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Midas Mufflers

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Midas • Mufflers • Brakes • Other Service • "Lifetime" Warranty • Incidental Damage --- • Midas Responds --- News • Suit: Midas 'Lifetime Guarantee' Doesn't Last Long • Midas Faces Bait-and-Switch Charges in California

Barin of Miami, FL October 13, 2009

On March 27, 2009 I took my vehicle, a 2000 S80 Turbo Volvo in to have brakes done. Along with providing that service they offer a free oil change. All services was complete and paid in full. A few months later after the oil change I notice my engine begin to have problems. I didn't think at that time that it could possibly be from the oil change considering that they would know to put the appropriate oil in my vehicle. When it was time for my oil change, I went to another service center and was told that my vehicle use synthetic oil and 7qts of oil and that they can apply the coupon that I had for a free oil change to discount my oil change for my vehicle considering the coupon was for the standard oil change which was for synthetic blend. After hearing that I begin to inquire information about my previous oil change and that they only put 5qt of oil. I was told if they put 5qt then it is possible that they put in synthetic blend and if so, it could harm the functunality of the engine. Upon hearing this I realize after my oil with Midas, my engine was having problems and I begin to contact them about the situation. On Sept 11, 2009 spoke with Joanny, Manager on duty and told her about the situation. She advised me the wrong oil was put in the vehicle and that Arlen was the manager on duty at that time and suggested a 3 mos mile oil change which prove further of the wrong oil change. I was referred to the corporate office at 888-222-2882 to speak with Andrea and was told she was in a meeting. At 3:09pm I received a phone call from Barbara and explain my situation to her. Barbara advised me she documented the information would send it to the Regional Manager, Angela and she will call me back. As of Oct 12, 2009 I have yet to receive a phone from her.

Karrie of Oak Ridge, TN October 13, 2009

On October 1, 2009 I took my vehicle to Midas for a simple oil change before a last minute road trip. When I took the vehicle to them it had NEVER dripped a drop of oil. While there I was advised there was a chatter in the valves. I then advised the manager that I was aware of this and that it had been doing it since I bought it and that I knew the valves needed to be adjusted. After I left the shop I drove the vehicle home, a few hours later I headed off for my road trip. Which was about 400 miles round trip.

When I got back from my drive I parked the car for about 5 minutes to pick my child up and drive him to school. At which time I noticed that under my car there was an oil spot about the size of a dinner plate. I got home and called the shop I spoke with the manager, I was upset and in tears. The manager told me to bring the vehicle back in and they would look at it.

A few hours later I took the car back and I sat for a short while and then was informed that there was in fact an oil leak but they were not sure where it came from. But when they had the car up on the lift they tried to show me that supposedly the car had been leaking oil for a while as it was all over the underneath of the car all the way down the driver side. He insisted that the leak was not caused by anything they did to the vehicle.

I called my husband and explained what I was being told and he then came to the shop to see what was going on. He was told by the manager that I was TOLD at the time of the oil change that the car was leaking oil. Let me say that yes it was on the invoice which was folded neatly and handed to me with the keys to my car. I had my 11 month old son sitting in the lobby for about 45 minuts while they did the oil change so I didn't take the time to read the invoice and left. After the manager insisted that he told me about the oil leak the conversation got a little heated. At which time the manager offered to inspect the vheicle for free to locate the leak. Finding the leak in the upper cam gasket they quoted a repair cost of 143 and some change with a %50 discount on the labor.

My husband repeatedly asked them to adjust the valves as well as replace the timing belt. We were told that their only concern was the oil leak and that was what they were going to focus on. We agreed to have them repair the vehicle as I had to make the same 400 mile trip again that evening. After about 5 1/2 hours we were called and were told that we could come and get the car. My husband went to get the car and left his truck at Midas to bring the car to me since we could not fit our three children in the truck with 2 adults.

When my husband picked me up and we headed back to Midas to get his truck I immediately noticed something wrong with the car. There was a loud metallic clanking noise coming from under the hood when you accelerated and the car was idling rough and having difficulty getting up to speed. When I got the car back to the shop and advised them of these new issues they agreed to put the car back on the lift and chack it out. After a little while we were told that the timing belt needed to be adjusted and that since there was oil on it the timing belt would need to be replaced soon. Which upset my husband since he repeatedly requested they did this repair when we had the vehicle in there previously.

After the "adjustments" were made I was told the vehicle would be good to go but that I should bring it back Monday and have the repairs the manager suggest be performed. I asked multiple techs that were standing around the car if they felt the vehicle was safe to drive and explained where I had to go. I was told yes. I then asked if they would take their children in that car to where I had to go. After a few flippant remarks about the destination I was told again the vehicle was safe to drive and that one of the mechanics said that he would take his children an equal distance in that car. Feeling better about the repair we headed home to drop off my husbands truck and then we were on our way.

The vehicle was running better so I felt okay about taking the car on the trip. The car did okay on the way there with just a few minor hiccups in the engine. It felt like the vehicle was jumping time, but it would correct itself and ran better for a while. After getting to our destination and parking the vehicle over night my and my children porceeded to head home. About 30 miles into our trip home I took an off ramp to a gas station and at the top of the off ramp the car stalled. I figured no big deal since it is a manual transmission maybe I stalled it. About 15-20 feet the car stalled again. It proceeded to do this about 3 blocks to the gas station.

I called my husband in tears and explained that there was a problem with the car. He asked me to try and get the car back the 30 miles I todl him I would try. On my way out of the gas station parking lot the check engine light came on and the car stalled again. I called my husband back and told him of this and he and a friend had brought a truck to tow the vehicle back. Since it was Saturday there was not a repair shop open in the small town we were in. So I was stranded in this small town over the weekend in a run down motel with three children.

On Monday morning the vehicle was taken to a local repair shop where they determined that there was damage to the cam shaft, the heads, as well as the valves. And was advised that there was about 1 quart of oil in an engine that requires 3.5 qts. They also advised there was no signs of an oil leak. They gave us a quote of 800 to fix the car. Which we did not have. They towed us home about 200 miles for a fee.

I contacted Midas corporate office and advised them of the issue and also that I refused to return to this Midas location due to the damage to my car they had caused. I was then contacted the next day by the franchise owner who was polite and offered to come and get the car and look at it to see what they could do for me. I explained the whole situation to him over the phone before the car was picked up. I explained again to his brother the co-owner of the franchise when he picked the vehicle up. After about a day I was called by the owner and advised that the timing belt needed to be changed and he recommended the water pump also be changed, as well as a fuel system maintenance and a valve adjustment and a few other things. I was also informed that they had adjusted the valves and now the engine is losing compression and they are not sure why. The valves were still chattering but not as bad. He told me that he would have someone contact me with a price for all this work.

The next day I got a call informing me that the timing belt repair was going to be about 535 and all the other suggested repairs would bring the total to over a thousand dollars. There was no offer of them to absorb part of the cost. I then questioned the service writer what was the price for the engine damage repair. He told me that he would have to get that information from the tech because it was not mentioned on the estimate for repair. I asked him why it was not mentioned and he told me that he was not sure if the tech looked at it. I then told him that he needed to call my husband and explain the costs. When my husband was called he was told that they were not told the car had engine damage and that they were told to check the timing belt issue etc. My husband then told them to just bring the car back. He was told that they (Midas) would call me and let me know when the vehicle would be brought back.

After an hour or so I called the shop and asked about the return time on the car. I was told that the guy who came and got it from me was on his way to the shop as we speak and will bring it back once he gets there and that they will call me when the car is on its way. This was about 1 pm. I waited all day and attempted 3 times to call the shop with no answer. The next afternoon I was called and told that the car would be on its way. My husband and I decided since they were obviously not going to address the issue the vehicle was brought to them for and that they were not going to help absorb the cost of the engine repair, that it would be better for them to bring the vehicle back before they could "find" something else that needed repair.

It has been over a week since my car broke down and there is no concern by Midas that this issue was not present before their technicians touched my car. No offer of assistance with the actual issue they caused. Nothing. I feel chafted by Midas and their lack of competance to do a simple oil change.

The engine in my car now needs major work. The cheapest quote we got for repair was 4 hours away and 800. We are out the money for the oil change 23 (since it is obvious they did not replace the oil they lost while repairing the gasket) We are out 130 for a motel stay since we were stranded. And we are out what ever the cost is going to be to actually get the car fixed right.

Richard of Fairfax, VA September 28, 2009

On April 15th, 2008 I had my truck sent into the shop for brake and rotor replacement. However, the technician failed to lubricate the bearings when he replaced the rotors (A mandatory requirement of all manufacturers). This resulted in the remaining original lubricant breaking down and allowing the wheel bearings and rotor on the right front wheel to come into direct contact and melt the bearings, fusing the rotor to the arm and causing a massive brake failure on the Interstate on September 8th of 2008. The brakes arms, rotors and bearings had to be replaced at a Shell Garage which I only just made it to as the truck was extremely difficult to drive since it kept wanting to lean to the right. The incident was reported to management, as well as the Better Business Bureau which reports of all Midas' in the Baltimore area, that particular store is the only one to have never responded to the Bureau regarding consumer complaints. The Bureau (no surprise) never heard back regarding my complaint either.

tina of reno, NV September 17, 2009

midas allowed me to purchase brakes and oil change with a coupon ad and then charged me unnecessary amount of money for resurfacing the rotors and changing an air filter that i believe they never changed. I never requested anything else but brake pads and an oil change .Everything was done unauthorized without my consent i was forced to pay 346 dollars to receive my vehicle back.

Susan of Baltimore, MD September 16, 2009

On August 7, 2009, we took our Toyota Corolla to Midas Pikesville, MD for an oil change and asked them to look into oil leak problems that we were having. They did the oil change and reported they could not tell what the problem was since the engine needed to be cleaned. On August 12, we brought the car back in for them to clean the engine and tell us the problem, paying them over 500. They told us the problem was there were multiple oil leaks and gaskets that needed to be replaced. We told them to go ahead and fix all the problems. They assured us that all the work that needed to be done was done. Less than a month later, we were driving on the highway when the engine seized up. A local auto shop towed the car to its facility for 75. They told us there is almost no oil in the car and that is why the engine seized up. We went back to Midas and spoke to Lynn Armstrong, General Manager of the Pikesville location. Midas sent a mechanic to the local auto shop and checked out the car and claimed that the engine seizing up was due to an "internal engine" failure. When I asked what that meant or could she be more specific as to what the problem was, she was unable to do so. The engine in the car is dead and needs to be replaced (est. 3000). There should be lots of oil in the car less than 30 days after an oil change and supposedly fixing of the oil leakage problems, but our mechanic said it barely registered anything on the dipstick. Midas refuses to take responsibility.

kelly of louisville, KY September 4, 2009

i took my truck in for an estimet on the front end next thing i know there calling me telling me i cant drive my vehicle off ther lot unless i pay them 1100.00+ fdollars to fix my truck which i drove in there just fine. they left me without a vehicle for 5 days which resulted to me taking my husband to work then coming back home to have to try and get some sleep before i have to go to work then he had to pay one of his co workers 10.00 for three nights to get him home for a total of 30.00 and i really believe they tore my truck up because my truck was driveable when i took it over there.

Ciara of Cincinnati, OH August 21, 2009

I've taken my Honda Accord to Midas (Cincinnati, OH-Glenway Ave) 4 times in the last 6 weeks for the exact same problem. The car would turn over but not start.

The first visit they replaced the fuel pump because I was told the fuel pump wasn't getting enough fuel. I've since spoken with a Honda dealership and was informed, a Honda is losing fuel pressure, the main relay (much cheaper to replace than the fuel pump) is most likely the problem. I'm not sure why the main relay wasn't the first part Midas would check. Possibly because replacing that wouldn't net enough profit. Still on the first visit...Somewhere during the time Midas had my car and I drove it off the lot (about 4 hours later), the exhaust pipe was cracked. Steve (Mgr) told me it was from the tow company ,so i had to pay to have that fixed

One week later my car had the exact same problem, it would turn over but not start. I took it back to Midas, they replaced a part connected to the fuel pump, and told me my car should be fine. Two weeks later, same problem, car would turn over but not start. I was told this time by Steve (Mgr) the problem was the distributor. This part was replaced. I was "guaranteed" by Steve (Mgr) that my car was "100%" and I would have "no more problems"

Less than one week later, same problem, car would turn over but not start. By this time I've spent 2,281. I took the car to Midas demanded the fix it & refused to pay anything else. Steve was on vacation so this time I dealt with Isaac the self proclaimed "Honda Specialist." I asked if he was the "Honda Specialist," why didn't he work on my car six weeks ago. He informed me Steve (Mgr) picks and chooses who he lets work on cars & didn't want to give my car to him (I'm figuring less commission for Steve). Isaac informed me he has know idea why Steve (Mgr) replaced the distributor because he's 100% sure my car needed a main relay. So, the main relay was replaced one week ago and so far the car seems to be running okay.

After my terrible experience, I decided to contact the district Mgr (G. Lindhurst). G. was on vacation so his voicemail said contact C. Jones. I contacted C. the day I got my car back and explained my situation. He told me I had a valid concern, but I needed to drive the car over the weekend & call him back. I called Charlie on Monday morning, left a message and he never called me back. I decided to contact Gary (District Mgr) later that afternoon. He was very unpleasant and frankly very unprofessional. He felt the need to address me as "sweetie" which lends itself to the misogynistic tone of the whole experience. I explained the situation, told him I felt I had been taken advantage of after spending 2,281, and having the exact same problems. He told me my parts were bad & needed to be replaced (After speaking with a Honda dealership they informed me that fuel pumps rarely need to be replaced & they always check the main relay first). He told me he'd get the old parts back so he can "prove" to me they needed to be replaced.

Gary left a voicemail the next day stating they no longer had the parts. I called him back, left a message, but he never called me back. I called him the next day, he told me the same thing (that they didn't have the parts). I asked how he was able to prove I needed the parts. He said he couldn't, but the techs stated I needed them so that's all he can say. He offered to pay for the 60 tow charge but nothing else. I refused his offer, told him I was willing to pay for the main relay, but I wanted a refund for everything else (2,281) as those items did not fix the problem. He became very agitated & told me he'd check with his regional manager (John) and call back that evening.

Gary never called back that evening. I called him the next day. He informed me they were unwilling to refund the money. I then contacted S. Guttenberg (Director of Marketing), left him several messages, but haven't received a call back.

I'm new to the area and a full time graduate student. I don't have a disposable income. I feel as though they've taken advantage of me financially (I paid for services that didn't fix the problem) and emotionally (I'm positive this only happened because I am a woman & the district manager's misogynistic tone was evidence of that). I feel as if this is a possible violation of the consumer protection act in that they've charged me for repairs for which there is no reasonable basis. Midas should be held accountable for their unethical business practices.

whitney of tulsa, OK August 15, 2009

I took my car in on a Monday because my brakes were making noise. They told me it would be 150 for pads and roaters if I needed roaters. I took it at 10:00 at 5:00 they call me and tell me that I needed calibers on the front as well. Now my price was 575. I take the money down there which I know I was overcharged. I drive the car 20 miles and it starts making the same noise again. I call them and they say oh it is just the fact that they are new. Thursday while driving on a busy street I tried to stop at a stop light and slide completely through it. I almost hit two cars. I had my two month old son and my three year old with me. I pull over at the nearest gas station and had three different people tell me that my brakes are completely gone. They don't even think that my brakes were ever fixed. I could have killed my kids,myslef, or someone that had nothing to do with this because they supposedly fixed a car for 575 and three days later I have no brakes at all. I had to leave my car at the gas station and walk 2 miles home.

violetta of Milwaukee, WI August 9, 2009

I got a coupon showing you were offering 50% off on LIFETIME brake pads. This led her to your shop in Glendale Wisconsin. Problem 1; The sales slip (invoice 31031) shows they only installed ONE brake pad, not two. They sidestepped this by calling the discount alleged to be 37,.49 as "LUBE OIL FILTER". They also said on the invoice that we declined brake rotors and 50% lifetime pads. Problem 2: they charged 22.74 for shop supplies. That was first announced at the end, not when they wrote up the estimate. What were these supplies? Problem 3: When this was pointed out to the manager when we were to pay, he wrote on the invoice "lifetime warranty pads". This is clearly an attempt to avoid the warranty. He didnt even sign his name after he printed those 3 words. Problem 4: The parts decline list also said "brake rotors" were declined. Yet we paid for them.

Oh yes, after preparing this e mail and trying to send it to midas.com as the brochure indicates to let you know how you did and visit you, no such web address exists. Midas said to be email address to let them know how they did as they suggested in their sale brochure, was and is an unknown web site. Going to the net to find their web site, they did have one and gave the form below to use to send them messages. They rejected the submission of the form to them claiming that the "date was invalid".

Trina of Mullins, SC August 5, 2009

I took my car to Midas so they could replace my brake pads and fix an axle. I dropped my car off at 830 am that morning and was not able to pick it up until 400 pm. After paying 208.00, I drove out of the parking lot. Not even a minute down the road, my car makes a noise and was stuck in drive. The car would not move when I stepped on the gas. Needless to say, I called back to the shop to let them know what happened and they did send someone to pick me up.

Well after checking, they said that the snap ring that fits around the axle broke and that they sent the mechanic to get another one. They said they fixed the problem, told me it was just one of those things that happened, and sent me on my way. I drove home and everything seemed to be fine until 2 days later and the transmission started slipping. Being it was 4th of July weekend, I was not able to take the car back until Monday.

I took my husband with me and after some choice words between my husband and the manager, they said they would check the car and make things right. Supposedly, they did. I drove the car for another month until I was going to work and my speedometer jumped from 65 to 105 mph. I slammed on brakes and started to pull off the road. After trying to put the car in park and it would not move, I had to leave it in drive. My car would not budge. The car had to be towed to another mechanic who repaired it and all truth came out.

The axle that was placed on my car by Midas was not a new one like they charged me for. It was refurbished and defective. They only stated they would give me the money back for the part and not for the labor. When I took the part back to them, I can honestly say that they did refund all money, except towing, but this did not have to happen if they lived up the their word and name. Never have I ever been disappointed in an establishment. Women are easy targets for mechanics to get over on but to trust someone, especially a well named business with your car and for them to charge you and lie to you about the parts and what was done to the car is ridculous and uncalled for. I will NEVER step foot into another Midas again!!!

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