ComplaintsforHonda Of Downtown Chicago

• Initial Complaint

  08/14/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  On July 19, 2024, I purchased a 2021 Honda Accord Sport from Honda of Downtown Chicago. Specifically, I request the dealership replace all four tires and cover the associated costs.Before purchasing the vehicle, I raised significant concerns about the condition of the tires with my salesperson, *******************************, on at least three occasions. She assured me that the tires were in good condition each time and that "the dealership could not sell the vehicle if they weren't." However, two weeks ago, I was informed that all four tires must be replaced during a visit to the same dealership's service department for an unrelated issue. The estimated cost they quoted me for this replacement is over $1,300.Given ***'s repeated assurances about the tire condition and my reliance on this information when purchasing this vehicle, I was shocked and disappointed to learn from their service department that the tires require immediate replacement due to significantly low tread levels. Despite the car being sold "as is," it is reasonable to expect that the tires, as represented by their salesperson *******************************, would not necessitate such a costly replacement at the time of purchase. Therefore, I request that Honda of Downtown Chicago cover the cost of more than $1,300 tire replacement as a goodwill gesture. Selling a vehicle under the pretense of adequate tire condition after it had been repeatedly brought to the salesperson's attention, only to burden the customer with a significant expense immediately after the purchase, does not reflect well on Honda of Downtown Chicago's business integrity or its reputation in the community.I have reached out to the General Manager ********************* and my salesperson ******** and ***************************** at Honda of Downtown Chicago without any response from them.

  

  Business response

  08/16/2024

  Our used car manger was already aware of this situation and has completed putting new tires on the vehicle as requested. Thanks so much.

  Customer response

  08/18/2024

   
  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.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

• Initial Complaint

  08/04/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  My family has been loyal and proud owners for over 20 years of several Hondas but we have never experienced a dealer dis-service encountered for my daughters 2021 HR-V on 7/15/24. This is a CPO vehicle that has received all recommended maintenance service at authorized Honda dealerships.All started with a loose battery terminal that only required a new diagnostic battery replacement ($382.47; significant higher price than at Honda dealer in Chicago suburbs). Instead, Honda Downtown Chicago tried to sell several recommended services claiming they take better care than other dealerships by preventing future issues. If paid in total, my daughter would be faced with loosing half of her monthly income!A summary of the items in question is uploaded. Honda Downtown Chicago should be ashamed for trying to sell a wheel-lock and other non-required services to my daughter, who is not familiar with the indication as a first-time car owner. It speaks for the lack professionalism that the service manager didnt even have the courtesy to get back with a financial solution where we would meet in the middle. To compensate for the dis-service by Honda Downtown Chicago, we would at least expect a credit / refund for the diagnostic oil change.

  

  Business response

  08/15/2024

  Regarding ******* Case 22091315: ********************************************************************************) and I will get a check for him. Thanks so much.  

• Initial Complaint

  08/02/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased a new Honda Odyssey from a dealership in **********, ** May 25, 2024 while I was in town visiting family. At the end of June the van had an issue with the windows so I took it to get it fixed at my local Honda dealership, downtown Chicago. The window mechanism had come dislodged so they repaired it. Their employee **** then wrecked the van as he was pulling out of the garage. He told me he would replace the parts and said he did replace the parts however a week after the replacement the paint started to bubble. I called and confronted him that he just buffed and patched it and didnt replace it. **** admitted he lied and said he had ordered the parts and still planned to replace it but asked if I could wait until he got back from his vacation at the end of July. Now he is not returning my calls and I still have a damaged van. I filed a complaint with Honda corporate and was informed they refer to the local dealership. I emailed the corporate offices response and pictures of the damaged van to the general manager ********************* who also has not responded. Given the declining value of vehicles and the fact that they damaged the van which further reduces the value, I would expect them to use this van as a dealer car and for them to fully replace the van, returning me back to the status of the vehicle I had before they wrecked it.

  

  Business response

  08/15/2024

  Regarding Berschied, Case 22084711:

  Our service director ********************* sent a text to the customer today to inform her the new bumper should be here tomorrow and he will get with her to determine a time for the work to be done. Thanks so much.

• Initial Complaint

  07/28/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Purchased a Honda Certified vehicle on 5/25 that was backed with a 182 point inspection. Believing on this statement and reputation, I chose this dealer. The salesman ***************** was kind and mentioned how great this vehicle would be for my new family and mentioned that it had new tires and I wouldn't have to worry about it for years. Under this and the Honda Certified umbrella, I purchased the vehicle believing it was as close to new as you can find due to the rigorous certification process. During the paperwork process I was not given the inspection checklist and later found that it was supposed to be gone over and given/signed by me. When I obtained the report 60 days later, a squiggly line was where my signature was supposed to be.Before I got the vehicle home, I noticed that one of the headlights was flickering whether the vehicle was on or off. Also noticed the van had loud tires which I didnt notice driving at low speed until I got it on the expressway. Another dealer told me it was due to mismatched brand tires. According to the Honda inspection checklist (that I was only able to obtain almost 60 days later), the vehicle must have matching brand tires. Also in the list of requirements, all floor mats must be present (missing 3rd row), the vehicle must have 2 keys, 2 remotes, and 1 valet key (Only given 1 remote and 1 key), all required maintenance must be performed, to which another dealer told me that several appear to not have been done. HondaVac must be functional (wasnt and missing accessories), carpet/vehicle must be clean (detailed) (wasnt, had food all over, candy in the vents and melted in console), fuel door sticks and sometimes won't open, vehicle has a rough idle at a stop, brakes shudder if used on the highway to slow down. Mileage was inaccurately reported on the title.I have serious concerns with this vehicle considering all the items listed above and would like it replaced with a new vehicle. I left many messages, all unanswered.

  

  Business response

  08/15/2024

  Regarding ********* Case 22056720:

   Our used car manager and service manager are reviewing the inspections performed on Mr. ********* vehicle and will get in touch with him within the next few days to discuss. 

  Thanks so much.  

• Initial Complaint

  07/22/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On July 11th, I contacted ***** , salesperson from Honda Downtown, regarding a vehicle previously discussed for purchase. She stated that the car was not on the lot and would therefore be able to order the car and take a deposit for it so I could purchase it once it arrived. I had previously confirmed with her on 7/6, with a different salesperson on 7/13 that a deposit is refundable if the sale does not go through and the customer chooses not to move forward with the sale. On July 21, I contacted ***** after regarding the car and she did not respond. I found the lack of communication concerning and at the very least, unprofessional. That is the reason I chose not to move forward with this dealership. I texted her and she immediately responded that the deposit is nonrefundable and that I would not be getting my money back. At this point I called her and her "pleasant" demeanor had turned into a rude dismissive attitude telling me that she had paperwork that I signed that stated I was moving forward with the sale which is completely false. I tried to escalate this issue with the general sales manager *********************** who was extremely rude and also dismissive and refused to listen to anything I had to say. I stated that they had taken my money on false pretenses that it would be refunded and he laughed and stated that it was not true. There was no talking to this individual so I attempted to contact the general manager who I was then told was *********************.I tried emailing the owner who never responded. They are extremely predatory to the point the agency no longer takes my calls. The last person I spoke to was *********************** who told me that they would only help me if I was in a dire situation which clearly I was not in? This, because they kept asking me WHY I didn't want to move forward and I continued to state that that was not information they needed to have.

  

  Business response

  08/14/2024

  Regarding *******, Case ********: She originally agreed to purchase a vehicle and put down a $500 non-refundable deposit. 

  She backed out of the deal and it was explained to her that it was non-refundable. 

  She subsequently disputed the charge with her credit card company and we chose to not oppose her dispute so she would receive the money back from them. 

  Thanks so much.

• Initial Complaint

  05/22/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Have taken my car for service at Honda of downtown and every time I take it they do unauthorized work they have done probably over 4 thousand dollars of work just trying to get my oil changed that is free by the way and I have yet to have to pay for there wrong doings but I can imagine how many people they actually get it is ridiculous I always have to speak to a supposedly manager this is terrible what they do to people

  

  Business response

  06/19/2024

  I spoke with our Service Director and he tells me the issue with this particular situation is that the customer has his children bring in the vehicle and they authorize the repairs.  Then when the work is completed, he states he is the owner and did not authorize it.  We will no longer perform repairs on his vehicle unless he personally authorizes it. 

  Thanks so much.

• Initial Complaint

  05/04/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Date: July 31, 2023.Refund of $700.00 From: Downtown Honda Dealer Chicago

  

  Business response

  06/03/2024

  Hi *****,

  I received a BBB complaint regarding a request for a $700 refund but there are no details as to what the refund is for.  I do see you purchased Tire and Wheel protection for $700.  Are you wanting that cancelled?  If so, youll need to go to ************************************************** and request the cancellation.  If it is about something else, please let me know and I will research it and get back to you.  Thank you and please feel free to reach out to me at any time.

   

  I will let you know once I hear back from her.  Thanks so much.

   

   

   

  ***************************** Controller Honda and VW of Downtown Chicago Honda of Downtown Chicago ***************************************************************************** **************************************************************************|www.dthondachicago.com P: ************** | M: ************

• Initial Complaint

  03/27/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  In 2023-24, I took my car to Honda Downtown Chicago for 3 routine oil changes and tire rotations 6 months apart, as directed (as I have always done). This location takes 6+ hours to service your vehicle even if youre just doing oil change, sometimes ask you to leave it overnight. When you leave it with them, they send you a list of Urgent repairs worth over $1000k+ that they recommend you need asap through text. They make you feel you must sign immediately for them to do these add ons (they always do this when you are not there). They charge 3x the fair/market amount, and there is little accountability/regulation for actual cost of parts/labor. Now, if they were overcharging and giving great service thats one thing, but my issue came in when a few days after them rotating my tires I had a bubble in one. Took it to tire repair shop because I didnt want to deal with extensive wait times. Mechanic couldnt get tire off because LUG NUTS WERE RUSTED. How are lug nuts rusted if they just rotated my tires? ($200) So I had to drive it back to them for them to keep it several hours, where they apparently replaced one lug nut. Tire guy replaced tire. A few months later, I hear a really loud noise, take it to ********* Auto. Turns out my 2 back tires are completely LOOSE and I cant drive it off the lot because my tires are LITERALLY going to fall off. I called Honda to let them know this shouldnt be happening if they were the ones who rotated my tires and caused a bubble in the first place? ********* said they werent mounted properly flush against the hub and that caused them to become very loose/wobbly. Never sure if they actually do what they say they will when servicing. They always overcharge/upcharge and do not provide basic customer service/auto care. They are predatory and only care about profit. They put me in a very dangerous situation with my tires (falling off while driving) when it should have been simple routine auto care.

  

  Business response

  04/24/2024

  In response to the above BBB case file. We had 3 visits with this client in the last year. 1 visit was a oil change and a tire rotation. The client came back that same month stating there was an issue with a lugnut and a stud on the passenger side being rusted. We addressed the issue and repaired it as a goodwill gesture  at no cost to the client, being that we had rotated the tires. We did not remove any of the rear tires or loosen the wheels in the rear during this visit. We also would have checked all four wheels making sure they were securely on the vehicle. We gave the client back their vehicle in a safe driving condition. If there truly was an issue with loose wheels the problem would have been evident much sooner than months later .The vehicle has been to another dealership in the past for several oil changes and tire rotations. The vehicle has 99K miles on it and that type of failure can happen with age. The vehicle is 14 years old and it is impossible for Honda of Downtown to be responsible for wear and tear on a vehicle of this age and mileage. We will respectfully decline the clients request at this time. We are more than happy to help keep the vehicle in a safe running condition if the client so chooses to return to our facility. Thank you again.

   

  Kind regards,

  *********************

  Service Manager

  Honda of Downtown Chicago

  ************************

  Chicago,il.60610

  ******************

  ************************************************************************  

• Initial Complaint

  10/26/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  My daughter was involved in a car accident on 9/11/23. She brought her car to Honda of Downtown Chicago. The service advisor was ***************************. We received an estimate that included, among other items, the replacement of her front bumper. When I spoke to ****, he said that if we left the car for 2 days, all of the work, including the replacement of the bumper, could be fully completed. We agreed to leave the car for 2 days on the understanding that all necessary work, including body work, would be completed. After 2 days, **** suddenly told me that none of the body work had even begun and that it could take up to 3 weeks for their body shop to paint the replacement bumper and attach it. When I explained that we could not leave the car for that long a period and asked if they could paint the bumper first and then have us bring the car back to attach it so that my daughter would be without the car for the shortest period possible, **** said that was possible. He said that the body shop told him that to paint the bumper, they would need to have a piece of the bumper to match the color. Honda then cut off a piece of the front bumper. Instead of sending the piece to the body shop, they gave that piece to my daughter and told her she would have to give it to the body shop herself and would have to deal with the body shop directly regarding all repairs and scheduling. When I spoke to ****, it became clear that no one from the body shop had ever actually looked at our car to determine what work needed to be done and there was no way the work could ever have reasonably been completed in two days. We took the car to our own body shop and were told that the bumper actually could have been repaired easily rather than replaced but that BECAUSE OF THE ***** HONDA CUT FROM IT, the bumper now needed to be replaced rather than repaired. I contacted Honda and the Service Manager said that they would make things right, but Honda has offered no resolution and now does not respond.

  

  Business response

  12/13/2023

  Sorry for the delay on this one.  Our service director finally spoke to her yesterday  and offered her a reimbursement of $300 and she stated that it is acceptable.

  Please let me know if any additional information is needed.  Thanks so much.

   

   

  ***************************** Controller Honda and VW of Downtown Chicago Honda of Downtown Chicago **************************************, Chicago, ** 60610 **************************************************************************|www.dthondachicago.com P: ************** | M: ************

  Customer response

  12/19/2023

   
  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

  07/21/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Hello BBB,My name is ***********************. I am reporting the Honda of Downtown in Chicago at **** *************** Unit 2 Chicago, ** ***** ************* The Dealership when I first went in to purchase the vehicle in October, was not very ***** on my financing and final payments. That isnt my main reason for reporting this business. On July 2nd, I was driving my vehicle home from a visit to Lowes. The car stopped on me as I was driving. The car lights all came on and it didnt want to start. I ended up calling Honda Towing assistance and they got me to a dealership 2-3 hours later. I had requested they take my vehicle to the dealership at Honda of Downtown where I had initially purchased the vehicle. This ended up being a huge mistake as the manager of the dealership ******** believe was his name; he was a very condescending, disrespectful, and arrogant individual. He asked me what I did to the car when I had not done anything to my vehicle. He did not care about how I was feeling and how long I was waiting, or the fact that I purchased the vehicle with them. He just said I sent a text to my guys and well give you a call tomorrow: threw my key into the middle compartment, and just closed the car door. I went home that night and next day received a call stating that they can perform a diagnostics that will be 220 if it was something wasnt the dealers fault. I stated that I wasnt sure if I should pay since I should be under warranty which they assured me that I might not have to pay if it falls under warranty. I ended up not receiving a call that same day with my results. Neither the next day as it was July 4. (July 3 was the call of when they were going to start). On July 5th I called to see any update and they sent me my results in a email along with the prices. They wanted to charge me nearly ***** to fix my engine. I asked why wouldnt it be covered under my warranty and they stated this would not be covered unfortunately. I denied any services to be done.

  

  Business response

  08/15/2023

  Dear BBB,

   

  In response to this matter the vehicle was brought in with no oil, an outside vendor that changes oil. Unfortunately the outside vendor who was not Honda of Downtown Chicago left the oil drain plug loose and all the oil spilled out while **************** was driving, resulting in all the oil draining from the engine and causing the engine to fail beyond repair. Honda of Downtown Chicago cannot be held accountable for such damages caused by another repair shop not affiliated with Honda of Downtown Chicago. **************** was not happy with this inspection due to the fact that it shows that it is not a warranty repair not covered by Honda due to outside influence .We have given ************** his estimate of repairs and advise that the repair facility that changed his oil be contacted and or his insurance company and or the insurance company that performed the repairs should be accountable

  Customer response

  08/23/2023

   
  Complaint: 20358032
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

   

  As I previously stated, the Honda dealership not only refused to cover my car under warranty and claims that my car has been without oil for the past 3 months. I drive over ***** miles a day in my car to and from work. For the dealership to claim car to be without oil since my oil change in the first week of April; that it was done incorrectly and thats the reason they are denying my warranty, is invalid. My car showed no signs or noise and had never completely shut off on me. In the video shown by the diagnostic I paid for from this dealership they showed my Honda oil pan was full of oil but when I received my car back they did not include this part back into my vehicle which arised a lot of suspicions from me. Why wouldnt they return all of my cars parts to me ? After denying I didnt want to pay the ****k to repair my engine. My garage where I parked my car every night never had any oil stains or oil falling out that wouldve led me to looking into the car for a check up. My oil change is on the car fax when it was done, therefore a 3 month gap and a car to be running with no oil for that long would not be possible. I need a better understanding of why all my car parts were not returned especially when its evidence of how long my cars oil was empty for. Also why my car was left turned on when it was going to get picked up if the engine is already messed up? I need to speak with the general manager as to why as a consumer I am not allowed my warranty and power train of up to ***** miles when I am barely at 8k miles. I also would like to have a loner vehicle while they cover my car repair under warranty before I go through a third party to recover all my lost wages and travel fees to my job everyday. I have been without use of my vehicle that I am paying each month for and cannot use. I went to purchase this vehicle at this dealership expecting amazing customer service and professionalism. I brought it back to this dealership for diagnostics and repairs expecting loyalty and to be treated fairly. I even purchased extra maintenance and service plans with this dealership putting my complete trust into them. I have received neither of those things and do in fact regret purchasing a vehicle with this dealership. I do expect a better outcome of this situation.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

  

  Business response

  08/26/2023

  Honda of Downtown never claimed that the vehicle ran out of oil for three months . We are simply stating that the car arrived without oil and thne drain plug laying on the belly pan cover as the pictures show. Honda of Downtown Chicago did not perform the oil change that caused this mistake and it is clearly not a defect or flaw with the workmanship by Honda as a manufacturer. Therefore we are not authorized to perform fraudulent warranty claims due to outside influence of a failed component.

   

  Sincerely,

  *********************

  Honda of Downtown Chicago

  Fixed Operations Director

  Customer response

  09/01/2023

   
  Complaint: 20358032
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

   

  Per Honda: 

  All new Honda vehicles are covered by a 3-Year/36,000-Mile Limited Warranty, plus a 5-Year/60,000-Mile ****************** Warranty. 5-Year/60,000-Mile ****************** Warranty: All new Honda vehicles are covered by a 3-Year/36,000-Mile Limited Warranty, plus a 5-Year/60,000-Mile ****************** Warranty.

   

  my vehicle was purchased from this dealership brand new less than a year ago. Extra maintenance plans purchased as well on the date of purchase. My vehicle is being denied warranty even though it qualifies? My oil pan was also never returned to me which should have . You guys had the car running at the time of my tow person arriving which I question if the engine already had damage why would you guys leave it running? You guys charged me the 220 for the diagnostic. And sent my car back without an oil pan for my crv. Also denied the power train warranty in order for me to pay out of pocket. I am only asking to be under the new vehicle warranty as I am reaching 2 months without being able to use my vehicle that I am paying for. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

*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. ↩