Complaints

• Initial Complaint

  12/17/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Hope you are well. I am bringing an issue to your attention due to multiple failed attempts to get answers for an expense incurred as a result of the shop’s neglect at Honda of Sarasota, Sarasota FL. Service Adviser Joseph C****** has been assisting without any success or remedy. All I get is “we will call you back”. Below is a chronological description of events: -On 8/12/24 I got an oil change for my **** Honda *** at Honda of Sarasota. See attached copy. -On 8/19/24 I was driving north via FL Turnpike and a scary noise came from under the vehicle. I drove to the nearest Honda Dealer (******* Honda) and they found the Splash shield was hanging. It was never reinstalled properly. They reattached the splash shield. Cost $56.99. See attached copy. -On 8/19/24 while waiting at ******* Honda (Leesburg, FL) I contacted Joseph C****** (Service Advisor) and provided a report of the incident. He asked me to bring the receipt of the expense for reimbursement. -On 8/20/24 I stopped by Honda of Sarasota. Joseph C****** made a copy of the receipt and forwarded it to his manager and then to the business office. - Follow-up calls were made on Sept. 10, 17, and 24. No response from business office and when I talked to Joseph C****** he promised to follow up and that he will call me back. Two additional calls were made in October and November to the service manager but went to voice mail. No one ever call back. It is a shame that my good intention of accepting Honda of Sarasota’s error without me providing any negative review is simply ignored. I hope that this complaint can change that. Please advise at your earliest convenience. **** *******

  Business response

  12/17/2024

   Honda of Sarasota will be refunding Mr ******* the $59.15 for the splash shield fix.

  We definitely would have responded much sooner had we known! 

  Apologies from the Service Director of Honda of Sarasota 

  Attachment is the request for reimbursement that we have sent to our centralized accounting office.

  Once check is received I will call Mr ******* personally 

• Initial Complaint

  12/16/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I responded to an ad for a car they advertised at $18091 stating it was $900 under carfax value and stated because of this it was a good deal. They would not honor the advertised price and actually charged me $20585 which OVER the carfax value making it NOT a good deal. They said that somewhere on their webpage is a blurb about charging $1995 for something. It was not in the ad and there was no reference in the ad about this extra charge. The ad was very misleading and deceitful. The ad was false for the price they listed that they would sell it for. I am a senior citizen who had just lost everything in a hurricane and needed a car fast. I went there specifically because of this ad listing the price. I got there and they charged me $2494 more than what the ad said the price would be. I am requesting a refund in the amount of $2494 which is the difference in what they advertised and what they actually sold it for. They also listed a bunch of ad ons that they charged me for that were not listed in the price of $18091. I have also filed a complaint with the ************************ about the false advertising and adding in charges.

  Business response

  12/16/2024

  This is a complete waste of time and resources. The BBB needs to review the complaint before publishing it to the wrong business. You can plainly see in the pictures that the car was purchased from Sarasota Honda not Venice Honda. Also why would the the top of the purchase order be cropped to intentionally hide the information it contains. 

  Business response

  01/02/2025

  Upon reviewing this transaction, I see that the client was charged the advertised price.  Our website, and all third party websites we partner with, list our disclaimer which includes a $1995 Advantage Package the dealership installs on all new and used vehicles. Further, an addendum is posted all new and used vehicles listing the Advantage Package. Window tint is an optional product offered to all customers. On this transaction, the client chose to purchase the window tint option, however it does not appear the client has scheduled to get the tint applied yet.  Upon review of the entire deal, it appears there is a $100 discrepancy charged above the total agreed upon price which we will refund the client as soon as possible.  Regarding the tint, the client can either set an appointment to get it applied at the dealership, or upon clients request, we can refund that $399 as well.

  Customer response

  01/03/2025

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** **********

  Customer response

  01/03/2025

   
  Complaint: 22689418
  
  I am rejecting this response because: 

  Thank you for the detailed response and I am wanting to accept the $100 discrepancy that you have found along with the full $399 for the window tint. Please reply back and advise how I will receive these amounts and when this will be completed.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** **********

  Business response

  01/17/2025

  We have processed the check and sent out the refund.  If you have not received it or have any questions let me know.

  Customer response

  01/18/2025

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** **********

• Initial Complaint

  11/19/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  The dealership advertised the car at a price of $18091. When I got there after I test drove and sat down to purchase they told me they would not honor that advertised price. They instead charged me $20585 for the vehicle.The advertisement was very misleading and deceptive. False advertising and I have filed a complaint with the ************************ also.

  Business response

  12/11/2024

  Upon reviewing this transaction, I see that the client was charged the advertised price.  Our website, and all third party websites we partner with, list our disclaimer which includes a $1995 Advantage Package the dealership installs on all new and used vehicles. Further, an addendum is posted all new and used vehicles listing the Advantage Package. Window tint is an optional product offered to all customers. On this transaction, the client chose to purchase the window tint option, however it does not appear the client has scheduled to get the tint applied yet.  Upon review of the entire deal, it appears there is a $100 discrepancy charged above the total agreed upon price which we will refund the client as soon as possible.  Regarding the tint, the client can either set an appointment to get it applied at the dealership, or upon clients request, we can refund that $399 as well.

  Customer response

  12/11/2024

   
  Complaint: 22575597
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  I have attached the ad. Can you please tell me where the 1995 disclaimer is that you refer to in your response. Maybe I missed it but I do not see it here at all. Please send a picture so I can see it if I missed it. Thank you 
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** **********

• Initial Complaint

  11/07/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Drop off car 11/1/24 Estimate received over the phone 11/1/24 **** ******* a service agent with Honda of Sarasota quoted valve cover gasket at 11 and some change, strut parts at 19 98, and a wheel alignment at $225. I figured the total would be around $300. I even said no problem since the most expensive thing will be the $225 alignment.Pickup on 11/6 The bill came to over $3000. **** ******* said he assumed I knew the price for parts was $1100 and $1998 respectively. He admits to stating the numbers in a weird way but still required payment to receive the car. His manager reduced the price to $1882, claimed this has happened before but not with ****, and said we have no recourse.I believe this dealership is regularly doing this deceptive practice, and a quick search of reviews confirms this suspicion.

  Business response

  11/20/2024

  Client was given an estimate at the time of drop of of 1998 and apparently assumed that was ***** for repair of gasket and shocks instead of $1998.00 which was the true cost.  When he came to pickup we lowered the amount to $1882.70 which he paid.  Upon receipt of his complaint, in the interest of satisfying the consumer we opted to refund that amount entirely and as such effectively did the work at no charge.  Attached is the email he got showing we refunded the money.

  Customer response

  11/20/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is more than satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* ********

• Initial Complaint

  09/30/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  In August 2024, I decided to try and lower my outgoing expenses by trading my financed 2023 ********* in for a leased 2025 HRV. Salesman **** listened to my plight and assured me that he got me so I test drove a 2025 AWD HRV, during the transaction **** said he had given me the incorrect *** (to check the price with my insurance company ) and gave me a different *** but assured me it was the exact same make, model and trim as the vehicle I had test driven. Of note, when I completed the deal I noticed another customer getting the keys for the first *** vehicle. However, after leaving the dealership with the *** I realized it was NOT the same model that I had test driven ( it was a 2WD versus an AWD) this was confirmed after I checked their website and the *** of both HRVs, so I took it back and, after a bit of a battle with the salesman, ****, who tried to tell me my CRV was a 2WD too, ( its not, plus it clearly has AWD stamped on the rear windshield ) the ** was kind enough to unwind the deal and I got my CRV back. I left the dealership satisfied. However, fast forward to today, some 6 weeks later, and I still have an active contract in my name for the *** with a payment due 10/1. I have emailed and texted the salesmen **** and ****, who have ignored me, as well as called the dealership multiple times to try and speak to finance but no one answer the extension. Honda financing have said the dealership are the ones to recall the contract otherwise I owe the payment. So now I have 2 Honda payments due at the same time, one for a vehicle I dont possess, and seemingly the only way to get a solution is for me to drive over an hour AGAIN to go to the dealership in person because no one answers the phone, emails, or texts, including the method of contacting the ** on the dealerships website ) The *** would have been the third purchase I made from this dealership but after this, I will never buy from them again because their after care is non existent.

  Business response

  10/01/2024

  The client did return the vehicle to the dealership at which time a form should have been submitted to Honda to cancel out the deal, which normally takes approximately 2 weeks.  It appears that this was not properly processed by Honda and when the customer called in this should have been caught had we responded back to her in a timely manner.  Upon receipt of this notice I have personally reached out to Honda and sent in the appropriate documentation and this should be resolved over the next few business days.  I apologize that this wasn't done properly from the outset and I will continue to monitor with Honda to ensure that the account is closed out properly.  Should there be any further questions please reach out to me directly in the office at 941-770-6400.  Thank you, Erik Coxwell

  Customer response

  10/14/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID 22354992, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. I want to thank Eric for his personal attention to my complaint, he (alone) resolved my issue.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Heather Harris

  Customer response

  10/22/2024

   
  Complaint: 22354992
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  Second complaint about the same issue- I cant find my first complaint to add on or reject. Was going to lease a 2025 *** back in August, changed my mind due to previously stated issues, and took my 2023 *** back instead. I tried contacting business myself, regarding the payment for the *** as Honda finance showed I owned 2 vehicles. I do not. I returned the ***. Dealership calls always led to no response or always " call back" ,however, after writing a complaint on here I was contacted by **** at Honda of Sarasota. He assured me the contract would be closed and everything would be fine so I closed my prior BBB complaint as satisfied. Fast fwd to today and I received a bill from Honda stating I owe $1212.72 and late fees for the ***. Called them and they said they haven't received anything from the dealership yet. Told me to call them back in a week. I expressed my concerns over my credit and they said "ohhh we can take that off when we receive the check from Honda of Sarasota". When?? I explained it was a lease that I gave back, not a financed vehicle. They said they still need a check? This has now been months. I need the *** out of my name.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* ******

  Business response

  11/12/2024

  This was finally resolved a couple of weeks ago and the old loan was closed out so it is no longer reflecting on her account with ****************.

   

  **** *******
  General Leader
  P: ************
  
  ************************
  
  Sarasota, FL, 34231 
  
   

  Customer response

  11/13/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.  Ultimately, **** was able to get everything resolved.  Honda Financial sent me a closing letter and statement showing zero owed and the account closed, the letter also stated any reported "late payments" were taken off my credit.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* ******

• Initial Complaint

  09/02/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  on June 1, I traded in my new 2024 Honda Accord that I had recently purchased from Honda of Sarasota because it was a lemon. Instead of going through legal matters, **** De ***** the finance manager agreed to give me $23,000 of trade-in allowance with an additional $3000 cash from me and promised that the owed finance amount and monthly payments would be less than the Honda I was trading-in. So, I proceeded to go through the process of acquiring the new financing for the 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid Sport with ************** I repeatedly asked him about the owed finance amount through the process of e-signing the documents, **** De ***** assured me again that it would be less than the Honda Accord I was trading-in. Upon completing the paperwork, I asked **** De ***** for a copy of all documents on a *** drive. **** De ***** assured me that everything was on the *** drive. A few days later, **** De ***** called me and asked for me to come to the dealership because we had to change lenders. Upon arriving, I found out that I would be financing through Suncoast again. I asked was there any changes in the contract before I signed anything, which he assured me that everything was the same. Upon completing the e-signing, I asked for a copy of all the documents on a *** drive and physically signed a form giving Suncoast authorization for automatic withdrawal from my checking account. **** De ***** thanked me and said the copy of my *** would be mailed to me. I have yet to receive any documents from Honda in reference to the revised finance agreement and was never given a copy of the original sales contract. After months of delay and receiving past due payment notices from Suncoast for the Original Honda loan, I reached out to Honda and Suncoast. I never received a reply from ************* but was able to reach a loan specialist at Suncoast.

  Business response

  09/19/2024

  I have reviewed the documentation for the deal that Mr. ********* negotiated with the dealership on 7/1/2024 and the selling price on the contract is below what was agreed upon.  The trade value and payoff are both what was agreed upon and the down payment is what was agreed upon as well.  After speaking with ********************* previously the payment is also what they had discussed.  Due to the fact that I was not present when he discussed the deal with ****** De *****, who is no longer employed at the dealership, I can only go by what I know was agreed upon and if the price, payoff, trade amount, payment and down payment are all correct, it only makes sense that the total amount financed is correct because all of the other factors dictate the financed amount.  There are additional products such as warranty, maintenance and other aftermarket products in his contract that can be cancelled which would lower his amount owed should he wish to do so.  If he does wish to cancel these products have him reach out to the dealership and speak to a finance manager.

  Customer response

  09/19/2024

   
  Complaint: 22230263
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************************

• Initial Complaint

  07/25/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Bought a Honda CRV in April 2024. Was given a temporary license and have had 3 temporary licenses to this date. **************** told me to go to the *** to get my license tag for my vehicle. *** said that was not true and asked that I fill out a "DIVISION OF MOTORIST SERVICES CONSUMER COMPLAINT FORM." This has been done and will be faxed today to Motor Vehicle Field Operations fax ************. I just want my Tag so I can drive to work, not be pulled over for having an expired license, not get written up at work for being late every day because of this. Called Honda on 7/24/24 Manger was suppose to call me back, left name and number with receptionist who answered the phone due to Manager was not available. The number I called was the complaint department ************. The receptionist said there was some issue with title in ****. She said it would be ***** days. It has been 90 days. I just want my license. If that cannot be done .. I will return the vehicle and would like to be compensated for the windshield and tires along with getting the down payment money I gave returned to me.

  Business response

  08/16/2024

  The vehicle that *********** purchased was traded into our dealership and the prior owner had the vehicle titled in *****  We received title at the time of the original deal and placed the vehicle for resale.  Once the vehicle was purchased by *********** our accounting office went to process the titlework it was discovered that there was an error with the title.  In order to correct this we needed to obtain a duplicate title.  We contacted the person that traded the vehicle to get the documents needed to apply for the duplicate title and have sent everything to the state to get it.  We are currently waiting for the duplicate to come back from **** and will finalize the titlework for *********** as soon as we obtain it.

  Customer response

  08/19/2024

   
  Complaint: 22042164
  
  I am rejecting this response because: It was 4/2024 when the vehicle was purchased, there have been 3 tempory license plates.  The current license plate is expired.  When I went back to the dealership they said to go to the *** to get another temporary license plate.  The *** said the dealership was lying to me, that there can only be 3.  I asked how I was suppose to get to work on an expired car license plate and the dealer said if the police stop you to just say it came from the Honda dealership and they will understand.  I called the *** and said that is not true.  Now I cannot drive anywhere.  Can't go to work, I have to bother people to come get me if they can.  I cannot drive to get groceries.  Vehicle just sits in the drive way.  I have put in a complaint to the Division of ****************** Bureau of **************** Motor Vehicle Field Operations- Regional Office.  Honda should have never sold the vehicle if they did not have a clear title.  And you know what, they never said a word to us about until after getting the third license plate tag.  They have lied to us throughout the whole process.  I want my license plate.  Please and Thank you.  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************

• Initial Complaint

  07/17/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I bought a 2024 Honda Accord with ***** miles at Honda Sarasota 2 days ago for $26,995. While buying the car they showed the car fax which showed the car being purchased there this past December. It also showed the car being serviced at this same dealer 3 times with the description being Engine checked. **** our salesman, assured us this was a routine message that pops up when someone gets an oil change. This made us not worry about it since it was being serviced at this same dealer and **** assured us not to worry. Yesterday while driving the car, the car had a slow start.. would shake heavily while driving, braking, and even while completely stopped. We test drove the car and none of these problems occurred on the test drive. We made sure to contact the dealer and tell them about these issues before 24 hours had even passed from buying the car. We found the first owner who bought and traded the car back in at this same dealer and he informed us that a similar situation happened to him and it even got to a point where he couldnt drive the car. He told us the car had major problems and when he would bring and he eventually traded it into them because it was so bad. We came in today hoping to exchange the car for a different accord. The Sales Manager ***** offered us a ridiculous deal that would make us pay nearly $170 more a month for 84 months instead of 72. This was for a new 24 accord. This is ridiculous since they wronged us a lied to us about the car they sold us. They offered to service the vehicle but we do not want that since this vehicle only has ***** miles and has had major problems (they did not disclose that to us even though they knew it had prior problems).

  Business response

  07/30/2024

  I contacted the customer and discussed their complaints.  Although the vehicle they purchased is covered under factory warranty and would be repaired without any cost to the customer, after discussing their concerns with future potential issues I decided to get them out of it and into a new 2024 Honda Accord.  The customer is happy and in a new car with no prior history.  Should you have any additional questions please reach out to me.  

• Initial Complaint

  06/28/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  3/29/24 tricked by salesman to go talk to finance guy, telling me I could cancel deal next day if I didnt like it. I paid $55,831.07for a $42126.00 vehicle!Finance guy had alot wrong with each page he told me to sign, I brought it up, hed say things like no one will look at, or not important or when i questioned money amount he flat out lied that amount includes interest, . Big lie ! Second lie that Icouldnt cancel next day, contract was written wrong.I was told vehicle discount $3626, yet finance only gave me $355 discount! over charged, after many trips to dealership w/ GM and finance guy who kept saying figures correct or you signed it, I brought in witnesses 5/3/24to see how they were mistreating/ bullying me and then and only then did finance guy agree that an error was made $2971.46(I paid 2 sales tax on 2 different vehicle prices)$735 ( hitch refund promised 3/29/24) =$3706.46 due to me and accounting would send check to me. Finance refused to accept the front salesman discount of $3626, and stole $3271 from me and deal I was told out front by salesmen.Due to over charged price of vehicle , unable to cancel this bad deal, I lowered my loss by canceling 5/10/24extended warranty ($3458+ tax if applicable) with warranty company who in turn refunded money back to Honda of Sarasota who needs to refund to me.June 3,2024 received check $3700.06, Not $3706.46 due to me for error in sale tax paid twice with different vehicle prices+ promised refund of $735 hitch charge I said no to and he didnt listen, put in price( god only knows where) wouldnt remove price even when not installed or deal complete. So dishonest.Still looking for $3458 + tax if applicable. They need to be honest and refund the discount I was told which means they owe me $3271. The absolute worst dealership to do business with or trust what they say. Their actions speak volumes of corruption among each employee there.

  Business response

  06/28/2024

  Unfortunately the events that **************** said transpired are inaccurate. We have refunded her finance products purchased, never charged her for a tow hitch, and then credited her for the tow hitch as well. Each time we are told that while this won't change her belief of how the sale transpired, it's what we can do to rectify the concern. She has come back to the dealership multiple times after the fact and continues to request more compensation. At this point there is nothing further we can offer ****************. This is her 3rd BBB complaint for the same issue.

  Customer response

  06/29/2024

   
  Complaint: 21911561
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  This dealership is so dishonest, heres a few lies in photos. They refuse to take responsibility for their actions, which lead to a very corrupt transaction 3/29/23. Lies start at salesmen, continue to finance guy and on to GM who knows the true but continues to lie . I paid $55831.07 Not$46735.04 they claim. Charged multiple sales tax, promised a hitch refund$735, corrupt finance guy worked figures and then promised to refund $735 as I said remove that cost from deal, which he responded I cant but Ill give you a check for $735. 
  continued to promise that every visit and many calls up thru May 2024.also the sales tax charges figured in multiple time. I cancelled with extended warranty company 5/3/24. Ive recd check($3700.06) from Honda for service cancellation, I assume thats extended warranty refund. Never received $735 promised in writing as photo shows. They lie over and over. 

  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

  Business response

  07/01/2024

  We apologize for the customer feeling the way she does. We have tried to resolve the concern in a way that is acceptable for all parties. The dealership has refunded all cancelled finance products and made all necessary concessions. We are unable to make the customer satisfied beyond this point.

• Initial Complaint

  05/24/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Since March 18th, I have been trying to get Honda of Sarasota to cancel my extended warranty and Gap coverage on a vehicle that I traded in at another dealership. I have reached out on four separate occasions, only to be ignored all but one time. The finance director reached out to me on May 12 saying that they needed proof of mileage at time of trade to which I provided on May 16. He has not responded to numerous attempts to contact him via email, phone call, and voice mail messages. He did not respond whether or not he initiated the refund process, which he said will take an additional 5-6 weeks from when he starts the process. It took two months to even get to that step and I believe that they are dragging this out intentionally, but I am not assigning a specific motive as to why. I think that it is unreasonable to delay me this long for such a basic thing. The previous car I traded in, this whole process took one phone call and one email. Every time I call them, I have to start all the way at the beginning. They take my information and then nobody gets back in touch with me like they promise and then I have to start it all over again.

  Business response

  05/24/2024

  We may not have been clear enough about the turnaround time for a cancellation. Customer has been contacted and cancellation has been expedited and copy of the checks have been emailed to customer. According to the customer he is now happy. 

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩