ComplaintsforDARCARS Honda

• Initial Complaint

  06/25/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I took my car for service weeks ago, because the air will not cool my car off. Not even those in the driver and passenger seat. Today, for example, after running it on high for 30 minutes the temp on both the car temp gauge and one I bought is 90 degrees. I also told them it wasnt working previously, and was told it is because it is hot outside. A few weeks ago they did a test that showed, they say, some air is coming out cold, but said I may need to pay $550 for diagnostics further. I am well under warranty. My air needs to be fixed.

  Business response

  08/02/2023

  Manager called the client and left a detailed message. After speaking to *****, her Service Advisor, I was told that she was told her A/C condenser will be replaced at no charge under warranty.  If the condenser was deemed to be damaged by outside influences, it would not be under warranty. It would be the client's responsibility or covered by an insurance company's comprehensive policy. The client was made aware in advance of the diagnostic charge if she declined to do the repair if not under warranty. The part has been ordered and due in by the end of the week. She will be notified and scheduled in to have it replaced.  Please close. Thanks ***************************
  

  Customer response

  08/03/2023

  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. *****, the advisor, was helpful in resolving. The lady who scheduled the appoinment was as well. I came to the dealer on a hot day, and told the advisors I had an appointment coming up, but was stopping by so they can see how hot it was. Fortunately ***** overheard me and assisted. Training is recommended to the advsisors to not dismiss similar situations in the future. To tell someone "its because its hot outside" happened from different advisors. 
  
  Regards and thank you,
  
  ***********************
  

• Initial Complaint

  10/13/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I got a new 2022 Honda ***** from Honda Darcars Bowie, 2260 Crain Highway, Bowie MD 20716-3411 through financing from American Honda Finance Corp. The car’s temporary tag, ********, has expired since Sept. 17, 2022 and I can’t use the car with an expired tag. The dealership told me that I can drive the car because the MVA is aware of the issue. Still I did not drive the car because I didn't want to violate the law and they did not provide me with a written document stating that the dealership is liable for any possible violation like costs for tickets and others. But when I called the MVA last Sept. 26, 2022 I found out that the tag had been delivered in **** Chevy Chase. Then I went to MVA in Largo, MD last Sept. 28, 2022 and I handed the VIN of the car (*****************), then when the woman in window 23 entered the VIN on her computer, she said the car is being registered to a certain *** ** ******. She said, “go back to your dealership, they need to fix it. Good luck.” Then I went to Darcars Honda in Bowie. I spoke with Senayet B*******, Finance Manager, she said she has the tag but she can’t give it to me. Then I told her that I need to call the police because I am very scared and afraid that something might have happened. Two police officers came and I told them that the dealership is giving me a different story which is very opposite of what the MVA told me. Senayet and Monique G****, from Darcars Honda title and tag, were told that they are waiting for the que from the MVA supervisor to fix an error. The police officers relayed to me what the managers, Payam and Freddie, as well as Monique told them, that I can still drive the car with an expired tag. I requested a written document but did not provide any, instead they handed me calling cards. I made a request for a loaner car but they said they don’t have a loaner car. I feel I am a victim here, please take a look at these issues and please let me know of the possibilities.

  Business response

  11/01/2022

  CRM Sherlene L***********, dealer had to provide an extended temp tag for the customer. At this time, is waiting to correct the Soundex number in the portal so that the customer can get new tags.  Thank you, Sherlene L***********
  

  Business response

  11/09/2022

  CRM Sherlene L******* followed up and has been working with the Dealer Team to resolve all matters along with providing updates to the customer. Currently the dealer has sent a letter to MVA to correct the customer's address on his registration.  Once MVA correct the information in the system they will send out a corrected registration.  This information has been told to the customer that he is ok to drive with his tag because he is legal in the system.  Thank you, Sherlene L***********

  Customer response

  11/13/2022

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  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. 
  
  Regards,
  
  *********************
  

• Initial Complaint

  09/13/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I purchased a vehicle in April 2022. As of September 2022, I have not received my sticker and registration. The dealership has been extremely nonresponsive. They do not return phone calls. The voice mail box is full. I drove to the dealership from Dover, DE to Bowie, MD to solve this matter. Nothing was accomplished. DARCAR Honda told me to drive from Dover, DE to DMV in Wilmington, DE to hunt down the paperwork. I REFUSED. I paid the dealership to process and deliver the paperwork. What an insult for them to suggest such a thing! I am a resident of Delaware. DARCAR Honda has issued temporary tags on 3 different occasions. Delaware has issued temporary tags 2 times. Delaware told me to request tracking information from DARCAR Honda to prove where the paperwork was sent. DARCAR Honda states no tracking information is available. Seriously? Their entire staff is inept.

  Business response

  10/04/2022

  CRM Sherlene L******** has been following up with the dealer and customer.  Customer was able to get an extended temp tag from Motor Vehicles.   Dealer still working with title service to update and resubmit the correctly that will allow the customer to get their tags.

  Business response

  10/14/2022

  CRM Sherlene L********** followed up with the dealer and was told that the tags were overnighted. Customer should have her tags that should arrive today or Monday. Thank you, Sherlene L*********

  Customer response

  10/27/2022

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********.  After 6 long months driving with temporary tags, 3 trips to the Delaware DMV, countless unanswered phone calls to DARCAR Honda of Bowie, and one road trip from Dover, DE to DARCAR Honda of Bowie, filing a complaint with Maryland DMV to solve this matter, I reluctantly find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 

  Regards,

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

• Initial Complaint

  09/12/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  On November 18, 2021, ********************* visited DARCARS Honda of Bowie and requested Daniel (Dealer representative) refund 16-months ($283.33) only of the Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) Insurance 48-months total premium of $850. The eligible refund of unearned GAP premium is in reference to Account # *********, 2018 Honda *****, VIN # *****************. Daniel filled out and signed an Agreement Cancellation Request Form requesting refund be made to **** ** ****** (Customer). Daniel indicated a refund check should be mailed within 2-3 weeks of November 18, 2021; however, no refund has been received to date. The supporting form attached. Note: The DARCARS Bowie Dealership only had Agreement Cancellation Request forms with ***** Financial Services logo on them. Nonetheless, Daniel indicated the form would be used and faxed for payment refund. Follow-up requests for GAP refund have been made via phone calls to the DARCARS Bowie Dealership at ###-###-####; whereby, I have been transferred and no one picks up. Also, I have called Daniel's cell # ###-###-#### provided in November 18, 2021; however, no response received. Dealership has indicated that due to COVID shut down that many employees were and are still working from home. I'm unable to resolve this matter; therefore, request BBB assistance in resolving this dispute of $283.33 GAP refund. Also, please advise if interest is warranted. Note that the Honda Financial Services, Charlotte, NC will only direct me to DARCARS Honda, Bowie MD to process the request for GAP refund and DARCARS has been nonresponsive or deliberately trying to run out the clock. Thanks in advance for any assistance you can provide in rectifying this GAP refund matter!

  Business response

  09/20/2022

  CRM Sherlene L******** reached out to the dealer and was provided with the following information. Dealer verified that the customer paid their loan off with Honda, July 2021.  The gap policy was active. Dealer cancelled using the original date on the customer's cancellation form.  We were not sure how the customer derived with the amount that was listed on the customer's complaint.  However the Gap Policy was cancelled today using 4/6/21 as the cancel date from the form.  The check was cut today to the customer with the same address that was provided on the BBB complaint form for $265.20.  Thank you, Sherlene L*******

  Customer response

  09/22/2022

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  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 will await receipt via *** of DARCARS of Bowie, INC Check# ***** in the amount of $265.20 dated September 20, 2022.  It is my anticipation that the actual check was mailed out and will be received within the next 10 business days. 
  

  Regards,
  
  *********************

• Initial Complaint

  07/25/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  On June 2, 2022 I bought a used **** from Dar Cars Honda in Bowie MD and grounded my old leased **** there as well. There’s huge issues now with my paperwork, my temp Tags are about to expire and I have not Received my tags, title or registration from them. All attempts to contact the dealship, the salesman and the general manager have been repeatedly ignored. Now my OLD tags and registration on a car I DONT EVEN HAVE ANYMORE have been suspended and I’ve been fined $150 by the mva!!!! I need my new tags asap

  Business response

  07/26/2022

  CRM Sherlene L**** reached out to the Tag and Title Department. Unable to process the tags at this time due to a MVA Flag, which identifies as a Insurance Lapse 7/6/22.  Tried reaching out the customer by phone and was unsuccessful today. CRM has emailed the customer to provide her with this same update. Waiting for the customer to respond on how this will be cleared up. Thank you, Sherlene L***********

  Customer response

  07/29/2022

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  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 was unaware of the flag at the **** if I had been able to reach anyone at the dealership, they could have let me know. And I could have resolved this situation weeks ago. As of today, i still have not received anything from the mva about it. However, I was able to determine the problem thanks to Sherlene, take care of it and get my tags finally. 

  Regards,
  
  *******************

• Initial Complaint

  06/14/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  In October 2021, I purchased a certified used Honda. In late May, I attenpted to use the air conditioning for the first time and ut did not work. My car is covered under extended warranty and is certified. I have been a certified used Honda owner for 25 years. Whenever I had an issue, I could take it to any Honda dealer and they would fix the issue at any location. The DarCat location acknowledged my warranty upon check-in. I never received any calls advising me to take it to the purchase location for a no-fee service. Who wouldn't drive 20 miles for free service. Instead, when I went to pick it up, I was hit with a $500 bill which the consultant disingenuously reduced to $418.??. I would like a refund. I was not given any feedback or options, only a bill! My Honda is certified, preowned and covered under warranty and also buyer courtesy if something is not in working order at purchase. The AC was not in working order.DarCar Bowie is tarnishing the Honda name.

  Business response

  06/21/2022

  CRM Sherlene L**** reached out to the Donald M****** - Dealer spoke to this client last week regarding her air conditioning issue and charges. We also spoke to Steve C**** (Sales Manager) and **** ******* (Service Manager) at Honda of Annapolis regarding the misinformation given to the client by Steve C****. She purchased the car at Honda of *********. The repair was not covered under warranty as per Honda warranty guidelines. This was confirmed with our factory representative who also is Honda of **********s representative. **** ******* agreed to reach out to the client to further explain we were not wrong in charging her. He also discussed giving her a refund since the repair cost may have been covered in house from the Used Car Department at ********* had she brought the car to them. The client today stated she may have gotten a call from Annapolis in the last couple of days. She has calls and voicemails on her phone which she has not followed up on. Please close. Thanks Sherlene L****

  Customer response

  06/22/2022

  [To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed as Answered]
  
  The response from Darcar Honda is not accurate. Darcar reached out to me only after the BBB complaint amd misconstued the conversation in attempt to depict me as uncooperative (not answering call which is an outright lie). I do not have any unanswered calls from Darcar. As a retired federal investigator, I respond to all calls and inquires timely. Donald of Darcar was asking questions about calls from Honda Annapolis in attempt to shift blame. In addition Darcar has not addressed the issue as to why I should be reimbursed. Darcar told me the AC would be covered by warranty, no other updates were given. When I showed up to pick up my Honda, I was charged $418.00+ without being consulted about the charge or provided the option to take it to Honda Annapolis (17 miles away). This response is not accurate and I will be taking additional action against Darcar. As a former advocate of the people as a federal investigator, it is about protecting the rights of citizens. I am a retired senior citizen and was scammed and lied to. I will look at this as an opportunity to protect other citizens and seniors. It is a shame that Darcar Honda of Bowie has ruined a longstanding great consumer relationship I had with the Honda brand. In addition to BBB and upon closeout of this issue, if not resolved, I will be reporting this to additional Consumer Protection and Consumer Rights organizations. Donald at Darcar has made no attempt to actually process a refund! The remaining issue to be addressed is WHY there was no contact by Darcar to discuss warranty coverage and/or obtain consent for the charges and provide me with the option to take it to Honda of Annapolis 17 miles away for free service! This issue is not resolved. I should have researched Darcar before taking my vehicle to them. I was relying on the Honda name. Unfortunately, my research after service has revealed a longstanding issue with customer dissatisfaction and an unfavorable reputation within the locale. As I indicated, I am retired and have nothing but time to work tirelessly to protect citizens, especially the aging population, from Darcar's pariah business practices.  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Regards,
  ***********************
  

  Business response

  06/27/2022

  CRM Sherlene L**** followed up with Donald M******,please note his response. This is the result of the BBB matter regarding ******* ****. I spoke to **** *******, the Service Manager at Honda of *********. He neglected to call *** **** on the day specified. He then was on vacation for 5 days. After reaching him Wednesday afternoon, he obliged to get *** ****'s car back in to check the air conditioning system and discuss the reason why a charge to her was necessary. Yesterday, *** **** took her vehicle in, and it was explained the charge for evacuation and recharge was necessary if no leaks were found. However, a leak was found when her car went into their bay area for inspection. Therefore, the costs she paid here at DARCARS Honda will need to be reimbursed to her. Her vehicle needs an air conditioning compressor. Being so, American Honda will pay for the diagnosis, evacuation and recharge, and parts and labor associated with the replacement since it is under the Pre-Own Certified Warranty. **** ******* agreed that the dye will sometimes take a while to show, and the tracing is not always immediately noticeable. Being that the refrigerant ******* used is $255.00 and more expensive than the old **** ***** used prior to 2016, it is a catch 22 situation if you allow a client to leave without paying the bill. It may not show up as a leak immediately. It may have been undercharged prior to the client owning the car, and or the client may not return if the system blows cold for the summer. In any case, American Honda will not pay for diagnosis unless a repair is made. We will be reimbursing *** **** for her paid invoice. I apologized for the misinformation given initially by Honda of Annapolis's sales manager and apologized for the inconvenience and not so clear explanation of costs given to her at the time of writeup here at DARCARS. Thank you, Sherlene

• Initial Complaint

  03/17/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  The dealership verbally and formally in writing agreed to a contract binding them to a 14 day pay off of trade in remaining loan or payments from the date of purchase for the car. I purchased the car on 2/28, which means by contract the loan is required to have been paid off by 3/14 I had very explicit, and firm conversations with the finance manager, Senayet B*******, about my car payment the following month and making sure they would pay off the car in time for my financial health to not be put at risk and for me not to be responsible any longer and she confirmed it was definitely within the time frame. I called on 3/11, 12 days after purchase, because when I spoke with my bank, they said Darcars had only requested the 14 day pay off that very day.. when I called Darcars a second time- they said they would email me with the tracking number of the payment disbursed- instead I got an email just confirming that “the check was cut today”. When I asked for the tracking number I got no reply. Here I am almost 20 days after purchase and I had to call 3 more times because no one can give me a straight answer about the pending payment. This is putting my financial health at risk and this is a breach of contract. I have seen several reviews on yelp and see a lot of people have experienced this- they should be sued. On top of this- they spelled my last name wrong on the new loan- and now I have to wait on them to fix it before I can do anything with my loan- all of this stops me from working in the 30 day window of time to shop for a better loan. This finance department is so sloppy that it’s breaching their fiduciary responsibility and breaching contract. I want resolve from the dealership, expedited payment on their late loan closure for my trade in, and confirmation that they have rectified their errors with the loan company and completed timely registration of the vehicle. I’m simply asking that they stop dragging their feet and fulfill their end of the contract.

  Business response

  03/23/2022

  CRM Sherlene L****, had conversation with the customer to work with dealer to resolve the matter.  Per Kerry D******, General Sales Manager he was able to speak with *** ******* .  After speaking with the customer were able to come to terms and after she has reviewed her paperwork, spoken with **** and received to keyfob batteries later this week.  Please close, Thanks Sherlene L****

  Business response

  04/01/2022

  CRM Sherlene L**** followed up with dealer and customer.  Per Dealer customer will be coming to the dealer to receive the batteries she needs for key fobs. Stated to the customer her MVA violation has been paid for and addressed. Please close. Thanks Sherlene L****

  Customer response

  04/08/2022

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  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.  The sales manger, Kerry D******, provided support through this process by personally contacting me, and addressed the additional issue of the dmv citation for the dealerships delay in notification of purchase which caused me to receive a penalty for having an uninsured vehicle, as well as addressing the issue with my last name being incorrect on the auto loan.  Kerry also had the batteries in my keys replaced as requested. My experience and issues were resolved by Kerry and Kerry alone. I do not feel like the financial office in this location is reliable, and still stand by my feedback that their work is sloppy and the customer service has room for improvement. I think if this element changed, this location might perform better.
  
  Regards,
  
  **** *******
  

• Initial Complaint

  11/17/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  In 4/2016 i purchased a 2016 Honda **** and with this purchase the "Free Oil Changes for Life" was included and this was a primary reason for going through with my purchase. Honda of Bowie has honored this since i purchased this vehicle. However, today, 11/17/21, i was told a new owner has purchased this location and they are not honoring the contract. This offer, as i understood, would be honored FOR LIFE and would be binding for life. New owner or not, a customer who purchased with the promise of an agreement should have that contract honored. The contracts follow the company (Darcars Honda of Bowie) not the specific owners, legally they should be required to uphold agreements put in place. They did not communicate the discontinuation of said promotion but those who have agreements in place should be grandfathered into the agreements mutually confirmed upon at the time of purchase.

  Business response

  11/18/2021

  CRM Sherlene L********* followed up with the dealer and reached out to Gary B*********, General Manager, please note the following - This customer purchased the premium care from us when we already owned the store. Please be mindful that we purchased the store in November 2015. Someone should have come to the sales department to see if it was purchased by the customer. Unfortunately it was still marketed as for life by us, but had to be purchased instead of given for free by the previous owners. I have contacted the customer, acknowledged and apologized for our mistake, and let her know that we will continue to honor her free oil changes.  Thank you, ***************************
  

  Customer response

  11/19/2021

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  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.  ************ Reached out to me and has advised me that my $65 dollars paid at the time the services were rendered would be returned to me and they will continue to honor the agreement. 
  
  Regards,
  
  *************************
  

• Initial Complaint

  11/02/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On January 17, 2021 , I ***************** put a $4000.00 downpayment on my debit card to purchase a black Honda ****** for my brother *************************** from DarCars Honda Of Bowie. The fiance manager *************************** contacted me and stated to bring the vehicle back to Honda of Bowie because *************************** could not get car financed by any bank. I returned vehicle back on February 27, 2021. i have email *************************** at least 10 times asking for my reimbursement of $4000.00 dollars and i have talked and met with the manager **** several times requesting my refund. they both stated that were going to send me my refund of $4000.00 dollars.They are refusing to refund my downpayment/deposit of $4000.00. It is going on 8 months this dealership to refund me my downpayment. I will be filing a lawsuit against them.

  Business response

  11/04/2021

  CRM Sherlene L**********, followed up with the dealer,  Please note that this was resolved in May, the money was refunded on your credit card, I am enclosing the receipt.  CRM Sherlene L************, also updated the customer via email as well. Please close. Thanks -  Sherlene L**********
  

• Initial Complaint

  09/27/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Hi, I purchased a new vehicle from Darcars Honda in Bowie, MD on May 19, 2021. I was issued a temporary Maryland registration plate which expired on July 18, 2021. To date, I have not received permanent tags. I have contacted the dealership numerous times to resolve the matter; however, I still do not have permanent tags and I am forced to drive with expired tags for over two months.

  Business response

  09/29/2021

  CRM ************* ****** followed up with ***** ****** Tag and Title Department.  The Tags will be overnighted today here is the tracking# ************.  We left a voicemail message and a email as well for the customer. Please close. Thanks - ********

  Customer response

  10/04/2021

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  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. 
  
  Regards,
  
  ******* ********
  

*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. ↩