Complaints

This profile includes complaints for AutoNation Chevrolet South Clearwater's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

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  AutoNation Chevrolet South Clearwater

  15005 US Highway 19 N Clearwater, FL 33764-7163

• 

  AutoNation Chevrolet South Clearwater

  PO Box 5500 Clearwater, FL 33758-5500

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. 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.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/09/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  My experience with this dealership has been nothing short of a nightmare. I purchased a car less than a month ago, and despite their so-called 120-point inspection, it has been plagued with issues from the start. The radiator cap leaks, the wheels arent aligned, the brakes are grinding, and a tire sensor is coming loose. Most alarming, the transmission is completely shot.Ive been emailing the dealership about these issues since the week I bought the car because the problems were obvious right away. When I finally brought the car in, it sat there for a week with no progressno repairs were made, not even something as simple as fixing the tire sensor. Instead of addressing the clear transmission failure, the dealership tried to upsell me on a tune, which did nothing to resolve the ******** make matters worse, the dealership refused to replace my leaking radiator and claimed the cars battery was bad. However, when I had it tested at ********, it turned out the alternator was the problem. I had to replace the alternator out of my own pocket, even though the car is still under a 90-day warranty, which should have covered the repair.The lack of communication and accountability is unacceptable. Ive spent a week paying for ***** to get to work because my car is undrivable. They never answer the phone or follow through on promised ************ this point, I am demanding that the dealership replace the transmission and address all outstanding issues within a timely manner. Enough time and money have been wasted due to their negligence. If this issue is not resolved immediately, I will seek legal advice to protect my rights and ensure the matter is handled properly. The transmission issues started before the car was tuned. I have email receipts showing I reported the problem and requested repairs within the first week of ownership. Despite this, the dealership has failed to resolve the issue under the 90-day warranty.

  Business Response

  Date: 12/09/2024

  This guest arrived 12.2.2024 with concerns of shifting erratic, tire pressure light on, check the suspension, and coolant leaking.  During the inspection we found that the car had been modified.  Non-Factory ECM tune, Non-Factory intake, Non-Factory throttle body, and the exhaust has been modified.  We recommend fixing these issues in order to complete the diagnosis.  We also recommend a tire pressure sensor replacement and a radiator replacement. 
  
  The customer declined all work and took the car on 12.6.2024.  We did not charge him for the diagnosis.  I believe this was recently purchased at another facility.  If we opened a claim with Assurant they would have sent an inspector and he warranty would have been canceled due to the modifications. 
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/12/2024

   
  Complaint: 22656153
  This response is extremely misleading and does not accurately reflect my experience. Here are the facts:

  
  1.Transmission Issues Were Reported Immediately: I emailed the dealership about the erratic shifting and other concerns within the first week of owning the ******* before any modifications were made. I have email receipts proving this. The transmission issues existed when I purchased the car and were unrelated to any modifications made later.

  
  2.Tire Pressure Sensor and Radiator: The tire pressure sensor and radiator problems were identified as issues during your 120-point inspection but were never repaired, despite the car being under the dealerships 90-day warranty.

  
  3.Warranty Claim and Modifications: If the warranty could be voided by the modifications, why didnt your team explain that before declining to proceed with repairs? Furthermore, the modifications you referenced are either irrelevant or misrepresented. For example, the throttle body is a stock aftermarket replacement, and the car was untuned to regular specifications. These modifications have no impact on the transmission issues I reported.

  
  4.Forced to Pick Up the Car Without Diagnosis: I paid to bring the car back for inspection, only to receive a call the following day essentially forcing me to pick up the car. The dealership refused to even attempt a proper diagnosis because the muffler wasnt stock. This decision felt retaliatory and unprofessional, as I had complied with the process.

  
  5.Evidence of Torque Converter Failure: After dropping the transmission pan myself, it is clear the torque converter is bad. This was a known issue, yet the dealership refused to investigate or address it under the warranty. Instead, I was forced to take the car home without any resolution.
  
  
  The fact that I wasnt charged for the initial diagnosis does not excuse the dealerships failure to uphold the warranty or address the issues I reported from the start. I purchased this car less than a month ago, and I am now stuck paying for repairs that should have been covered.
  
  
  I want to make it clear that I will do whatever it takes to get justice. The dealerships refusal to honor the warranty, retaliatory behavior, and misrepresentation of facts are completely unacceptable. I am pursuing legal advice to ensure my rights are protected and to hold the dealership accountable for their actions.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** **** Nazala

  Business Response

  Date: 12/17/2024

  The customer purchased this unit from AN USA ******************* in November, not in our store. We can't properly diagnose the transition shifting until the engine is running correctly. In order to do that we need to get it back to stock. (Non-Factory ECM tune, Non-Factory intake, Non-Factory throttle body, and the exhaust has been modified)

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/30/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I brought my vehicle to Autonation Chevrolet South Clearwater. I was told there would be a diagnostic fee and I accepted that. I work in the same (non-competitive business) and I know this is standard. On my work order, it shows that the technician ran diagnostics and discovered a missing fuse. He replaced the fuse, reset the codes, and the vehicle operated fine. 17 days later and begging for my vehicle, I quickly gave my credit card number and when I picked up the vehicle after hours, I saw that they charged me almost $650. For a fuse. The last line on the repair order shows the clear manipulation of charges from 1 hour to 3 hours of diagnostics. I reached out to the general manager and her solution was to offer me a tank of gas (for my electric car). I feel I was extremely taken advantage of because I was desperate to get the vehicle back. To add 2 extra hours, AFTER I was told that the problem was resolved is obscene and unethical. I am asking to be refunded for the 2 added hours of diagnostics. Sadly, I worked for this dealership in the past and truly thought they were a great bunch of people. They even gave me a "discount" from over $800 to the $640 or whatever it was. I do not think it is fair or ethical to wait until the customer is begging and then add 2hrs because you know they're desperate. I did my best to avoid having to file this claim, but they've left me no choice

  Business Response

  Date: 05/30/2024

  ******************** reached out to me about this. I investigated and I found out that everything we did was communicated by the Service Advisor before us doing any type of work. He approved all the charges and even mentioned in the text message, and I quote: '' Very much appreciated. Can't wait to to get rid of that car. If I had known i was out of warranty I'd have treated it in right away. I knew an RO of 600 bucks or more was coming anytime!"  (all communication between the customer and the service advisor is attached. ********************* is the wife's name and the car is on her name that is why the chat shows her name instead of him)

  When he reached out to me he asked for help with the bill stating he was broke and $650 was too much. We discounted the labor rate for him to help him out from the beginning and he agreed to the charges before we fixed the problem. Because of that we can't help anymore with the bill. I did offered him a free tank of gas and he declined it. 

   

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/02/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On March 1, 2022 I purchased a 2021 Suburban from this location. I spoke with the Rep named *******. He told me they had a sale going on and to come in because I've been in contact with him and seen a vehicle I liked. At that time I lived about 2 hours away and finally went in March 1. When I got there he said the sale was over, that the sale was he could waive the $2000 Appearance Protection Plan but he couldn't anymore and that it's imbedded in the finance of the vehicle. I did not mind that because I actually wanted the plan, knowing that I have 6 kids and that this plan is beneficial for me. Anyway, as we wrap up I ask ******* for the paper for my Appearance Protection plan, he started to panic and looked at the other rep that was assisting him asking him about the info, I didn't think nothing of it at time, he goes to get a paper that just had a 1800 number on it and I looked at it and said this don't have anything on it but a number, he was like oohhh ok, yea my bad and went to go get another paper then came back and said no, that's it. That's the number for the protection plan. I believed him. It wasn't until about a year later, and I needed to use the Appearance protection plan for a scratch on my truck. I went to look in my file from the purchase of my vehicle to get the info I needed to contact the Appearance Protection plan and I couldn't find any information in my paperwork. So I called Auto Nation to get their phone number. Once I got the phone number I called the protection plan and they did not have my info in their system, they mentioned the previous owner name and I said no that's not me, then they said I need to contact the Finance Manager to get it situated because I am not covered in their system. Ever since then I knew I got scammed. The car salesman stole my $2000 and pocketed the money. I never got enrolled into the Appearance Protection Plan. So I've been calling Auto Nation for the past year trying to get someone to assist. No response.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/22/2024

  The customer never bought Appearance Protection. The product was never charged in her contract. Please see the contract signed by the customer and CFS manager attached. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/08/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Left a fully refundable deposit on a vehicle. Asked numerous times to cancel and for a receipt.Business has not refunded the deposit and has not given me a receipt.Was told this was a fully refundable deposit and yet to receive refund.Total $500

  Business Response

  Date: 02/09/2024

  We refunded the customer on 2/05/2024. Please see the attached prove. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/23/2023

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I had purchased a vehicle on March 2nd, as of March 23rd my previous loan has not been paid off. I had called the dealer on 3/20/23 at 2:26pm, 3/21/23 at 10:18am and three times on 3/22/23, each time I am only able to get to the finance office voicemail. I leave my name, number, and issue and never get a call back. I spoke to the receptionist at 9:02 this morning and left all of my info with the situation. I have yet to receive a call back or able to speak with anyone at the dealer. I called the bank to see if they had received any payment and they confirmed they had not yet. I have a payment due in 2 days, the bank told me I am ultimately responsible for that loan still. Either I have to make a $650 payment that I can not afford, or I will have a late payment on my credit for the first time in my credit history because the dealer has not submitted payment, and will not return a call. I do not know what to do now, borrow money for a payment, or take a late hit on my excellent credit. I need help please. The attached images show purchase date and loan balance from original loan not paid off yet.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/13/2023

  Good morning,

  We sent an email on 4/11/2023 to our customer to confirm his loan has been paid in full. Please see attachments. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/07/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  went to AutoNation of clearwater ** to purchase a car i saw on the internet. Talked to the salesman *************************** and internet sale manager *********************** about the car, *******, me and another salesman from ******** of AutoNation who drove a beautiful black jeep noticed the hood on the 2015 *** 320i had damage to it and it had to be replaced. We agreed to have AutoNation replace it for $4000. i thought that was too expensive so AutoNation agreed to split the cost down the middle (i pay $2000. Autonation pay $2000 includes paint and new hood) new salesman ***************************, $2000. was added to the sale and with the trade in i bought the car for $19,774.14 i dropped the car off on Monday 01/30/2023 and was told to pick it up on Tuesday 01/31/2023? with a new hood installed and parking brake checked and repaired safety hazard. when i got there the parking brake was adjusted ************************* service manager. My wife noticed something weird about the new hood. We pointed it out to *********************** we all agreed to leave the vehicle and pick it up on Saturday the 4th of February. On the 4th we picked up the car, we inspected the new hood, and it looked weird point it out to ****** and told her that i will take it to *** body collision shop to inspect the work done by AutoNation's body shop Now before i dropped off the car to have the hood replaced my neighbor and i placed two ****s on the original hood on the car one was scratch **** the other was my initials: its being replaced anyway, it still had the same scratch **** on it, but painted over, and my initials underneath the hood were still there none of the bolts had impact or wrench ****s on them and the leaves, dirt and grime of 8 years on the road was still present same hood, i went to a collision shop the vin# determined it was still the original hood that was placed on the car from the factory, 4 insurance collision shop's including one that only deals with ***s again vin# says original hood from factory never replaced

  Business Response

  Date: 04/23/2024

  We already settled this issue with the customer. Please see all the refund communication and documentation including the letter of release, waiver of claims and confidentiality agreement the customer signed. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/06/2022

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  We are Canadians and wanted to buy a used car to use at our Florida home. We started dealing with Abdelhak Belmadani at Autonation Honda Clearwater. We finally found a car and paid the deposit. Sadly the car did not pas inspection and went to auction. We saw the 2007 Chevy Cobalt at Autonation S. Clearwater Chev. We drove over to look at the car. We were approached by Gabe R********. We told him we were dealing with Del but it was his day off. He asked if we wanted a test drive but only around the neighbourhood. He said we should make a deposit and they would take care of Del.. The car only had 36,000 k and Gabe said the "as is" was due to the age of the car. Purchased car on May 24th. A few days later the cooling mode light came on and car had issues starting. Drove the car over to the dealership and Gabe siad we didn't have the ac on. May 29 temperature indicator came on and ac shut off. Called Gabe's number (from his business card) but it was not his number. Left messages two days in a row. Called Tuesday May 31, Gabe said he was setting up a new phone system. June 3rd we were trying to remove the aerial to cover the car, Gabe said bring the car in. On the way the heat indicator came on and ac shut off. Gabe said bring it in when it happens again. We drove around the block and the same thing happened. We returned and Gabe took us to Service Dept. Mike C*******, Service Adviser printed paperwork and returned with Keith W******* Serv. Dir.. We explained the issue and he said it would be looked after. Told us to leave car at the service dept. June 5. Left several messages upon our return to Canada which were not returned. Finally spoke to Mike in service and quoted $2000.00 plus . Requested copies of inspection prior to purchase and inspection on return. Nothing shows on either report. Called Brian R**** Sales Mgr, who refused to return calls. Paid 1770.00 July 22, car won't turn over after starting once, makes a clunk noise when leaving sitting position.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/31/2022

  Consumer Response /* (3000, 11, 2022/08/24) */ The company has contacted us and has stated that they will pick up our vehicle at no cost to us and determine the issue. We expect the vehicle will be picked up this week, and will see what the outcome is.We are currently in Canada. Business Response /* (4000, 13, 2022/08/25) */ We have finally spoken with Mr. **** and they are in Canada however we are working with the property manager to have the vehicle picked up and inspected at our dealership.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/30/2022

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I bought a 2017 mustang cobra with 9400 miles on the odometer the brakes were completely shot and they were not fixed or replaced as promised. I had to use my warranty for that and a battery. On my paper work they stated the car would be waxed that was not done and the car was dirty. I had to pay for that. They gave me a new tag when mine was transferred from my old car . I had to pay for that. My tire blew the same night I had it. I had to pay for that. It's been 2 months and I still don't have a resolution. I am owed well over 900.00 and had to use my one time rotor/ brake and battery replacement when I should have been able to use this later. I want a refund immediately. If not I will go much further with this.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/12/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/08/09) */ We have fully refunded the customer to meet his expectations on repairs! Consumer Response /* (2000, 7, 2022/08/09) */ (The consumer indicated he/she ACCEPTED the response from the business.) Full refund was provided

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/17/2022

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I purchased my car two years ago from autonation Chevrolet in clear water and while we're doing the papers they offered me a warranty for 58$ a month extra on the lease and the dealer told me it covers the tires and wheels with out paying any deductible and it's time to change my tires I called them they told me it only covers if it's a hazard which they didn't mention that they told me that I can change the tires without mentioning any circumstances and I tried to contact their customer service warranty department and they told me the same thing and it's been two years I'm paying for that extra on the lease

  Business Response

  Date: 07/11/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/06/22) */ We have reached out to the Mr. ****** ***** regarding his concerns. We let him know per his contract and agreement the coverage would not include any wear and tear. If there was an issue of the tires not holding air it could be related to the rim and that could be inspected further. He understood and seemed to be okay.