Complaints

• Initial Complaint

  01/07/2025

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  ?Dear BBB,I am submitting a formal complaint against Meineke Car Care Center located at *************************************** for failing to address concerns regarding brake service performed on my vehicle.On ?J?une 24, 2023, I paid ?$?769.55 for a brake replacement, documented on Invoice #?3?2712. However, during a recent inspection at a certified ********** dealership repair shop, it was determined that the brakes are in a "metal-on-metal" condition, which is inconsistent with parts being replaced within the past two years.I have contacted Meineke on two separate occasions ?i?nitial email sent, December 4, 2024, spoke with **** at ********** location via phone/email December 5, 2024, emailed December 9, 2024 with Corporate and ********** location, emailed December 16, 2024 and then last email correspondent was sent December 20, 2024, providing them with an opportunity to address this issue. Despite my efforts, I have not received any response or resolution.This issue raises concerns about the accuracy and legitimacy of the service provided, potentially violating consumer protection standards. I seek a full refund of the original service cost, reimbursement for towing and inspection expenses, and immediate corrective action to resolve this matter? as additional damages have been caused to the only vehicle I have to transport my family.Thank you for your assistance. I look forward to your response. ***I HAVE A WHOLE COMPRESSED ZIP FILE OF ALL THE DOCUMENTATION I COULD NOT PROVIDE FOR YOU***Sincerely,?C?aitlyn ******

• Initial Complaint

  10/29/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Hi Team,I visited Meineke Store# **** at ************************************* on 09/07/2024 to get the issue related my 2016 ***** Accord's rear left door not locking automatically addressed. I was scheduled for the Electrical Analysis of my Car in relation to this problem. Post analysis, they concluded that the Door Actuator is degraded and needs to be replaced (bill and analysis report attached here in). I scheduled for having it fixed per their analysis and setup an appointment a weeks out - since the part was not readily and would that time to ********* was also identified that my brakes were worn out, that since on warraty I visited ********* @******* and sought second opinion / estimates. With competitive price and parts were made available more quickly went with them. Problem not resolved post actuator replacement and they doubted Meineke original analysis captured in the service bill as well. But original analysis not done by the, they couldn't cover it and I have to got for another round of Electrical Diagnostic with ********* to conclude it was just a wiring issue (bill for service attached) and it could have been addressed right there, during the Electrical analysis done at Meineke.I reached to the store, to address for the mistake they have done and trouble caused due to bad analysis and corresponding resolution at their part thrice. I was told someone from their team would call back, but none reached for a resolution. I am reaching out to claim for the Electrical Diagnostic Bill from Meineke and the additional unecessary charge I have to pay for Door actuator replacement and labor - totaling to ****** [***** + ******]. Can you please have this reviewed with the leadership and have this amount refunded back to me, as of the gap/ wrong analysis on Meineke part.********.

  Customer response

  11/26/2024

   
  Regarding Complaint ID: ******** Besides raising the complaint with them, I also submitted review on the store portal. They came back to me, asking to contact Store Manager. Post the telephonic conversation with them. they went ahead and gave store Credit for the bad flawed service I got from them. I be using that Store Credit, for getting the ************ changed performed. With that, the captioned Complaint may be closed off. Thanks,
  
  Sent from ******** ***** (********************************)
  

• Initial Complaint

  09/26/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  On 8/20/24 I took my car in for a diagnostic test, after my check engine light came on. Meneike performed the test, which showed I had an emissions issue, that required further testing. I was not offered any further testing by the manager. When I asked what could he do about the check engine light, he claimed it was a small sensor issue that would run about $400. I approved the work.I picked up my car that afternoon and about block away it stalled at a red light. It stalled every time I stopped. I contacted the manager and he asked me to bring it back for a look. After 2 hours he told me it would cost $900 to correct the issue. I asked why? He claimed ** recommends changing the entire emission system. I have 2108 ***** Cruze under 100k, no way did I need a new emission system. I asked for a refund, he gave me the number to corporate. I left 4 messages and 2 emails no response. I finally took my car to another mechanic who did the testing Meineke did not. The test showed that I had a damaged throttle body, dirty air filter, and the part Meineke replaced was listed. After the repair I reached out to try and resolve the matter. The manager claimed corporate and his district manager had been trying to reach me, I have nothing in my phone log or email from them.I offered to just be reimbursed for the part since I didnt need it, and they could keep the labor. The manager just kept giving me the run around. I just want to be treated fairly.

• Initial Complaint

  09/23/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  I took my Jeep to Meineke after it overheated on the freeway, which caused it to stop. I had to replace the freeze hoses and perform a coolant replacement to address the overheating issue. After these repairs, the vehicle no longer overheated and was running as expected. but the check engine light remained on, and the vehicle occasionally hesitated to start. Although it never required more than one turn of the key, there was a slight delay in starting. no additional issues affecting the engine. I brought the vehicle to the shop for further inspection. I was given an estimate for several repairs, with the primary issue related to the check engine light identified as a problem with the throttle. I was quoted a total of $2,900, including taxes, and was informed that this repair would resolve the engine issue. I was told the vehicle would be ready the next business day once the new throttle was ordered, received, and installed. The following day around 5 PM, I received a call informing me that the replacement part was faulty. The technician noted that the vehicle would not start after several attempts. This was confusing to me, as starting the car had not previously been an issue. I was assured that the problem would be resolved, but the repair would now be completed by the next Monday. Since Monday was Labor Day and the shop was closed, I received no update until Tuesday. I was then sent a text message with a new quote of $7,000 for an engine replacement, which was unexpected as the engine was functioning properly before the initial inspection. Upon calling for an explanation, I was informed that the engine had been damaged during the repair process. I want them to replace the damage they caused so I can take my car to another auto shop. I have attempted to reach a supervisor but have not received any response via phone, email, or text.

• Initial Complaint

  08/23/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  HERE IS TIMELINE: I received negligent oil change service at Meineke on June 18, 2024, for my 2013 X3 28i. This resulted in turbo/engine failure the following day. Please review the following, with attachments proving my case.- ***, your onsite manager, after 40 minutes waiting for oil change, indicated they had the wrong year/model (after I clearly indicated it at arrival). I told him I only had 20 minutes before I had to leave for an appointment; the oil may have been changed, but not the filter.-After the turbo/engine failure the following day, I reported this to *** who indicated it would need to be taken to an approved Meineke repair shop and I should return and talk to **** *******, his boss. **** then sent me an email saying the oil and filter were changed properly according to make/model (this was not the case).-No repair shop was given, so I took it to Coopers Auto Repair on June 21. After inspection, it was determined incorrect oil filter and oil used. Coopers then did a complete oil change and recommended I drive the vehicle for a short time to see if the problem would resolve itself. The vehicle continued to whine and drive at much reduced power.-On July 3, I took the vehicle to Coopers for an estimate on complete inspection and repairs. They determined the turbo was blown and engine damaged. I declined repairs to get a second opinion; the cost was more than the vehicle fair value.-on July 4, I took the vehicle to *************** as this shop is expert in older Euro model repairs. I kept the old oil filter from the *********** change (still in my possession) and gave it to the tech. The tech determined the oil filter model on my Meineke oil change DID NOT MATCH the oil filter given. This definitively proves the filter WAS NOT CHANGED; the botched oil change led to the vehicle damages as determined by both repair shops.During this time, I have emailed **** ******* several times to work with Meineke to resolve this; he has ignored me.

• Initial Complaint

  05/13/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  Paid for work that was not completed and Meineke accepted payment and misrepresented the work as having been completed.

• Initial Complaint

  02/18/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  My husband and I took our vehicle to Meineke #**** ********************************************* on 12/15/24/for a AC compressor replacement. When we picked up the vehicle and started to drive home we noticed there was a heavy vibration when the car was running. This is not an issue that the car had before. We immediately returned to Meineke stating this issue. Meineke wanted to keep the car overnight to look for the problem. The next day while the mechanic was working on the car he left it running and unattended in an area open to the public. Someone walked by and got in the vehicle and stole it. This is the Pierce County Sheriff's case number **********. Our insurance considered the vehicle a total loss and paid out the value after a two week waiting period. The issue we are having with Meineke now is to refund the money we paid for the service that was never completed. Also to pay for the contents of the vehicle that was a loss to us due to the theft. PDF below. The theft of the vehicle was 100% their fault due to them not taking reasonable care to protect our vehicle. We have emailed and spoken by phone to Meineke but have gotten little response back and no refund for the service bill. Service bill ******** Contents of car ********

• Initial Complaint

  11/17/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  On 11/15/2003 my girlfriend took her car into have a piece of pipe replaced and 1 piece of pipe welded.instead they removed 3 pieces of pipe that was installed a week before she brought it to them,removed the safety heat sheild designed to protect mechanical components from getting to hot as well as protect the carpet from catching fire,removed the clamps from the pieces of pipe that was just installed,they did install a new section of pipe as requested.the work they did leaks exhaust into the cabin of her vehicle which is causing her headaches and feeling tired.i went there with her the next day to find out why they removed the new parts why they took off a critical safety component and to have them repair their mistakes and ask for all the new parts back.the manager simply said we may leave now.refused to answer any questions,return parts,or make repairs.my girlfriend is 65 with health issues she can't be driving a vehicle that exhaust is coming in.i think this is the reason they did what they did .because she was a 65 yr old lady.

• Initial Complaint

  10/10/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  On July 22, 2022, I took my car to get serviced, specifically to replace my spark plugs, fuel emissions and fuel injection service, and a 23 point vehicle inspection. A week later, I used my windshield wipers and they weren't working. They worked prior to Meineke servicing my car. I automatically thought it was Meineke's failure but the weather was nice so I decided to delay getting it checked out. When it started to rain on October 21, 2022, I went to *** Boys to assess what the issue was. *** Boys called me and asked if my car was serviced by another shop and I told them it was Meineke. *** Boys determined that the wiper motor harness was disconnected which they fixed and my wipers worked again. *** Boys charged me for a diagnostic fee which I agreed to. I then spoke with ***** from Meineke and he told me that his men in fact accessed my windshield wipers component when they worked on my car and I told him I would like to be compensated for what I paid *** Boys in the amount of $217.06 as it was Meineke's failure to connect the wiper motor harness that resulted in the failure of my wipers. ***** told me that *** Boys should have reached out to Meineke so they would have the opportunity to fix it, and even went as far as to ask me if I gave *** Boys permission to work on my car and asked if they fixed the issue. I told him I authorized the work and that it didn't make sense that *** Boys would not resolve the issue when they were all ready working on the car. It was raining that day and what kind of poor customer service would that have been to not fix the issue, and potentially put my life at risk because my wipers didn't work? All I want is for Meineke to take accountability and do the right thing by compensating me for what *** Boys charged me. If it wasn't for the lack of competence that Meineke exhibited, I wouldn't have needed to pay for a service that could have been prevented.I even went in person as ***** told me to and gave ***** copies of the work order and my receipt from *** Boys.***** took over 2 weeks to get back to me since he originally said that he needed to bring this attention to the owner or the person who makes big decisions. He said that the best they could offer was store credit that was less than what I paid *** Boys. I asked him what made him think I would return to them ever again since they were so incompetent and that I was not satisfied with their response. I also said that the amount he offered didn't even cover what I paid *** Boys and he gave me a lame explanation that I didn't even care to understand because at that point, it was all about principles for me. I then asked for their corporate/headquarter's contact information and he gave me this email, which I don't think is legitimate: *********************************************************** All I want is for Meineke to reimburse me in full for their mistake and to not do this to another customer.

• Initial Complaint

  09/01/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  Meineke ********* Center replaced my car's alternator on 8/24/2022. I paid for the outrageous price of $1,284.49 (which included a heavily marked up price of $494.13 on the remanufactured alternator, and 4.3 hours at $150 per hour of shop labor, plus tax). Apparently, it was required to remove A LOT of components to replace the alternator. After paying, I drove my car and noticed that the Air Conditioner no longer was pumping out any cold air whatsoever. The air coming through the vents into the car was actually a lot warmer than the air outside. I called Meineke and they told me to bring the car back in so they could take a look. The mechanic hooked it up to a machine and 'recharged' the system he said, and it started blowing cold air again. He told me that I simply didn't have much refrigerant in the car and that it was fine now. When I drove the car just a few days later, the Air Conditioner again did not work. I called and setup an appointment at their earliest convenience, which was a few days later, on 9/1/2022. The mechanic told me that my Air Conditioner Compressor Case was cracked and that it would be over $1,100 for parts and labor to have it fixed. I explained that the Air Conditioner worked great until I dropped the car off at the shop for the Alternator repair. He immediately got defensive and said there was no way that anything could have happened to the Air Conditioning. I again reminded him that A LOT of components were removed for the alternator replacement, but again he said it wasn't possible. I let him know that I would be filing a complaint with the BBB as the fact that the Air Conditioner stopped working and the Case being cracked seemed to clearly be linked to damage suffered while tearing out components to replace the alternator. He then was ultra-defensive and told me that I was calling him a liar. I have never had any issues with the Air Conditioner, so the fact that it was cracked and now had a bad leak was really suspect.

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