radiator to leakAs a courtesy replaced the radiatorShe made me change the name on the carWe suspect this other person is involved
in this complaintI have all the recordsI even told her that this is a BMW and the parts are hard to findWe even offered a car rentalI even showed her all the partsI gave her all the partsThe broken water pump and thermostatWe gave them all the parts

This is the warranty information I received from North Star

Had a bad tireOne guy tells me you have another months in the other tiresThe guy behind the desk talks me into replacing all fourI decide to get my oil changed at the same timeI had this feeling as I walked out to check my oil, but thought to myself "I'll check it later"This was on a SaturdayMonday morning rolls around and I check my oilTHEY HADN'T CHANGED IT BUT CHARGED ME FOR ITI went back and very calmly told them they didn't change my oil and they need toThe guy behind the counter agreed because the sticker was not on my windshield and my oil clearly was dirtyI drove my car that Monday - Wednesday then parked itI went out of townOn Sunday when I returned I notice a huge oil leak underneath my carNow I lividI take it backHe refuses to give me my money backThey hoist my car up and tell me my valve cover gasket is leaking and that's the problemHe proceeds to give me a quote to fix itI tell him, "I'm not letting you people touch my car again!" After that....my battery goes out(ok, that could be a coincident.) The car is still leaking oilNow it starts to overheatI take it to a different shopThe oil was coming from the oil filter housingThey ended up replacing my radiator hosesSo later my car is fineI honestly feel that they did something to the housing and my hoses so I'd go back for the repairsMind you...nothing was wrong with my car beforeI only had a tire issueThis all transpired over a couple of weeks after taking it to this shopNEVER EVER TRUST THESE PEOPLE

Business states that there are two issues here. The first issue is the company name is Northstar Smog which does not mean the business is actually star certified. The second issue is that the coupons available that show star certified were in reference to a different location on Watt Avenue. This...

location was Star certified but due to not having up to date equipment the actual star certification is not possible at this time. All new advertisements will clearly specify which locations are star certified.

I am rejecting this response because:
1) The coupon that I had that said "star certified" had the northgate blvd address on it and
2) The day that I came to that business there was a sign right outside the front door that said "Star Certified"
My DMV renewal stated that I had to get my car smogged at a "Star Certified" station and I know that there is a difference so I was very aware. I don't think that it is fair or right to draw customers to a smog station while advertising that it is "Star Certified" when it is not! It was a waste of time and money for me due to their false advertising! If you put the Northgate address on it and state "Star Certified" then that seems pretty obvious to me that it is false advertising! How could the Revdex.com not agree?
Disappointed,
 
[redacted]

I am rejecting this response because: My radiator was leaking. It was under warranty for 24,000 miles or 2 years according to the warranty I received from the shop. It was not replaced as a courtesy as the shop states. That is a lie. My water pump was not "totally broken". I have attached pictures. I asked the shop owner how long I could drive my car if my water pump was not working. He said "the car would not drive." It doesn't make sense that my car was not towed in. It was driven in  about 15 miles to the shop after I called about bringing it in for the radiator. I asked the shop owner how the water pump would have broken in the way the shop said it did. and the shop owner told me responses ranging from "I don't have time" to "You wouldn't understand". The reason stated for bringing the car in was the radiator, not the water pump. The car drove fine once water was put in to replace the coolant that leaked out. I know this shop cracked my water pump to upsale me on a new one because there was no money to be made on a radiator replacement under warranty. I also would like to request to see any paperwork where the name information was changed, I do not have any with any other name on it. I have two friends that helped me. One knows about cars better than I do and I asked him to speak to the shop mechanics on my behalf and another time, I asked a friend to stay at the shop and speak with the mechanics because I had to get my son after school. My name is the only one on the invoices. If the shop has other paperwork, please present it. I would love to see it. I asked the shop if they would use OEM BMW parts, because I wanted to keep my car stock as much as possible and the owner assured me he could. The rental lie is ridiculous. This shop had my car from March 6th- to March 11th for a radiator that the shop owner tolm me only takes 3 hours to replace, maximum. I asked for my removed car parts to be given to me on March 11, 2015 at 10:40 am and I was told by the owner of the shop that he "didn't want to disturb the mechanic to get the removed parts." He said he would box them up and return them to me later. I was denied to even examine them and I waited around the garage for 45 minutes.

I am rejecting this response because:The work that I wanted done on my car on the 31st of December should have not cause my hazardous or engine lights to come on.  And my car to loose all power to the point that the vehicle was non drivable. The work that was done, caused all those things, also adding I had to come out of pocket and pay for tow to get back to my destination that was 68 miles from the location the vehicle stop on me.  Once I brought the vehicle back on the January 2nd for repairs and had it towed there as well. The vehicle ran horrible the indicator light was still on and it still had no power. I'm very much aware that the vehicle is not a racing car.  If I wanted a racing car I would have purchase a high performance racing car. race carnoun1. an automobile built or modified for racing.2. Definition ... Luxury, Higher-end cars that are not classified as sports or racing cars. The day I pick my car up on January 2, 2016 I was treated as if the problem on the vehicle was my fault. After paying $500.00 in repairs and $120.00 for towI have contacted Bureau of Automotive Repair and they have advice not to take my vehicle back to them.

We read the customer complaint, customer brought the vehicle in for the transmission fluid exchange service.
Upon...

inspection we found that the Right Front CV Drive Shaft and the Shaft seal is leaking. We informed the customer about the transmission fluid leaks from the drive shaft seal.
Customer approved the repair on 12/31/2015 we replaced the Drive shaft, seal and performed the fluid exchange service by using [redacted]( transmission fluid exchange machine) fluid type [redacted] 6.94 QT as per specs.
On 01/02/2015 customer towed the vehicle in stated that the transmission fluid is leaking, we inspected the vehicle and found the transmission fluid is leaking from breather tube.
We checked the Drive Shaft and the Seal and found no leaks at all. 
We showed the customer that the work we have done did not cause the leaks, the leak could be due to internal transmission problem or he must have raced the vehicle at very high RPM causing the fluid to pushed out of the breather tube.
We cleaned the transmission and added the fluid and noticed the check engine light is on. We scanned the vehicle and found that Engine Code [redacted] sensor Malfunction.
Again we explained to the customer that this code is not related to the Transmission Fluid Exchange, Drive Shaft or to the seal.
We gave the customer a print out and the gave him the information that O2 sensor needs to be diagnosed before we replace it.
After customer filed a complaint with the Revdex.com we called the customer on Friday 01/08/2016 and explained him that O2 is not related to the transmission service and we can offer Free diagnostics and will help him fix his car. He agreed that he will bring the car to us on Saturday on 01/09/2016 but he did not show up.
We called him again on Monday 01/11/2016 left message and still no response from the customer.
We stand by our repairs ans service and always make sure that the customer is fully satisfied with our service.
Our offer is still stand if the customer brings the vehicle in we will perform free diagnostics and assist him to fix his vehicle.
Thanks.
[redacted]

Review: On June 20, 2014 I went to their location to have my 2007 Saturn Relay serviced for Oil Change and A/C Service. After 2-3 hours, they called me and said that the compressor was leaking. I told them to leave it alone. When I picked up the van, I was charged for oil change and a/c service. On my way home, I tried the A/C but it gotten worst. Before the service, it was at least blowing cool air; but after, it was blowing warm air. So I called them up and told them that their service made it worst and the guy told me that maybe because they refilled the freon, it caused more pressure and more leaks. I told him, if you knew that the compressor was leaking, then why did proceed of refiling the freon when they know it is going to leak out; and made everything worst.Desired Settlement: I would like the payment for the A/C service refunded.

Business

Response:

Hi my name is [redacted] and I am the owner of the Northstar Smog & Auto Care.I personally assisted mr Alfredo Espinoza and explained in detail tha we have to pressurize the system to see if it is leaking or not.and we only charged him for recharging the system.the discounted amount of $50(regular price$129.99) dollar we charged him only covers recharging the sytem not $850 new compressor and installation.its lack of knowledge that customer doesn't understand how HVAC works.he clled me one time and I explained it to him and he said its ok.if customer is not satisfied they can always come in and we will be more than happy to explain them in detail.thanks

Review: I noticed a small leak from the radiator. Took my BMW to the shop on Northgate Blvd because they replaced my radiator 8/24/14 told me the parts and labor were under warranty for two years. March 6,2015, my radiator was leaking again. I called the shop, brought the car. I spoke with the owner of the shop on the phone. (I believe his name is [redacted]).Friends helped me bring the car around 12:40pm. the owner assured me they would change it free of charge under warranty. I asked when the car would be done, the owner told me the tech who works on BMW was busy,he would try to have him work on it that day. If that tech could not then the owner said that he himself would work on it Saturday. The owner ordered the radiator and the part came in while I was there. A technician did a pressure test on my car. I had a friend there who knows more about cars. He watched the test. He told me that while the tech conducted the test, water was gushing out. I asked if it was possible that the pressure test could cause more problems to my car. He said it was possible, that too much pressure in the cooling system could cause my hoses to bulge and/or bust and worse case could affect my head gasket. I asked when the radiator would be installed. The owner told me something must be blowing my radiator and that he wouldn't know what until he got in there to check other things. I asked him for an estimate.Saturday, car not done. Sunday shop closed. Monday 3/9/15 I called and was told my water pump was bad and thermostat. Quoted a price of $5-600 to fix all. I wanted to talk this over with someone knowledgeable and never signed a work order prior to the shop replacing these parts. Later was told car was done and the price was $905.54. I was shocked to learn they replaced all this without me signing anything. Went to the shop saw my car on a lift, parts out. I asked to see my old parts and was denied. Owner and son yelled at me to sign the work order,refused to explain invoice. Coerced to sign work order.Told to pay or tow car.Desired Settlement: I want a refund, half the money I paidReasons why:1. The estimate was nowhere near the price I was quoted.2. I have a 2 year warranty, but will never go to that shop again.3. The shop had my car from March 6 to March 11 and all for a free radiator replacement.4.Denied me my right to examine and take my old parts. I waited around 45 mins. The owner told me he didn't want to disturb the mechanic at that time.5. the radiator was free, so they found a way to make a profit on my car.6. yelled at

Business

Response:

Company states: Radiator was bad and fan blade was busted. We replaced those. Water pump was totally broken. When the water pump was broken ?it caused the radiator to leak. As a courtesy replaced the radiator. She made me change the name on the car. We suspect this other person is involved in this complaint. I have all the records. I even told her that this is a BMW and the parts are hard to find. We even offered a car rental. I even showed her all the parts. I gave her all the parts. The broken water pump and thermostat. We gave them all the parts.

Consumer

Response:

I am rejecting this response because: My radiator was leaking. It was under warranty for 24,000 miles or 2 years according to the warranty I received from the shop. It was not replaced as a courtesy as the shop states. That is a lie. My water pump was not "totally broken". I have attached pictures. I asked the shop owner how long I could drive my car if my water pump was not working. He said "the car would not drive." It doesn't make sense that my car was not towed in. It was driven in about 15 miles to the shop after I called about bringing it in for the radiator. I asked the shop owner how the water pump would have broken in the way the shop said it did. and the shop owner told me responses ranging from "I don't have time" to "You wouldn't understand". The reason stated for bringing the car in was the radiator, not the water pump. The car drove fine once water was put in to replace the coolant that leaked out. I know this shop cracked my water pump to upsale me on a new one because there was no money to be made on a radiator replacement under warranty. I also would like to request to see any paperwork where the name information was changed, I do not have any with any other name on it. I have two friends that helped me. One knows about cars better than I do and I asked him to speak to the shop mechanics on my behalf and another time, I asked a friend to stay at the shop and speak with the mechanics because I had to get my son after school. My name is the only one on the invoices. If the shop has other paperwork, please present it. I would love to see it. I asked the shop if they would use OEM BMW parts, because I wanted to keep my car stock as much as possible and the owner assured me he could. The rental lie is ridiculous. This shop had my car from March 6th- to March 11th for a radiator that the shop owner tolm me only takes 3 hours to replace, maximum. I asked for my removed car parts to be given to me on March 11, 2015 at 10:40 am and I was told by the owner of the shop that he "didn't want to disturb the mechanic to get the removed parts." He said he would box them up and return them to me later. I was denied to even examine them and I waited around the garage for 45 minutes.

Consumer

Response:

This is the warranty information I received from North Star.

Review: my complaint is about having my Volvo air conditioning system recharged, I Purchase this vehicle on 5/17/2015, The air conditioner did not blow cool air out, at that time the dealer told me it have been sitting awhile, and all it needed is to be recharged, I took my car to Northstar Smog and Auto Care [redacted], on 5/18/2015, I was told I need a new A/C Condenser, along with an assembly hose, they started on my car that day, I had to bring my car back on 5/20/2015, then I had to bring my car back on 5/23/2015, and again 5/26/2015, by this time I knew these guys is playing me for my money, so I started recording them, using my phone, they walked around talking, while charging me money every hour they had my car in their shop. The condition my car is in now, is the air conditioning system will blow out cool air for around 20 minutes, then the cool air drops around halve of what it should be. So my complaint is about my car air conditioner will not blow out cool air after 20 minutes of driving, the men at the auto shop will not work with me to fix this problem, along with giving me really bad facial expression, and language they should not be using with customers.Desired Settlement: I Really don't won't that auto shop to work on my car anymore, and I would very much love for the air conditioner to work properly. If you can help me with this problem, your time will be very much appreciated. Thanks Very Much [redacted]

Review: They would not smog my car as they said that my car required a "Star" station. When I told him that two of his signs out in front of the building say that he is star certified, he said that the certification changes all the time. I was very disappointed.Desired Settlement: Take the "Star" designation down when he is not star certified.

Business

Response:

Business states that there are two issues here. The first issue is the company name is Northstar Smog which does not mean the business is actually star certified. The second issue is that the coupons available that show star certified were in reference to a different location on Watt Avenue. This location was Star certified but due to not having up to date equipment the actual star certification is not possible at this time. All new advertisements will clearly specify which locations are star certified.

Consumer

Response:

I am rejecting this response because:1) The coupon that I had that said "star certified" had the northgate blvd address on it and2) The day that I came to that business there was a sign right outside the front door that said "Star Certified"My DMV renewal stated that I had to get my car smogged at a "Star Certified" station and I know that there is a difference so I was very aware. I don't think that it is fair or right to draw customers to a smog station while advertising that it is "Star Certified" when it is not! It was a waste of time and money for me due to their false advertising! If you put the Northgate address on it and state "Star Certified" then that seems pretty obvious to me that it is false advertising! How could the Revdex.com not agree?Disappointed, [redacted]

Review: On December 31, 2015 I took my vehicle in at 9:00am to Northstar smog and auto care to get my transmission fluid change only. They test drove my car before they work on it to make sure it was in great condition. There were no warning light or engine light on indicating a problem. I then left, Later I receive a call around 10:00am from the Northstar stating that my Axel Shaft was damage and needed to be remove and replace. They stated it was causing my transmission fluid to leak. They also stated that they would not be able to complete the transmission fluid change until the axle shaft was fix. I told them to fix the issue for the total amount of $500.00. Around 2pm I pick my car up from the shop. I drove home which was less then 5 mile away. Around 5:00pm I headed towards Berkeley CA which is a hour away from Sacramento. I proceeded on to the freeway going about 75mph as soon as I reach Richmond, California my car started smoking really bad! (Footage available upon request). The engine and warning light came on. 5 mins later the vehicle started jumping in and out of gear which almost cause 2 accident on the freeway. I finally arrive to a safe location to let the vehicle cool off. 15 hrs later I tried to drive the car around the corner in Berkeley California and realize that the vehicle was not going to make it. I ended up calling a tow truck to tow me and my vehicle 68 miles back to Sacramento. The cost was $120.00, once I return to Sacramento on Jan 1, 2016 the establishment was closed due to the holiday. On January 2,2016 I had the vehicle towed to them for repair @8:30am. I pick up up my Car around 4:00pm the car now was in running condition but It ran very hard, it was shaking and the engine light and warning light is still on. I am very disappointed I think I should get a full refund and reimburse for the payment for the tow services. I now have to take my car to The Lexus dealership for a diagnostic test!Desired Settlement: Full refund plus the cost for towing!

Business

Response:

We read the customer complaint, customer brought the vehicle in for the transmission fluid exchange service.