NTB - Unnecessary Repairs

On September 17, 2011, I went to NTB on 4616 Hugh Howell Road in Tucker, GA 30084 because of a very loud and disturbing noise. They could not find the problem but stated that I needed my front brakes repaired. I agreed, as I am not the expert. The charge was $200.08 with no itemized bill presented. I asked for the brake pads that had been removed. When my husband realized that new brake pads were purchased, he insisted we go back to the shop and discuss with technicians. The manager and technician stated that they did not know what the problem was, so they installed new pads (the noise disappeared).

On October 10, 2011, the car (2009 Honda Accord) was taken to the dealership for service and the technician there stated that the front brake pads were worn and would need to be replaced soon. How could this happen in less than 30 days? My husband went back to NTB again asking for a detail bill and was told that they did not furnish this information. The name of the Service Manager is James **. I feel that we have been taken advantage of and will never go to another NTB for service of any kind. I will be contacting the BBB to issue a complaint.

I took my vehicle to NTB for an alignment. I was sold an alignment package which I purchased. After the first alignment, I was told the struts were out on my vehicle and they needed to be replaced at the cost of $800. I then took my Honda Civic to my regular mechanic the next day in Richmond, VA, Exxon Village. I was told that there was a very small hole and it was not affecting the performance and did not need to be replaced. I then took my vehicle to Goodyear in Richmond to have two tires put on. Since I purchased the $179 yearly alignment package from NTB, I took it back to them for the alignment and balance. This was approximately two weeks in between.

After the second alignment, I was told my right front tire rod needed to be replaced and the alignment would not hold. Keep in mind that it was the struts 2 weeks before. I picked up my vehicle and took it back to my mechanic who stated the tire rod was fine. Approximately months later, the vehicle began to shake. So, I took it today to have it looked at by Pearson Honda who informed me the tires were bad and making a loud noise and I needed new tires. I took the vehicle back to Good Year the same day on 5/13/2011. They told me the alignment was out on the rear and front of my vehicle and this caused the tires to go out. The tread is excellent and I have only placed 36k miles on the tire.

I drive approximately 160 miles per day and keep my vehicle in excellent condition. They advised me to take it back to NTB as they did not align that vehicle, thus causing the early ware on the tires. Every time I entered that facility, they would attempt to sell the female car owners on all this extra work the vehicles need. With my situation, they lied to me about the struts and the tire rod, and did not align my vehicle. I never went back to them after the second incident as I felt slighted.

I went to NTB for an inspection on my car. I informed the man at the counter that I had just been pulled over by police the other day for my tail lights not being right. I wanted to make sure the lights were fixed. He then asked me if my oil had been changed lately and if it hadn't he said get it done so you pass emission tests. I said ok if that's what it takes. I then left and went to work.

They called and told me that to pass my inspection it would cost $1050.00. I went back to NTB and the man at the counter gave me a list of things that needed to be fixed before it would pass. Rear rotors, but no new brakes? Pitman arm has lay, rear reflector. He then went on to tell me that my back lights are fine and that he had to replace a front light bulb. I thought this was strange. Then why did I get pulled over? I asked him if he could do anything to lower the costs, he said no. I then left with my car after they charged me $140 for what they did.

I took my car the next day to the same NTB and asked them to give me a print out of what needed to be done. What they printed out didn't exactly match what they said the day before. In fact it was 300 less so I grew suspicious. I then took my car to another place, Vespias in Landsdale. They told me there that they would look at my car. All the stuff that NTB said I needed for my car was bull and they said I had multiple lights out in the back of my car. They also said that my car didn't pass the emissions test which NTB should have told me because it would have just add more cost to my inspection. NTB's print outs are impossible to read and don't make sense. I feel like they are just trying to rip me off.

On June 6, 2010, I had a tire fail. I was able to put enough air in it to get to a service facility to have the small spare tire put on the car. When I got home, I called National Tire and Battery at Dublin, Ohio to inquire about purchasing two new tires for the front of my car. I explained to the sales person that my intent was to purchase two tires now and two additional tires of the same brand and type in a couple of months. The sales person said that wasn't a problem and that he could get two tires for me the following day. During our conversation, I told him my son was in the Critical Care Unit at a local hospital and that I would be pressed for time to get to the hospital. He assured me they would get the work done quickly.

The following day, June 7, 2010, I left work early to go to National Tire and Battery. When I got there, a guy by the name of Tim, I believe, came out to check the tires on my car. He then proceeded to tell me the three remaining tires presented a road hazard and that I could be arrested for driving the car in that condition. He further told me that the tires were wearing unevenly and I would need to have an alignment done. I explained to him that I needed to get to the hospital and simply wanted two tires put on the front of the car. He then told me it is illegal to put new tires on the front of the car.

I was already upset and distraught by my son's condition and could not handle the controversy he was creating. I left, in tears, went to the hospital and then took the car to the garage where I have my routine maintenance done. The owner of the garage was irritated when I told him what happened because he checks the tires every time I have the oil changed and said he would never let me drive a car with unsafe tires. He showed me the tread on the tires and said it more than exceeded the legal standard and was by no means creating a "road hazard." He also showed me the wear on the tires and there was no sign of uneven wear.

The goal of the sales person was to coerce me into buying four tires instead of two and have an alignment done as well. Good salesmanship is a virtue but deliberately falsifying the truth to con someone into purchasing more than is required is not.

On March 18, I went to start my car, and it was dead. It had very little power, and after trying to start it a couple of times, it went completely dead. My car was fine when I had driven it an hour before. I took it to NTB, because I thought I needed a new battery. They told me my battery was fine but that I needed a new alternator. The cost was about $486.00. I was desperate. I needed my car. So I told them to do it. Exactly one week later on March 25, the very same thing happened.

I called NTB, and they told me to have it jumped and to bring it in. This time, they told me I needed a new battery, even though a week before they told me the battery was fine. I was so angry that I told them I would get the battery somewhere else and that this was not the last they were going to hear from me. They asked me not to leave and said that they would install a battery for free. Since it would be free and I would have to pay somewhere else, I agreed to let them do it. I was still angry that I was out the $486.00, but they said there was nothing they could do. Today, which is March 31, the same thing happened. This is the third time within three weeks that my car has died after NTB assured me that it was repaired.

Obviously, there is something wrong with my car, but to do unnecessary repairs on it and let me leave thinking everything is okay is totally unethical. The fact that they tried to appease me with a new battery is also wrong. A new battery is much cheaper than a new alternator, and apparently, I did not even need one.

Anyway, I called NTB again and spoke with Joe, the manager. He told me to bring it in again, and they will look at it and possibly refund my money for the alternator. I brought it in, and they checked it and said it was fine and that possibly it was the starter or bad wiring. They said there was nothing they could do and did not give me any kind of refund. Now I am out the money, and my car is still not repaired, nor do I know what is wrong with it.

I bought a new battery and had it installed. I just wanted a new battery and never mentioned anything else. As I left they said to me, "Oh, we saw that you needed your tires rotated and went ahead and did it. We did not charge you." I was surprised but pleased. The next day, my steering wheel shook and shimmied. The car had never done this. I took the car back to them and they said that it would cost $10 a tire to fix the problem. I stated that I had never asked for the tire rotation. They continued to say "$10" a tire for repair.

I left and had the service done somewhere else. The car is still giving me problems. I am a senior adult woman without a husband or son to attend to these things. I am sure I got ripped off. After telling my story to several other women, they said that they have had similar problems with them.

On 10/5/09 I took my 1997 ford ranger p/u to this so called expert ford mechanic(mike s) at NTB for a diagnostic because my check engine light would not go out after replacing a E.G.R. valve.He (mike s)told me that whoever replaced the valve should have replaced the DPFE sensor, stating when one goes out (EGRvavle)it knocks the other out (DPFE sensor). He told me he could pinpoint the trouble out with a diagnosti check wich I paid $98.18 for. He (MIKE S) guaranteed me that it was my DPFE sensor and also my IAC sensor was giving me my problems with an unsteady idle. He (mike s) quoted me a price of $341.74 for the repairs.

Afterwards I went out and bought the parts myself and replaced them costing just under $190.00. I then had the check engine light reset and shortly afterwards it came back on. I then took it to the place that I had the EGR valve replaced and the went over it and found a simple leak in a vacuum hose going to the PVC valve (no charge).This so called expert ford mech. cost me a total of $280.00 some dollars for a simple vacuum leak that you could hear when the engine was running!!! I will never trust these so called mechanics at NTB again and I recommend to the public to go elsewhere!!

I went in for a oil change and alignment, they said 1.5 hrs - 2.0 hrs. They call me after 1 hour and say I need a ball joint (right side) will take i hour extra. I arrived at: 09:48:01 and left at 14:47:34 I was not happy with the service nor the communication. Woburn MA Store Never go there again and will never recommend it. They never even tried to lower my bill.

We were told our struts were leaking and it would cost around $500 to repair this serious problem. I told National Tire and Battery to hold off because it's still covered under our extended warranty with the dealership.

So we took our Nissan Maxima back to our dealership and was told there was no leak - the struts were perfectly fine. Apparently we were lied to at National Tire and Battery in Mansfield. WE ended up getting other work done there and now I don't know if that was a lie. This company is dishonest and rips people off. They need to be put out of business and I'm mad about it.

On Saturday 03-28-09 I went into store because my break pedal goes down to the floor. I was told that I needed new pads and caliburs totaling 827.81, I returned back to the store on the following Saturday 4-4-09 and talked to Eric Moore. I explained to him that my pedal is still going to the floor which was my original reason for coming in.

Eric assured me that if I allowed them to put a Master Clinder on for an additional 105.00 that it would clear up my problem, and He also assured me that if it did not He would refund me my 827.81. He stated this in front of my 2 adult sons, but when they finished installing the Master Clinder I still had the same problem, and He stated that there was nothing wrong with my 2000 Toyota 4 Runner.

I have given NTB almost 1,000 dollars and I presently have the same problem with my SUV that I had when original went into store. With these economic times, we all need to demonstrate the uttermost honesty and excellent customer service.

I purchase tires for my Mercedes wagon and my Toyota Camry.I purchased the service plan which included Michelin tires,free rotate,balance and free alignment for six for the wagon only. I took my wagon in for a balance,rotate,and alignment.I had to take the car back for them to recheck the balance, the car was vibrating roughly.NTB Service person service the car again and the car drove better but I still had some mild vibrating going on.Later that same day I take the Toyota into NTB and I experience the same problem as I did with the wagon,but the Toyota was worst than the wagon. They could not get the vibrating to stop.I took the car back three times and each time they would tell me its better,however that last time I was told I had three crooked wheels and I needed to purchase three new wheels.

I decided to take the car to Auto Quick Brake Center and I never discussed with the salesperson that I was told I needed three new wheels and later the sales person says Mrs.H your car is ready.I paid for the service and my question was Did you find any problems with my wheels and he stated no Mrs.H however there was one thing I did notice that your tires was severally out of balance. I asked him are you sure I don't need wheels and he stated no there is nothing wrong with your wheels.I complained to the manager Terrence **** and I was told he would send my information to the corporate office.NTB would mail me a check for the amount I payed to Auto Quik.I have called him on many occasions and I have not received my check so far.

I had a flat tire. After I drove my car about 200 yards to their store, they installed a new tire, and they would not relent unless i had bought an alignment, which I did not need.my car does not ride, or handle even close to what it did before they made me get an alignment. I am sure I was pressured because I'm a woman.

I went into NTB and had my oil changed on my 2005 Chevy Suburban. The mechanic placed my vehicle on the lift and I watched him go around and inspect the tires. He came back to me and said I needed brake pads all around. He gave me the price and I told him to just change the oil and I would come back.

The next day I went to Sears automotive and told them I needed pads all around. I waited for them to check things out and the mechanic called me to the vehicle and showed me that all the pads were ok and had more than 60 % pad still left. He also said the rotors looked great. At that point I told him I was told the pads needed replacing and he said that whomever told me that didn't know what they were talking about. I went back to NTB and spoke to the manager. He got the mechanic and the guy told me that he checked the brakes with a caliper and that they , according to specs, were in need of replacing. I said to him that he couldn't have used a caliper to check the brakes because he never even took the tires off the vehicle to get to the pads. I walked out and told them I would not be back and that I was filing a complaint.

Symptom: new 12 mo. on 84 mo. battery would leak at night on the garage floor. Diagnosis: I am a gearhead / racing mechanic at 60 years old and measured the alternator output at 14.15 volts on my driveway. Conversation with NTB: Really argumentative with store manager as he said the alternator was causing it, and they also were going to check the starter! I had told them the readings from my amp meter I was getting.

He still insisted on it being the alternator. I said I want to talk to the mechanic, and after our argument over it being the alternator--it was determined that NTB had not even tested the alternator output! They were trying to sell me an alternator I did not need for an '05 Toyota Solara. DAMAGE TO TOYOTA: inside of fender, battery cables; and wires ate up to the raw steel. NTB IS RIPPING OFF THE PUBLIC THAT DOES NOT KNOW ANY BETTER.

I stopped to buy 2 tires and have them mounted. Returned later to pick up the car. The woman in front of me in line had earlier that day paid for 4 tires. When she returned home, her husband was surprised at the size of the bill. They returned to NTB and asked for an explanation. There were over $100 in charges that they hadn't asked for or for work that had not been done. NTB removed them from the bill and refunded the overcharge.

The counter man then told me the amount I owed without showing me the invoice. It seemed high and I asked why. He began to recite costs for tires, balancing, warranty, road hazard, etc. I informed him that I would not pay for anything I had not ordered (eg. road hazard) and he took $26 off the bill. Then another employee explained that my car was out of alignment and could not be aligned without replacing both tie bar assemblies because they were frozen.

They wanted to order the parts and do the work the following day. Instead I took the car to my trusted local garage mechanic to have the assemblies replaced and he informed me that the alignment was completely within spec and I needed nothing done to the car.

Took my Chrysler Sebring Convertible in for front brake pad replacement. Car had only 20,000 on it, but was purchased preowned and the front pads had reached the wear indicator. I expected only to be replacing pads, and resurfacing rotors. Was called later that day by one of the service technicians and told that Chrysler used ceramic rotors which had a defect in them couldn't be resurfaced and I would need two new rotors at 135.00 each.

I then asked to speak to the store manager, and as told he was not presently available. Since the entire car was still under Chryslers 36 month/36000 mile bumper to bumper warranty, I told the tech I would authorize no work, and they were to put the brakes back exactly as they found them and I would pick up the car and take it to my Chrysler dealer to have the rotors replaced under my manufacturers warranty.

At this point I was outraged, as I had never heard of such a thing as ceramic rotors, and I was 99% sure I had no such thing on my car, and planned to call my dealership to verify this. Amazingly, within less than a minute of my hanging the phone up, the Store manager I had requested to speak to but who was previously unavailable was calling me on the phone apologizing for his technician's "mistake" and explaining that my car did indeed have machinable rotors and that both were within tolerance to be resurfaced and that the price estimate I had originally been given for a basic front brake job - replace bads, service calipers and machine rotors - $129.95, was accurate, and given that his tech had been in error, did I want the brake job performed. At this point I told them to do the brake job as originally ordered.

the fact that they would concoct such a fabrication as they did about my rotors, then do an about face when I called their bluff is indicative of the type of treatment you can expect at any NTB location nation wide. Since my office was transferred to Chantilly, VA, I have used the NTB on Walney road in Chantilly, and I am sad to report that that establishment has been run into the ground. The parking lot is littered with trash and the carcasses of old dead batteries strewn about in the landscaping. The customer showroom is filthy as is the customer waiting area, and oh yes, they try to sell you all sorts of things you don't need. I will no longer use NTB any time anyplace. I do all my own brake work now. I know it gets done right, and it cheaper too.

Went to replace two tires that had been discontinued. Employee told me that they were not allowed to mismatch speed rated tires and that I had to buy a full set of four. I told him he was full of crap and the tires were "t" rated. Without further argument he put two tires on my car. Don't let them sell you more than you want.

I purchased a new car battery because mine was failing. After installing the battery, the salesman told me that my alternator was bad and that the car had been running on the battery alone, and that is what caused the battery to fail. They wanted over $250 to install a new one.

Something didn't sound right. If the battery is dead, and the alternator is dead, the car won't run. The car had been having problems starting, but once running, had no problems at all. I told him 'no thanks' and took the car to my usual mechanic, whom I trust, and he checked out the alternator. It was working perfectly. An honest mechanic is a valuable friend. Mine just saved me $250.

I will never go back to NTB.

On Aug. 9th I took my car to NTB for 2 new tires and to have the brakes checked. After putting the new tires on, they checked the brakes and told me that the front rotors were worn thin and needed to be replaced, to the tune of $80 each, plus new pads. Not having enough time that day, I declined, saying I would return another day.

Next day, not wanting to drive back over there, I took my car to a local garage. I told them I needed new rotors and brake pads on the front. When I went to pick up my car I was told I did not in fact need new rotors, that the ones on the car had never even been turned, and had no grooves worn in them. They said "I don't know who told you that the rotors were bad, but they were going to get to you." (This is on a 2000 Buick La Sabre)

I guess that had I had the time, and had NTB done the job, they would still be laughing at putting one over on me. It really upsets me that there are companies that will do this to unsuspecting consumers. I for one have lost trust in NTB. I will be telling everyone I encounter, that is contemplating using NTB, about my experience.

I have been a customer of NTB for about 5 years and trusted the techs before this incident. I took my car in on 2/14 and told the tech that I felt a vibration coming from the rear of my car when I drove about 30-45 mph. I left my vehicle with NTB for about 3 hours and left a cell phone number to be contacted. I received a call about an hour later stating that they could re-balance the tires but that I needed 2 new rear tires. I told the tech to balance the tires but that I would have to wait on the tires until payday the following week.

Well the following week I decided to price check and ended up purchasing tires at wal-mart who gave the same warranty for less. when i got into my car after having new tires placed on the rear as the tech said, the vibration was still there and to my surprise as well when I made a stop at the grocery store and went in my trunk, my two supposedly bad tires were in my trunk. The tech from wal-mart after I called back there told me he could see nothing wrong with my tires and so he put them in my trunk. In order to endure that it wasn't my tires I went back to walmart the next day and had them to rotate the tires from my trunk to the rear and the new tires to the front (process of elimination) which they charged me for and I still feel the vibration.

Although there may be something else wrong with my car, I feel that the tech was very dis-honest because after looking at the tires there is nothing wrong with them. Needless to say, I will no longer purchase anything from this company and I will be sure to tell all of my friends about this incident.