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Gordon of Roanoke VA (05/12/08)
The story doesn't end with me buying a used engine.I got the engine put in and went to the post office cAME OUT AND THE CAR WOULDN'T START.i CALLED A WRECKER TO TAK E it back to the garage where i got my motor put in but the tow truck driver said let him try a jump. I said i just brought the battery from Firestone the same day i got an oil change and evidently Firestone didn't prime the filter which if not done has led to engine failure in several cars. I couldn't believe firestone sold me a bad battery also. I can't go back and let them put me another one in . i can't trust them.
Gordon of Roanoke VA (05/08/08)
I observed the mechanic smoking a pipe while fixing my car and the store Manager confirmed that the mechanic does have a pipe chewing problem but Jim said it was a Monkey Wrench.Then he said they don't allow smoking.He could have told he he didn't beleive me. Jim all along has said the service didn't require going up into the motor but to install my battery you have to go underneath the engine all the way to the tom of the motor.
I ASKED FOR A RENTAL from day one but he didn't get me one until after i called and complained about him. Jim stated that he wouldn't answer my calls because he needed to talk to the mechanic first but he could have answered my calls and given me an update. i got the oil that came out of my car and it is BULK OIL and they didn't even ask what kind of oil to use. The oil looks like it wasn't changed. the oil filter that they (firestone) put on the car was a very small cheap brand than what my Mechanic got on it right now(About half the size) and what Jiffy lube puts on my brand of car. I got the one they put on for evidence.
25 miles after oil change and battery replacement my engine's oil pump went out ruining the engine
Brenda of Inglewood CA (05/02/08)
I took my vehicle to firestone for routine maintanence last year in December 06 2007, firestone charged me 1,135.72 for all the maintanece done to my vehicle which INCLUDED brake service. I returned to firestone this month for a routine oil change and informed them that i was hearing noise coming from my breaks, they inspected the breaks and told me there was nothing wrong, days later i found myself having to stop my vehicle with the manual hand break; my breaks were sticking and would not do what they were designed to do: STOP! i almost collided with another vehicle, luckily for myself it happened in front of PEPBOYS, i immediately pulled in to PEPBOYS and had them inspect it.
PEPBOYS informed my that my break fluid had been contaminated with what appeared to be ENGINE OIL! I was shown the oil which was in fact way to THICK in viscosity to be just break fluid and as a result PEPBOYS changed me another 1,000.00+ dollars to repair the damage. i was further informed that the seal/gasket to the master cylinder reservor was damaged. The air leaking into the break system would have also been a factor for my breaks not functioning.. How's that for safety! Once again Firestone neglected to inform me of that small important piece of information. Although I do have warranty for the work that Firestone perfomed to my vehicle, at the time i was not able to drive it over 1 mile away to them and risk (yet again) of being in a car accident...
I have now payed an extra 1,000.00+ for a service that should have been done right the first time. furthermore i can't drive a vehicle which FIRESTONE has worked on without wondering what else did they do? and how is this going to affect my safety and the safety of others?
Rick of Pearland TX (04/29/08)
Took my truck,2004 Dodge 1500, in for routine tire rotation and balance. I decided to get State Inspection. I was told by staff member they would do the tire buissness first. After 65 mins. The ass. came to me and said they had a problem with the tint on the windshield. He told me it was lower than State allowences. I told him Noone else ever had a problem in he past 4 years with the tint. He assured me they would not pass it unless the tint came off or trimed to State regs.
I told him I would take it to someone else. He informed me they still had to do the tire balance and rotation. I was lied to, and spent way too much time at their store for nothing to be done. They had one car in their shop. Firestone will not be getting any more buissness for me and I will encourage as many people as I can to not do buiness with this store. I had to pay the 39.75 any way.
I took off the tint, in hopes of passing the inspection.
Angela of Greensboro NC (04/22/08)
My husband took our car to get looked at they told us we will need upper and lower ball joints on our car we got the upper joints done and we was going to come back and get the lower done next week after they had fixed the upper it started making noises we took it back up there they told us it was the tire we got a new tire it still was making the noise so we took it back and they said we just needed to get the lower joints done so we left
the next day it had got worsed we couldnt drive it at all so we took it to another mechanic so we could get our lower joints done because there price was lower come to find out firestone did not tighten our bolts back that was causing the noise and messed up our car more they did not take the time out to even check the problem they are sorry and need to get handled they put my life, my kids life on the line and didnt care because they just wanted the money even though nothing happen to us it might happen to someone else they are trying to get over on.
my life was in danger and my family life we was riding on a job done by professional mechanics that didnt do there job we could have been killed or seriously hurt
Marty of Tacoma WA (04/22/08)
i called to have my vehicle looked at because of what appeared to be a loss of some power or responsiveness. i took the vehicle in and was told i would be called before close of business. the attendant first threw my copy of the work order in the trash without offering it to me. after i asked for it i noticed written on it was a statement that i had been offered a free inspection and had refused it. I was never informed about any inspection offered and could not have refused it. after i inquired about the inspection i was told it was just a limited inspection. my problem is as follows. i think i could have had the vehicle checked out and the problem detected without having the diagnostic expense but i was never informed. second, i never recieved a call letting me know what my problem was. the whole set of circumstances seems a little suspicious. copy thrown in the trash, statement discovered about a free inspection, but i was charged for one and then not getting a call. i have had bad service here before and won't try them again.
Diane of Fayetteville PA (03/30/08)
Had my oil changed. Was not told they were using synthetic blend oil. They put in a quart too much oil.
Left for vacation on the next morning after having oil changed. Drove about 6 hours at high speed. Engine started knocking so I stopped and went to closest Walmart to have oil checked. Oil leaking out of filter and oil leaked in oil pan. Cost me $100 for a room for the night; $30 for new oil change and around $200 I would think for new oil pan (have to get an estimate). I want reimbursement for these. Plus who knows what other engine damage may have occurred. I have a written statement from technician that did the oil change and the oil leak and being over full.
Amanda of Worthngton OH (03/06/08)
I have been a customer at this Firestone branch for about 6 years. I did not take my vehicle(s) to any other mechanic(s). I took my 2004 Ford Explorer in for routine recommended maintenance for the brakes and to replace 2 of the tires. When I picked my truck back up, it drove so rough that I didn't feel safe.
The vehicle pulled hard to the right, and would pop and shudder sporadicly as I would drive down the road. Sometimes the steering wheel would be yanked out of my hands to the right, especially when driving highway speeds. The manager, John Gilbert, had put 2 wrong tires on my truck. He then proceeded to lie to me several times about the truck being fixed. He put my vehicle and life at risk by assuring me that it was OK to drive when in fact there were incorrectly adjusted brakes and a high risk of a roll-over, especially in the wintery, icy conditions the area was experiencing at the time. John caused me to be without a vehicle for 5 days, and at this time refuses to refund any money to me (I was charged around $1450) and/or compensate me for the risk he put me in, and the inconvenience he caused me.
Anna of Br LA (03/04/08)
Do not take your vehicle to the Firestone in Baton Rouge, La. on Florida Street (downtown). I paid for a set of tires and an alignment. As soon as I left the store, I noticed my alignment was worse than it was when I brought the car in. The next day I brought the car back, a man drove it around the block and told me it was fine. Weird. I asked for the mechanic to actually look at the car, maybe check the alignment again. They told me I would have to leave my car for the day, again. I could not. So, I got there the moment they opened the next day. Again, for one reason or another they could not look at the car. They finally admitted that their alignment machine is off an inch and half and unable to be calibrated (I got this in writing).
Finally, I asked if my warranty would be honored at another store. I took my car to another Firestone, they provided me a digital readout of the alignment test. Point being, the Firestone on Florida Blvd should not offer a service that it cannot provide. They charged me $65 for an alignment, they knew they were unable to properly perform. Then, instead of just admitting the mistake, the manager kept giving me the run around; I had to go to Firestones 9 times to get the issue resolved. Their remedy was to give me the lifetime alignment (upgrade) and a $50 refund for my trouble. POINT BEING: The Firestone in question is behaving unethically. It is taking payment for a service it is unable to properly perform. So, BEWARE. Just be sure to ask whether or not your Firestone has the automated alignment machine.
Christopher of Central Islip NY (02/28/08)
Being a customer for many years, I don't think I was treated the right way. I went in there for an inspection, a 36.00 dollar charge, and due to a check engine light being on, I was told the truck would fail inspection. Keep in mind my truck is brand new with 35k on it. So I said ok can you do the Diagnostic check on the truck to find out why? Then there was another fee of $109.00 for that test. The Manager comes back and tells me I lucked out, it was only a $30.00 gas cap and a fuse. He suggested that I should get a Fuel System service so I agreed - another $89.00. After I told them to go ahead and do the repairs for a total of $308.83, thinking that It was done more then I wanted to spend but at least it is done right? Wrong. I was then told when my truck was finished that but he could not give me my inspection sticker because the on board computer was not ready to give out the information needed. I was told to come back in a few days and they would give me the inspection sticker.
So I did, but on my way to the shop the light came back on and I was told now they are getting different error codes and now and it could be as much as 600 or 700 dollars to replace a number of different parts that may be replaced by warranty from the dealer. I was given a list of possible problems it could be and wished good luck by the manager and out the door I went - $308.00 dollars for a set of wiper blades and a gas cap and $200.00 labor charge. They did not do anything and yes, NO inspection. My truck is now at the dealer where I should of brought it in the first place and I feel like I have been robbed. Thanks
I know that nothing will happen with this as they have already shown me how they treat their valued customers, just wanted someone in their customer department to know that some of their area service centers are not right. Spoke again to the Manager this morning and got a lot of lip service but again No help. This issue is over, just be aware they have lost a life time customer.
Marsheal of Knoxville TN (02/11/08)
My car was placed in the Firestone shop on 01/18/2008. The car is a white 2002 Malibu and was towed in by triple AAA. it was placed on a Diagnostic, test and and 12 malfunctions were found but not listed. It was told to them that it starts and then dies when driving. They said it was the switch and computer that was the problem. I said to fix it. I was told it would be a couple days before they could because they had to order the part from GMC. I waited a week before I got the car back.
When I got the car, my radio was totally hanging out of the dash board; the screws were totally out, and it was setting on the back floor of the car. I felt very up set. After being quoted a price of $400.00, when I picked the car up it shot up to $698.39. The next day the car died right across the street from Firestone. Well, the guy who worked on it did come out and asked what was wrong. My husband said, "The car died, that's what." The guy went to the back of my car and bounced on the side where the gas tank was and told my husband to start it. The car did start. Guess what he said? It's your fuel pump. He charged me another $462.76. I was was totally out done. I felt as though I had been assaulted. Nothing was repaired the first time. I was very upset about the condition of my car, and the over-pricing for nothing.
I was out of a car for 9 days and used my AAA insurance 3 times.
Nancy of Fort Bragg NC (02/01/08)
After going in for an oil change and a noise concern, they recommended getting the following: front pads, front rotors, brake flush, coolant flush, clean and adjust rears. They are such a rip off! They gave us an estimate of over $600. After taking the car to the Nissan dealership, the only items that indeed needed fixing were the front brakes; and instead of replacing and getting new rotors, they machined them. After a light bulb needed and a battery service, I only paid $200. Please always get a second opinion; and although the dealership is more expensive, it's more trustworthy.
I saved $400 and didn't receive unnecessary parts or labor.
Carole of St. Louis MO (12/31/07)
I had to take my car to Firestone for a safety inspection. The service adviser is very unprofessional and does not communicate with the customers. He called on my phone to tell me that I will need to change the wipers for my car to pass the inspection. I asked for the price and decided not to get the wipers changed. When I went to pick up my car, it was written on the recommended services that I also had to change my light bars bulb before the car can pass the inspection. I ask the service adviser for more details, and he told me that since I did not want them to change my wipers, I did not need further information because the light bar was a hundred times more expensive than the wipers. I did not like the tone he used, and I replied that I could get my wipers fixed somewhere else for a cheaper price. At this comment, he let me know that I could also find a place to fix my light bar.
The most interesting thing is that I took my car somewhere else for a safety inspection and realized that the light bar was still working. Firestone was going to charge $250 for the light bar and $45 for the small bulb labor, when in reality, everything was working fine. I cannot believe that they wanted me to pay for something that is not even broken, and made me lose time and more money to get another safety inspection. The service adviser is not friendly and does not go out of his way to help customers. Moreover he always makes unprofessional comments. I feel frustrated every time I see him and his non-caring attitude. I will never return to that place.
Chantal of Mesquite TX (12/13/07)
On 11/23/2007 I took my 2003 Jeep Liberty in to Firestone for an oil change and front wheel alignment. Nothing was noted about sludge or anything. On 12/09/2007 the car started knocking, and I checked the oil and the oil was at the add fill line on the dip stick. I called Firestone and they asked me to bring the car back. They decided to do another oil change to clean up from not doing it right the first time and said that it was full of oil. If it was full of oil why did they do another oil change? I drove the car back home knocking and decided to take the car to Jeep on Monday.
On 12/10/2007 I drove the car to Dallas Dodge and I almost did not make it there with the car knocking and smoking. I called Firestone, and they filed a claim and sent out their own inspector to say that it was smudge; they cleaned up the oil to show that no oil was leaking. They ruled that it was not their fault. I had my oil serviced at Dallas Jeep before getting the oil changed at Firestone and nothing was noted about smudge. Dallas Dodge states it was the lack of oil, and in no way did the smudge cause no oil to be in car. I need help to sue Firestone; the fault is with Firestone. My engine is burned and ruined.
Eliza of Orlando FL (11/28/07)
I had to take my car in twice to Firestone for minor work such as a belt replacement and fuel pump replacement, the second time around. The manager is extremely quiet, does not communicate with the customers and moves extremely slowly with everything. The first time I waited four hours for the belt to be replaced, and the manager never intended to update me on the status until I was tired of waiting and stepped up to the desk. He is not friendly, never smiles or goes out of his way to help a customer. I feel frustrated every time I see him and his non-caring attitude. I will not be returning to that place. The second time after two hours, they told me they can't help me and charged for a fuel filter replacement that did not even fix the problem.
I ended up having to tow my car to a different shop after spending money and a lot of time.
James of Waterford MI (10/11/07)
After brake job at the Waterford Michigan Firestone dealer I had to have my truck towed to a Ford dealer because brakes fell apart and locked up the vehicle. The truck would not move emergency brake fell apart completely. After paying Firestone $500.00 for brake job, it cost me $651.27 to have the Ford Dealer repair, the Firestone repair job. Complained to dealer and he said tough we fired the technician that did the brake job.
Rennie of Centennial CO (04/23/07)
On September 22, 2006, my IMS Dodge Grand Caravan was serviced at Firestone Complete Auto Care, Centennial CO. The service included new brake pads and flushing the brake system. On September 28, 2006, on a two mile, 7% downhill grade east of Bailey Co, the brakes on my van failed. The vehicle was stopped by downshifting to first gear and applying the emergency brake. During this process, the brake fluid boiled causing extensive damage to the braking system. We are lucky to be alive!
I had the van towed to Firestone Complete Auto Care where we were asked to reimburse them for the towing charge. I contacted the Firestone Consumer Affairs Dept and was able to recover the original cost of service and the towing charge. Nothing was offered for the cost of repairing the damage to my van. It was a terrifying experience.
Jan of Littleton, CO (10/14/06)
We had our front and rear brakes replaced by Firestone, and were reassured that our Wheelchair Adapted Van was safe to drive on a long trip. We left that same afternoon. Less than 24 hours later, driving 70 MPH on a four lane highway, our left rear wheel came off.
The van was out of control, crossing two lanes of traffic. We did not roll over because of the Under Vehicle Lift acted as a kickstand, and drug along the highway along with the wheel assembly. The wheel, however, continued traveling at 70 mph - crossed all four lanes of traffic, missed four vehicles and a man on a bicycle!!
We were told that TWO people checked the lug nuts before the Van was released, and they could not imagine what happened. We do NOT want to see this happen to anyone else!
John of Snellville GA (09/05/06)
Discovered after having the tires rotated that an alloy wheel had been cracked and was GLUED back together. Anybody with any knowledge about tires and wheels knows that next to not properly securing lug nuts that a cracked wheel is the most dangerous situation for tires and wheels. Their response - NOTHING! To cover this up is negligent at least and criminal if someone had been hurt. I sympathize with people being overcharged, but to put a customer's life on the line by sending the car back on the road in an unsafe condition like this and then refuse to even respond is the height of arrogance.
Thomas of Plano TX (08/16/06)
They replaced parts on my car which were not defective. Charged me $842.07 for a $100 repair. Specifically, EGR valve, EGR sensor, and EGR solenoid. No way these parts could have all failed at the same time. Also Aout $250 for cleaning ports and some sort of Wynn fuel treatment on my 2002 Lincoln town car with 32000 miles.
Tamara of Richmond VA (07/12/06)
My truck had no pressure in the brake line..therefore i decided to take it to firestone. My initial statemaant from them was I needed to clean and bleed my brakes..and I agreed to that which was 74.99. The next day firestone calls and said they wasnt able to bleed my brakes and I needed a proprotor valve and an abs valve which will total 642.00. Which that would solve my problem and i will be able to pick up my truck when finish. I told them I didnt really have the money so i called my mom and she told me to go ahead and get it fixed she will put up the difference..
Firestone proceeded with the work I thought would get me on the road..The next day they wasnt able to get my brake to work after replacing the parts they said will fix my problem..so when they called me back to tell me that they said i need a master cylinder which will just be another $215 as they quoted..so now i'm out of 642.50 and no dam car to drive because of misleading info and money hungry employees.
Dewey of Florissant MO (07/02/06)
We took our 1997 Mercury Mountaineer to Firestone service center at 14089 New Halls Ferry Rd. for brakes, we were told that we needed a left front hub assembly. This is a two wheel drive Mountaineer and has no hub assembly. I knew that and anyone putting brakes on would see that while installing brakes. We were told that it would cost $333.40 to have repaired .I had the service person put brakes on and no other repair.
After the brake repair I was told of the hub issue again, that tells me that Firestone is willing to over charge knowing after doing repairs to the brake system that it had no hub. I have a copy of the recommended service paper. I took the same Mercury to Dobbs Service Center to see what they would tell me, I was told what I knew, I needed my bearing repacked or replace seal and bearing at a cost of between $60.00-$100.00 ..This is a fact, only four wheel and front wheel drive vehiciles have hubs.
Donna of Phoenix AZ (06/14/06)
I took my Jeep in because I was having problems with it shaking when I would hit a bump. This was in 2003 and they fixed the problem but now it has started back up. I've taken my truck in every year and it's the same parts and I get charged for labor. The parts are lifetime but you got to come every year and we replace them for charge.
Joe of Warwick RI (05/08/06)
A few months ago I took my truck in their store to be inspected and they gave me an estimate of $1,100 before they could even inspect it. I told them I would have it taken care of and I did, somewhere else for $500 LESS. today I went back for the inspection, dropped off the truck and received a call an hour later saying that the truck needed 2 items repaired to pass inspection and I would be all set for a a grand total of $474. 3 hrs later I missed their call but was on my way back there anyway and when I arrived I was told that they were just finishing up the inspection.
When they handed me the bill I was informed that the truck had failed the emmissions test and I had NO STICKER! They told me they didn't know why it failed and that I should now take it to an emmission specialist! But they would retest it later for free (which they have to do by law anyways)I was definitely mislead during our phone conversation and left before I lost it and I'll pay someone else $50 for another inspection before I go back to these con artists. This kind of hustle is what gives all mechanics a bad rep.
Norrman of Brooklyn NY (03/26/06)
I have been a Firestone customer since 1982- through out the years I have been treated well until saturday 3/25/2006. The staff that runs the place is the worst I have ever seen. In additon to been rude they are jibbers. I took my car for inspection. They check the car and came back to me saying all I need was a license plate bulb. However, they give me a list of things that I need to do on the car later. When I look at the list I saw change the oil was one of the five things. I said to the man behind the counter how does tne service man knows that I need an oil change? He said to me he knows - I said sir I change my oil one week ago do you still think I need an oil change? He tried to talk down to me and I would not allow him.
I found out they are jibbers they condem stuff on your car that is good just to get you to spend money and when you find them out they tried to talk down to you. This is the worst bunch I have ever seen in the 24 years I'm doing business with this outfit.They need someone to speak to them about what is going on - Firestone was always a great company I hate to see these crooks damage it. I will never have my car or my wife's car or my sons car fix there while that bunch is there.
Eugene of Paterson NJ (03/24/06)
On July 27, 2005, I brought my car in to have a tune up. On the invoice, it is marked as putting platinum plugs into my car. After a few months, the car started to run sluggish, so, I went and purchased my own platinum plugs and had them installed by a reputeable mechanic. He took out the old plugs and told me these were not platinum plugs. I still have the plugs as proof of the garbage they had installed in my car. The cost of this rip-off tune up was $77.39. I would like this company investigated, as I don't want to see others being ripped 0ff.
Chris of Bell Gardens CA (03/07/06)
I Took my 1993 Izuzu Rodeo on Sunday February 19, 2006. They said they knew what was wrong with it and would fix it for $325 by Wednesday Febuary 22, 2006. Then they didn't do anything to my SUV. They said they could not find what was wrong with it and that they couldn't fix it. They took my SUV to a dealer so that they could find out what was wront with it but they have not found out what was wrong with it.
Today is Tuesday March 07, 2006 and they have not worked on my SUV. I need my automobile because I am a U.S. Marine and I travel alot because of my duty station. They keep telling me to go back another day and I just want them to fix it or not give it back so i could take it somewhere else so they could fix it.
Karmia of Dallas TX (01/17/06)
I paid $787.22 to have several things repaired on my car (12/10/05). (Half Shafts/Tie Rod Ends/Boots/Alignment/Tires/Etc)My husband noticed the day after the repairs that the inner boots were ripped, which were supposed to have been replaced. I called Jason, the manager at the store and he just gave me the run around. He says he did not repair them at all, and that he was not supposed to, however, I have my receipt that specifically says they were to be repaired. I took the vehicle to a shop in Lewisville, TX where I live on January 16, 2006.
The manager there initially told me that everything was new, and that the boots were not ripped. I insisted that he look at the boots a second time, he did, and returned stating that they were supposed to look ripped! I insisted for a THIRD time, that he inspect the vehicle again! This manager, Michael, admitted that the boots were torn, but that the boots always tear after three months! (It had only been a month since my repairs)
Michael also attempted to harass me, by insisting that I had bags under my eyes, and that they were from crying about the situation the night before. I insisted that I did not have bags under my eyes, and that I had not once cried about the situation, not at any time before the shop visit, and not at any time during the visit. He proceeded to bring up the bags under my eyes and me crying about the situation the night before, in front of other customers! Both Jason and Michael provide fraudulant work, and Michael used harassment to try to get me to back down from the situation! I have reported both stores to the BBB, I have called the customer service number on the Firestone website, and have even called the district offices in Oklahoma and Texas, and have gotten no resolution to my situation!
Kimberlee of Metairie LA (11/29/05)
I brought my car in to get a new battery. The business replaced the battery and charged over one hundred dollars for the battery. Several times after the battery was replaced the vehicle would not start. I brought my vehicle back to the business and asked to speak to the manager. A male identified himself as the manager and I told him the vehicle would not start several different times. He asked when I purchased the battery and I told him November 21st and he wanted to know why I waited a week to bring the vehicle back. When I asked him why that was a problem he became belligerent and called me names. The manager called the police and wanted me to leave.
The officer arrived and advised me to file a complaint with the better business bureau. When the battery was being installed I overheard one of the workers tell a supervisor he did not have a battery to fit the vehicle and the supervisor told him That one will work. The manager wanted me to leave my vehicle because he wasn't going to do anything to it. I left with my vehicle .
My vehicle still has problems starting ever since Firestone installed the battery. I am bringing my vehicle to a repair shop to find out what the problem is. I plan to contact Interstate Batteries who supply Firestone with batteries. I also plan to contact the Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Office Consumer Protection Office and the Better Business Bureau of New Orleans Metro Area.
Laverne of Corona CA (11/10/05)
I drove in to have my battery cables cleaned. They took my car right in. After being there a while (longer than I should) I was told I needed cable ends because mine would not tighten up. I finally said ok and was told it would cost $33.00.I finally said OK. Alittle while later she returned and told me I needed anew battery mine was no good and my car would not start without one. I asked how was that I had no problem with my battery I drove it there.
I was told once the cable ends were cleaned off it was normal for that to happen. I said no and she said well your car won't run. I asked how would I get how? She replied they could jump me to drive it home. In between I went out and noticed before they told me I need a battery the mechanic (Miguel Velasquez) had a new battery sitting on the ground in front of my vehicle hooked up to the battery in my vehicle. Which I thought was strange. I went some wher else and had my battery checked and was told the cells were dead and a bad smell wad emmitting. I never had that smell. I was also told nothing was wrong with my cable ends.
I purchased a new battery there. I have no idea what they did to me vehicle and am not even sure that was my same battery. It did not fit in the cover properly and was cracked. They either put a dead battery in my car, or did something to kill mine. I know all that should not happen just getting the post cleaned.
Jason of Portland, OR, writes:
A few years ago I bought a Volkswagon Jetta that has been nothing but trouble over the 3 years that I have owned it ($4000 in repairs). I decided it was time to sell it and took the vehicle to Firestone for a "Full Vehicle Inspection" so that I could find out if it was saleable and what needed to be repaired.
The results of their inspection determined that I needed $600 worth of work done and it would be in "great shape". Shortly after I took it back in for an electrical problem that cost $140 and I later found out that several other places would have done the repair for $50.
Anyway, I then took the car in to pass the emissions test a couple of months later. Keep in mind that the car had been driven about 20 miles since the "Full Vehicle Inspection". While waiting in line at the emissions testing center, I was told by one of the techs to turn around and go home because there was no way my car was going to pass as there was smoke coming out of the tailpipe.
On the way home, I stopped back at Firestone and explained the situation. The manager informed me that the "Full Vehicle Inspection" doesn't include emissions testing and only includes visible inspection of the vehicle. I argued that it isn't really a full inspection if you don't inspect everything and furthermore, the smoke was very visible and they failed to notice it. The manager gave me a couple of free oil changes and I felt OK. I figured I would spend a couple hundred more and then sell the car.
I took the car to a different shop and they checked it out and found that the engine needed rebuilding because of bad rings. The repairs will be in excess of $2000 and now the car is essentially worthless and unsaleable. If they had caught this problem like I paid them to, I would have saved $920 and much frustration.
I called their support center and filed a complaint. They called the manager that I had spoken with and said that he refused to help me. He said that it was my fault for not explaining that I was going to have emissions testing done. He said that if I had mentioned this, I would have been told that the full vehicle inspection does not cover this. It seems to me that it is their responsibility to inform customers what it does and does not cover.
Angela of San Diego writes:
Firestone replaced the water pump. A few days later the truck overheated and locked up on me. We took it to Ritchey Fipp Chevrolet in Poway, CA. They fixed the fuel pump, but said they overheating is due to Firestone's not fixing the thermostat when they replaced the water pump. So we had it towed back to Firestone. When we dropped off the truck, we were told that they would take care of us for free because they should have replaced the thermostat.
We got a call today telling us that they were not paying for anything because it was going to need a new engine. Our total estimate for their negligence was $5K - $7K for a new engine that they told us we have to pay.
Angela should find a lawyer ... fast.
Teresa of Lufkin, TX, writes:
I have a 93 Mazda 626. I had one bad tire on my car. I took it to Firestone and decided to get 2 new ones for the front. The tires were still very good except for the left front which was looking really bad. The guy told me that he could sell me 2 but that I could get 4 for just a little more. I thought it was a good deal and asked if the tires that were on sale were good tires. He said yes, he had put them on his wife's car. The brand was Kumho, I had never heard of them. He said they had an overshipment of them and were trying to get them sold, and they were selling them for a very low price. I agreed.
I had just got brake pads on my car, and the car was driving fine. After I drove from Firestone the car started shaking really bad when I proceeded to stop. After it did the same thing again, I had the person who put the brake pads on drive the car and they noticed the same thing. He told me that Firestone may have warped the rotars when puttting the tires on. I took it back to Firestone and had them test drive it and told them what another dealer has said about warping the rotars and they said that was not the problem.
They put my car back on blocks and told me that the lower right arm control needed to be replaced and it was bad, and that I needed a new tie rod and a new cv joint. Me being a woman could'nt tell much of what they were saying, but was getting the picture. All I could think of was getting a lawyer and making them fix my car. The car was driving fine, until those tires were put on there.
I decided then to see what they were going to quote on fixing it just to see what he would tell me. The manager quoted me a price of over $700 to fix my car. All I could think of was that my car was driving fine before it got to Firestone. And they insisted that it had nothing to do with the rotars.
I took the car to the other dealer again and he said that Firestone had warped the rotars and after I told Firestone what the other dealer said the manager called the dealer and chewed him out about telling me that. The other dealer told me that he could fix it for me by replacing all the parts Firestone said was bad, but said it may not stop the shaking.
I decided to let Firestone fix my car and told them I didnt have $700 but agreed to let them fix one part at a time. The rotors were never checked and they ordered the lower arm control which seemingly has not come in yet and they said that it had got on the wrong truck. I get the feeling that they just don't want to fix it. The car is making noises at the back wheels when I start braking that were not there before. The front is shaking when I start braking and the steering wheels shakes bad when it was not doing that before. It was totally fine before.
When I'm on the highway I can feel the back of the car move a certain way as if it's unbalanced. I did pay for an alignment and wheel balancing, and after talking to the manager after I took the car back to inquire of its problems he looked a the totals on the reciept and said they owed me the amount for the alignment. Go Figure!
Susan of Riverhead, NY:
I had a problem with my brakes and pulled into
Firestone. Right away I was asked if I wanted to open a credit line, before they even
looked at the car.
I agreed and after they looked at the car I was told
"good news!" A credit line was opened for me for $1,000. The bill was going to
be $980 before tax. I asked what the credit line finance charge was and the man never even
answered me.
I didn't think that the car really needed that much
work and asked what I could get away with just to drive the car home. I had planned to
have my own mechanic work on the major thing (a new CV joint). The man said I needed
brakes all around and cylinders, front rotors, and hardware to the tune of $580.
I argued that that seemed really high for brakes.
Reluctently I agreed and he started to work on the car I proceeded to walk up to a Meineke
shop and the man there said he could do all the Firestone place was doing for under $300.
I immediately returned to Firestone and demanded to get
the car out of there. Firestone would not give me a printed copy of what repair was
necessary or the cost they were going to charge me. At Meineke I was told I needed only
front brakes no rotors, no cylinders, yes, I did need a CV joint but I already knew that.
I was billed $151 for the brake job and saved myself a bill of $980!
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