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Business Profile

New Car Dealers

Darling's, Inc.

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

Find BBB Accredited Businesses in New Car Dealers.

Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Darling's, Inc.'s headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see

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Darling's, Inc. has 9 locations, listed below.

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    Customer Complaints Summary

    • 18 total complaints in the last 3 years.
    • 8 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

    If you've experienced an issue

    Submit a Complaint

    The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

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    Complaint status

    Complaint type

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:04/10/2025

      Type:Billing Issues
      Status:
      ResolvedMore info

      Complaint statuses

      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      Please see detailed letter sent to the ** at Darlings in Augusta disputing fees charged for diagnostics that the dealer was not qualified to perform but lead me to believe they were. I have received no response from Mr. ***** regarding my complaint.

      Business Response

      Date: 04/14/2025

      ***** *****, the General Manager in our Augusta dealership, spoke to the customer on Friday, April 11th.  The refund check was send out that same day, and the customer is satisfied with the outcome.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 04/17/2025

      [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 submitted by the business and have determined that the response does satisfy my issues and/or concerns in reference to complaint #********. I understand that by choosing to accept the business response that my complaint will be closed as resolved. 

      Regards,

      ****** *******
    • Initial Complaint

      Date:01/23/2025

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      ResolvedMore info

      Complaint statuses

      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      When purchasing a new ***** SUV from Darlings I also purchased a service plan consisting of 6 oil changes. I used only 3 of the 6 oil changes when I decided to trade in my *****. The service contract specified that a refund for unused oil changes would be paid within 2 weeks of canceling this service agreement. I notified Darlings in writing that I was canceling the agreement in May 2024. I was told I would receive a check within a couple of weeks but I never received the refund. I feel that I purchased this agreement in good faith and should have received a refund for services not rendered. I appreciate your help in resolving the situation.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 02/03/2025

      [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 submitted by the business and have determined that the response does satisfy my issues and/or concerns in reference to complaint #********. I understand that by choosing to accept the business response that my complaint will be closed as resolved. 

      Regards,

      **** ******
    • Initial Complaint

      Date:12/13/2024

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      ResolvedMore info

      Complaint statuses

      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I am filing a complaint against ********* dealership in ******, *****, regarding ongoing issues with my 2015 ******* Veloster. I brought the vehicle in for a coolant leak repair, which was covered under warranty. However, it was later determined by another mechanic that the issue was not properly fixed. As a result, I had to replace the radiator at my own expense, costing $700. Now, the engine has blown, and the dealership is refusing to assist with repair costs despite their initial oversight.I am requesting that ********* reimburse me for the radiator repair and cover the costs associated with the engine failure, as the initial warranty repair was inadequate and contributed to the escalating damage. I can provide service records from the garage I took it to. Darlings has been so unhelpful and knowing sold me a lemon of a car. I way overpaid for a car that ********* didn't even service properly.

      Business Response

      Date: 12/31/2024

      We are currently discussing options with the customer as to financing some of the cost of repairs into their loan, and ********* covering the remaining costs. A final resolution has not been reached at this point.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 01/09/2025

      [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 submitted by the business and have determined that the response does satisfy my issues and/or concerns in reference to complaint #********. I understand that by choosing to accept the business response that my complaint will be closed as resolved. 

      Regards,

      ****** *******
    • Initial Complaint

      Date:12/05/2024

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      AnsweredMore info

      Complaint statuses

      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I paid for 6 oil changes when I purchased my bronco sport. I only used 3 and they will not allow me to use the other 3 because I traded the vehicle. They also refuse to refund my money or even call me back

      Business Response

      Date: 12/09/2024

      This is to notify you that we have cancelled the contract per the customer's request and have issued a refund in the amount of $105.00.  This number represents the prorated amount of the original contract, less services paid and a $50 cancellation fee.

      We consider this matter to have been resolved, and thank you for the opportunity to respond.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 12/10/2024

      Better Business Bureau:I have reviewed the response submitted by the business and have determined that the response does not satisfy or resolve my issues and/or concerns in reference to complaint # ********. Please add your rejection comments below; if you do not provide any details, your complaint will be closed as Answered. 

      [You must provide details of why you are not satisfied with this resolution.  If you do not enter a reason for your rejection, your complaint will be closed as Answered.]

      Businesses and Customers should be civil, courteous and polite in their responses to complaints. It is important to remain professional and productive when participating in the BBB complaint process.

      FAQ

      Regards,

      *****

       

       

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:09/10/2024

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      AnsweredMore info

      Complaint statuses

      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      So we bought a car just before Covid and then Covid came. We couldnt get the car serviced bought an extended warranty for a very large amount of money and went to use the extended warranty last week and was told it doesnt cover the part even though when we signed up for this extended warranty, we went over everything it covered, and this windshield washer motor shouldve been covered under our extended warranty according to what we were told at the time of purchase of said warranty we are also given a fix-it ticket with no expiration date on it during Covid. Tried to take it to get it fixed because we bought the car at this dealership because it was close to home. We were told we had to take the car to ******, we dont live near ****** and we both work and we needed the car so I just got around to getting the car up for the fix-it ticket and they refused to fix it !!! I expect this windshield washer motor to be covered under the extended warranty, or I would like the cost of the extended warranty refunded to us immediately so that I can take the money and get the windshield washer motor fixed at my personal mechanic. I want the dealership to come fix that? We got when we bought the car!!

      Business Response

      Date: 09/19/2024

      The customer that filed the response is not the actual owner of the vehicle however the address and last name of complainant does match another customer with same vehicle type and issue. In regards to the we owe (fix it)  It explicitly states on the document that it must be completed within 30 days and was signed by the customer, it has been over 4 years and the resolution of installing 2 after market heated seat elements was offered. These aftermarket products would come with a 3 year warranty from the manufacturer of them.


       In regards to the warranty, the windshield washer motor is covered however the failed part is the windshield washer fluid pump and that is not covered under the warranty. I read through the contract of listed items and initially thought it was covered but when I read it over and over realized the failed part is not listed and for that reason I would honor having the washer fluid motor pump repaired. There is a $100 deductible that would be due as listed in the contract. I have tried to call the customer to offer this however it rings a few times and then hangs up. I am not comfortable emailing the complainant as they are not listed as the owner of the vehicle.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:09/06/2024

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      AnsweredMore info

      Complaint statuses

      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      September ******* 2015 ***** 5 Touring 4D Wagon Darlings **** ******************* VIN #***************** We have had so many problems since the beginning. A major concern we have is the safety of our childrens lives while driving them in it. Ive expressed my concerns and theyre unwilling to do anything financially to fix it. The best option they can give us is to get an estimate for what its worth & give us that. Thats absolutely not going to work, we have a 5 year payment with them. Its needed a new fuel pump, tires, a new door (fell right off the hinge), wheel bearings, alignment, the muffler replaced, and now the engine is misfiring plus so much more. When we bought it, they told us they fixed everything in the car and was in great shape. Its been a little under a year and all this car has continued to do is fall right apart. We cannot afford to replace an engine plus the rest of the stuff that needs to be done. I am paying almost as much as a new car after interest rates. I deserve to have a good, decent vehicle for my kids and I to SAFELY ride in!!!

      Business Response

      Date: 09/10/2024

      ***** ****, General Manager of our used car division, spoke with the customer on September 9th regarding her concerns about the vehicle she purchased from Darlings. Over the past year, the customer has driven the car more than ****** miles, and most of the issues she is experiencing appear to be maintenance-related. We recommended that she visit a ***** dealership for further diagnosis. During the conversation, the customer indicated that she would schedule an appointment and follow up with us regarding the status of the vehicle.
    • Initial Complaint

      Date:07/09/2024

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      AnsweredMore info

      Complaint statuses

      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      On 6/26, I went to Darlings for a quick recall repair to the rear end of my recently inspected ***** CRV. After waiting an unexpected 6 hours, I was told by *********************** my car was in worse shape than it was when you brought it in. My cars right front spring had been broken on the lift. ****** told me for $800-900 I could buy the part to fix my car that day and send me home. I couldnt (and cant) afford the charge and was told my car was unsafe to drive and I could not leave in it that day. I was not offered a rental or a way to get home. Once arriving home, by my own means, I discovered the part in question is under $300 at most (however, still unaffordable). ****** told me to expect a call the next day. He didnt call. When I eventually got ****** on the phone he stated that because my car is older the part was going to break eventually and that it was not Darlings fault. He told me ***** (not Darlings) was going to cover the part that was broken (not the laborthats unacceptable) and he would call me back before 7/4. I left two messages on 7/8 as I had not heard back from him and received a text from him this morning, 7/9, stating that BOTH of the springs in the front are broken. He is working on getting ***** to cover both but not sure how it will go. I have not had my vehicle for two weeks. Most inconveniently, because of this I have missed out on opportunities to make money as I am a small business owner who makes her money by vending at markets. To resolve this issue, I would like my car back, fixed, before my next market, 7/15, and entirely paid for by ***** or Darlings.

      Business Response

      Date: 07/25/2024

      This customer was scheduled for us to perform a recall on this vehicle. Upon completion of the recall, our technician lowered the vehicle back to the ground. When the vehicle was back on the ground both front springs broke. I was able to get ***** to pay for the Parts leaving the Labor to be paid by the customer. we felt this was a fair offer given the vehicles age and mileage. If there is any additional information please feel free to reach out. thank you
    • Initial Complaint

      Date:05/16/2024

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      UnansweredMore info

      Complaint statuses

      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I bought a brand new 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 from Darlings in Augusta ***** . They had me buy the life time warranty for $3000 , the Sale Associate , The Sales Manager and the Service Manager assured me that putting a plow on the truck for personal use would NOT void the warranty . I even have written notes on this . Well they took my $3000 and now will NOT cover anything . They first tried to say the warranty is voided because I put a plow on EVEN though they assured me it wouldn't . Then they said , they spent enough on repairs and are no longer going to honor it . Darlings also said this is now a CHRYSLER issue . Well we didn't buy the warranty thru Chrysler we bought it from the sales person who assured us we would be all set . I have e-mailed the ************************************** who will not return my calls or e-mails . I have called them numerous times as I am having a ton of issues with my truck . I bought the life time warranty and spent the 3000 dollars and now they don't want to honor it . But some one there pocketed that $3000 now didn't they ! And keep in mind when you go to fill out the survey they send to let them know how poorly they are doing they do not let it go thru to corporate unless its great reviews !
    • Initial Complaint

      Date:10/18/2023

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      AnsweredMore info

      Complaint statuses

      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      Purchased vehicle from darlings used auto lot. It was not disclosed the full extent of prior accident vehicle was involved in. Pulled it off lot after purchase vehicle threw engine fault service now code. Called dealership back told them about issue they had service look at it drove it a couple miles and stated nothing wrong with vehicle. Have had the code thrown multiple times since then, have replaced shocks and struts and battery to try to fix the jolting issues that *** told them on day one nothing has helped the issues Ive stated on day one of the purchase. Have called the dealership multiple times over the same issue Ive had on day one of the purchase and they do not want to fix their mistakes. The vehicle has major wiring/ mechanical issues that were never disclosed. Has engine issues as well and has not held coolant as well have to carry around a jug of coolant to continuously fill it up. The side panels have continuously popped off which was fixed after the accident it was in prior to my purchase. The error code when pops up doesnt allow for you to use the brakes or gas nothing works in the vehicle when its thrown. I have to hurry and out the car park because the whole vehicle shakes until it gets turned off. Then I turn it back in and it goes away. They cant get the code to come on manually like I told them it kicks on randomly, and its usually when Im in traffic, and it almost causes accidents every time. Dont know how to fix the issues with this business. Have a loan with Capitol one for vehicle. Would want my money returned for the amount Ive payed towards this vehicle, or a different vehicle situation figured out.

      Business Response

      Date: 10/26/2023

      We looked at this vehicle back in March of 2022, and have not heard from the customer since.  It has been over 1 year and 6months and the customer has driven ****** miles.  At this time, we feel ********* does not have an obligation for assisting with repairs.  Thank you.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 10/27/2023

      Better Business Bureau:I have reviewed the response submitted by the business and have determined that the response does not satisfy or resolve my issues and/or concerns in reference to complaint # ********. Please add your rejection comments below; if you do not provide any details, your complaint will be closed as Answered. 

      [You must provide details of why you are not satisfied with this resolution.  If you do not enter a reason for your rejection, your complaint will be closed as Answered.]

      Businesses and Customers should be civil, courteous and polite in their responses to complaints. It is important to remain professional and productive when participating in the BBB complaint process.

      FAQ

      Regards,

      *******

       I dont agree with this at all, *** called them multiple times since the first time I bought this vehicle. I purchased this vehicle last week of march of 2022. Day I pulled it off lot did exactly whats is being shown in the video attached that happened just this week. I will pull up all my call logs on top of it to prove I was in contact with this dealership multiple times over this issue and was constantly told if I brought it back and they couldnt get code to throw again Id have to pay 500 just for the service. Ive put money into this vehicle that should have never been sold its a whole Lemon! Never disclosed how serious the previous accident the vehicle was in that caused damaged to the whole passenger side as well. I was deceived into buying this vehicle and taken advantage of and the dealership doesnt want to admit theyre in wrong. Ive called them multiple times over the year Ive had this vehicle with this code being thrown since day one that cause the whole vehicle to shake like shown in video along with the gas and brakes not working when this happens. Like stated I have the call logs that I will attach as I did call them specifically when I had the vehicle at a shop due to the code being thrown and had to have a bunch of stuff replaced on the vehicle as well. Was told there was nothing they could do when I had called them about the issues Ive had since day ONE of purchasing this vehicle. Even on the first day when they couldnt get the code to throw and I told him how uncomfortable I was driving the vehicle because it happened with my daughter in it they did not care. Highly unprofessional dealership that wont admit they sold a lemon for a vehicle. 

       

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:08/03/2023

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      AnsweredMore info

      Complaint statuses

      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      first I was only informed of an existing recall on the vehicle after signing the final documents, which the seller knew about but declined to repair before selling it. They instead advised me to have it fixed as soon as possible. My second issue was that the rear windshield wiper broke two days after purchasing the car. Darlings claimed it wasn't a safety concern and therefore not covered by their 30-day warranty, so I didn't pursue the matter. The next problem was an increasingly loud grinding noise coming from the rear passenger side. The service desk informed me that they couldn't attend to it due to being fully booked for a month and that a diagnostic appointment followed by a potential two-week waiting period for repair would be necessary. As a result, I escalated my complaint with management. In the meantime, I contacted a local mechanic who identified the issue as a rear passenger wheel bearing. Shortly after that diagnosis, Darlings called me back and had me come in later that day for diagnostic and repaired. Next issue emerged about two weeks after they supposedly fixed the wheel bearing. I called them to report hearing similar noises as before but on the opposite side this time. They promptly scheduled an appointment to assess it but couldn't identify what was wrong, claiming alignment and other elements were normal. The manager test drove my car and sought a second opinion, discovering all four tires were being shredded for an unknown reason but assured me it was safe to drive. Ultimately, a "master mechanic" also said everything was fine apart from needing to replace all four tires. The fifth problem involved my car's AC not functioning properly it would only blow air through either the feet vents or defrost, or not at all sometimes. They admitted over the phone that they were aware of this ongoing issue but didn't fix before they sold it. the final issue the same sounds as before only now they know the reason and aren't willing to fix it

      Business Response

      Date: 08/04/2023

      Customer did sign off on the recall disclosure at the time of paperwork for the recall related to a transmission shifter cable bushing. This was not lack of ** declining to repair it, rather the customer wanting to take delivery of the vehicle. It does look like we addressed the wiper under warranty in RO#******. We replaced 2 wheel bearings per customer's concern at the end of February and beginning of April, and also the tech had noticed a rip in the sidewall. We had already put new tires on the vehicle during our used vehicle inspection prior to sale. We then put 4 new tires on the vehicle for the customer in April, with no cost to her. I see no notes about the A/C not working prior to being sold, the vehicle was also sold inspected wholesale, and A/C is not an inspection related component. We have never not looked after one of the customer's concerns with her vehicle or altered any paperwork relating to them.

      The customer has put over 24k miles on the vehicle since purchase on January 11, 2023. The vehicle had ****** miles at time of sale and at the last visit with service on July 10, 2023, the vehicle now has ******* miles. We have internally paid and covered the customer's concerns, but regarding the additional wear and tear items of this last service visit, we told her that we were not going to take care of and were her responsibility.  There was a lot of profanity from the customer and her mother on the last couple of phone calls, and she hung up on us.

      At this point, we feel that we have done nothing wrong.

      Thank you.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 08/04/2023

      Better Business Bureau:I have reviewed the response submitted by the business and have determined that the response does not satisfy or resolve my issues and/or concerns in reference to complaint # ********. Please add your rejection comments below; if you do not provide any details, your complaint will be closed as Answered. You sold me a lemon and the car fax clearly stated no cosmetic damages no issues no nothing the paper work your call center rep sent me says you removed damage from the hood before putting it on the lot and then the paper work states we asked for new breaks we asked for new wipers etc etc we didnt and wouldnt ask you for that youll be speaking to my attorneys because you will be refunding me for that car because EVERYTHING YOU ARE SAYING isnt fully truthful and you are forgetting what you lovely folks seem to forget some of how poorly youve handled situations

      professional and productive when participating in the BBB complaint process.

      FAQ

      Regards,

      *******

       

       

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