ComplaintsforAAMCO Transmissions and Total Car Care

• Initial Complaint

  08/16/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  They did not fix my car correctly.I would like my money back.

  

  Business response

  08/17/2024

  AAMCO has gone above and beyond spending our own money helping you get this vehicle back in working condition.  We understand that you have spent $11,000 at four locations (including ours...which is only $1k of spend) just on the front end of this vehicle.  There is something larger at play causing your vehicle issues if you are spending that type of money on that car on the front-end suspension.  AAMCO will warranty its work, but if you are visiting multiple garages, then you start overlapping work done by other garages, and therefore are likely to void your warranty.  We cannot warranty work done by other garages, nor work that overlaps and "adjust" work done by AAMCO. 

• Initial Complaint

  05/17/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I am a twenty-year retired veteran. I took my wife's car to be serviced before we are scheduled to make the drive from *******, ** to *****, ** on 31 May 2024. I took my wife's 2014 Grand Cherroke to the AAMCO on ******************************************** for a transmission flush, rear differential fluid change, and coolant flush. When we arrived there I was not provided any paperwork the man at the front desk took my key and said it would be ready around 2 pm. At 2:19 pm I received a call from AAMCO stating that my car was ready to be picked up. I proceeded to the AAMCO location and arrived there just before 3 pm with my wife. I was then provided paperwork that stated that I received a fluid change on the transmission instead of a flush. I told the gentleman at the front desk that I placed a work order online for a transmission flush not just a change of the filter and fluids. He proceeded to tell me that they do not do flushing even though on the AAMCO website it states that AAMCO has a POWER PURGE which removes all fluid in the transmission. Gentlemen working there then proceed to say that they have had problems with fluses in the past which is why they don't do them. I then asked him if you could perform the service provided on AAMCO's website why would he not tell me this before I proceeded to the location he should've provided me some paperwork when I arrived not after the job was completed. He would not answer the question directly but proceeded to tell me about the bad of the transmission flush. I became frustrated with the lack of communication proceeded with payment and left the establishment. While leaving the location followed my wife while talking with her on the phone ensuring everything was ok with the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee while she was driving it. My wife who is also nearing retirement from the military noticed that her air conditioning was not working but it was working fine when we dropped it off. I notified AAMCO immediately and was told to bring the car back so that they could check the coolant level. I asked what time they close and the same gentleman told me that they closed at 6 pm but his mechanics leave at 5 pm. I made it back to the location at about 4:30 pm. The lady took my key and said they would look at my vehicle 30 minutes or so later the mechanic came out a told me they could not figure out what was wrong with the ** and asked me to bring it back tomorrow. I told him I would just leave it so they could figure out what happened. The mechanic just walked away and left me in the front lobby not asking if I had transportation nor did he say sorry for the inconvenience. I paid for a $18 Lyft to return home. On 17 May I received a phone call at 9:07 am from the manager stating that the compressor had gone bad and it was bad when the mechanic test drove it on 16 May when the vehicle was ready for pick up. I told him that it was blowing cold air before the vehicle arrived and argued that it was not blowing cold. I then asked him if it was blowing hot when the mechanic drove it and why was not addressed to me at the pick up of the vehicle. He refused to answer the question. This process had triggered some previous anxieties diagnosed from my military service and as a previous leader, I blame the person above this location for letting the establishment operate this way. There's a term in the military which is "check the checker" If you not checking then things will eventually go wrong more so than right. I only wish for the problem to be made right and for people to own up to their mistakes. There is no pride in communication or quality customer service at this location.

  

  Business response

  05/20/2024

  We are sorry to hear about your experience.  We realize that maintenance on failing parts is always never convenient.  We were able to resolve the need for maintenance with coolant, transmission, and differential fluid exchanges as requested.  We have not done transmission flushes for quite some time and are well versed when a customer asks for one that we let them know that they will be receiving a fluid exchange and not a flush.  It is also listed as such on your invoice. 

  As for the *** the technicians were not analyzing for that issue on the interior of the vehicle as all of that maintenance was done on the exterior/underneath the vehicle.  As they move that vehicle from front of store to inside of the garage, it is very likely that they did not even turn your air conditioner to "on".  But, when they received your vehicle back for AC concerns, it was found that the compressor was not working.  

  We can definitely assist with that repair, if you choose.  We offer twelve-month parts and labor warranty for any all work done to your vehicle for repairs. 

  We do thank you for your service in the armed services and hope that your anxiety can be reduced, if we can assist with further repair needs.

• Initial Complaint

  04/03/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On July 12, 2023 I left my car at AAmco on Escondido and Westwind. I forgot the estimate on the counter when my Uber picked me up. I asked ******** the person that gave me the estimate to please email the estimate as I explained I had forgot it on the counter minutes earlier. Irazarma emailed me an estimate on the CV axle repair portion of the estimate nearly $200 more than what I had been quoted minutes earlier. I had to reach out to her supervisor, ******, at the AAmco Lomaland location to get this matter resolved. As part of the agreed repair I was to have the vehicle tuned up. New AC Platinum Tip Spark plugs were to be installed. I specifically requested AC Platinum Tip spark plugs. I was assured by ******** that my request would be honored. Please not in the invoice from ******* auto parts that AAmco ordered and Installed NGK spark plugs not AC Platinum tips as agreed. I complained that my car was having a misfire and a stutter in the morning that was not there before this tune up. Also my car has not been getting better gas mileage as I was told to expect. I complained shortly after my visit, but I was accused of being rude and refused service. There was an issue with the CV axle repair, I tried to get warranty done, but AAmco apparently did not want to honor the warranty and threatened to call the police if I returned to their shop. Aamco has lied saying that "I acted rudely" towards their staff. This is a trick used by AAmco to deny liability and put the customer on the defensive.The problem is that I can not step foot at AAmco because of their threats towards me and I , Ammco has insulated themselves from any warranty that is due to me using lies and threats to keep me away. Please note that the receipt below from Oreilly auto parts shows that AAmco ordered and installed NGK inferior spark plugs when I requested and was told that AC Platinum tip spark plugs were to be installed.

  

  Business response

  04/21/2024

  1. The consumer has alleged the CV shaft ordered by AAMCO from ********** were not the correct parts for his vehicle.  That is an incorrect statement by the customer.  The Precision part is no longer made, but the correct part was provided. There are occasions by which the part listed online has been discontinued (which was identified by customer).  BUT, O'Reillys software will correctly use and sell the correct to the repair shops through their integrated system.  We have a screenshot from O'Reillys which correctly indicates the correct part match via their system.   The real challenge if you will note on June 13, 2023, the spark plugs, plug wire set, CV axle, and CV axle seal were all completed, BUT, the customer came back on June 15, 2023 and noted all the issues experienced at previous garage.  This should have been shared up front before any work was completed at AAMCO Transmissions. 

  2. As for the spark plugs, we used the parts requested by the customer.  You will see two invoices, but the ** Delco plugs were returned and then we ordered NKG.  
  We are unfamiliar with this estimate claim by customer.  Please provide more information about this.  Usually, consumers are provided an estimate by AAMCO via email or text (which shows up as a PDF file).
  

  3. No actual police reports were filed because we asked staff to block this customer from calling their cell phones, especially when he was harassing them in the middle of the night (in ***************) via text and call.  ********** asked ********************* to send him one last request to discontinue the harassing calls/texts and verbal abuse.  Response from *********************:  ***,I spoke with El Paso PD on March 22, 2024 @ ***** EST. They told me to text *****************************,and then have no further communication. They also asked me to have the manager in the *************** location, that has nothing to do with this meritless claim, yet has been harassed by ****************** to do the same. I was also to file a criminal complaint if theres any further communication.

  4.We do honor the work done by any and all AAMCO's, but in this case, the customer has had extensive damage from his vehicle falling off a lift. Again, the correct part was used but due to the significant damage that has occurred to the inside of his vehicle it would not be successful even if we replace those parts on that vehicle today unless all the other damage has been resolved.  You will see on the previous invoices that we noted from the customer that the damage occurred and resulted in much internal damage. WE have noted that the transmission will need to be replaced.  If you do not replace that transmission (due to damage) it will continue to have problems.  The damage when the vehicle fell push the tires, which in turn pushed on the CV axles, when in turn pushed and damaged the transmission and possibly other parts connected.  Again, we recommend he contact previous garage and work with their liability insurance to get this resolved.  This is much bigger than a small-priced CV axle replacement.  A lot of this should have been shared in the original activity by customer before any work was completed.  As this work was likely in vain.  You will see it is on the third invoice (customer came back for more work), invoice number I102647.  Because of this work already being completed for the CV axle it likely is not solving the other major issues on this vehicle and again, needs to be addressed with previous garage due to extent of damage unknown at time of repairs in our garage. 

  Customer response

  04/22/2024

  Complaint: 21525914
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  1) Master Pro CV Axle line has not been available at ********** for some time, these were re manufactured .
  Precision CV axles are available. ********** is the distributor and sells Precision brand CV Axles as their house CV axle brand.  These are new not re manufactured.
  *** ordered MP1243 and O"******** sent you GM 8048 because MP 1243 is/was not available because the Master Pro Re manufactured axle line is/has been discontinued.
  GM 8048 is not compatible with my 2004 Chevrolet "NEW STYLE" Malibu LT. *** ordered and installed the wrong part. GM 8048 is for a 2004 Chevrolet "CLASSIC" Malibu.
  2) Spark plugs: if you had already ordered the ** plugs, why did your install inferior *** plugs. The reason is the *** spark plugs are cheaper. More pofit for you.
  3) The manager's phone number is listed as a call business number on BBB website. Why did you list that number?
  That number is a business number according to BBB. *********** your accusations are getting very close to criminal acts.
  4) *** have concocted the story that I have been "rude" so that you won't have to honor your warranty. *** have video and record your calls. PROVE IT!

  Please note that the part that *********** has proven to be delivered to AAmco by ********** is GM8048. Which does not match my car. This part is for a Chevrolet Malibu Classic, My car is a Chevrolet Malibu NEW STYLE LT. *** ordered the wrong part *****. The ********** computer JPG proves you are a charlatan.
  
  Regards,
  
  ***************************

  

  Business response

  04/25/2024

  1) Master Pro CV Axle line has not been available at ********** for some time, these were re manufactured.  Precision CV axles are available. ********** is the distributor and sells Precision brand CV Axles as their house CV axle brand.  These are new not re manufactured.  *** ordered MP1243 and O"******** sent you ** 8048 because MP 1243 is/was not available because the Master Pro Re manufactured axle line is/has been discontinued.
  ** 8048 is not compatible with my 2004 Chevrolet "NEW STYLE" Malibu LT. *** ordered and installed the wrong part. ** 8048 is for a 2004 Chevrolet "CLASSIC" Malibu.

      Answer:  We do not have capability for remanufactured parts.  Not sure how you draw that conclusion, other than just being ****** objectionable and ignoring all of our responses.  The website did not have the correct part listed their search engine/database was not yet updated for public use, because they were adjusting their inventory.  They had a replacement part in their system so when garages order, it ensures the proper replacement part is provided to install into the vehicle.   That is what we were reflecting in the attachment.  The product received and installed was in fact the MP1243 CV Axle  (see picture from ******** in the attachments).  They show the correct part match in the picture provided/uploaded.  Other notes....A lot of the ** vehicle parts can be installed in various cars/styles. This is done intentionally by large manufacturers of vehicles so that it makes it easier to build and eventually produce similar parts for production and resale.  
  
  

  
  2) Spark plugs: if you had already ordered the ** plugs, why did your install inferior *** plugs. The reason is the *** spark plugs are cheaper. More profit for you.

     Answer:  I GUARANTEE I nor my staff would not be switching out plugs to save one dollar per item.  We are way too busy to fight for pennies.  AGAIN, just being obtuse and difficult.  The *** spark plug is what was returned (I stated it backwards....as you can see it is the more expensive spark plug per the invoices (10:35am June 12 after our conversation with ********************) that was ordered separately.  The original part was returned (part that was ordered at 931am June 12) and the revised plug was installed, as requested.   The Iridium plug is actually an upgraded plug.  It is the recommended spark plug from ** Delco for that vehicle.  NOTES per Google: Iridium spark plugs are capable of working at higher temperatures, as iridium has an impressive melting point of 2,426C, as opposed to 1,085C for copper. Better ignition quality  iridium spark plugs concentrate the electric spark, making it quicker to generate combustion with less expenditure of energy.  What spark plug is better, *** or iridium? Iridium spark plugs are better at starting engines than other types of spark plug because the spark is highly concentrated in the central electrode, and consequentially requires less voltage to operate. This makes ignitions faster and more reliable, and also reduces power consumption.

  3) The manager's phone number is listed as a call business number on BBB website. Why did you list that number?  That number is a business number according to BBB. *********** your accusations are getting very close to criminal acts.

     ******:  I have no idea what you are referring to.  The only number provided was the business cell phone for my manager/consultant that had asked you not to call anymore.

  4) *** have concocted the story that I have been "rude" so that you won't have to honor your warranty. *** have video and record your calls. PROVE IT!
  Please note that the part that *********** has proven to be delivered to AAmco by ********** is **8048. Which does not match my car. This part is for a Chevrolet Malibu Classic, My car is a Chevrolet Malibu NEW STYLE LT. *** ordered the wrong part *****. The ********** computer JPG proves you are a charlatan.

       Answer: Incorrect parts WOULD NOT fit in this car.  It does not seem to matter what we state, you are just looking for dollars at this point.  Recommendation, Seek the insurance from the other garage that caused that significant damage.

  Customer response

  04/25/2024

  Complaint: 21525914
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  1)  "The product received and installed was in fact the MP1243 CV Axle (see picture from ******** in the attachments") Your words, not mine *******.
    See " Master Pro CV Remanufactured Axle Shaft" attached....  Please find "Applications for Your: 2004 Chevrolet Malibu on page 3, you will see that the part that you say was installed on my car (MP1243) is for a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu CLASSIC. My car is a 2004 Malibu NEW STYLE LT. A completely different car than the Malibu Classic. Literally every part is different from my car, the 2004 Malibu New ***********6
  .
  2) Sir I don't believe you installed AC plugs, you said you installed ***..  The *** spark plugs you say you installed are a copper core 12 Month ***** Mile warranty plug. The copper core technology is outdated.  AAmco Warranty does coincide with the 12 month ***** mile warranty the *** plugs have. Hmmmm???
  
  
  3) The business phone you listed is for business calls, You should know that.
  
  
  4) Please review "Product Comparison Specs All gm8..."  I call your attention to Precision NEW GM8048 and Master Pro CV shaft MP 1243. Those two axles have the same specifications. Master Pro MP 1243 is a cheap rebuilt cv shaft that was sold for $37 jobber price. The Precision GM 8048 is a NEW CV Axle shaft that sells for more at jobber prices. I was charged almost $200 by Aamco for the wrong axle. Master Pro products have not been available at ******** for some time now. But let's continue.
  
  Both of these CV axle shafts GM8048 and MP1243 would fit a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu CLASSIC but N*T my 2004 Chevrolet Malibu "new style" LT **6.
  I don't know what to tell you, but Y*U don't want to understand that AAMCO installed the wrong part on my car. The car has been leaking ATF since last June, the transmission does need to be looked at. My car did not leak ATF before going to AAmco. ***************** and Big * in ********** drove my car and did not report ATF leak or any transmission related issue. *********************** the mechanic at AAmco (which is N*T a transmission rebuilder and cannot properly diagnose transmission issues) drove my car for 20 minutes on 06/12/23 and did not report any issues with the transmission or leaks. ***************************** from Big * Tires ( who paid for the repair) spoke to ******** and approved the $481 estimate. He also asked if the CV axle would solve the issues at hand, he was told that was all the car needed. He is a witness.
  
  You appear to want to save AAmco's reputation at all costs, including calling the Police on me maliciously with intent to silence my seeking warranty from AAmco. 
  
  
  
  5) Why did Irazarma want to charge me almost $200 (on 06/12/23  more after leaving your establishment? ***************************** Big * Tires (who was paying for repairs due to a claim on Big * Tire) approved the $481 on the invoice. I forgot the invoice ******** gave me on the counter when **** picked me up. AAmco wanted to hold my car hostage. Sir you have no shame...
  PS Big * and Discount Tire have all the information related to AAmco installing the wrong part. Big * stopped paying for repairs after you completely destroyed my transmission.
  ********************** :  Discount Tire and Big * know that you installed the wrong part. They have mechanics that actually understand what you are trying to disguise.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Regards,
  
  ***************************

  

  Business response

  05/02/2024

  pics of ******** catalog, had to zip to get them over.

  

  Business response

  05/02/2024

  Pictures from the ******** catalog are attached that reflect the correct part to the correct vehicle.  The last thing I will state is that we do warranty all parts and labor for all work provided by AAMCO.  In this case, the challenge is that ********* knows about this particular issue, in that, good parts were installed on top of pre-existing conditions.  They are VERY likely not going to warranty those parts.  That is, the internal damage (transmission and any other parts) needed to be repaired and in good working condition before spending good money on new parts in the hope that this would solve your problem.  Theoretically, and normally, we would warranty those parts, but in this case, it would provide only temporary relief and it will fail again.  Once you repair the transmission and other parts, you should then revisit the CV axle replacement.

• Initial Complaint

  11/08/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  **************************************** *********************************************** ********************* ************ 11-07-2023 AAMCO Transmissions and Total Car Care/ ****************** *********************************************************************** Subject: Letter of Intent - Request for Full Refund for Ineffective Car Repairs To Whom It May ******* I am writing to you concerning a distressing incident involving my elderly mother and the recent car repairs she entrusted to your establishment. I regret to inform you that the repairs performed have not only failed to address the initial issues but have further exacerbated the condition of her vehicle.My mother, *************************, is an elderly citizen who relies heavily on her car for transportation and to maintain her independence. Upon learning of the issues with her vehicle, she sought out your services based on your established reputation and expertise. However, the outcome of this experience has left us deeply disappointed and concerned for the integrity of your business.I, as her concerned family member, have thoroughly examined the repairs performed on her vehicle. It is evident that not only were the initial issues inadequately addressed, but additional problems have emerged as a direct result of the work conducted at your establishment. It is disheartening to witness my mother's vehicle in a worse condition than before she sought your services.Given these circumstances, I strongly insist on a full refund of the amount paid for the repairs, totaling $2040.53. It is only fair and just that your establishment takes responsibility for the inadequate service provided and the consequent deterioration of the vehicle's condition. In the event an amicable resolution cannot be reached, we intend to pursue legal action to seek fair compensation for the undue and unwarranted expenses incurred during this ordeal. I look forward to receiving your response and working towards a swift and satisfactory resolution to this matter. Regrettably,****************************************

  

  Business response

  01/08/2024

  Sorry for the delay.  This is a box not monitored much.  This particular vehicle had a lot of issues when it arrived.  It first arrived August 10, 2023 for the diagnostic which indicated a host of issues that needed to be resolved.  Customer came back October 24, 2023 for some of the repairs, but not all.  Anytime you have lingering issues, it is very likely you will need other repairs or the current repairs will be impaired because of the connectivity and performance (or lack of) of other parts.  Per our manager, ******** ***** customer was instructed that their vehicle needed additional repairs and refused them.  This vehicle was in a serious state of neglect."  We warranty all our work for parts and labor, but we need to be able to see that vehicle in our garage.  We do understand that vehicle repairs can be expensive and we do everything in our power to mitigate that cost to our customers.  We truly want to provide the best experience, but if you go to another garage to seek additional work beyond our efforts, then you are now disregarding the available warranty.  If additional work was needed, it would be discussed and identified at the time of re-inspection/diagnostic.
  
  

*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. ↩