ComplaintsforWaldorf Honda

• Initial Complaint

  03/21/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  On 27 Dec 2022, I went to Waldorf Honda to purchase a 2017 Honda Ridgeline. A down payment of $2,000 was placed. In the process of the sale, ******************** stated that sales can be canceled. On 30 Dec 2022, I sent *************************** (the sales rep who sold me the car) an email stating I did not want the vehicle anymore. Later, that night I called ******************** and On 27 Dec 2022, I went to Waldorf Honda to purchase a 2017 Honda *********. A down payment of $2,000 was placed. In the process of the sale, ******************** stated that sales can be canceled. On 30 Dec 2022, I sent *************************** (the sales rep who sold me the car) an email stating I did not want the vehicle anymore. Later, that night I called ******************** and he stated to come the next day to cancel the contract. When we arrived to Waldorf Honda on 31 Dec 2022, ************************* (Financial Manager) informed us that the company would not void the contract although it is stated in their contract that they can. The vehicle is a company administrative vehicle (truck was used my employees and used for test driving). This information was not provided to me, until I was informed of this by Honda Corporate. I was informed by Waldorf Honda the truck was a used vehicle by an elderly individual. In the contract it is stated 'FEDERAL LAW REQUIRES A BUYERS GUIDE TO BE ATTACHED TO THE SIDE WINDOW OF THIS VEHICLE. YOU ARE WELCOME TO INQUIRE AS TO THE SPECIFIC USAGE OF THE VEHICLE FROM THE DATE OF ITS MANUFACTURE. YOU ARE ALSO WELCOME TO CONDUCT WHATEVER INSPECTION YOU DEEM APPROPRIATE PRIOR TO ENTERING INTO AN AGREEMENT TO PURCHASE THE VEHICLE.' In addition, there was misinformation of the truck's prior usage. I added Bumper-to-Bumper warranty that would extend to April 2025, and that was shown in the contract when I signed. After re-reviewing the contract, this information was not included. Finally, the truck has NEVER left the Honda Waldorf parking lot nor were we ever in possession of the vehicle's keys.

• Initial Complaint

  03/15/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  I purchased a 2021 Honda ******** from Honda in Waldorf on Saturday. I left the dealership late Saturday night. Sunday they were closed and Tuesday I drove my car for the first time. I realized there was significant damage to the side wall of 3 of the 4 tires and rim. When I tried to get Honda to fix it they would only fix one tire but acknowledged the other two are damaged. Damage to tires are a very dangerous thing. If I noticed it before leaving they would have addressed it but because I signed and left its just my problem. I just want the tires fixed/or a new set of used tires. I do not believe that they should sell damaged tires to customers. It really questions the integrity of this business.

• Initial Complaint

  09/20/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased a used 2014 Honda ***** from this business on 7/22/2022. This vehicle was advertised and sold as a clean *** ***, with no accidents, and passing a multipoint inspection, and 40K miles. Within the first 60 days, ***** Honda of West Chester, PA identified a litany of damages to this vehicle consistent with a traumatic front end impact. These included bent struts, bent steering knuckles, torn compliance bushings, and a siezed ABS sensor. Currently the car is garaged in my house and I am not able to drive it, due to the front passenger wheel rubbing on the wheel well. ***** Honda estimated the damages to this car, which were pre-existing during the sale, to total 7800 dollars. I have contacted the GM of Waldorf, Mr. M**** requesting that this car be taken back and my money be fully refunded within the 60 days in which Maryland allows this to occur. He not only has been non-compliant, but the latest email I sent to him, I received a notification that he rejected it as spam. At this point I have no other recourse but to file complaints with the Maryland Attorney General and the Better Business Bureau. In addition to trying to contact Mr. M**** via email, once the email was rejected, I overnighted hard copies of the email and the documents that I sent to the Maryland Attorney General. I have heard nothing to this point. Once it became clear that Mr. M**** was not going to comply amicably, I purchased the most recent car fax report which shows that Waldorf Honda replaced the tie rods on this vehicle, which would not be necessary at 40K miles unless there was impact. Completing this work also would have made it nearly impossible to have not seen the damages identified by ***** Honda. All I am asking is that this dealer take back the vehicle, refund my money, and make the necessary repairs to sell this vehicle honestly, as they should have in the first place.

  Business response

  10/05/2022

  We sold the vehicle in question to *************** on 7/23/22 with odometer reading 38,353 miles.  Realize that this customer came from and lives over 125 miles away from our store location and drove it all the way home that day with no contact regarding tire rubbing or any other problems.  He asked and we obliged in agreeing to pay for services after the sale at a store closer to his home.  His vehicle history report shows that his ***** was at ***** **** Honda on 7/26/22 with mileage of 38,640(287 miles added).  Certainly, if $7800 worth of repairs were needed, this would have been uncovered at that time. It would make sense that *** ****** would have brought the issues to the attention of the service staff at this time. I cannot imagine that such “damage” as described by *** ****** would not have been noticed by these Honda professionals seeing as *** ****** claims that totaling the vehicle and scrapping it was discussed with other Honda experts.
  
  Fast forward to 9/13/22, we are contacted by ** ****** with the findings from yet another Honda dealer, ***** Honda.  In their Automobile Status Report, the noted mileage on the vehicle at this point is 41,375(3022 miles added from delivery) dated 9/14/22.  So, this vehicle which had a tire rubbing for over 3,000 miles(and tire didn’t blow) and this was the first we are hearing of it.  A seized ABS sensor would trigger the ABS dash light to illuminate(no mention).   So he has been in possession of the vehicle for two months and has driven over 3000 miles prior to contacting the selling dealer, Waldorf Honda about any issues. He sends copy of the proposed services to the vehicle of which many are not even recommended by the manufacturer and other extraneous services padded within the bill.  He even suggested we have our Honda Master Certified Tech come to him and use another mechanics tools to assess the alleged issues.  He has continued to refuse to bring the vehicle to us(where he purchased it) and we are now suspect of his motives and intentions.  Please understand that we are not contractually or legally responsible for his vehicle at this point.  The FTC allows for a 1 month or 1000 mile limited warranty.  He is well beyond both.  Fortunately he purchased an extended service plan to cover mechanical breakdowns and maintains full coverage auto insurance which will cover any physical damage that may have occurred.  
  
  The vehicle was MD State Inspected on 7/16/22 as shows on the supplied vehicle history report.  Tie rods were replaced which in no way is an indicator of an accident or physical damage.  I suspect but do not know for sure, that this vehicle was driven in the city(possibly DC) which has many pot holes that have a big impact on the life span of those parts. This also is an 8 year old vehicle with low miles which could indicate it has sat for some time.  This can affect the life span of many vehicle components.  There is no way that a Certified MD State Inspector would miss all of the things claiming to be damaged, especially working in that exact area of the vehicle on the tie rods.  MD State Inspectors work under the direct supervision of the MD State Troopers and are licensed and held to account by MD State Police.  Knowing this, we agree with ** ******* comment, “nearly impossible to have not seen the necessary repairs…”. 
  
  Just to touch on other points brought in his BBB letter;  our IT department found that the attachment “zip file” ** ****** sent are very susceptible and are blocked accordingly.  Once the paperwork was received, the original email chain was  accessed and communication continued. 
  
  In the State of Maryland, there is no “cooling off” period where the transaction can be cancelled or retracted. So, we have no idea where he got the idea that he had 60 days to nullify the deal.  He owned the vehicle the moment it was driven off the lot.  The ***** has well over 43k miles at this point over 2 months later.  It underwent the very comprehensive MD State Inspection by a State Certified Inspector prior to sale(which would have uncovered any stated issues at the time) and he was provided with the ****** Vehicle History Report which showed no accidents and multiple prior Honda Dealer services performed in the *****’s past including the installation of the above mentioned alarm.  *** ****** is attempting to bully us and defame our well-earned reputation. The only conclusion I can come to with the information at hand is that we have a case of post purchase dissonance.  
  

  Customer response

  10/07/2022

  [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]
  
   Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  

  The damages to this vehicle prior to my purchase of the vehicle.  Mr. M******** simply will not stand behind the vehicle.  I am completely appalled at the behavior of the dealership and the dishonesty of their practices.  I have video included here that proves that the wheel shows off center prior to the sale.  This wheel rubbing on the wheel well when the wheel fully turned in reverse produced a strange noise that prompted the service call to ***** Honda (a reputable dealer I would definitely recommend).  If you are considering purchasing from Waldorf, drive here instead. 

  As a side note, if anyone purchases a car from them, make sure you read every document fully.  They even include a document that asks you sign to waive your constitutional rights to a judge or jury trial.  I would ask anyone, if this dealership were operating honestly, why would they have anyone sign it?  Also, since all paperwork was signed electronically, I have suspicions as to whether this document was really presented to me or if my signature was captured, as there is NO WAY I would have signed a document that said I would waive my right to a Jury trial.  My father was also in attendance with me as I signed and he has no recollection, nor would he have advised me to sign it, as he has had extensive experience with legal contract writing.

  I will continue to try to hold Waldorf Honda accountable for their practices and products.  

  My last note is this:  In today's used car market, why would a dealership not accept a return of a 40K mile 2014 Honda *****?  If this car was in the condition in which it was represented, then it would sell in less than a day.  

  I also would encourage anyone reading this to fully research this dealership's rating on the BBB site.  It's not really easy to earn an F rating. 

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

• Initial Complaint

  08/03/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  In May we purchased two cars from Waldorf Honda, one for my daughter and one for my son. One of the cars was a ****** and stopped running shortly after purchase (50 days). I also purchased a 3 year warranty for both vehicles. Although they assured me that this was the very best warranty and would cover any major repairs and full engine and transmission coverage, this has not been the case. This is my sons very first car and he just made his first car note and now the car is not running. I was instructed by the Honda dealership (Tony R*********-Service Lane Manager) to go to the ****** dealership and the warranty would cover the repairs and all I have to pay was the $100 deductible. ****** reviewed my warranty and stated that the coverage looks good and we shouldn't have any problem. That is not the case. ****** reached out to the warranty company and NONE of the repairs are covered (throttle body, CVT service, Fuel Induction and some other minor repairs). Separate complaint coming for the warranty company. The repairs were estimated by the ****** dealer over $2300.00!! After receiving that estimate I went back to Honda to give them the opportunity to make it right. We were told to speak to the sales manager Bert “Deal Maker” B****. Mr. B***** was not only dismissive of our concerns, he also pointed fingers, took zero responsibility and was not interested in helping us at all. Furthermore, his tone was just arrogant and just kept telling us to go back to ******. In addition, there was a whole lot of double talking as well, lacking trust. Needless to say, I am extremely disappointed in the staff and culture at Waldorf Honda. I will not trust them with another car purchase. They are not interested in helping only putting up brick walls once they have your money. "Before" the sale everyone is sooo responsive and willing to help. However "after" the sale they and no longer interested. Rest assured, I will be exhausting all options to get this resolved.

• Initial Complaint

  03/01/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  I have not received my GAP refund after paying off my car. I have called, email. No check in mail. Absolutely refused my gap refund in my opinion.******************************

• Initial Complaint

  01/25/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  On January 12, 2022, Waldorf Honda sent the following Text: "Hi, *****, this is Waldorf Honda. It's time for your yearly Maryland State Inspection, Reply or call ********** for an appt. Reply STOP to OptOut.As i moved to MD one year ago, I did not question the notification, contacting ***************** in Charlotte Hall, MD, scheduling an inspection for 1/25/22. During a conversation while checking out from ***** ****, I learned Maryland does not require yearly inspections. ***** **** was surprised by Honda's text (they would have clarified, but assumed inspection related sale of car). When I got home, I first confirmed the number in the text was legitimate and I was not prey to a scam. Next, I spoke to the Service Manager, *****. ***** confirmed they send the auto text messages and has not been able to stop them. Explaining I had incurred an expense due to the message, he said he was sorry, but that was my fault, not his, since I did not call Honda and talk to him to confirm the validity of the message. I stated It did not occur to me that such an inquiry/confirmation is necessary. I was not aware Honda is in the habit of sending deceptive notifications to trick customers into obtaining unnecessary service. .***** continued to blame me for trusting the message, refusing to acknowledge any wrong-doing, only agreeing to remove my name from their distribution list. By ******* own admission, Waldorf Honda knows they are deceiving customers, and not doing anything to insure their customers are made aware of the erroneous text message while they (Honda) "tries to stop the message", There is strong potential for them to benefit financially from this deception, it demonstrates a lack of business integrity and a culture of unconcern for their customers. This needs to be addressed without delay as they are knowingly lying about Maryland State inspection requirements, again to their potential financial gain.

  Business response

  02/22/2022

  To whom it may concern:

  In response to the above customer complaint, we employee Text to Drive as a communication tool between our dealership and valued customers. Some of the automated stock messages are sent out directly by Text to Drive, our vendor. We as a company were unaware of this automated message the guest received, it has since been rectified.  The vendor rep explained to us that he also covers VA which employs an annual inspection for tires, glass and brakes.  He apologized and agreed to handle the customers expense. I would also like to point out that any and all marketing we do is meant specifically for services directed to our location.  A simple call to us would have clarified this immediately. Over 98% of our Md State Inspections are performed for the purposes of retailing our previously owned stock. We as an outstanding service facility, would have said ***************** why do you need a state inspection? As should have, *****************, for which they didn't, they did an inspection, took her money, then followed up with, why did you do an inspection?. Instead of asking qualified questions as we would have. I apologized numerous times for the automated message. These messages aren't sent out to deceive our guests. If she would have simply called Waldorf Honda, she would have been instructed, to please disregard unless she is selling the vehicle. We pride ourselves on not over selling a guest and to just advise of needed repairs.  We have attained excellent customer satisfaction over our entire history by listening to our clients and providing outstanding service over and over.
  
  In conclusion, she should expect a reimbursement check from either  Text to Drive or Waldorf Honda in the next several days. We offer our sincere apologies for what occurred at the shop she chose to take her Honda to for the unneeded inspection.

  Customer response

  03/08/2022

  [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. 
  

  ---------- Forwarded message ---------
  From: *********************** <********************>
  Date: Tue, Mar 8, 2022 at 9:53 AM
  Subject: Re: You have a new message from the BBB of Metro Washington DC & Eastern Pennsylvania in regards to your complaint #********.
  To: Better Business Bureau <[email protected]>, <[email protected]>
  

  
  

  Good Morning,

  
  

  I wanted to confirm that I did receive requested payment from Waldorf Honda as well as reassurance that the false directive is no longer being sent to consumers.  I am satisfied with the resolution brought about by BBB.  Please accept my apology for not relaying this earlier.

  
  

  Thank you for your excellent assistance in this matter.

  
  

  Regards,  

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

  Sent from my ****

   

  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. ↩