ComplaintsforMeineke Car Care Center

• Initial Complaint

  08/05/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  On August 3 2024, I initially visited Meineke to set an appointment for a diagnostic test on my vehicle and received a same-day appointment at noon. I return back to Meineke and wait 2 hours for results which was no issues. The results were I needed a brake master cylinder for my vehicle which I approve the work and changed my mind within 10 min and decided to reschedule at a better time which was 8 or 9am the following Saturday. I was told by front associate that my tires would be put back on in a few minutes and my car returned. I proceeded outside because there were no available seats and see the head mechanic/manager walk to my car and proceeded to take the part out. When I asked the front associate what was holding up, I was told then it was too late to cancel and would be finished by 4pm. I had to wait until 6pm, which is 2 hours after closing time, to get my car back only for nothing to change except my engine light being on and my brakes virtually gone. He offered to keep my car until Monday but knew I had no other means of transportation. I was still charged ****** after a discount for lying and I say lying because 20 minutes went past after my cancelation request before mechanic proceeded with repairs and front associate spoke directly to him after I made request and promised to cancel the part. I wasted 6 hours in total for no work to be done and at this point I don't trust them morally with my vehicle again to continue work on my car. There were also other customers complaints about timing and having to spend money for virtually no change in their vehicle's performance. They are understaffed and are taking in way too much business by lying to customers on when they can get their cars back and repaired. They are costing people their time and money just to take people's money.

  

  Business response

  08/13/2024

  On August 5, 2024, ************************* visited our facility with concerns regarding a "loud noise and the brake pedal going to the floor." During the inspection, our technician found that the master cylinder had failed and was leaking internally. The technician recommended replacing the master cylinder as an initial step.
  

  After replacing the master cylinder, the technician began to bleed the brake system and then discovered that 3 of the 4 bleeder screws were seized, making it impossible to bleed the braking system which is required after a master cylinder replacement. The braking system would still be inoperable until the bleeder screws were replaced and the braking system was properly bled. Recognizing the critical role that bleeder screws play in the braking system, we promptly informed **************** of our findings. We emphasized the importance of replacing the bleeder screws to restore functionality to the braking system. 
  

  Given that this discovery occurred late on a Saturday afternoon, we recommended that **************** leave the vehicle with us until Monday to complete the necessary repairs. Despite expressing dissatisfaction with this arrangement and insisting on not leaving his vehicle, **************** ultimately decided to leave with his vehicle.
  

  When **************** returned on August 10, 2024, we were able to complete the necessary repairs. The rear wheel cylinders and bleeder screws were replaced and the braking system was bled. 
  

  We fully acknowledge ******************** concerns throughout this process and want to assure him that we are committed to ensuring that all repairs meet the highest safety standards. Our priority is to provide our customers with reliable and safe vehicles.
  

  
  

  Customer response

  08/15/2024

  Better Business Bureau:

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

  Regards,

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

• Initial Complaint

  07/30/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  The Company located in ***********, ******* suggested repairs that were not necessary after getting two other inspections. The company manager called me and constantly texted me to bring the vehicle in for repairs suggested by his company that was later learned was not true nor necessary. The company attempted to scam me for repairs not required.

  

  Business response

  07/31/2024

  Dear ****************,
  

  Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention. We take customer feedback seriously and strive to provide transparent and honest service.
  

  Regarding the $37.62 oil change you received, we're pleased to hear that this service was completed without issue. However, we must address the request for a settlement of $768.23. We find this demand to be unreasonable and vastly disproportionate to the services provided. Our company has consistently acted with integrity, and we have photographic evidence showing that our recommendations for further brake repairs were made with genuine concern for your safety.
  

  We take pride in our commitment to ethical business practices and will not condone any unfounded allegations or attempts to unjustly claim compensation.While we are open to addressing legitimate concerns, we must insist that any claims and requests be fair and reasonable.
  We are willing to discuss this matter further if there are specific issues you feel have not been addressed. However, we stand firm in our position that the requested settlement is unwarranted based on the facts at hand.

  Customer response

  07/31/2024

  The company alleges that they have photo proof that my brakes are in need of replacement. I've not obtained proof of that and an expert analysis of the inspection to substantiate their claims that my brakes arein fact in need of replacement. If my brake replacaement as suggested by the company is not substantiated with evidence, then the suggestions to replace them is fraud and deceipt. 

  Customer response

  08/02/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined the response would not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below. 
  
  [Provide details of why you are not satisfied with this resolution.]

  The company alleges that they have photo proof that my brakes are in need of replacement. I've not obtained proof of that and an expert analysis of the inspection to substantiate their claims that my brakes arein fact in need of replacement. If my brake replacaement as suggested by the company is not substantiated with evidence, then the suggestions to replace them is fraud and deceipt. 
  
  Regards,
  
  ***********************

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  07/09/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  The situation started on June 25, 2024 Our car's Check Engine Light came on Monday, June 24th. We took the car to Meineke in ********, they asked us to bring it back on Tuesday, June 25th, to perform a diagnostic test for drivability. We returned on the 25th and informed them that we had to travel out of town for a funeral on Thursday, June 27th. They did the test it showed a Mass Air Flow Sensor needed replaced and that they had to get the part in. On June 26, 2024, they replaced the sensor. The check engine light was out and they said it was fixed. We picked up the car on June 26th, and drove about five (5) blocks - the car stalled out and stopped. It started back up after awhile and we went right back to Meineke - they asked us to leave it with them so that they could evaluate it. They said that the Mass Air Flow Sensor had caused the Power Brake Booster to go bad. The morning of June 27, 2024, they told us that they removed and replaced the *********** Booster. We were assured by the mechanic and the manager that the car would go miles and miles without anymore problems. We drove home to prepare to pack the car and leave later that afternoon. The car stopped on us as we were leaving for our trip...We took it back to Meineke and left it with them. We had to rent a vehicle to travel that afternoon for the funeral. They replaced the Mass Air Flow Sensor again on July 1, 2024. The car is still not drivable!!Our dispute is that we drove the car to them with one problem for evaluation...there was no problems with the engine stalling or stopping on June 25, 2024 when we took it to Meineke. We can not drive it now... We want a reimbursement for their negligence. We paid Meineke $1174.07 and the car isn't drivable. We have called the Manager for the local area many times before our trip and after we returned on July 1, 2024. He made contact with us once when we were not available - we have not heard from him since his one call and our many calls to reach him.

  

  Business response

  07/19/2024

  *********************, she has stated that she would accept a refund for the brake booster replacement portion of the repairs.

• Initial Complaint

  05/22/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I scheduled an appointment with the Meineke location on ********************************************************************** location on 5/18/2024 at 12pm because I was hearing a noise in my front drivers side tire area. The location had my car for just over 2 hours conducting a "Front End Inspection" which includes taking out and examining the engine air filter. They informed me they found no issues and everything was in good shape so they would not charge me for the inspection, and if I would like to look into the noise further, they suggested taking the car to the dealership. I drove home from the Meineke location and my car sat from that evening to Monday morning, 5/20/24 when I had to drive to work. 9 hours later, on my way home from work, I had driven about a mile and my car basically shut down while driving. The steering went out and I was unable to accelerate. I had to tow my car to the nearest ****** Dealership that evening, about $130. The next morning, the dealership came to the conclusion that my engine air filter was installed backwards/upside down and that caused the Mass Air Flow Sensor to become contaminated and fail. To fix this issue, that was about $606.06 which included replacing the Mass Air Flow Sensor and a new engine air filter. I called the Meineke location as soon as I received the diagnosis and they did not seem to care at all as I was the one calling them back to check on what they planned on doing to correct this. I was eventually contacted by the District Manager and he informed me that the ****** Dealership was incorrect in their assessment, and refuted their information that was backed up with photos of the filter installed incorrectly.

  

  Business response

  05/24/2024

  We are preparing a check in the amount of $736.06 for reimbursement.

  Customer response

  05/24/2024

  Better Business Bureau:

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

  Regards,

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

• Initial Complaint

  04/19/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I dropped my vehicle off at this location on 04-11-2024 for tire rod issue and CV Axcel issue . This business gave me an inspection result that indeed my cv Axcel and outter tire rod did need to be replaced . I approved the work and picked up my vehicle on 04-18-2024 for me to only have the exact same issue with the noise with with my tires while driving , this location said everything else was good on the vehicle tire wise and no other issues were there . I even have the inspection result to prove this ! When turning my wheel I am hearing the exact same noise which is coming from the CV Axcel not being replaced . I have also had 2 mechanics look at this vehicle since I got it back and they have told me it needs fixed .. all this location did was clean up the liquid around the part and not replace it which explains why I am still hearing this issue . When I tell ****** about this he laughs in my face and says it was replaced and basically calls me a liar . He tells me that I did not tell him the issues I was hearing which I definitely did and he also confirmed with the inspection result nothing else needed fix regarding the tires . This is not only costing me money by a job by not being able to attend in almost 2 weeks due to not being able to drive my vehicle. This is a inconvenience and now hes telling me I have to wait another 4 days for them to look at it again .

  

  Business response

  04/26/2024

  Before ******************** initial visit, we were unaware of any noise issue with his vehicle. However, upon his arrival, we were informed that the dealership had advised him to replace the tie rods and front CV axles which we completed. Subsequently after this complaint, we contacted **************** to schedule another appointment for a reinspection of his vehicle. During this follow-up visit, we escorted him to his vehicle once it was in the shop and showed him the parts that had been replaced during his previous visit. Following this, the vehicle underwent another round of testing and inspection. Although it was determined that further repairs were recommended, there were no immediate safety concerns at that time. We have completed all repairs appropriately during ******************** visits, addressing the concerns with the tie rods and front CV axles as originally advised. However, it's important to note that the vehicle still requires further repairs, as outlined in the recommended list provided in the estimate.

  Customer response

  04/27/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined the response would not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below. 
  
  [Provide details of why you are not satisfied with this resolution.] I am not satisfied **** this business they gave me 2 totally different inspection reports which means they did not throughly inspect the vehicle the first time . Wanting thousands on end to fix simple issues is what runs customers like myself away .the district manager just basically wasted my time as well .i had to replace cv axles yesterday fully beacuse the business did not do its part . This company is pure trash and I will not accept services or any offer to make this correct . We want a refund . 
  
  Regards,
  
  *****************************
  

  Customer response

  06/11/2024

  They have never responded and made anything right ! In fact now my car is making even more of a popping noise and the last time the general manager had me come up there he told me that beacuse of the year of my car 2011 thats why I was hearing the popping noise .completely unacceptable even though Ive had 3+ mechanics tell me its my cv axels that need replaced and that is what this shop was supposed to replace and they didnt . They take advantage of people to try to get them to come back . They have never reached out or never agreed to make anything right . 

  

  Business response

  07/01/2024

  I apologize for the inconvenience and frustration you've experienced. While we have addressed this issue and demonstrated that we did replace the CV axles, it's clear that further attention is needed. There may be additional issues beyond the CV axles, or the CV axles might need to be replaced under warranty. Therefore, I will arrange for a second district manager to inspect your vehicle promptly, ensuring you that we do not take advantage of people. Could you please provide your availability for this?

   

  Thank you !!

  Customer response

  07/01/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined the response would not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below. You can contact me at your earliest convenience at ************ 

   

  that is the number you can reach me at and we can discuss further .  You guys have already tried to ban me from being serviced beacuse you know you have messed up & you know that I am not going to let it slide . 
  
  [Provide details of why you are not satisfied with this resolution.]
  
  Regards,

  
  
  ***************************** - 

  
  

  

  Business response

  07/05/2024

  **************** is at our repair center this morning meeting with our District Manager, and we will address and resolve his concerns.

• Initial Complaint

  01/16/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  On or about June 28th of 2023 my check engine light came on in my 2015 ******* Navigator. I had the code read at AutoZone, and it came back as spark plugs, and coil pack issue. Took my vehicle to the Greenwood location. They called me the next day and said it was only the spark plugs, and I told them to do the work ($648.00). Picked the vehicle up on Friday June 30th. Pulled out, and two minutes later the check engine light came back on, and I went right back. They said when they do the fuel injector cleaning, it sometimes messes with the sensors. Cleared the code and told me if it comes back on to bring it back Monday. The code came back on the next day, and I brought it back that Monday. They told me I needed a new catalytic converter and muffler to fix the problem. Told them to go ahead and do the work ($1,157.68). After a snafu with them running out of welding wire, I pick the vehicle up on July 8th. The result was unsatisfactory. The truck ran WORSE and was chugging to get up to speed with no power. I brought the truck back on July 10th and said they needed to fix it. They took it to their "master mechanic", and I received a VM July 26 saying they got it "to go 60 mph" which apparently is the new standard for fixing a car. Arranged to pick up the truck and they called and said it wasn't ready. When I finally picked up the truck, it still ran terribly, and it sounded like it had an exhaust leak. By this point, they had my vehicle for over a month, and I just wanted to be done. Since the check engine light came back on shortly after picking it up again (and the code was the same as before), I took it to another shop. They had the truck for an hour before determining at least 2 of the spark plugs were cracked (meaning when they were installed, they were over torqued and cracked the porcelain). Told them to go ahead, and they discovered 4 of the 6 plugs were cracked. Picked it up and ran like a top. I go back to this location and ask for my money back. No dice.

  

  Business response

  02/29/2024

  After review of all the repair orders of *******************, we are prepared to issue a full refund for the  Disputed Amount of  $1805.68.

  We can issue a check and mail to the customer as requested.
  

  Customer response

  02/29/2024

  Better Business Bureau:

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

  Regards,

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

• Initial Complaint

  12/16/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Business offered a $19.95 plus tax ********* Change coupon. That was the only service I had done. Was charged $33.30. Owner said he couldn't make any adjustment "because that's what the computer shows".

  

  Business response

  12/28/2023

  Hello All, 
  
  I reached out to **** and got him set up with a no cost Oil change on his next visit. The Manager on Duty at the time was VERY new and was unsure of how to ring in the coupon. We did some further training and I shouldn't be an issue going forward ! 
  
  Thanks! 

  - ***************;

  Customer response

  12/29/2023

  Better Business Bureau:

  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this response/resolution is satisfactory to me. The owner was very apologetic about the manager's misunderstanding. 
  
  
  

  Regards,

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

• Initial Complaint

  01/25/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I took my ***** equinox to have it diagnosed for an issue with the P0016 code that was one. ***** gave me bad advice as to how to handle the car. I was first told that a engine cleaner would solve my issues, that did not work. I was then told that a VVT Valve would solve my issues. When the light was still on after $500 dollars. I was sent home and told to drive it. It should be fine. Now I have a car that needs a new timing chain and possible.

  

  Business response

  02/21/2023

  I'm sorry, I had asked my District Manager if he had taken care of this and he said he had!  But he just replied to the customer he didn't realize he had to log in to type this up!  ***** did not give the customer bad advice...***** gave the customer options, and said the more expensive option would fix the problem but if they wanted to try the less expensive option that that portion (the portion Charity did select to do) was going to have to be done no matter what, so it was no wasted time/money.   To fix the car with the bigger fix with the full amount all of the work would have been done and the total cost would have been the same.  This was explained to Charity on multiple occasions.  The Timing Chain was always needed, we hoped we could buy her some time (a decision she was part of) but unfortunately it didn't come to be!  Please call with any questions, ***********************, Owner, Meineke ******.  **************

• Initial Complaint

  01/02/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  This is formal complaint against the Meineke shop # **** at ********************************************************************** *************** and "****" the manager in particular. He did NOT HONOR Meineke's Warranty on a starter that he installed on December 20, 2022. This starter failed in *********, ************** on December 21, 2022, after ONLY ONE DAY OF SERVICE. ************************* of Meineke shop # *** at ******************************************************************************************* ************** called "****" to get authorization to replace the defective starter. ****** indicated that "****" would NOT AUTHORIZE the replacement of the defective starter and labor to replace it. ****** indicated to me that "****" finally just hung up on ****** without any resolution of the STARTER WARRANTY PROBLEM. I immediately tried to place a call to "****" at ************** on December 27, 2022 at around 3:30 PM the phone JUST RANG AND RANG NO ONE PICKED UP. My guess is that they saw my phone number coming in and decided NOT TO ANSWER MY CALL. Not a very professional way for a business to handle a customer's problem. Find attached a copy of a letter to the Meineke ******** Headquarters, in *********, North dated December 28, 2022 about shop # **** NOT STANDING BEHIND THE MEINEKE WARRANTY of 12 months or ****** miles on parts. THE DEFECTIVE STARTER ONLY LASTED ONE DAY BEFORE IT BURNED UP AND FAILED. I await your fast and complete resolution of my problem as stated above and in my letter dated December 28, 2022 to Meineke ******** Headquarters, ATTN: *************************** ******************************************************************************************************* ************** or **************.Sincerely ************************

  

  Business response

  01/16/2023

  Sorry *********  I agree, that was rude and wrong of ****, not sure why he didn't just call me...I would have handled it...  Anyway, I will mail you a check, or I could even send you the money via Venmo if you'd like.   Shoot me an email or text or call my cell.  ************************************** **************.  Sincerely, ***********************, Owner, Meineke Castleton

  Customer response

  01/20/2023

  Better Business Bureau:

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

  Regards,

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

• Initial Complaint

  12/18/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I brought my car in due to difficulties starting my car (took a few times) and getting the Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light. I brought it in for diagnostics on 11/5 and they told me that it was my starter motor, which they replaced. The problem continued after this occurred, until my car eventually died on 11/14. I had to call 1-800-battery, who came and evaluated, replacing my battery in 30 minutes, fixing my car issues. I was charged $731.14 for removal and replacement of a starter motor, which was totally unnecessary if they just checked my battery from the start. I have returned to the Meineke where they have promised me that they evaluated my battery prior to replacing my starter motor, but they have no documentation of this, nor are they able to provide documentation that they checked this when asked repeatedly. I have reached out to the manager at this location, who only states that the technician "assured" him that the battery must have been checked. I would feel more reassured if there was some form of verification that my battery was checked during this visit. Despite the explanation that a battery can die at any time, it seems highly unlikely and suspicious that my car was not starting appropriately (and continued not starting appropriately after their "fix"), but that my battery was functioning appropriately during my visit. Without verification or documentation that a battery check was performed, I feel like I was charged for a more expensive part and have strong distrust in the word of this business that they are being honest about how they are performing their diagnostics/being honest with their customers about what is necessary for their vehicles. I feel that I was charged for an unnecessary fix.

  

  Business response

  12/26/2022

  Customer came into shop on 11-04-2022 due to an intermittent issue starting vehicle. Customer approved for us to diagnose the vehicle, and we proceeded to inspect the vehicle as well as diagnose the customer's main concern. After performing what we call a charging system test (which tests the battery, alternator, and starter) we initially found the battery and alternator to be fine. When performing the test, you have to also start the vehicle. The vehicle did not start. This essentially tells us the starter is the culprit. The technician then began to redo the test, this time smacking the starter with a hammer, which allowed the starter to engage, thus allowing us to fully perform the test. This was done not only as a re-verification that the starter was the issue, but also lets us check the output on the alternator and battery while the vehicle is running. All tests showed the starter to be bad and both the battery and alternator to test fine. 
  
  
  We created an estimate, the customer approved the job, and work was performed. Once started was replaced, the technician then proceeded to start the vehicle over and over ******* make sure no other issues were found. Vehicle started every time, customer was contacted, and vehicle was paid for and left.
  
  
  On 11-20-22 we received an email from corporate stating the customer had to have his battery replaced, requesting a refund. We contacted the customer, and informed him that the battery was tested while in our care, and was fine. We also explained that any complaints or service issues need to be handled by a meineke facility for any warranty. With the vehicle not being brought back to us, nor us ever being contacted about any continued starting issues, we unfortunately cannot help. The starter was bad, and was replaced. We cannot offer any type of compensation or refunds, as the work was verified to be needed and approved to be done. 

  Customer response

  12/30/2022

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined the response would not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below. 
  
  1. I could not bring my car back to the shop with a dead battery without paying for a tow truck, furthering my expenses.

  2. This does not address the complaint that there is no record that my battery was checked, and I believe someone should look into whether this facility is actually doing the work that they are charging their customers for.
  
  Regards,
  
  *************************

  
  

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