Complaints

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.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/03/2025

  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.

  Purchased a car in Nov. at Car Circus ******* and before even getting home temp gauge stopped working and engine light came on. I contacted car circus thinking it happened same day I bought it they'll resolve the issue. I still had to go through the warranty *****************. They set up a garage appointment with Reliable Auto in ************. They said they replaced thermostat and thermostat housing. It did the same thing 2 days later, had to go back to garage. This time I'm told nothing is wrong and the check engine light magically went off. Car is fine. I was also told if the engine light isn't on and it's not hot there's nothing to do. If the engine light is on I can bring it back. Now it Dec car still doing it Iafr an appointment and that morning the engine light was off and it seemed to be running ok. Temp gauge was also working. I didn't take it to the garage because I was told the engine light needed to be on. Needless to say this has kept happening but recently car is actually overheating and temp gauge not working. I do the online warranty claim through Car Circus and the guy who handles the warranty called me and said the warranty won't pay since I missed the Dec garage appointment. I said ok then let me just get a refund of the amount I paid for warranty and I'll just pay for repairs. He said we don't do that. I have a warranty you won't refund and s car you won't fix. It needs a water pump. After some research turns out ***************** is car circus they are the warranty "company". No wonder you won't fix it. I will file at local magistrate. I did what your mechanic told me and now you won't fix it. And if Reliable Auto was reliable why has the car been there twice for same issue and not fixed? That's on the garage not me. I left honest reviews of Car Circus and Reliable Auto and after that is when the difficulty in dealing with them got worse. They don't like the truth out there.

  Business Response

  Date: 03/10/2025

  We appreciate the opportunity to respond to this matter. Our records indicate that the customer purchased a vehicle from our dealership in November and was provided a warranty through *****************. When the customer initially experienced an issue, we promptly facilitated the repair, covering the thermostat and thermostat housing under the warranty.
  

  Following this repair, the customer contacted us on November 25th, stating that the check engine light had come on. She was referred to Reliable Auto for further diagnostics and repair. However, Reliable Auto has confirmed that no appointment was scheduled or attended at that time.
  

  On December 3rd, the customer contacted us again with the same concern and was again referred to Reliable Auto. At that point, ************* informed us that the customer had scheduled an appointment but failed to attend. As outlined in the warranty agreement signed by the customer, failure to follow through with scheduled appointments can result in the denial of future claims.
  

  On March 3rd, the customer submitted a warranty claim for a water pump. However, due to the previous missed appointments and lack of follow-up on necessary diagnostics, the claim was denied per the terms of the warranty contract.
  We strive to provide fair and transparent service to all our customers and ensure that warranty claims are handled in accordance with the agreed-upon terms. If the customer would like to discuss options outside of the warranty, we are happy to assist in any way we can.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/13/2025

  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.

  I got my car on Thursday January 2nd with $1200 down on the vehicle and out the door i owed Car Circus $9,249 for a 3 year loan. I got less than half way home (30 minutes) before my check engine light came on, i tried calling the dealership right after (4 times) with no response back. I then took it upon myself to drive down to advanced auto on Saturday January 5th and had my car checked by a code reader for my engine light due to no response from Car Circus. I havent even owned the car for 2 weeks and on my way home Friday January 10th i lost all engine power, when coming to a stop i had checked my fluids to find that my engine oil was low and that my coolant reservoir was completely empty. When calling the dealership on Saturday January 11th i had spoke to the general manager about the situation, they had given me the run around before telling me submit a warranty claim and not to be driving my vehicle, was told to call back on Monday so that the general manager could further help me with my situation. On January 11th the next morning due to it being dark the day before I had my car engine oil checked to find on the dipstick that there are very fine metallic flakes in my oil. On January 13th I had spoken to the dealership again about the situation to find out that the General Manager whom i was to speak with is now on vacation the only one that has authorization to further assist my situation in which nobody can contact. They are not willing to cover the $500 tow bill to taken to there authorized garage when the vehicle is an hour and a half away from where they want it taken and the vehicle is in a inoperable position.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/20/2025

  Dear Better Business Bureau,

  
  We appreciate the opportunity to address the concerns raised by ****** ****** regarding their recent vehicle purchase. Our goal is to ensure that every customer has a positive experience, and we take these matters seriously.
  Regarding the customers claim that they contacted us immediately after their check engine light came on, we have no record of an initial call. However, when the customer did reach out, they were not given the "runaround." Instead, they were correctly instructed to submit a warranty claim online, which is our standard procedure for all customers. The claim was submitted, and our service manager promptly followed up by providing details on the authorized repair facility where the vehicle should be taken for assessment.

  
  Due to the vehicle being inoperable, the customer did have to arrange for towing. As stated clearly in the terms of the purchase agreement, the warranty does not cover towing costs. We understand that this may be frustrating, but it is important to note that this policy is outlined in the contract the customer agreed to at the time of purchase.

  
  Following the diagnostics performed at the authorized repair facility, it was determined that repairs are needed, and we have assured the customer that these repairs will be covered under their warranty. We recognize that mechanical issues can be inconvenient, and we sincerely appreciate the customer's patience as we work to ensure the necessary repairs are completed in a timely manner.

  
  We remain committed to assisting the customer through this process and ensuring their concerns are addressed within the scope of the warranty coverage. Should any further clarification be needed, please feel free to contact us.

  Sincerely, 

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

  Business Manager

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

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

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/04/2024

  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.

  a false repossession On Monday September 2, Car Circus had repossed my car stating there was no proof of car insurance. Yes in the past the struggle was real, insurance is high and the cost unimaginable. However, each and every Friday a payment was made. On the day Melissa called about the insurance--I had gotten Bristal West Insurance. Attempted to send her an email, however the email belonging to her was blocked. She asked that I send it to her personal email so I did. She kept saying it was a blank and cleary it was in the download

  Business Response

  Date: 09/10/2024

  09/10/2024

  Dear BBB Representative,

  Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to respond to the customer's concerns.
  The customer did not have valid auto insurance from July 3, 2024, to August 15, 2024. During this time, we made several attempts to contact the customer regarding the missing insurance coverage. Our Credit Manager made a final attempt to reach the customer on August 30, 2024, before assigning the repossession later that same day due to non-compliance with the insurance requirements.
  As outlined in the vehicle financing contract, maintaining valid auto insurance at all times is mandatory. This includes listing Cornerstone Credit as the lienholder and ensuring that both comprehensive and collision deductibles are set at a maximum of $500.00 each.
  On September 3, 2024, our Credit Manager received an email from the insurance company. However, the insurance did not meet the requirements outlined in the contract. Cornerstone Credit was not listed as the lienholder, and the deductibles were set at $1,000.00 for both comprehensive and collision coverage, which is outside of the agreed-upon terms.
  We hope this response clarifies the actions taken and the reasons for the repossession. We remain committed to working with our customers in accordance with the agreements made and are happy to assist with any further questions.
  Sincerely,

  Jane M*********
  Business Manger
  Car Circus

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/11/2023

  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.

  Had the vehicle 5 minutes drive it no more than 5 miles and the check engine light come on and I could not drive it. It would not move They want me to make a payment even though I had the car for 5 minutes before it acted up and they had to have know about this issue someone turned the check engine light of or something

  Business Response

  Date: 08/17/2023

  Car Circus
  500 West Plank Road
  Altoona, PA 16602
  
  Complaint ID: ********
  Complaint Date 08/11/2023
  
  To Whom It May Concern,
  
              As the customer stated in his complaint, he purchased a 2011 Jeep Compass on 08/03/2023. After the purchase, the customer called and stated that the check engine light had come on the vehicle. Car Circus was able to take the vehicle to a mechanic and run diagnostics on the vehicle. Two issues were identified, and Car Circus agreed to pay for the vehicle to be fixed. Car Circus also deferred the customers’ payments until the vehicle is back in his possession.
  
  Thank You,
  
  Jane M*********
  Business Manager 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/26/2024

  Problem:
  I got this vehicle on the 7 th month of 2023 I had it for about 10 minutes drove it about 4 miles from car circus and the intake and transmission went in it. I contacted the car lot with a bunch of hassle and having to file a complaint with the bbb back then to get it taken care of because they were gonna put it under the 6 months warranty I bought for an additional 1000 dollars on top the price of the car I lost the vehicle for 5 weeks they also made me continue making car payments for the first three weeks of that even not having the vehicle intell I complained to them I was gonna make another claim with the bbb the suspended the payments till I finally got the vehicle back. 2 weeks after I get the car back I’m driving down the road and the front end of the vehicle goes 2 feet either way while driving so I parked th vehicle right there call car circus explain to them they want me to take it back to same garage I refused cause the hassle with the first garage so I take it to second garage of there’s and they said the first garage didn’t put it back together right and there was bolts missing and lose so they were not gonna let me leave cause it was unsafe I told them it was my only vehicle and they went and found some bolts that worked for it in there shop and supposedly fixed the issue then about 2 weeks later I’m driving down the road and just something just didn’t feel right so I pull over again take it to a a garage of my choice this time cause my warranty is out at this time I have the garage look over the hole vehicle and this is after me buying 2 different sets of tires already for this vehicle cause the thing wrong with it wore my tires down uneven they come to tell me that the lower a arm driver side is bad along with the rear tow lateral linkages and rear subframe is rotted out and gonna also need the rear trailing arms that I have no gotten yet and that is should have never been inspected or even put on the car lot so I contact car circus to see what they can do or whatever and they tell me it my responsibility now
  
  Desired Resolution / Outcome
  Desired Resolution:
  Repair

  Business Response

  Date: 05/09/2024

  *** ****** *****  *** ******** 
  

  Dear Sir/Madam, 

  
  I am writing in response to the complaint filed by ****** ***** regarding his warranty claims with our dealership. We appreciate the opportunity to address his concerns and provide clarification on the matter. 
  

  *** ***** submitted two warranty claims, both of which were successfully repaired under the warranty, including one involving the transmission. All repairs were completed at no cost

  to *** *****, as they were covered under the terms of the warranty. 
  However, *** *****'s second complaint to the BBB was for an additional repair that exceeded the coverage terms for the warranty to remain active (6 months/6,000 miles). *** ***** was outside of both of those coverage terms. The warranty terms, including its duration and limitations, were clearly explained to *** ***** during the purchase process, and he signed documentation acknowledging these terms. 
  Additionally, the warranty explicitly states that repairs to the frame are not covered, which was the basis for the additional claim. 
  

  *** ***** has informed us that he has explored repair options with a local shop willing to assist him at a reasonable cost, and he also has the option to repair the vehicle independently since it is now out of warranty. 
  

  We regret any confusion or inconvenience *** ***** has experienced and appreciate his understanding of the warranty limitations. We remain committed to providing excellent customer service and are available to address any further questions or concerns he may have. 
  

  Sincerely,

  Nancy Jane M********* Business Manager 

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/13/2023

  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.

  I bought a car from Car Circus on February 25th… the vehicle didn’t even make it home from the dealership. They towed it back to have a shop look at it and fix the issue. We have heard nothing from either the shop or Car Circus and every time we call, they don’t have an answer. Had to make my first payment on vehicle on March 11th which I don’t think is very fair when I haven’t even gotten to drive the vehicle. We would like them to either get the problem fixed faster than what it is, refund us our money or exchange us for a vehicle of same value and type.

  Business Response

  Date: 03/22/2023

  Car Circus 
  500 West Plank Road Altoona, PA 16602 

  ********* *** ******** Complaint Date: 03/13/2023 
  

  To Whom It May Concern, 
  As the customer stated in her complaint, she purchased a 2012 Chevy Traverse on February 25th, 2023. The customer called the dealership on her way home to state the check engine light had turned on. Car Circus provided the customer with towing, free of charge, to a local mechanic. The mechanic was able to diagnose the issue, and due to our warranty, the vehicle was repaired with no cost to the customer. The warranty representative and the mechanic communicated with the customer throughout the process. Unfortunately, sometimes repairs take longer than anticipated due to availability of parts and labor. The vehicle was repaired and returned to the customer, as soon as was feasible. 
  

   

  Thank You, 
  
  Jane M********* Business Manager 
  

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/19/2023

  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.

  Me and my daughter purchased a vehicle a 2014 Chevy Sonic from car circus late in the evening back in February 2022 right before they closed and yes it was dark outside at that time. We did have a chance to take it for a short ride and it did seem to drive ok so we did purchase it only because we we in a hurry only because they were getting ready to soon close for the night. The very next day I had the chance to go completely over the vehicle only to find that it was wrecked. I called them and left them know that it was wrecked and Melissa told me oh well you bought it as is. I replied back saying it wasn't fair that they could do something like that to me and they also sold it to me with a blown motor. Now that is totally not fair. In July 2022 it was involved in a hit and run which it totalled my vehicle and yes my insurance company was going to pay for it all but car circus lied to them telling my insurance company that they never sold me a wrecked vehicle so now car circus is trying to get $1992.58 on a 1099-c form that I regretfully refuse to pay. I had full coverage. Please help me out so I don't have to pay this back. Thank you. And also I would have taken pictures but I never thought it would have come down to this.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/30/2023

  Car Circus 
  500 West Plank Road Altoona, PA 16602 
  ********* *** ******** Complaint Date: 01/19/2023 

  
  To Whom It May Concern: 

  
  As the customer stated, he purchased a 2014 Chevrolet Sonic from Car Circus on February 25, 2022. The customer did purchase a used vehicle, as is, which is stated in the contract and was reviewed with the customer upon purchase. The customer did have mechanical work completed on the car through our warranty, including an entire engine assembly and alternator. When the customer's vehicle was involved in an accident, the insurance company evaluated the vehicle, and issued payment for the vehicle that did not cover the entire balance of the customers loan with Car Circus. After repeated attempts to collect payment for the remainder of the vehicle loan, the customer was notified that the vehicle would be charged-off on 12/27/22, if payment arrangements were not made. The customer did not make payment arrangements, and per statutes from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a 1099-C form for Cancellation of Debt must be issued to the customer. The 1099-C was issued on 01/10/23. The 1099-C form is for the customers tax reporting, and is not a request for payment, it is informing the customer that a loan in the amount of $1,992.58 was charged off, is considered bad debt, and should be accounted for as income on the customers personal tax return.
  

   

  Thank You, 
  
  Jane M********* Business Manager 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/31/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********* and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  [To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, we would like to know your view on the matter.]
  
  Regards,
  
  ***** *****

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/27/2022

  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.

  Financed a 2011 Chevy Cruz on 08/19/2022 with 2100.00 down. Took for test drive appeared to be a good car. Went back signed contract then left to go home. Before arriving home engine light came on. Had it read and it was camshaft position sensor. Contacted warranty company. They said take to garage to get fixed. That night driver door wouldn’t lock or unlock with fob. The the actuator broke they would have it fixed. The 21st the head gasket blew, over heated couldn’t drive it. Had it towed home. Called to let them know and they said to take it to the garage to have fixed. It was fixed picked it up on or around the 16th of September. Drive it home and three days later the car broke down again with the same issues. I didn’t make the payment due to having car towed home again. They called and are repoing the car cause I missed a payment. I just want my 2100.00 back and they can have the car. It is a lemon

  Business Response

  Date: 10/05/2022

  To Whom It May Concern, 
  As the customer stated in her complaint, she purchased a 2011 Chevy Cruze, and had several issues with the vehicle, which were covered by our warranty company. As the customer stated, she did not make her car payment, and she further refused to have reinstated. The vehicle was repossessed because of refusal to pay and delinquent insurance, which are both expressly stated in our contract as requirements for maintaining the vehicle loan. 
  Thank You, 
  
  Jane M********* Business Manager 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 10/05/2022

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********* and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  [To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, we would like to know your view on the matter.]
  
  Regards,
  
  ****** **********

  i would like my 2100.00 back that I put down on the vehicle. I was only able to drive it 5 days from the time I bought it. I should be able to get my money back since Car Circus sold me a lemon.