ComplaintsforMeineke Car Care

• Initial Complaint

  05/30/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On May 3 or May 4, 2024 I took my 2014 Kia ******* to get serviced for an oil change and to get my air conditioner fixed. On May 21, 2024 my engine locked up on the interstate due to no oil.

  Business response

  06/14/2024

  **************** brought her car in on May 3,2024 for an oil change. The oil change was performed without issue and the car absolutely left Meineke with oil in the engine. If the oil change had caused issues, **************** would have known immediately and definitely would not have been able to drive 2 or 3 weeks. When **************** had her car towed back in, there was some oil still in her engine. The engine is not likely to lock up with oil still in it unless it locks up from some other issue.The oil change had nothing to do with the engine locking up. 

  **************** should contact *** about the class action lawsuit that is currently taking place due to engines failing without warning. There is a plethora of information online about this. For example this link will take you to the hundreds of complaints about this very same issue. ******************************************************************************************************************

   

  Customer response

  06/17/2024

   
  Complaint: 21779670
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I took my vehicle to another shop and they told me my engine locked up because my oil was bone dry, the oil change *** have been performed but where did the oil go? You said I didnt have any leaks and nothing was unscrewed! I had this vehicle since 2019, before I came for the oil change I was driving to and from Millington for 2 months and didnt have any issues with my vehicle. You were the last ones to service my vehicle and now I dont have one.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

  Customer response

  06/17/2024

  I called *** they said there is no recall for my engine 

  Business response

  06/18/2024

  ****************:

  We're very sorry that you experiencing this issue, but it is not from the oil change.

  If we had not put oil in your vehicle, there is no way you could drive from May 4th to May 21st. An engine would lock up within 30 minutes of having no oil. However, other issues with your vehicle could cause your engine to lock up.

  For example:  Your car could have a high oil consumption which indicates other issues or internal engine problems.

  All you need to do to verify this information is type in "How long can a car run without oil before the engine locks up on Google?"  

  Customer response

  07/02/2024

  Hey I never got an update about my vehicle 

  Customer response

  07/03/2024

   
  Complaint: 21779670
  
  I am rejecting this response because: Im not saying there was absolutely no oil in the car but I had the engine taken apart to determine the problem and it was because of no oil, maybe 5 quarts wasnt put in but my engine locked up because of the negligence on your end! I can just take this to my lawyer and go from there because we are getting no where! I had 2 other mechanics look at my car 1 before you and 1 after you! One thing you cannot do is tell me anything because Im a woman! I drove back and forth everyday from **********, ******* and ************ for 2 months and had absolutely no problems got an oil change on time and still had no is***s! Then in May I come to you and now I dont have a vehicle! Im not satisfied at all! We can go back and forth but Im not stopping until my engine is replaced! I will just *** because Im getting absolutely no where 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

  Business response

  07/10/2024

  Greetings,

  Again, I'm sorry you are experiencing such an issue.

  Regardless to what others have said, it did not happen as a result of the oil change. 

  If you would like to have your attorney to call us, we will speak to him/her. 

   

  Thank you

   

   

  Customer response

  07/11/2024

   
  Complaint: 21779670
  
  I am rejecting this response because: sorry isnt helping that I am without a vehicle and I have kids. This isnt the first time my car has been serviced with you all so I am confused on when my car started consuming oil and I was never made aware! I will have him call district 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

  Business response

  07/11/2024

  Yes Ma'am,

  Meineke Corporate will follow up on this with your Attorney. 

  Please have him/her to call. 

  Customer response

  07/13/2024

   
  Complaint: 21779670
  
  I am rejecting this response because:I will have him call. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

• Initial Complaint

  02/20/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On the 2/12/24 I took my Chevrolet Cruze to Meineke on ***************************** to see about an oil and water leak. They went on to do an oil leak check and removed/replaced a valve cover. They took about an 1.50 to complete the job. I picked up my vehicle but noticed the overheating issue persisted. They gave me the excuse of a mis-diagnosis. I took the car back on 2/14/24 where I was informed the water pump was leaking. They removed/replaced water pump with all that it includes. On 2/15/24 the issue persisted so I called Meineke and they said to take my car elsewhere. Between 2/16/24 & 2/19/24 my car stopped turning on in its totality. Meineke has not responded for what they were supposed to have fixed nor why the car will no longer start. The car did overheat before taking it to Meineke but at least it would run. Now it doesnt not run at all.

  Business response

  02/27/2024

   

  In response: First we checked his vehicle for an oil leak and water leak. We did not find a water leak. We did find an oil leak around the valve cover. After removing the Valve cover, we noticed a white sludge build up (Indicates possible engine damage). We notated this on his receipt.

  He returned with issues and we were able to duplicate the water leak which was found to be coming from the water pump. The customer informed us that he recently put on a water pump. Upon further investigation we found he installed an outlet housing, not a water pump. We informed him that the water pump needs to be replaced as it was damaged after being driven with a leak. We then informed him that he may have a blown head gasket and should take the car to another shop for further diagnosis. He returned and said the car quit running. We started the car again. After we started it again, we noticed white smoke from the engine indicating blown head gasket. Nothing that we did on his car could cause a blown head gasket. The car has many previous issues and notations were made on his receipt.  

   

   

  Customer response

  03/04/2024

   
  Complaint: 21321683
  
  I am rejecting this response because before they went ahead to fix the leaks and charge me around $1500 they should have been able to tell me that the gasket was blown and I could have taken my $1500 elsewhere since they are not able to fix that issue. Also, after further looking at different estimates the amount charged for the leaks was way over as well as informing me that the smoke coming from the exhaust pipe is due to this business over filling the water/coolant tank which is now causing a misfire on my engine. In conclusion, my car ran for the duration of that day and since then has stopped running. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

  Business response

  03/12/2024

  Please find the response attached in a letter.

• Initial Complaint

  07/27/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I had a front brake job done on my ****** RAV4 on March, 15, 2023 at Meineke in *******, *********. Upon driving the vehicle home, I heard a squealing sound and the brakes were popping. I called the manager, and he said to see if the problem did not correct itself after a day or so. Two days later the noise was even louder. I took the vehicle back and some type of adjustment was made within 5 minutes. On or about July 10, 2023, I heard the squealing sound again, and the brakes continued to pop. I took the vehicle to ****** for a brake inspection on July 24. The brakes failed the inspection, and ****** replaced the brake pads and added shims (never installed at Meineke). I returned to Meineke with the documentation and showed the paperwork to the manager. He refused to give me a refund because he claimed I should have returned the vehicle to him for repairs. Why would I return the vehicle to him a third time, when he was given two opportunities to fix the brakes? Me and my family have been driving around with faulty brakes for four months. This was dangerous.

  Business response

  08/01/2023

  Customer: I had a front brake job done on my ****** RAV4 on March, 15, 2023 at Meineke in *******, *********. Upon driving the vehicle home, I heard a squealing sound and the brakes were popping. I called the manager, and he said to see if the problem did not correct itself after a day or so. Two days later the noise was even louder. I took the vehicle back and some type of adjustment was made within 5 minutes.
  
  Meineke: Each brake job is different based on manufacturers specs. With every brake job, we instruct the customer to give it a few days for the ********************** to settle. This is normal behavior for new brakes. When customers need an adjustment, the adjustment can usually be made pretty quickly as it is usually very minor.
  These instructions can be found on the web as it relates to new brake jobs:
  Drive safely and normally for the first ******* miles to continue the bed-in of the pads and rotors. Gradually allow the brake pads to transfer a layer of friction material to the rotors. This transfer film is crucial because it does most of the work for the brake pads during the braking process.
  
  
  Customer:On or about July 10, 2023, I heard the squealing sound again, and the brakes continued to pop. I took the vehicle to ****** for a brake inspection on July 24.
  The brakes failed the inspection, and ****** replaced the brake pads and added shims (never installed at Meineke).
  
  Meineke: When the car was brought back 4 months ago in March, an inspection was done and the Shims did not appear to be worn and were not needed. The adjustment was made because we could visually see that a minor adjustment to the dust shield was needed. We test drove the vehicle, and did not hear any further noise.  
  Our response 
  
  Customer: I returned to ********************** with the documentation and showed the paperwork to the manager.
  He refused to give me a refund because he claimed I should have returned the vehicle to him for repairs.
  Why would I return the vehicle to him a third time, when he was given two opportunities to fix the brakes? Me and my family have been driving around with faulty brakes for four months. This was dangerous.
  
  Meineke: The reason to return the vehicle a third time is because you had a warranty with Meineke to have any work related to what we did, fixed and it had been 4 months since you heard any noise. If you had returned, it would have been free to install the shims. If the shims had been needed 4 months ago, we would have installed them then. Taking them to ****** was your own choice. The brakes were not unsafe nor faulty upon leaving our shop. It does not take 4 months for brakes to show issues or defect.
  We absolutely take pride in our work and we have a great reputation that proceeds us and has for over ************************************************************************************************************************ an unsafe vehicle.
  
  We are sorry that your experience was less than what you expected. We have built our reputation by pleasing our customers. If we had been given the chance, we would have done everything possible for you.

  Since a warranty was in place and the vehicle was not returned to us, we cannot offer a refund.

  Customer response

  08/01/2023

   
  Complaint: 20386323
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************************

  Customer response

  08/05/2023

  I am rejecting the response from Meineke because they could have fixed the brakes correctly the first time. Shims are customary for the type of vehicle I have, and they were not installed. I had every right to take the vehicle to the dealer when there were still problems after taking the vehicle back to Meineke the second time. It was 100 degrees outside the day I took the RAV4 to ******* Once they did the inspection and the brakes failed, there was no way I was going to trek across town in the heat simply because there was a warranty. How many times do you take something back to the same company who did not do the work correctly twice?

  Business response

  08/07/2023

  You are correct, you have every right to take your car anywhere you choose to have your work done. That is your choice. 
  
  However, in most cases, customers return to the original shop especially when a warranty is provided. We offer warranties to resolve any issues because with brakes, noises/issues are common.
  We can only repair the issue at hand. The vehicle was not making a noise when it left our location.   
  Shims are installed when needed. At the time your vehicle was serviced, they were not needed. Over the period of 4 months anything can change (hence the reason for the warranty).
  The main purpose of a brake shim is to prevent noise. If the shims are found to be working correctly, they are not replaced. We stand behind our work but can only do so if the customer returns to us.
  We're very sorry you feel that your expectations were not met. We cannot offer a refund due to the aforementioned. 
  
  

  Customer response

  08/07/2023

   
  Complaint: 20386323
  
  I am rejecting this response because: ****** immediately knew the probably was because shims were not installed. They also mentioned after market products may have been used. How is a consumer going to know for sure that work is done correctly if they only rely on the vendor who did the work? Checks and balances required to ensure that work is done satisfactorily. You may choose not to refund the money. You can rest assure that I will never return to Meineke and that I will share my negative experience with friends and family.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************************

  Business response

  08/08/2023

  Again, we're very sorry we were not able to make you a customer. 
  As previously stated, we would have done everything possible to resolve your issue if given the chance. 
  

   

  Meineke Car Care Center

  *******

  Customer response

  08/08/2023

   
  Complaint: 20386323
  
  I am rejecting this response because: Meineke was given two chances to fix the brakes correctly and then did not. The brakes failed the inspection at ****** after just four months. I did not return to Meineke because I believed the work was not done correctly and I needed to verify that with the dealer. The paperwork from the dealer tells the story. Brakes not installed with shims, which was customary. After market parts were most likely used. There is no need to keep going back and forth with this business. Clearly, they are trying to cover up for shoddy work. .
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************************

• Initial Complaint

  02/09/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I was charged 50% more for a front brake job with rotor replacement from an aftermarket shop that does not have to follow OEM guidelines. I wrote the manager to see if he could make a price adjustment to reflect at least a 10% up charge of the cost for parts by ************** Parts. I called ****** and they said that they charge $84 per rotor and $63 for front brakes plus labor. To replace the brakes and resurface the rotors with labor cost $260. Meineke is charging me $571 for a front brake job versus $260 with ******. The technician had already dismantled the car and ordered the parts and as a result I was shocked by the price of parts and stuck with getting the service. The manager dropped the price to $523 which is still no where close to $260 from ******.

  Business response

  02/24/2023

  Before responding, let me first say we are sorry that your visit to our store did not meet your expectations. It would be wonderful if we could make you a long time customer. That is our ultimate goal.

  
  I was charged 50% more for a front brake job with rotor replacement from an aftermarket shop that does not have to follow OEM guidelines.

  
  Following OEM guidelines simply means using parts made for the vehicle. We follow OEM guidelines by installing the parts that were made for each vehicle. These parts are sold by various parts suppliers and the dealerships. If a customer requests dealership parts, the request can be granted if parts are available but at the cost required to cover the dealership prices. Frankly even dealerships use other parts supplier stores when their own parts are not available.  

  I wrote the manager to see if he could make a price adjustment to reflect at least a 10% up charge of the cost for parts by ************** Parts. I called ****** and they said that they charge $84 per rotor and $63 for front brakes plus labor. To replace the brakes and resurface the rotors with labor cost $260.

  It is impossible to quote a repair without actually seeing the vehicle. All shops can only give you a bare estimate according to what you are saying until they see the needs of the vehicle.You were charged ****** for each replaced rotor, not resurfaced. The total cost for the rotors was 219.90. 

  You were charged ***** for the brake pads and ****** for the labor.

  The total cost was ******. With tax it was ******.

  Shop supplies were also charged at a rate of ***** plus tax for a total of 523.64. 

  After speaking with ****** parts and Service ***** The total for the job we did on the vehicle would have been ****** plus the tax and shop supplies which would have run over $600.00 at ******. 

  Meineke is charging me $571 for a front brake job versus $260 with ******. The technician had already dismantled the car and ordered the parts and as a result I was shocked by the price of parts and stuck with getting the service. The manager dropped the price to $523 which is still no where close to $260 from ******.

   

  Yes Ma'am, we send you the authorization so that you have an understanding and are able to make an informed decision about whether you want us to move forward. Once signed we do get started and labor hours begin, therefore must be paid.

  Again, I'm sorry you feel that your expectations were not met and hopefully this breakdown will help you understand the costs. We are not in any way out to over charge our customers but the cost are as mentioned and we cannot offer a refund. 

   

  Thank you 

  Mr. **** Whitt-Owner

   

• Initial Complaint

  05/18/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I brought my truck into Meineke Saturday for a loud whining noise coming from the back of my vehicle when I arrived one guy told the other to take it for a test drive I sat in the passenger seat to point out exactly what sound I was asking about. The guy stated that it was a wheel bearing I asked if he was sure and he said yes for sure. He then turned into a parking lot making sharp turns and I asked what was that for he stated the wheel bearing will make noises when you turn I stated to him that the sound I was talking about was constant throughout driving. Once back at the shop he began stating things that were wrong in the front of the vehicle when I told him several times I thought it was coming from the back. He directed me in to the guy at the counter. The counter guy gave me the price on 3 things I told him I only wanted to get the one wheel bearing done because that was making the sound. He stated well he told me to give you all of it but proceeded to tell me the price was $549 I asked for a consumer rights statement in which he stated he couldn't give me till after the work was done which is illegal in TN. He then said I had 20 mins to make a decision on if I wanted it to get fixed. I agreed and they said I could pick the car up Monday. I called Monday and they stated that my differential was bad which is the whining noise in the back but they dont fix differentials they then tried to say I had to pick my car up Wednesday because it will be 5 days and they are going to charge $25 a day which i dropped it off Saturday 20 mins before they closed and they weren't open Sunday and they fixed the vehicle Monday which isn't 5 days and then told me in 10 days he was going to sell my car which TN law states the vehicle has to be there 30 days before they can apply to sell the vehicle they are taking no responsibility for purposefully misdiagnosing my vehicle and are continuing to try to threaten me with more fees and possibly losing my car

  Business response

  05/31/2022

  ******************** came in late Saturday evening as he stated, concerned about a noise. We were able to look at his vehicle that following Monday.
  When presented with a noise concern, it is our practice to find all possible sources of the noise. This allows the customer to make an informed decision about repairs. Sometimes sounds seem to be coming from one place but are found to be coming from another. ******************** needed front end and rear end work, and indeed he needed a wheel bearing. He did state he wanted only to fix the wheel bearing. After we replaced the wheel bearing, we informed him again, that was not the only source of the noise. He became upset because contrary to our diagnosis, he felt the wheel bearing would solve the issue. After attempting to explain and the explanation seemed to make him more angry, we decided to put his original wheel bearing back on at our expense, and refer him to take his vehicle somewhere else. He has not been charged nor has he spent any money for this issue with us. Whenever we can't come to a mutual resolve, we find this to be the best solution. We are sorry that we were unable to make ******************** a customer, but we feel we made the best decision.

*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. ↩