ComplaintsforMidas Warwick

• Initial Complaint

  03/22/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I was having a problem with my heat and windshield washer pump.I went to a Midas Muffler Dealer and they checked and said it wasn't a fuse. That it was something electrical.I researched and found the relay in 2006 ****** had a similar problem.That was in Cranston.I tried the Midas Muffler Dealer in Warwick and they gave me an appointment.They seemed nice I am currently homeless 73 years old disabled and living in my car.I told them my car is my home and I didn't have any heat.I spoke to o **** and he seemed nice and gave me an appointment.I went and told him I thought it might be a relay.He said we will check it out and see.I was concerned when it started taking a long time.The mechanic came out and smiled and **** nodded his head and smiled .I started to worry.Three hours passed and **** was trying to get the relay part for my 2006 VW Jetta.He new the urgency of my situation.Then he said you need another windshield washer pump there's a short in it!I said I never heard anything about that before.Was that there or did it happen now He said he thought it was there and not to use it.He said it affects the heater .That I would need another one.I asked for an estimate.He said the heater is alright for now!I thought to myself for now.What have I spent almost $250.00 for.I also had an ignition problem and my key would get stuck but would turn and work.He have me a n estimate for that also !Both very expensive jobs but not that much for the parts!Which made me suspicious.I paid the bill in cash and was feeling uneasy!I thanked **** and was very mad at myself for going there.I got into my car and noticed the dial for my headlights had derp scratches done carelessly by the mechanic.Even I know the fuses are in the ***e of my dashboard.Not through the light dial.The other fuses are under my hood.Next to the battery!I went back in reluctantly and asked **** to look at the dial!(He said that's only a couple of scratches)! This is an old car and pointed to my seat which has a couple of rips.Thrn to my window switches which are worn and said look !I said my dial was perfectly fine and now it's cut up and scratched!**** said listen I only charged an hour for labor and it took three.I wanted to say that's a job that could be done in an hour or less but I didn't!I say that wasn't there when I came!He looked at me and said ******* I charged you less and tried to help.I said I know but that's careless and he said he that he had a couple of dials!I feel completely defeated like I had to *** all this money to get only a temporary fix and now I need a windshield washer pump and a new dial for my lights!Then I told him the heat was only coming out in the passenger ***e!He said well at least you have heat and that's the vents!Because I have an older car and told him my situation.I don't feel my car should have been made worse!I don't feel Ok was respected or my car because.I was honest about my situation!I drove away and felt humiliation!Mad at myself for not telling him to replace the dial and why was the heat coming out on one ***e!I went to have a coffee in Cranston and I shut my car off!When I came back my ignition wouldn't turn and it wouldn't start!I couldn't get it started.Thrn I looked at something hanging with fuses and it was in the passenger ***e.This was an hour after they worked on my car!I called Auto Zone the next day and the person was so nice she drove out to look at my car.I told her I am going to die and freeze to death !She checked my ignition and it wouldn't turn and she checked under my hood.She then looked at what was hanging and I said what is that!She said it was the heating module!She advised me to call Midas and make a formal complaint!I even called a Advantage Auto and they thought I was overcharged for the wurk and relay !I stranded since Saturday and my car hasn't moved!Ok slept in it and freezing and shaking three nights I twenty degree temperatures.I had to sit in the ************* Store to keep warm and not freeze.What did they do to my car!I am now going to have to hav my car towed and repaired immediately.I am on a fixed income!The ignition is very expensive and towing is $125.00 to start.I know my cars ignition was old and worn but that's electrical too.I know my interior has been worn but the dial for my lights was perfect!This is a life and death situation.Now I have to use whatever little savings I have left or borrow.I'm asking to be totally reimbursed for the harm done to my car!I have been so depressed since and I felt they didn't know what they were doing and compounded my homeless situation and my car problems!I am not blaming them for my worn out ignition but for it to fail with an hour of them working on it is very suspicious!I hope they will be decent and refund me for the harm they did to me and my car!

  

  Business response

  03/22/2023

  This issue appears to be with a business in Warwick ** not my business.

  

  Business response

  03/25/2023

  ******* came in with a complaint of having no heat.  We did an electrical diagnostic and discovered *******'s blower motor was not turning on, thus the reason he had no heat or air flowing from the vents.  The cause of the blower not working was that the blower motor relay had stop functioning correctly and was not sending the power to the blower when it was requested.  **** gave *************************** on replacing the relay and ******* approved along with the cost of the original diagnostic.  **** informed ******* also that it was going to take some time to get the part in the building given the fact that it was a Saturday and not many suppliers were open and had the part in stock locally.  The technician repaired the blower issue.  Now the blower was pushing air through the vents as its designed to.  ******* upon getting the vehicle back complained that there was a scratch on his light switch k*** in which **** offered to replace free of charge and ******* declined.  

  Customer response

  03/26/2023

  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. 

  I don't accept the response from Midas Muffler.He told me I had an old car and it was just a scratch.Hr never offered me another one and pointed out my window switches that were worn out.
  The heater module was hanging my passenger side floor.
  Wires attached.
  Ii said to him that hot air was only coming out of the driver's side.
  He said well we don't touch the vents and at least you have heat.
  After him seeing the sadness in my face and disappointment.
  He said he might have some old light dials from VW Jettas at home.
  He never offered to buy a new one .
  They sell for almost $200.00
  He also said I needed a new windshield washer pump and my pump was fine . Before going there.
  He said don't use it .
  Now my windshield washer doesn't work.
  My ignition went right after going there.
  So far almost $1000.00 including towing.
  Why did my ignition go right after they did what they did to my car.
  Since I reply the light dial.
  I went to a salvage store.
  The relay should not have taken that long to install.
  The light dial pops out if you push in and then!
  This is a mechanic and he cut my dial up and because he used a screwdriver!
  **** also said after spending $250.00 to ruin my car 
  That my heat was alright for now 
  He told me there was a short in my windshield washer pump and wanted to order me another one.
  My washer pump was fine as far as I know it worked.
  Since then I have hard all of my savings to have an ignition put in now I no red a new steering column and key and cylinder.
  Someone did something there.
  How can you trust a mechanic doesn't even know to push and pull out a dial for a light!
  Then a woman from Auto Zone came to help me and she saw the heating module hanging d out it back and said.
  File a complaint with Midas Muffler and ask for your money back!
  Obviously because she saw the module hanging and the cuts in the dial and my ignition was frozen a hour after leaving Midas Muffler!
  I paid them to cut up my dial and take 4 hi ours to put a relay and leave the heating module hanging.
  I'm supposed to appreciate what damage they did to my car and my life.
  Yes my car is old and yes I am poor disabled and homeless.
  That doesn't mean you shouldn't respect me or my property.
  I didn't see any other customers get treated like me.
  I have nothing personal against **** but whoever worked on this car is responsible and he is also for his demeanor about the whole situation.

  

  Business response

  03/30/2023

  Again ******* came in with no blower operation coming from the heater vents. When he left he had heat coming from his vents we could not see that the heat was weak completely separate issue. Now he says the ignition was a problem he told us that prior I also have a 4 minute voicemail with ******* confirming he has ignition problem's and I all have it in writing form the complaint  that he keeps putting in to Midas cooperate. Mr ***********; came to the shop late Saturday 3-11-23 asking for his ********** to be looked at for a no heat issue.  Upon diagnosing we determined that he had no fan operation coming from the dash. Mr ******* car needed a blower motor relay which we replaced and he left with heat. *************** came back complaining that heat was not strong enough. We explained that when he came in he had no blower operation and he does now the amount of heat he gets is a separate issue and we would need more to look at it and refused. The. *************** accused us of scratching ******** k*** which we didn't do. We have gone above and behind to help him but he continues to calling and saying we scratched his switch.   We did repairs at a discount to help him out.  We went above and beyond to help him out. Again because of ******* situation we took care of him 

  Customer response

  04/02/2023

  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. 

  I read the response ot Midas Muffler and I am not shocked that they would like lie about my situation and horrible experience with them 
  The light dial had to be replaced and bought out my own money!
  Not only was it scratched it had been dented all around the edges!
  All the electronics for the lights are located in back of that dial .
  A module that if the mechanic knee what he was doing.
  Would have gouged it and pulled it out with a screwdriver!
  I sent a photo of the light dial!
  Then the heat was coming only out of the passengers side!
  Then I saw wires and a module with wires and electric.
  Hanging on my floor mat on the passengers side!
  A salesperson from AutoZone out it back in the spot it belonged!
  They didn't discount me because told them it probably was the relay.
  They wasted three hours trying to find out what it was 
  I told them another Midas Muffler that had done good work on my *** and treated me completely different then this place 
  Checked for shorts and fuses and the motor.
  They didn't even change me knowing my situation!
  They never harmony *** in over twenty five years going there!
  They told me they didn't do electrical work and to try this Midas Muffler.
  Naturally I thought they would treat me and my *** the same way!.
  Was I completely wrong!
  Then a few hours after leaving Midas Muffler so upset!
  I went to have a coffee and my ignition was gone and locked!
  Never had that happened before.
  I was stranded for a week in a Dunkin to stay alive.
  I told the **** The Many situation!
  I am still paying to have it repaired!
  When I my left my windshield wipers didn't work and now I am told I need a new motor!
  My electronics were never this way after leaving there.
  I am one thousand dollars in debt after leaving the here!
  They should be decent and refund my money because they did such harm to my electrical system and it wasn't just cosmetic!
  My *** hasn't be ern the same since I left there!
  ** spent two hundred fifty dollars to have them ruin my ***!
  There excuse was my *** was old and **** never offered to get **** new dial for my lights!
  He was mad I had even mentioned it!
  He said look you have an old ***!
  Then pointed to wear on my window switches and radio!
  That was there when I bought my *** .
  That wasn't done by a mechanic!
  Since then my *** has been in and out of a garage and I have bern walking the streets!
  I am retired disabled and currently homeless!
  I am so upset .
  This is a multi million dollar business and to be so ***** and not admit what they did to me and say we are sorry or here is a refund.
  Instead they lie and it's is very upsetting.
  **** could have said we will replace what we damaged!
  He could have deducted the price of the light t!
  I start they lie and try to.make my statements is false !
  More than money is the hardship they have caused my health and life!
  They have no remorse or concern!
  They don't want to have any accountability for the mistakes they made in my ***!
  

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  03/13/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  In January of this year, I noticed my van started limiting my available drivable miles while on my way up to Warwick RI to run errands. I decided to give the Midas in Warwick a call. I asked if they had anyone with the proper experience needed to work on diesel ram Promaster vehicles, and **** assured me that they had someone who knew what they were doing.My van was there for two days. On 1/12/23, Midas of Warwick invoiced me for $398.42, which I paid in cash, and explained that I needed a $6,000+ repair because the DEF tank heater was broken and the entire DEF tank would need to be replaced because of it. They said they were prepared to order the part and get started. This seemed very steep and incorrect. I had the van brought to a dealership an hour away after picking it up, where they diagnosed it as a $700 fix and replaced a clogged fuel line which completely solved the problem. Midas charged me almost $400 for a completely incorrect diagnosis and I strongly believe it was because they knew they would take advantage of me since I was in a pickle and my van was in limp mode. In the initial discussion over the phone, the receptionist, ****, should have made it clear that they did not have a mechanic with the knowledge to correctly diagnose the problem on my diesel Promaster and recommended I have it towed elsewhere. Instead, the shop took the business AND overcharged me for a WRONG diagnosis to try and get me to spend over $6,000 on a repair that my van ***** NEED and WOULDNT have solved the problem. I am very upset that Midas, Warwick took advantage of me like this and the management, Rich, only offered a $150 refund which is less than half of the cost I paid for their fraudulent work. I have requested a full refund several times with no answer. Uploaded are the Midas invoice with the incorrect diagnosis AND the dealership invoice with the correct diagnosis AND repair.

  

  Business response

  03/20/2023

  **************** came in to diagnose a check engine light on her 2016 Dodge Promaster on 1/12/23.  The code that was pulled from the vehicles PCM was a P20BD for Reductant **************** Circuit/Open.  Ms.  ****** was told the diagnosis charge to get to the bottom of this issue was $374.98 due to the fact that we had to pull down the DEF tank to further diagnose the problem.  The normal charge for a check engine light diagnosis starts at $149.99, depending what labor is involved to figure out the cause of the problem.  Upon diagnosis completion our technician determined the fault was in the DEF tank that was causing that light to come on.  When a DEF tank is replaced on that vehicle the module is replaced with it, per the recommendation of Dodge, also the *** needs to be recalibrated.  **************** was given the price for the above determined repairs to remedy her check engine light, in which she declined having the repairs done.  Ms.  ****** called back weeks later stating she went to another repair facility and the facility stated she had a clogged line in which they were able to "blow out the lines"  and reset the light.  Although that *** have been a solution at the time, there is a reason the restriction is happening and without repairing the root cause the same issue will happen again in time.  We offered a refund of $150 multiple times to try to remedy her complaint of cost, however we were unsuccessful in appeasing Ms.  ******.  We are still willing to offer a difference in our normal diagnosis charge of $150 as a courtesy to ****************.

• Initial Complaint

  03/11/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  On March 9, 2022 I had an appointment with Midas to replace the u joints in a driveshaft. I already had the driveshaft removed from the vehicle and just brought it in along with the factory recommended replacement u joints. This is typically a job done under an hour, however it took them 4 hours and they could not get the job done properly. They gave me the driveshaft claiming it done a total of 3 times, each time I found multiple things wrong and not done correctly. The first time they said it was done, the tech loaded it in my trunk and I just gave it a quick check and one of the bearing caps on a u joint wasn't even pressed into the yoke all the way and missing the retaining ring, another side of the joint was also missing a retaining ring and several of the retaining rings that were installed were not set in the groove. These retaining rings are there to prevent the u joint and driveshaft from coming apart, so this was major safety red flag. I gave them 2 more opportunities to fix it properly and they were unable to do so. I asked them to just remove the u joints they installed (which they sold me bc they didn't like the ones I provided) and just give me back my driveshaft in pieces so I can have it assembled by a more competent shop. They tech then loaded the parts back into my trunk, before I even left I brought a part in to show the service advisor damage they cause from improper installation. When I got home I unloaded all the parts from my vehicle and found significant and obvious damage to the yokes on the driveshaft tube itself, so I immediately call Midas and let them know and sent them pictures. So the next day I bring my parts back to show them the damage, they refunded me for the work, but I now have a driveshaft that is ruined and a vehicle I can't drive. I brought my driveshaft to driveshaft specialty shop, and they said both yokes need to be cut off and new ones welded on, the estimate was $201.77 +tax. I sent that to Midas, but they refuse to pay.

  

  Business response

  03/22/2022

  The customer was already awarded the repair amount of $201.77 before receipt of this letter.

  Customer response

  03/23/2022

  [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 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. The business did pay to have the proper repairs made by another business.
  
  Regards,
  
  *************************

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