Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Meineke Car Care Center's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

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  Meineke Car Care Center

  2307 Old Collinsville Rd Belleville, IL 62221-3194

• 

  Meineke Car Care Center

  922 W Main St Mascoutah, IL 62258

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:03/28/2025

  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.

  We took our vehicle into Meineke to have some work done including the transmission fluids changed. The work was completed and seemed OK. Tha van was driven very locally for about 10 days, but the first time it was taken on the highway to take the children to their doctors appt, the van started smoking and then a fire started. The van was towed back to Meineke. It was determined that it was a skid plate that caught fire and that they did nothing wrong. They said it was a problem on ********* design and we would need to pay for the parts and labor.The van has ******* miles on it and has never had an ******** we took it to ********, who said there has never been a recall on van and has not been issues.After they inspected the vehicle, they determined that while doing the initial repairs, oil was not cleaned up, and with the first highway ride, the oil heated up and started the fire. I have a document from them stating their findings, and they recommended that since Meineke will not budge, to contact you.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/14/2025

  We don't have them as coming to this location.  I checked the last name, first name and phone number and could not find them in our files.  I called her and she had work done at the ********* location.  I will try to help her.  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/20/2024

  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 am writing to express my utmost disappointment and dissatisfaction with the car repair services provided by your establishment. My recent experience at your service center has been incredibly frustrating and concerning, leaving me with no choice but to bring these issues to your attention. During my initial visit, your technician *** informed me of a vacuum pump leak in my car. While it was initially encouraging to hear that the required pump would be available for installation the following day, I was taken aback by the significantly higher than anticipated cost estimate provided. The initial estimate given was approximately $1,000, though I regretfully cannot recall the exact amount stated. To my dismay, this initial estimate was later revised by ***, who assured me that the repair would cost a little over $400. However, when I accessed the provided link at home, I discovered that the actual cost displayed was over $600. This discrepancy in pricing raises serious concerns about the transparency and integrity of your establishment. Furthermore, I must express my dissatisfaction with the subsequent repairs conducted on my vehicle. Prior to bringing my car in, the engine light was not illuminated. However, after the inspection and repair, I noticed that the engine light remained on, indicating that the issue was not adequately addressed. Additionally, while driving my car today, I experienced noticeable shaking, which was not present before the repairs were performed. These occurrences raise doubts about the quality and effectiveness of the services rendered. Moreover, I find it deeply troubling that my car now emits a strong odor of oil, and each time I enter the vehicle, I begin to feel sick. This suggests a potential oversight or negligence in the repair process, as my car should not be causing such discomfort and health concerns.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/06/2024

  Dear BBB,

  
  First, I do not have any idea about the prices listed in this complaint.  It seems irrelevant to begin with.  I do know Meineke repaired some of the oil leaks this vehicle has at our **************** location.  One of the leaks appeared to be a gasket around a vacuum pump.  The vehicle continued to leak from this area.  The vehicle ended up at one of our ********** locations where a leak was actually diagnosed as the vacuum pump itself.  An estimate was offered to make this repair and the customer was not happy.  In order to make this customer happy our GM offered to make the repair at no charge at a different location because the customer was not happy with our Belleville Manager.  During this process our GM informed this customer that he would have the engine cleaned of all oil residues and replace the vacuum pump.  Then the staff would inspect the engine for any other leaks. He told the customer that if any of the gaskets that ********************** replaced were leaking he would have them replace at no charge, but if anything else is leaking the customer would have to pay to have the repairs made.  All this is typed on a signed Meineke invoice.  This vehicle has other leaks that need repaired.  The warranty is only related to the services and repairs Meineke performed within the last 3 months or 3000 miles.  Meineke is not responsible for everything that goes wrong with this vehicle because they have worked on it in the past.  Meineke has already gone above and beyond by replacing the vacuum pump at no charge.  There will be no refund.   

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/07/2024

  Complaint: 21738339
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  I appreciate your response and for addressing the overlooked problem during the initial repair. I am still detecting the scent of oil. It is unlikely to have so many oil leaks in a 2016 vehicle. This leads me to suspect that an error occurred during the repair. The individual who handed the car back to me seemed perplexed as he didn't want to disclose the existence of another oil leak that the previous shop didn't identify. This situation appears unusual to me. I have no intention of engaging in any further business with your company. I strongly believe I was exploited because of my gender. In my opinion, my trust was violated. I will be seeking legal advice to address this matter and ensure that my rights are protected. This experience has left me feeling frustrated and disappointed in the service provided by your company. I will also be sharing my experience with others to prevent them from going through a similar situation.
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *****************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/08/2024

  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.

  I am complaining because we bought my 17-year-old his first car in March. We took it to Meineke to get fully examined, The brakes checked and the oil changed. Upon inspection, we found out that the heater didnt work and it needed a new thermostat, for this to be done. They apparently had to remove the power steering pump to get to the thermostat in the 2010 **** focus. Before dropping it off it had no steering issues at all. When driving at home, we realized it feels like you are breaking your shoulders to turn the car, which is not how it was before. They told us since they had to remove the power steering pump. There were some air bubbles in it now and to just bring it back and they would change the fluid is still horrible and we have not driven it because I do not feel that it is safe for my teenager to drive is extremely hard and it was not before. It is now leaking power steering fluid constantly and we are constantly having to fill it up. My driveway is ruined and so is my garage floor on top of this, the heater does not work we paid thousands of dollars to have these things fixed and they are now worse than they were before. I asked the shop why they wouldnt make sure that the heater worked after changing the thermostat to which I was told that they did but because of the temperature in the shop it felt like it was working. Now they say I have to pay an additional $200 to do a fluid backflush, which may not even make the heater work. So I have a car that still has no heater, but I cannot drive other than around my blocks because it is so hard to turn. I spent $2000 on the car and about $2500 in repairs just to have a car that is completely unusable and my teenager is completely devastated.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/09/2024

  Going to need some detail: Which location and roughly what date?

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/11/2023

  Type:Sales and Advertising 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 brought my vehicle to Meineke to complete a free brake inspection as my vehicle was making noise when stopping. They went further and stated that I had a bad bearing in the rear and then charged me a diagnostic fee. I am an 18 year old female who is new to this and believed them thinking I was required to pay this. My mom assisted me with getting a second opinion as a bad bearing makes noise while driving and not only while braking. Turns out my bearings are fine and they misdiagnosed. He also claims that he sent a video which he did not. I have requested for a refund as they did not diagnose correctly nor did they inform me of the cost prior to completely the diagnostic procedure. I have tried to resolve the situation but the manager ******************************* refuses to refund me claiming he has to charge when that service is completed. Please help me resolve this situation. Thank you.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/28/2023

  Our GM has called the phone number on the invoice to discuss the miscommunication between the customer and the manager in hopes to resolve this issue.  Please asked the customer to return his call.  I will have him try to call again when he gets back to the office.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/28/2023

  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. I missed the call because I was in class. I called back and the person who answered told me the call was a mistake. I will call again tomorrow to talk to the GM. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/28/2023

  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 paid $2,000 for a tune up and catalytic converter because the car was running rough. Now it is still running the same way. They charged me for a switch, a tune up and a catalytic converter and the car is still not working. I can be driving the car and the car will cut off. You are an authorized dealer and you put it on the diagnostic and would know everything that was wrong with the car. I haven't heard from them. I had to put this on my Meineke card and I maxed it out.

  Business Response

  Date: 03/29/2023

  This is being handled by the manager.  It is not accurate at all. The customer will be calling you back.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/29/2023

  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

  Date:02/25/2023

  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.

  I had a little bit of a sound coming from the left front area of my 2012 VW CC. I called Meinke and they told me they told me to bring it up at 4:30 they would look at it and test drive it so I did. I have a diagnostic scanner and had scanned it before I bought it and a few days later. I had no check engine lights no abs lights no lights on warning me there was a problem and the scan was clear every time I did it. My car actually tells me everything even if my brake pads need changed. I know the scan doesn't tell you about front end parts like shocks struts that's why I called them. The car was great except for that little noise. So I gave them all my information car type my name etc so they could put me in computer which took about 20-25 minutes. I sat down to wait for them to check it out and drive it to see what it could be. I wasn't sitting there for maybe 5 minutes and I never saw the guy leave to test drive it. I was sitting right at the windows by the street. Well in walks the guy and I was like wow your already done he says ya. So I walked to the counter and they start telling me I need new brakes and rotors in the back because the rotors had hotspots and the brake fluid was dirty and I needed new shocks and struts all around and I might need a couple new tires. they gave me a estimate price it would cost. Not once did they tell me what the noise from the front was or what it was from. I know a lot about vehicles and have worked on them myself and the noise was coming from the front driver side. They then kept saying we can give you a ride home and fix it all by that night and they kept saying it being very pushy. They then kept trying to push me and forcee to apply for credit with 2 different places and kept saying they would take me home and fix my car that night. Well I felt very uncomfortable at that point and I was ready to leave and go get another opinion and go home. So I told them I'd let them know and I left. Well a couple days later I got a check engine light on and a abs lights the scanner confirmed. I think they did something to the car so I would need repairs and they could make money. This is very deceiving dangerous and wrong!! My senses about this place and the guys was right they are up to no good and creating problems for sales! Do not take your car there! Always watch every movie a mechanic makes and demand to watch and see old parts. They are out there ripping people off! I would like to see cameras.

  Business Response

  Date: 03/14/2023

  First, I will tell you we do not sabotage vehicles for heaven sakes.  Does anyone really believe you would stay in business for over 20 years with that type of work ethic? Meineke has been at this location since I built in 2001.  Those statements are not only ignorant, but are offensive.

  Now, we do have an estimate in the computer for ****** ****.  It does appear to have the items she listed on the estimate.  Our time stamp says it was her 1/30/23 at 3:36 pm.  I wasn't here so I didn't look at the vehicle. More than likely the struts were making the noise.  It wouldn't take long to bounce the vehicle up and down to hear and trace the noise.  The car is over 10 years old; there are probably a lot of worn parts on this vehicle.  There isn't anything anyone could do to make a check engine light or ABS light come on days later.  If a technician unplugged something to test during the inspection and forgot to plug it back in, the lights would come on immediately.

  As for asking if you want a ride home and they could get started; what would you like them to offer? We don't feel like working on the car today, or go ahead and walk home? Again, I wasn't here, but if  you said you couldn't afford the repair, so now it was wrong for **** to offer financing? Why wouldn't he offer this option? We are a national franchise.  We offer services like rides home, financing, and free estimates unlike some independent garages can offer.  That is why our parking lot is full most of the time.

  While I don't appreciate the slanderous statements directed towards our company, Mrs. **** can have her opinion and go somewhere else.  In the end, we will continue to operate all of our locations honestly, correctly, successfully and the "Meineke Way."

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/29/2022

  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 had 2 tires installed on 05/06/2022 at 162222 miles then a second set of tires put on my car with on 06/17/2022 with 170055miles at *** ****** **** *** ***** *** **** ***** **** ****** *** ******* ******** ********************  06/24/2022 Alignment with 171479 miles at Meineke W **** ** ********* ******** ****** **************  I was not satisfied with the alignment so on 06/30/2022 I took my 2008 Mercedes E350 4matic back to Meineke in Mascoutah Illinois 62258 to have it realigned. Meineke did not put the miles in on my receipt the second time. 10/27/2022 I had *** *** **** *** ******** ****** ****** ******** ***** ************* check a ESP sensor light, and check my brakes and rotors. It was then when I discovered my back tires were completely bald. Meineke is an individual service company. After weeks I finally spoke with a manager well I was on my lunch break and did not have all of my information in hand. He wanted rough numbers and was quick to judge that I was not being honest with him. He did not take the time to look up my information knowing that he had it in the system. I even explained to him how I took my vehicle in twice for I did not think the alignment was done properly. I not only had to pay for four tires, 1 alignment and go back and have it realigned by Meineke, to find out that at 188.988 I had to replace two back tires. On 10/12/2022 ******* *** ****** ** ******* ******** ***** did my oil change at 187065 miles. I was not told during my oil change that my tires were bald nor is there anything on my receipt that shows it. I'm not sure if this is a waste of my time? I am sure that the manager did not take me seriously. The manager new that I was working when he asked me how many miles were on my car when I bought the tires. He knew I did not have the information in front of me. I asked him if he needed my information so he could look my name up in the system? This manager who I will get the name of was quick to judge and quick to argue.

  Business Response

  Date: 12/02/2022

  Dear BBB:
  I have spoken to the store manager and put together a time line to try and figure this issue out.  All the dates in the complaint seem accurate.  It appears that Tires were installed in Mt. Vernon, IL on 5/5/2022 and 6/17/2022.  Then Meineke aligned this vehicle 6/23/2022 with 171479 miles on it.  The manager recalls the customer coming back in on 6/30/2022 to have the brakes looked at.  There is an estimate for brake work in the system on that day that the customer declined the repairs.  At no time was an alignment issue ever discussed.  It is not in the notes and not on the invoice.  Had the vehicle been re-aligned two things would have happened.  One, if there was a problem it would have been caught and rectified and two, a $0.00 Meineke Invoice would have been generated as a warranted service.  I did notice as the customer did, at 187062 miles, ******* checked the tire pressure and nothing was noted about abnormal tire wear and they are a tire shop.  Then the vehicle was at another service center in Altona IL. Nothing was noted on the ticket about tires but this is apparently where the wear was discovered.  Meineke’s labor policy provides a customer with a 3 month or 3,000 mile warranty (which ever comes first), in which both of these terms are expired.  From the time of the Alignment until just the ******* visit was over 15,000 miles.  A lot can happen on IL roads in that time period.  Curbs, pot holes, etc. can knock vehicles out of alignment.  Surely this vehicle had oil changes and inspections between 171479 and 187062.  If this vehicle was so far out of alignment that the tires are bald in just over 15,000 miles someone would have recognized an issue and solved the problem before the tires were bald.  It appears it has been over 20 days since the new tires were put on the vehicle.  I would get it checked out as quickly as possible considering the customer is operating the vehicle almost 5,000 miles a month before the vehicle needs another set of tires.  The best I will offer is to re-check the alignment vehicle out of warranty.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/19/2022

  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.

  Paid for oil change and tire rotation. The tires were never rotated.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/21/2022

  First I apologize for the error on our part and any inconvenience it has caused.  It sounds like miscommunication between the front counter and the back shop.  The GM or Store Manager will contact Mr. ***** and set up a time to rotate the tires. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/23/2022

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: There was no miscommunication and I actually told the manager the last time I was in they didn’t rotate the tires when I paid for it. It is part of the package and they had to take at least 1 tire off to fix the tire pressure sensor. I assume they do this all the time. I want my money back and the shop will never touch another vehicle of mine. 
  
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  **** *****

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/31/2022

  The manager did call me on the weekend and leave a message two weeks ago. I haven’t spoke with him since