Pohanka Honda of Fredericksburg

Review: On 20141205, we brought our[redacted] vehicle to Pohanka Honda of Fredericksburg, ** to have our inspection services performed in attempts to register it. After all tests were ran the vehicle was failed because of 35% tint being present on the back window covering the third brake lamp. It was made clear that according to [redacted] section * paragraph*; "no sticker or other foreign material shall be affixed to the vehicle in such a manner so as to obscure the center high mount stop lamp". After further inspection of the vehicle code it was made clear in [redacted] section * paragraph*; "Inspect for and reject if... motor vehicle, or trailer, except an antique vehicle not originally equipped with a stop lamp, is not equipped with at least one stop lamp of an approved type ([redacted] or [redacted]) that automatically exhibits a red or amber light to the rear when the brake pedal is actuated". With that in mind, later this evening, I drove back to the inspection site and brought this to the service departments attention. The original state inspector was off for the night, so a different gentleman attempted to assist me. I presented the material explaining why the vehicle should have been passed, and he said he understood, and that "several people have had the same issue and that he needed to make a call for additional clarification". I appreciated his due diligence. Following the call, he regurgitated the original information I presented to him, as to why it failed, quoting the exact code from the [redacted] administration code. I identified to him again why the vehicle was failed erroneously. The word "obscure" was not appropriately used and my vehicle was inappropriately failed. I continuously illustrated the definition of the word; how it meant to block, or prevent and he agreed. I was also informed that he has seen how some vehicles have been passed and how some have failed after being inspected from their establishment. As he was continuing to speak about that matter, he was hushed up by a more tenured gentleman from the service department. He was then instructed to get the shop foreman for additional clarification. After speaking with the foreman, it was again made clear to them that the tint was in the legal limits which they originally passed; so that could not prevent the brake lamps from being obscured. It was also made clear that all the brake lamps are in working order, which they originally passed. It was explained to me that the interpretation of the code/law is at the discretion of the inspector. This is a very unfair practice. And can be interpreted as discrimination. I was given contact information for the State Trooper because "ultimately" decides who passes and fails. I expressed to the foreman that I was not asking for him to bend or break the law by any means. All I ask is for accurate implementation of the codes/laws. The employees clearly acknowledged vehicles have been passed for the same reasons I was failed. This is not fair practice and should be addressed. I will forward this as high as it needs to go. This needs to be rectified.Desired Settlement: Enforce the laws uniformly across the board; regardless of whom the individual is, or their employer. Enforce the regulations in accordance with the law, not by public opinion.

Business

Response:

On December. 8, 2014 [redacted] and myself discussed the concern (by phone) about his vehicle failing a [redacted] Safety inspection. [redacted] safety inspection requires any state inspector to reject vehicles with any semi-transparent or non-transparent stickers or film. Client has decided not to register vehicle in the state of**. Due to the fact that he is in the military and he can retain his plates from his previous state. This concern at another level would have to be reviewed by the [redacted] state police. Client stated he was given the phone Number to Trooper[redacted], our managing Trooper. Respectfully,[redacted]Service Director Pohanka Honda of Fredericksburg[redacted]

Review: On October 17, 2013 ( vehicle mileage 66,988 ) my vehicle was taken to Pohanka Honda of Fredericksburg VA for a report on verbatim - Pulsation in steering wheel. Pohanka Honda of Fredericksburg VA advises front disc brake resurfacing and replacement of brake disc pads with genuine [redacted] parts, clean calipers and lubricate slides. In addition service department clean and adjusted rear brake shoes and parking brake at an additional charge beyond the original cost of front brake replacement and rotor resurfacing.

On January 16, 2014 ( vehicle mileage 69,950 ) my vehicle was taken to Pohanka Honda of Fredericksburg VA for a report on verbatim - Client states he is hearing a Roaring/Droaning noise that will fade in and out while driving at highway speeds while the noise is happening you will feel it through steering wheel, noise is coming from front of vehicle, please test drive and advise.

On January 20, 2014 ( vehicle mileage 70, 067 ) my vehicle was taken to [redacted] in Mechanicsville VA due to front end wobble/vibration and noise while driving. Service Department showed me the client a safety issue that was caused by Pohanka Honda of Fredericksburg VA. The safety issue involves Pohanka Honda only securing 2 of the 4 lug nuts securely on the drivers side front wheel, 2 of the lug nuts were only installed half way on the wheel where as 2 lug nuts were installed incorrectly and stripped causing the technician to not be able and remove the wheel completely. The vehicle tire was only secured by 2 lug nuts. The repair cost involved vehicle being disabled for an entire day, the cost of repairs which required an alignment once the hub was removed to take out the broken studs and reinstall the new studs and also the cost of the parts for a cost of $404.49 - defective work that was caused by Pohanka Honda of Fredericksburg VA regarding non conforming studs and lug nuts to be given to myself as proof of such repairs needed to make vehicle operational.

Pohanka Honda has created a Safety Issue regarding the operation of my vehicle secondary to my original concern in bringing the vehicle in on October 17, 2013 for correction.

The vehicle still remains to have the initial problem in which the vehicle was taken to Pohanka Honda on October 17, 2013 to have checked out and corrected.

I received a phone call on January 20, 2014 at approx. 6:00 pm from Service Manager "[redacted]" at Pohanka Honda of Fredericksburg VA in which he was committed to making sure [redacted] OEM Calipers, Rotors, and Brakes would be taken care of at [redacted] expense due to sticking caliper - I then questioned if one caliper is faulty, what is to say that the other caliper would be short lived also?Desired Settlement: The inconvenience of myself being stranded at [redacted] on Janurary 20, 2014 and the cost of repairs to correct the srewed up mess that Pohanka Honda caused me at a cost of $404.49 - this vehicle may not have needed repairs performed at my expense on October 17, 2013 which involved $249.10 and additionally rear brake shoes adjust and cleaning at a cost of $67.50 for a total repair cost that hasn't changed anything on the initial complaint at a total cost to me ($721.09)

A committment from Pohanka Honda of Fredericksburg VA Service Department [redacted] that he will work with [redacted] to make sure problem is corrected at [redacted] or Pohanka Honda expense including new calipers, new rotors, and [redacted] OEM brake pads. A thorough check of previous other work performed on this vehicle that may not meet safety standards due to lack of knowledge from mechanic staff that this dealership employes. A guarantee or warranty of work that will be performed on vehicle. A committment that this service department will not only check thoroughly upon completion of this work but also to other patrons vehicles that visit Pohanka Honda Service of Fredericksburg VA.

I had looked forward to purchasing my next several vehicles from Pohanka Honda of Fredericksburg VA, however with the uncertainty of the Service Department technicians, I'm not confident at this point to make committments of future vehicles.

Thank you for assistance with Pohanka Honda of Fredericksburg VA.

Business

Response:

[redacted],

We apologize for the repair that was performed at out dealership. The Service Manager [redacted] has contacted you and offered to re-imburse you for the cost of the repair at [redacted]. In addition, we have invited you to bring the car back to our dealership for a complete inspection. We feel it is important to respond quickly to your concerns.

Sincerely,

General Manager