Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Brakes 4 Less's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

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  Brakes 4 Less

  7454 Garners Ferry Rd Columbia, SC 29209-2601

• 

  Brakes 4 Less

  2471 Decker Blvd Columbia, SC 29206-2312

• 

  Brakes 4 Less

  1745 Sam Rittenberg Blvd Charleston, SC 29407-4927

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  Brakes 4 Less

  1662 N Highway 17 Mount Pleasant, SC 29464-3310

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  Brakes 4 Less

  1010 Dutch Fork Rd Unit D Irmo, SC 29063-8822

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:11/20/2023

  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.

  On 20 November I went to Brakes 4 Less at the Northwoods location for brake work that is covered on the warranty documentation I recieved when the vehicle was 1st serviced on 10/06/2021. My brakes are rubbing making noise. My warranty as documented reflects I am covered for 40000 miles. Which I am within that warranty period. I was informed by a Brakes 4 Less mechanic (which after looking up to find the branch manager for resolution...strongly resembles the LinkedIn photo of the Branch Manager, John S****) that I am only covered for 40k miles on my brake shoes alone and not my rotors. I was told I need new rotors and that they are only covered for 12 months/12000 miles. My documentation from Brakes 4 Less does not differentiate between 12 months rotors coverage and 40000 miles coverage for brake pads. My warranty only documents that I have 40000 miles coverage for both parts and service they did back on 10/06/2021. I was told by the guy here (poosibly John S****) and by a man who did not want to give me his last name (D***) that I would have to come out of pocket to have my rotors replaced since they are worn. I was given a verbal estimate of nearly $500.00 to replace my rotors. I informed the repair guy I am not prepared to pay anyone money for service that is documented as covered. He informed me that his other customers are aware of the policy and know what to expect. My issues is that if I am only covered for 12 months/12000 miles for rotors and 40000 miles for pads that should be clearly spelled out in writing. Had the documentation (warranty/receipt) clearly differentiate that I would not be inclined to find this as an issue. The name on the store is Brakes 4 Less. Not Nickel and Dimes. After reading my warranty several times I see nothing that indicates my coverage to be anything less than my expectation of "40,000 miles parts & labor warranty" as shown on the attached document. This whole thing comes off as a bait and switch scenario & I am not too pleased.

  Business Response

  Date: 11/22/2023

  We regret Mr. ******'s negative experience but maintain that his rotors are now beyond warranty.

  
  The 40k mile warranty for work order **********, as shown in Mr. ******'s attached image(s), covers only his selected brake package, encompassing front and rear brake pads, hardware, rotor resurfacing (if necessary), brake fluid exchange, and labor.

  
  As with our other brake packages, rotor replacement is not included.  Components outside of our brake job packages (rotors, calipers, hoses, etc.) are covered against defects for 1yr/12,000 miles.

  
  Full warranty information is available at all times via in-store staff, www.brakes-4-less.com, and our customer service team at 1-866-588-7867.
  

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/24/2023

  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 went into Brakes 4 Less on 7/20/2023 to have my brakes replaced. They were not squeaking or causing me any issues at the time, but I knew it was time to have them replaced. I purchased the premium brake package and rotor replacement, including a 40,000 miles warranty. I was quoted around $550 for the service. They finished within the day and I picked up my car. They ultimately charged me much higher than the original quote at $640, but I didn't complain. They warned me there could be some squeaking for the first 100-200 miles. Shortly after I started driving, there were loud and awful sounding noises coming from the car but I drove it for 100 miles to see if there was any improvement. After there was not, I made an appointment to take my car back in on 7/25/2023 at 9am. Prior to my appointment I had someone else look at my car, who suggested it looked like the rotor was damaged and needed to be replaced, which I told them. I arrived before my appointment time, but my car wasn't taken back to even be looked at until after 1pm, 4 hours later. The manager apologized, but said they were working on multiple cars, which was okay except I shouldn't have to be back there in the first place and should have been prioritized. My car was not finished until after 2:30pm, over 5 hours later. I wasn't given much of an explanation of what the issue was besides a "minor tweak," but they didn't replace the rotor even though they originally damaged it. Within a month, my brakes started squeaking again. I have called back multiple times, but all they can offer is for me to bring my car back in. After spending a full day there and still not having working brakes, I don't think going back again is an option. I have asked multiple times to speak with Dextor, the manager, but he will not take my calls or call me back. At this point, it appears they cannot provide adequate or fair service to my car and a refund is called for so I can take it somewhere else.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/03/2023

  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.

  I went to the Brakes for Less on Sam Rittenburg in Charleston, SC, and was not satisfied with the work they performed. I paid for the "Premium" service and after a few months, my brakes started squeaking. I took the vehicle back and they checked everything out. I was told they performed all services that I paid for, so it has to be something different causing the squeaking. After their inspection, they told me that I needed new rotors. After being told this, I asked why the rotors were not faced like I paid for. B4L claimed they were until I showed the lip on the edge and explained it was not possible for that lip to be caused since I had only driven the vehicle 5,800 miles. The premium service is supposed to be guaranteed for 40, 000 miles. During the inspection, I was told the brake pads were worn down to 80%. This shows there are either some unethical practices because they are wanting to try to upsell people or their brake pads will not last the advertised milage. After not getting any satisfaction at the facility, I called their corporate number somewhere in Florida. I was directed to someone who said "I have a hard time believing someone when they say something is impossible." I told him that it was impossible for the lip to form in the 5,800 miles that I had driven the vehicle since the work was done. So in an attempt to settle things, the guy called the store in Charleston, and he was told that I was instructed to replace my rotors then. I was not told that they needed to be replaced until the second visit. When the caseworker contacted me back, he said the rotors were not faced. I then asked why did i have to pay full price if all jobs were not performed. Needless to say, that question could not be answered by him nor the female worker inside.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/03/2023

  at time of original service it was found that the rotors and pads were grinding which means the vehicle was driven past all warning indicators and ended up damaging the rotors. the customer declined replacing rotors at that time. when the customer came back approximately 4-5 months later we again explained the rotors were needing replace and have caused premature ware on the brake pads due to previously being worn till grinding. The customer again declined replacing the rotors. We can only perform the customer approved repairs and are not responsible for customers decision to not properly repair their vehicle. we still suggest replacing the worn out grinding rotors.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/16/2023

  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.

  On 2/11/23 I pulled up to Brakes 4 Less because I heard a squeaking sound coming from my truck and I thought it was my brakes. So when I went in and told them the worker came out got in my truck and drove it up the street and came back and told me it was my caliber on my back driver side. He said that my caliber was about to lock up. Then he stated that I will also need to get my front wheel barren done but not now the first thing you need to get done is the caliber because that's what's making the noise. I said ok how much is going to be and he said $250 I said ok. After he finished he took my truck back for another ride and came back then said I was good. At that time a female employee stated "you shouldn't hear that noise anymore" I said ok. I Then got in my truck and started to drive off and as I drove up the street I heard the same noise I thought I just got fixed. So then I pulled back up and went inside to tell them and that's when the employee who supposed to have fixed to problem came out and started talking about I have to get the wheel barrens done in order for the noise to stop and that it would cost me $450. I then said that's not what we discussed. He then said there's nothing he can do about it. i then said well I am a customer that just spent $280 cash and that I was not satisfied with the service and they said there's nothing they can do about it. So hear we are...

  Business Response

  Date: 03/01/2023

  Customer came in having multiple issues with their vehicle with 157,000 miles , during our basic brake inspection we found the left rear caliper was seized up  causing the brakes to stay applied which causes multiple other issues and damage. We also found the rear rotors to be worn out along with the left front Hub assembly. We recommended replacing both rear calipers, brake pads, rotors and the left front hub assembly. The customer declined all repairs except replacing the left rear caliper. Please see the attached invoice showing the customer declined the same repairs their complaint is referencing. We have no control over what the customer chooses to repair or not, we can only inform and do the best with what is approved.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/18/2023

  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.

  I had brake work done, the mechanic claimed my master cylinder was leaking within 4 months my brake pads were completely gone, my rotor is messed up also. The manager is trying to tell me that because I didn't get a master cylinder that is why my brake pads and rotor wore out in 4 months. I knew I needed a wheel bearing for the vehicle previously when I had brakes put on a different vehicle they told me they didn't do wheel bearings after all of this mess now they're saying they do. It does not say anything on the receipt that the work is not under warranty. I have been back 3 times because of this and they are refusing to fix it right I went to a different mechanic and no leak was found in my master cylinder. They are blaming me for not paying them to fix something that was not leaking in the first place and are refusing to correct the situation. I spent over $300 on brake work that they are refusing to honor.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/24/2023

  Unfortunately I was not able to find any information under the name provided and the document provided does not show the invoice number at the top right or any other identifying information. I would need the name on the invoice or the invoice number to look up any information. The document that was provided is showing in the comment section that seems to be marked with a handwritten star to bring extra attention " Customer declined front wheel bearing, right front rotor and master cylinder" . On the Bottom left of the invoice there is no mileage indicated und the warranty section which shows that the duration of our parts and labor warranty. Please get back to me with needed information so i can look into this further. Than you    

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/27/2023

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: The business has a copy of the same receipt that I have, they did not indicate that if I didn't get the recommended work done that the brake pads were not under warranty.  They neglected to put the mileage and did indicate whether it was under warranty or not but is trying to blame me.  The manager at the location knows exactly who I am but is trying to play games. They can locate my vehicle under the name of ****** ********** and it is the Ford ranger. I have been to the  location 3 times in reference to this matter and have called the main number only to have the receptionist be nasty in reference to this. The work was done at the location on Decker Blvd, the system would not let me put the correct location when I tried to change it. They need to correct this situation and there is nothing wrong with my master cylinder I have had it checked out by 2 different mechanics.
  ec
  Sincerely,
  
  ******** *****

  Business Response

  Date: 01/30/2023

  due to the facts that have been found we are unable to provide a warranty. 1: Rotors were damaged/ grinding when brought in for service and customer declined to have repaired which causes premature ware. 2: No warranty was given at time of service due to declining the minimum repairs needed for proper bake function and ware. 3: We are upfront and honest with our customers about what needs repaired and why and it makes absolutely no sense for us to not try to provide the services we are in business to provide other than a customer declining to have those services.If the customer had came to us with honesty and wiling to have the work that is needed completed we would have been able to help.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/07/2022

  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.

  On November 25, 2022 I took my vehicle a white Nissan rogue to get it looked at at ******* tires. My car was shaking really bad. Upon acceleration it would shake and when I take my foot off the brakes the shaking would stop. They told me that my CV axle needed to be replaced. They wanted $500 to do the job but I could not afford it. The same day, I took it to Brakes 4 Less to get it looked at and the price was about $200 cheaper. I told them exactly what ******’s told me. My Passenger side needed to be done. I got a call from B4L on 11/26 and it was stated that it was Driver side that needed to be done, there was nothing wrong with the other side. They replaced the axial. It cost me $376.61. By Monday I began to feel the shaking starting back. I thought I needed an alignment. On 12/2 i missed worked and took my vehicle back to B4L. The shaking was too bad for me to drive. I told them what was wrong. They looked at it and Diane the store manager told me it was my front struts and they wanted $800.. I took my vehicle to ******’s and Mr. N*** let me know that It was my passenger axial that is causing the problem. The same side that needed to be fixed. I called B4L and let them know they did the wrong side. (I told them what side it was suppose to be done) ******’s said my Struts were fine and that would not cause my car to shake. Diane the GM at B4L tells me there is nothing that they can do because they did the job they felt needed to be done. (But she told me it was my struts) I asked for Corporate number. WHEN I called Corporate they already knew who I was because Diane called them before I (the customer) could.. I don’t know what story she gave them but I told them what the problem was. They suggested I go to their other location to get it looked at. ******’s already did the complemented job. I was then told, if I was looking to get it done for free they will not do that. They didn’t know it correctly the first time ans want me to pay again. Not fair at all!

  Business Response

  Date: 12/08/2022

  We apologize for any issue you may be having. It seems we only performed requested repairs based on information you received from an inspection that you had performed at a different company. Generally when replacing items like cv axles you should do both side as they will have the same amount of ware. Generally vehicles with around 150,000 miles have several mechanical issues that need to be addressed that can be causing several similar issues, unless the vehicle has had continuous maintenance performed on time. It appears your vehicle has multiple driveline and suspension issues that need to be resolved. It would definitely help if you can send both inspections / estimates from the other shop. Thank you and we look forward to resolving this.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/13/2022

  B4Less did not do the correct side that I advised them to do! When I picked my car up not one employee advised me that “the other side needs to be replaced” the employee stated “everything looks good.” Well 2 days later I bought my car back to y’all and Diana said it was my “struts” and wanted to charge me $800!! Why didn’t y’all catch that when y’all replaced the axial side. I took it to ******’s and they informed me it was never my struts! B4L did not do the correct axial side that I the customer told them which side! So not only did Breaks 4 Less did not listen to the customer, y’all took it upon y’all self to do a side that did not need replacement and then lied and said it was another part that need to be replaced. I have not any issue with the extreme shaking since ******’s fixed the correct side without touching my Struts! I want either a full refund for having to pay extra money out my pocket within a week of Brakes 4 Less irresponsible diagnosis of my vehicle or refund for the parts! Y’all tried to get extra money out of me again and y’all are wrong!! 

  Business Response

  Date: 12/13/2022

  can you please provide the requested invoices from the other shop? The one you sent is from the estimate they gave you which does not state which side. it just says " remove & replace F Axle shaft - One side". Again we only replaced what was requested by the customer. The completed invoice being requested is of the CV axle being replaced. 
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/28/2022

  Type:Customer Service 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 was charged an extreme amount. I was told all brakes were bad and had the car taken totally apart before I was told, so I would have had to refuse the service and trust they put the car back together properly. I did get the front brakes and drums replaced by brakes 4 less and was charged the full amount for all four brakes. The brakes still make noise and are weak or slow to stop. I had the rear brakes inspected after the work was done by brakes 4 less and was told I did not need rear brakes when they told me I did. (Inspected by *** auto.) I priced other repair places they were all much less in the price charged. I called to complain to the customer service and was treated horribly, yelled at spoken to very disrespectfully by the customer service when I was just telling them the situation. I didn't even have a chance to get mad yet, I hung up on him he was so rude.

  Business Response

  Date: 11/28/2022

  In order to do a proper inspection there are a few things that need taken apart in order to take measurements, check function and ware. We offer this at no cost as part of our free inspection. Most places charge for this and I apologize that you went somewhere else and they didn't perform an actual inspection. You had your front pads and front rotors replaced along with a fluid exchange that came with a 75,000 mile parts and labor warranty which is well above the industry standard. you declined to have the rear brakes replaced as there was still time left before needing to replace them and your drums were at or close to the discard specs set by the manufacturer and we would not be able to machine/resurface them. If you are having any issues with your front brakes please come to any of our locations and we can check them out under your 75,000 mi warranty. Thank you and please see the attached invoice and check the comment section about the rear drums.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/28/2022

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******** ******