Business ProfileforHicks Automotive, LLC.

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11/17/22

Hicks Automotive LLC
**** ** **** ** ******** ** *****

Dear Hicks Automotive LLC:

On 06/13/22, I had repaired my 2008 Mercury Mountaineer VIN#********* ********* After inspection and diagnosis the technicians at Hicks Automotive LLC at **** ** **** **
******** ** ***** came to the conclusion that the radiator needed to be replaced. I authorized all the necessary repairs in order for the car to function properly (receipts attached/total $1,184.17) and I paid the invoice after they completed the work. I was told by a Hicks Automotive LLC representative that the reason why the parts were so expensive was because they used high quality parts. Service was completed and paid for on 06/13/22.

Unfortunately, on 06/19/22 my 2008 Mercury Mountaineer started to overheat when I was on my way to the store. I immediately stopped and did a quick inspection when I noticed that the replaced radiator was leaking large amounts of coolant /antifreeze. The coolant/antifreeze reservoir was almost empty.  I communicated this to Hicks Automotive LLC and they advised me to take it back to them the next day. I took the vehicle back and the technicians came to the conclusion that the replacement radiator (06/13/22) was the cause of the leak.  Hicks Automotive LLC made the necessary repairs once again.
Unfortunately, on 10/22/22 I was on my way to pick up a relative at the Albuquerque, NM International Airport when my 2008 Mercury Mountaineer started to overheat. I was stranded in the middle of the nowhere with no cell phone service. I walked a few miles until I got a cell phone signal and I was able to call for tow service. According to the towing company the cost to tow the car back to Roswell, NM was going to be around $800.00. Since that was a very expensive option for me I decided to look for a shop nearby and after some research on my phone I was able to locate a shop in Moriarty, NM (***********).  The tow services to the nearest mechanic auto shop amounted to $217.32. After the diagnosis and inspection of vehicle the technicians came to the conclusion that the radiator was the cause of the problem. I informed the technicians that the radiator was replaced on 6/13/22 and again on 6/19/22. After a through vehicle inspection, a block test (gas leak test) and compression test the technicians came to the conclusion that the cause of the radiator overheating was because the radiator cap was in a very bad condition. My 2008 Mercury Mountaineer VIN#********* ******** still had the original radiator cap that came with t. They showed me the original cap and the seals of the original cap were rotten. The radiator cap was not change in the two occasions that Hicks Automotive LLC replaced the radiator.  The technicians explained that the cap regulates the maximum pressure preventing damage to the hoses and radiator and it is important to replace it after a radiator replacement. Hicks Automotive LLC had the opportunity to replace it on two different occasions and they didn’t.


On 10/24/22 the technicians at *********** were able to contact Hicks Automotive LLC on and they confirmed that the radiator was under warranty. I did not have to pay for the replacement radiator; however, I had to pay for the labor to replace it (once again) along with the heater hose, the compression test, and the stay at a hotel for two nights. I also lost a day of work and not to mention all the stress that I went through during this situation.
 The service that Hicks Automotive LLC provided when they replaced the radiator was inadequate not once, but in two different occasions. I paid for a service and the service wasn’t performed correctly.  This put me in a very difficult, dangerous situation.
On October 28, 2022 I contacted Hicks Automotive Service to see if they could at least help me with some of the labor cost through the auto parts warranty and they said they were going to contact them and will get back to me. Didn’t hear back from them and check on it on 10/31/22. When didn’t hear back from them I contacted them to check on the status on 11/8/22. They explained that the claim is open and I asked them if they could cover part of the labor cost and tow fees since the radiator cap that was not replaced was the cause of the car overheating. I have had no response from them as of 11/17/22.
To resolve the problem, I would appreciate labor refund, tow services and hotel fees for the two days that I had to wait for the radiator to be replaced. Enclosed are copies of my records including all the auto repair receipts, tow receipt and hotel fees concerning this repairs.
Diagnosis - $150.00
Install Heater Hose - $210.00
Compression Test - $180.00
Radiator Remove & Replace - $405.00
AZO Heater Hose - $97.58
AZO Antifreeze - $121.52
Tow Services - $217.00
Hotel Fees for night 1 - $97.45
Hotel Fees for night 2 - $114.72

Total compensation I am seeking: $ 1,593.27

Please contact me by phone at ************* 

Respectfully submitted,
******* ** *****

Enclosures