Firestone Complete Auto Care Reviews

This is not safe. I called and they wanted to charge me $80+ to fix it. I looked up the part and it costs $3. This is not how to run a business. I will never go back there again! I’ll go somewhere else!

I received a call from Patrick at 2 p.m. saying that my car repairs were completed but I did not receive any information on the phone regarding any price increase on the ignition wires. Patrick only discussed with me the need for my car to have the fuel filter replaced and a fuel tune-up was recommended as well. I agreed to have these repairs done.

When I arrived to pick up my car, Elizabeth spoke to me about how Firestone did not give me the correct quote on the ignition wires and the new wires cost more. But it wasn't communicated how the correct ignition wires were significantly higher in price (it was actually $71.63). Patrick did not communicate this information to me when I was originally contacted at 2 p.m.

I feel Elizabeth and Patrick have both acted dishonestly in this matter and have conspired to overcharge me on repairs. Also, order notes are typed on my sales receipt but there wasn't any communication to discuss with me about a throttle return spring missing from my car.

I went back to Firestone and told them what happened. They said that there was a leak but not that it was leaking massive amounts of oil which I never saw. I asked them where the oil was which they put in my car six days ago but they could not explain. They towed the car back because driving it of course with no oil might damage it. This took all day, it started at 1:00pm and around 5:30 to 6:00pm, Ram, a man who worked for them, went to my car and lifted the hood. He looked at it then he got in my car and started it without putting oil in it. I know this because I was standing outside and smoking a cigarette. I saw him do this so when he got out, I said to him that I'm sure he's not suppose to start a car with no oil in it. He pushed the gas a few times. I counted three to four times and it sounded much worse now so he then put oil in my car and started it. At first, it did start but then stalled right away and he could not get it started again. At this point, it's almost closing time and I am very tired and this man, named Ram, was rude and he could not figure out why he couldn't start my car. He seemed to be rushed and aggravated so he now tells me that it's my battery. I said to him that there is nothing wrong with my battery. He waved me off as if I didn't know what I was talking about so I went inside and talked with Mr. ** and I told him that this man was being rude to me and that he started my car with no oil which I thought has caused damage to my car. All I needed was for him to put oil in the car and check to see if it was still clicking but now my car would not start. The manager said to leave the car overnight and they will see what the problem is.

In the morning, he could not get it started then the next day either so he rented me a car and told me that they would fix it. Next day comes, he calls and said that they got it started and it was the timing they fixed. He did not call to tell me this or to ask me if they could change the timing but they did it anyway so he said that I can pick up my car now. It starts but my engine is smoking and they told me that they don't do internal engine problems. I said that I don't have that problem, at first it was my battery then electrical and now internal. I felt something is so wrong here so I tried calling the district manager and I was bounced around from this person to another person. It seems to me that once I spoke with someone, they all of a sudden went on vacation. I then spoke with Ernie ** who helped me or so I thought with trying to get someone to fix my car. He said that my car was going into claims which I'm not sure what that means but I was hoping it meant they were going to fix my car. Dave, who was my claims officer, has gone away and I was sent to a Mr. Jim, who now tells me that there's nothing wrong with my car and that I would have to go and pick it up. I asked what if it's still smoking or making that noise then what are they going to do and he said that I would have to take it to my mechanic and get it on paper that what was wrong with the car was a direct result of something they did.

I felt like Firestone should be the one to do this and I felt intimidated by the managers who took the keys away from me at the rent-a-car. They seem to be only interested in getting the rent-a-car back so they didn't have to pay another day. I told them that the car is still smoking and the engine is still making noise but they said that there was nothing they can do and that I had to take it to a mechanic and get my car out. They insisted that I drove my car only a little while it's smoking and making noise and now I am having trouble with the steering which is now very hard to turn.

I have no car and no way to go to work or get home and I'm left with a car that Firestone damaged and doesn't want to repair. At this point, I think my car cannot be repaired. Please help me to get someone to listen to me so that I might be able to get my car replaced. It is my lifeline and to lose my car will leave me in a bad position. Thank you very much, hoping to hear from you as soon as possible.

Emily **

I let the car sit over night and checked it. After the motor pushing it out, it was still over half a quart over. I sent my daughter to the shop cause my dad 84 was in the hospital. That was a mistake because they laughed at her and made fun of her and all but called me and my son stupid and said we didn't know how to check oil. Let me tell you something, My son worked as a mechanic before and I am 58 and been driving and checking oil since I was around 16 or 17 years old. The bottom line is that we never did them anything for them to do that to us. I know they think we are stupid but they took my car in the shop where my daughter couldn't see and must have taken some oil out cause all there is left is the damage it did and not the strong smell.

15 months later my car quits starting out of the blue with no warning, just dead in one night.

I call Hutto Firestone an they say bring the battery in and they will test it. SO I HAVE TO REMOVE THE BATTERY NOW. They test it and the test equipment prints a receipt that reads replace battery. Firestone gives me a new battery no issues.

I put the new battery in my car and it starts however my car now needs to relearn how the FOB, tire pressure monitor, automatic windows all work. I take it to Firestone and they tell me it's over their heads and I will need to take it to the GMC dealership, what a lie. Firestone was just pissed they had to give me a new battery at no cost and are going to punish me with inconvenience.

So I asked this guy at Firestone if they do suspension work and how much would it cost to lower my front by half an inch. He said $2000. I laughed and said $2000 to lower a car? He then said, $1,000 and started getting nervous. I only used them just to kill some time waiting on an order I had at another store down the street, because I only heard bad things about this place. I never would've even took it there for an alignment but I really just wanted to find out if they do suspension work and what the price would be just to get an idea what a tire dealer would charge for work like that. I wasn't gonna take it there. I knew they'd give me an overpriced amount but I didn't think he'd lie that bad.

This is the Firestone on little Patuxent Pkwy and a small guy with light hair was the one who gave me the crazy amount. These people are full of **. I could lower the car myself for a couple hundred bucks or less but I don't do car work. They actually missed out on a high-paying customer because I actually have 2000 to burn on an overpriced lowering job--just not enough ** to let it happen.

As of May 16, I still didn't have the car. They were rude, and would not return my calls. If I did get the manager, he would tell me it's going to take as long as it takes. I called Firestone Corporate back in March and had a 3-way call with them. Firestone would not help me because they say the store is independent (just sell Firestone Tires). I was then told by my AAA representative that the shop was going to be closing their doors and they had to finish my car before that. Well, guess what? The shop closed and my car was locked inside for over a week. My AAA representative stopped by again and the owners (who never contacted me) told him that they got a company to come fix my car and that it was running well. I then had to pay the balance of $1,400 before they will release my car.

My daughter was stuck without her car for three months. When she got it back, we took it to another shop before she was allowed to drive it, just to find the engine had no VIN #, the wiring was not hooked up and they glued the radiator and the cruise control cable. The transmission cable had to be replaced as did the brackets under the car (holding the engine and transmission in). I still have all of the broken parts and the repair order from the new shop. My question is this, "Why would Firestone let anyone that they won't stand behind use their name?" Not only was it on their receipt, they have a large Firestone sign on their building. This is just awful and misleading. I cannot tell you how horrible this has been. I am out to send Firestone and this shop a message. Don't ever let them touch your car. 1888 SW Bayshore Blvd., Port St. Lucie, Florida - just in case they change their name - again.

Finally, I took it to my Chevy dealer and all along my alignment was off, both camber and toe. I drove it for a few more days and noticed a wobble when at low and high speed. I wasn't about to call Firestone, so I went back to my dealer today. Lo and behold, the balance they did on the tires was 8 ounces off. Now I have 2 repair bills to pay and the car is fixed. Not to mention that the tires in the back have 21 lbs. of road force. Not that it will bother the car, only that the tires (Firestone Affinity Touring), and not cheap tires either, have either a soft spot or a hard spot in them somewhere. This whole ordeal has cost me almost $1,000.00 and took 2 weeks to straighten out. They gave me $120.00 credit. For a full set of tires? Needless to say, I will never go back to a Firestone service center. They should be ashamed of themselves and Firestone should have better service represents and mechanics for consumers.

When I went to pick it up, they told me something was wrong with the air and they fixed that as well. Ok, so a week and a half goes by and the truck overheats and my engine is now shot.

I was shocked because yesterday they told me it was the break. I discuss with the manager, Mike, and he said that he will give me a discount so it will be $1400. I decided to shop around and most mechanics agree that it was a rip-off. One shop asked me to bring the car. I called back the manager and told him that I will come to pick up the car. The manager, Mike, said that they cannot put back the parts they open even the tires, so I will have to tow my car. He proceeded to say that they will also charge me $800. I called the head office and they promised that they will talk to Mike.

The next day, I went to tow my car and Mike was in the phone. My car was not ready to be picked and the tow guy I had called had to leave. Mike still insist that I let them fix the car for less charge, etc. I was calm but I keep thinking to myself how dishonest one can be and still looking in my eye and not even apologizing for such a hassle leave alone the blander.

To make the story short, I had to call another guy to tow the car. I pay for the towing. I asked the other mechanic to check if they really replaced the brakes. He said yes and they put cheap breaks that cost $60. I was shocked. Remember, I paid $453.69 for breaks. I felt used as I have been a loyal customer to that shop for years. I cannot believe they have done such things. I had to recall how I used to return my wife's car to be re-checked simply because mechanics failed to do their job at the first time. I never make a big deal then but now when I recall all those incidents, I feel angry and used.

I had to tow my car, of course pay for towing, pay for charges again, and loose half day at work. I do not know how a human being can do this to another human being. Of course, the store manager did not apologize. He keep insisting that they are willing to help me. He has offered nothing than a poor service to a long-time customer.

I will never recommend anyone to Firestone. I suggest consumers to shop around before committing to any shop.

Five hours later they finally got my car done. I asked could I get a discount for it taking five hours. The manager said that all he could do was give me 25 dollars off. I don't think that was fair cause I took off of work early to make the appointment. While waiting for the car, my wife missed her doctor's appointment. And I had to call in at my other job which I had to be at by 4 o'clock. So they basically took off only 5 dollars per hour during the time I was there waiting with a 12 o'clock appointment. It shouldn't have took 5 hours. Once I got in the car to go home, I realized they didn't reset my oil life on the dash in my car, so I had to turn around in go back so they could do that. I have never had service so bad from them. I've been going there for over five years. Terrible terrible service.

The bottom line is that the sales guys need help. I wanted the manager's name to consult with about the price for repairs and this guy would not give me his name. I don't understand this store at all. I know a lot of people that goes to this location and I have told them all about the service. My family and friends will find another service center to go when in need of any repairs to their cars.

I managed to get the test redone plus a coolant flush. Now they found a leak where the radiator & coolant hose meet. Firestone repaired the radiator and hoses after 9 days of having my car. They said, “It’s fixed. Pick up your car as it should have no more problems.” I no sooner get it home and it goes up a bar in the temp gauge. The next day I took it to my Cadi dealer as I was told to do by the Regional Mngr., Joe **, and Corporate, Kathy **, to do should the repair work they did would not have fixed my car.

They are the ones who found and said the radiator was the cause of the car overheating. Dave ** was confused over paper work dates as he stated the paper work has the facts & he didn't care who I get to talk to, cause it's all hearsay. When I said there is proof documented from Firestone consumer, he said prove it. You have no proof and I couldn’t prove anything. The only thing they did wrong was misdiagnose my car. I am in such shock. This is not over!

I had the problem with the first set as well. Your quality control department needs to know that the kits are not being put together correctly and that it has placed a major inconvenience on me for the second time. It seems to me that that department needs some major tuning up. The supervisor needs supervision --too lax. Quality control and customer satisfaction is in the toilet. I thought it was learning from mistakes, metrics, growing a business. There are lots of competition out there but it seems people want to get paid for what they think they know instead of what they think they do.

As I had just finished 12 hours plus four of work and I am 74 years old, I sat and waited. I was asked about alignment and said okay even though the car never ever pulled to either side and the tires were worn mostly in the middle as if the pressure was too high. Then, I was told that the car was ready after three hours and was told that the bill was $776.62 when all I came in for was front brakes! I was never shown any tires to choose from. I just found myself more than $700 in debt for what was supposed to be just front brakes!

I asked why did they put on four new tires that I did not want. The very high-pressure salesman (Jeremy) said that I had told him to replace them, which I had no memory of doing, and was not ever showed tires to pick from and which tread I would like. So now, I am stuck with this bill. I have a part time job and am just on Social Security to live on so you can see why I shed tears over this transaction. As you can bet your life, I will never ever enter this business for any reason and I will make sure that the treatment I received will be known to all my friends, relatives, etc.!

My name is Yanko **. I am a physician, in the specialty of psychiatry and also a college professor. Everything started three weeks ago. I drove my Mercedes Benz to your establishment located in 2250 SW 87th Avenue, Miami, FL 33165 because the computer of the car told me to check on the break wears. I was referred to that place by my mother, who, until this moment, has been a steady customer of yours and was intending to use the Firestone credit card as a way of payment (credit card that she intends to cancel as soon as possible) as well as all relationship with the company.

Once there, I was helped by Nelson who gave me an initial good customer service, and after the previous check up, the mechanics arrived to the conclusion that the car needed new brake front, rear pads, rotors, sensors, and the total job was at a cost of $871--which was agreeable to me. The job was done and the payment was made without problems.

Since the car was given to me, I noticed a difference, which I logically adjudicated to the fact that the parts were new and needed some time for adjustment. The car has progressively been taking longer to stop when I hit the break pedal. Although it works, I definitely feel the car in worse shape than how it was when I turned in to your establishment. Today, I decided to take a time off my busy day to bring it there again to check and prevent something that might become a bigger problem and a live threatening situation to me.

When I arrived to the place here is what happened: Yanko: "Hello, Nelson. I am bringing you the car again because I am noticing that the brakes are taking longer to stop and I am afraid. However, if this car is not the specialty of these mechanics, I understand, but I will go somewhere else."

All this was said with respectful and appropriate manners. The reason why I said this is perfectly justifiable and was not with intentions to offend none of the mechanics. In my field as a physician, I know how bad it can be when I see a patient with a disease to which I am not related or an age or gender that I don't usually treat--it might get tricky. In this case, what I usually do is delegate the job to someone more related to the case. Westchester is a community middle class and Mercedes Benz are definitely not the biggest percentage of cars that Firestone branch attends, so it is understandable that as humans, a mistake could have been made.

Nelson's response: "First of all, you should have brought the car the following day, not now that you are scared because the brakes don't work. I am really negatively impressed with you! That what you are doing is totally incorrect! You should not put the name of our mechanics down just because you haven't taken the time to bring your car back!"

Mistake #3: He is being judgmental. I am a customer with a real problem. I am an adult professional and I consider it a huge lack of respect to have one of your customer service representatives telling me that I am incorrect and that he was negatively impressed by me. I don't think you are paying him to do any of that. He treated me like I was his child and the real McCoy situation is that I am a customer that just spent $900 in services and is not happy!

Right after this, one of the mechanics took my car for a ride. When he came back, he told me, "I don't see anything wrong with the car. Do you want to jump out the windshield when you hit the brakes?" (This is understandable. The mechanic has not driven that car before so he can't compare with the way it was before. I don't really mind his comment).

This situation that happened to me and Mr. Nelson (whose last name I don't know because I was in such a state of shock that just left the place) goes against all sort of assertive communication that I am sure you strive for during training of your representatives. On the contrary, it proves to be reactive and aggressive communication. Of course, as you know, most of the angry customers--all they want is a sincere apology. Well, I accept the apology. However, this is a letter of feedback and encouragement for you to work on the communication skills and customer service of your representatives.

I was charged $20.35 for this. For the past 2 weeks I've also noticed my right front tire was low as well. I returned for a second time and was informed of the same problem. I was again charged $20.35 for this to be fixed. I had no problem with tires holding air before this installation. I was told it was my rims. Why was there no problems before? If there was a problem, why was it not seen as the installation was being performed!? Firestone, you do tires, right? I was not happy the first time I had to get one of my new tires to hold air. Imagine how unhappy I was the second time.

Today February 21, 2011, I stood at your counter after paying, and cut my Firestone credit card up in front of your manager and. other customers. I then informed him I would never be back and would be contacting his corporate office. His only reply was “okay”. What's really sad is the fact that he made no effort to even keep my business. I paid a total of $40.00, to keep air in the new tires. Your commission-paid manager is really pushing the limit! I'm a musician which means I'm on a microphone all night long. Trust me, I will take advantage and I also have 378 Facebook friends! Get the Picture!?

They sent an investigator out and he said he couldn't find out why because there was oil and radiator fluid in the car. I think they didn't flush the radiator correctly and air got to the engine. They made us wait 2 months before even calling. Now they want us to pay for someone to tear the car apart and that would cost us more than it would be worth. Why do these companies get away with this? They broke our Doge van, we missed all of our kids' Christmas events at school and we couldn't go see our family on Christmas. I have a daughter with JRA and she missed a few Dr. appointments, this has caused an uproar in my home. This is not fair at all.

When I picked up the car about 8:30 pm, I paid cash and some credit. It did not dawn on me until the next day my son mentioned that he did not honor his price quote. They fixed the struts and charged me for two back tires. Now here's the bigger problem. After driving the car, I was still hearing noise from the back. I took the car back and was told that they put the wrong struts on my car. I received a call from district manager who offered to honor the "Buy 1, get 1 half off" coupon. When they heard what I said the first time, they did not honor the original price quote for $1,000.

I asked, “Wouldn't you know if they were not repairable?” We were told we could try to plug them ourselves. My brother (who was a certified mechanic) and I looked at the tires when we got home. At least one of them was repairable. They were clearly too lazy to do what was right. They should have followed our instructions, and informed us as, soon as they found the nails. By the time we left, it was already four hours.

We left the shop with two tires that had nails in them, and we had wasted four hours. With the level of incompetence from the people I dealt with, I am not sure what was done was done well! The primary consequence is that my brother and I will not ever do business with Firestone on that base again, and will be sure to complain to the commander of the base. I will refer everyone I know to go to Mr. Tire, just off base! My brother is going to post this experience on his Facebook page, so all his friends will be warned.

They put new coils in the car. The check engine light was on and I was told that it was the catalytic converter. They charged me for a new catalytic converter and more fuel coils. My car was doing okay. About two weeks later, I was driving home one night from work and the car started driving itself at a high rate of speed. I pulled off the nearest exit and turned the car off. I started the car again and it was racing. The engine was loud. I managed to drive it off the highway and into a parking lot. I was parked and I let the car settle. When I started the car up again, all the gauges went completely over to the red areas. I immediately turned the car off.

I took it back to Firestone and they said that the problem was the cables. They said that they put a throttle cable in at no charge, but the car is still racing and loud. Apparently, they didn't fix the problem. Firestone had my car for one week and it still drives itself like I have cruise control with, which I do not have on my car.

Also, Haig said that they would pick me up at my work at 3:00 PM. When I was off my shift, they were not there to pick me up. I was so upset and furious. I had to walk over to the mall and wait for an hour until they decided to pick me up so that I could get my car back. When I did get my car back, the gas tank was nearly empty. When I took my car in to Firestone, it had a full tank of gas. I am furious on how I was treated and with their lack of professionalism. Firestone wants to see my car again but I can't keep paying them to fix it. I am afraid to go back there because they don't keep their word.

After agreeing to pay $24.95 for the repair, which was double with what everyone else charges, I settled in for about an hour before the man at the desk said those dreaded words: Mr. **, can I speak to you for a minute? He informed me that the leak was from an old plug that they refused to replace because their liability would be so high if something were to happen in the future. And it will. He said, no way that plug can be replaced a second time. He had already prepared me an estimate for four top grade new tires, install, balance, all the extra warranties and all for $1,000 and highly suggested that I let them proceed. I told him to put that tire back on fast and give me my keys. I had to sign a waiver though, since my life would be in grave danger.

I drove to the Exxon station where the previous plug had been done a year ago. They apologized, jumped right on it, fixed it without even removing the tire from the vehicle. I told them what Firestone had said and he made me this promise and wrote it on a receipt that by the way, listed zero for cost. If the tire fails because of that plug or that exact plug fails again for one year, we will replace it free with your choice of five tires of the same size. He also noted that he had repaired/replaced needed parts on vehicles for years where people had Firestone receipts for those items being replaced recently. I was in and out of the Exxon in less than fifteen minutes after it took Firestone an hour to figure the best way to screw me.

If my vehicle broke down in front a Firestone store, I would have it towed somewhere else. Be warned, they're are trained and determined to take as much of your money as possible and lie like the devil if caught. 1,000 miles on that tire since the no-cost plug repair by a reputable and apologetic Exxon station owner.

On the first occasion, I was told that the source of the noise was cupped tires. The recommendation was to replace the tires, which at that time had about 30,000 miles of wear. Since they had a 50,000 warranty, I was assured that the price for new tires would be prorated for the remaining 20,000 miles of warranty. I was surprised that cupping could cause the loud humming noise and asked for and received assurance that it was not a bad wheel bearing.

One month later, I returned because the humming noise had become much worse and I was questioning whether it could really be coming from cupping of the tires. At that time, I specifically requested assurance that the increasingly loud humming noise was not a bad wheel bearing. When I picked the car up 24 hours later, I was informed that a complete inspection of the vehicle had been done, and works of $1473.34, including parts, labor, supplies, and tax was recommended, specifically: 1. New radiator hoses, 2. Radiator flush and new antifreeze, 3. New front and rear struts, and 4. Four new tires.

At this point, I told the service manager that I would need to get a second opinion [A specific red flag for me was that the radiator had been flushed and antifreeze replaced about 500 miles prior to this time, at a different shop]. The manager I spoke with began to backpedal, suggesting that replacing the tires and keeping the old struts might be good enough to solve the problem.

The following day, I took the car to the Mazda dealer for a complete service inspection. The first thing they did was drive it and determine that the humming noise was a bad bearing on the front right wheel. Then, they elevated the car and showed me that there was no problem with any of the struts. They inspected the radiator hoses and found no significant wear or need for replacement. They showed me the cupping on the tires and recommended I have the tires rotated under the Firestone warranty, so that they would be riding in the reverse direction. They suggested the tires were otherwise in good condition and would likely last another 20,000 miles.

Two days later, I had Mazda Service replace the wheel bearing. The noise is now completely gone. Nothing in the way the car drives or performs gives evidence of cupping of the tires or faulty struts.

I am writing to you to express my outrage at your recommendations. They are either the result of gross incompetence or an outright attempt to defraud. Either case is unacceptable. Had I taken your advice, I would have paid $1473 for unnecessary repairs and been left with the original problem. Shame on you!

The next day, I took it to your store and they told me that I would have to have this work done as the $79.99 alignment would not do any good unless I had this other done first. Ball Joints, both $541,96, both lower, front, ball joints, 2 for $19.00, cam and bolt kit, 2 for $39.99 each. It did not sound right to me as I had just had this checked so I took my vehicle to two different shops including the place that I paid to have the front end worked on and they both stated Firestone must have been looking at another vehicle so I took it to Tire Kingdom. They checked and aligned it for $79.00 and it runs perfect, so goodbye to Firestone.

Little did firestone know that on Sept 15th I had my mechanic in DFW do a tune up, my brake pads changed, the belts, everything but the shocks & alignments. So now Mark calls to tell me that the real issue is the back shocks and because those weren't changed when the front ones were that it has now caused the mount to fold and need to be replaced. His exact words were he would have never changed the front shocks without changing the back. It was a waste of money!

My question was why did no one tell me this in Sept when they fixed the front? Then start the excuses that the staff that did the front no longer works there, he doesn't know, I must have misunderstood. That it’s of course not firestones fault at all. Then he proceeds to tell me that my brake pads are 90% worn, and I need new belts because they are all frayed. I was furious and said I would be up there in 5 minutes to get my car and have him explain this to my husband.

Like I said little did this idiot know that I had just replaced the pads and belt. I told him I would bring him receipts for the work on the breaks, and he was completely full of crap. So my husband and I arrive 7 minutes from hanging up the phone. Guess what? Mark has left for the day! Of course. Probably needed sometime to figure out how he was going to crawl out of his whole if lies now.

I was already on the phone with corporate as the put my car back together. Now an employee has come out to tell my husband not to call corporate, that Mark is a stand up guy who will make it right. So now employees are begging for forgiveness? Mark offered me 1/2 off the labor for the mount. I assured him that firestone would be paying for parts & labor for the mount, since it was their fault it got ruined in the first place. After countless hours will corporate I spoke with Kathy **.

Just as useless as the rest of them. She was extremely frustrated that her offering to pay for the mount wasn't good enough. I assured her that if she was frustrated she could only imagine how we felt. I told up that I didn't trust her company working on my car. The latest repair list I got said the front & back struts were shot, needed a mount, the brake pads, a engine flush, a and belts. Clearly the front struts were done the month prior, so if the tech saw they were bad, that means they weren't done right in the first place.

Kathy kept asking what I wanted. I want someone to be held accountable. I want firestone to admit that they lied to a customer about false repairs. That they tried to take advantage of me and the situation. That their techs really messed up the first time and not got caught in more lies the 2nd time. She was shocked I didn't want her company to work on my car. I am now seeking my money back and asking that they pay a reputable mechanic to do the work. I am not giving up.

I will do whatever I can to get to the CEO and explain this terrible issues going on at the stores. This is a lie, and highly illegal at that. People go to firestone to get an honest opinion on their vehicle and honestly get it repaired. I have spent $500 only to find out the job wasn't done right. I have to wonder did they do this intentionally to make more $ off me in the long run? Sadly I believe it’s true. This company should be shut down. Off to the BBB now, thanks firestone, you will be making my house payment now too!

I laughed at the guy and told him he just lost my business. I bought the parts and installed them myself, the parts totaled less than $80.00 and it took me three hours to do it in my garage with hand tools. I then took it to an alignment shop and had it aligned for $37.00 including taxes. I also replaced the stabilizer bar bushings in that amount of time. The parts were about another $13.00 and were not included in the estimate even though they were in far worse shape than the links.

I shudder to think what the surprise add-on cost for that would have been, had I been dumb enough to have them actually do the work. Over all, I spent about $120.00 plus three hours of my time and saved myself well over $500.00. A mechanic with all the air tools and lifts a shop has to offer could easily have gotten this done in under two hours. Apparently, Firestone has an effective rate of more than $250.00 per hour! Their parts markup is incredible. They quoted me $89.95 each for tie rod ends that cost me $14.99. That is a 600% markup. I called several shops around me, most were about half to two thirds of the price Firestone gave me. Even the Chrysler dealer was over $100.00 less! The bottom line is, never ever use the Sandy Firestone for anything. They will rip you off. Guaranteed.

The mechanic who came out showed me where the connector was cracked and wasn't making a good connection. He squeezed it together so I could start my car and get it to a repair shop. The following morning, I took it to the Firestone in Goodlettsville. I said that I needed a new connector on the negative cable, and while I had it in the shop, I wanted my tires rotated (I purchased my tires there at the end of 2009) and an oil change.

When I signed the work order, I will admit that I should have read it. On the work order, it said to check the positive cable and do an oil change with no mention of tire rotation. When I picked up the car that afternoon, I was told that there was nothing wrong with the positive battery cable. I said that it was the negative one that needed replacement. He said that both were checked and everything was okay. I told him I saw the crack.

He proceeded to try to make me look like an idiot by saying that they weren't going to do work that wasn't necessary. The next day, I took my car to a different mechanic who discovered sure enough that there was a crack in the connector of the negative battery cable. If the Goodslettsville Firestones mechanics are not capable of doing such a simple repair, just say so, but to lie about it and try to make me sound like an idiot really angers me. It is not how I expect to be treated.

Last year, when I took my car in for tires, I asked them to check the squeal that my power steering was making. I was told that the only way to get rid of the squeal was to get a new power steering pump. I again went to a different mechanic who put on a new belt and I have not had any squealing issues since.

I asked Scott to refund my monies, and in a very rude manner he said, “No refund, and if you want, I can just pull the car out and do nothing.” I told him to do the best he could because I am going to complain to the DMV Department and the state attorney general. Around 6 pm, I called the Enfield Police Department to do a report, because after we left there for the 4th time, there was a clank every time I accelerated. The technician told me that it was a bolt that was left undone in the alignment process (by the way the car continues to pull to the left now), it is not aligned.

As the technician drove the car in for the 5th time, we see it dripping out of the car. He attempted to say that the brake like just went and they had nothing to do with this, but out of the kindness of their hearts, they would redo the brake like for half price. I had to get a ride home from the officer that gave my husband a ride home. I will have the police report, so this is how it happened: (1) About a month ago my husband went to Firestone and he was told that the front end alignment could not be done because he needed ball joint on one tire and they could do this job for $500.00. (2) I brought the car in for alignment at 11:15. (3) I again brought the car back to the technician; the car is pulling to the right. (4) I brought the car a third time, car is pulling to the right.

Then the general manager, Scott, comes out and explained that the alignment cannot be done because the right side of the vehicle is missing the part to adjust for the alignment. Thus, I asked for my monies back. He arrogantly stated, “I don't have to do nothing,” and he could pull the car out. Seeing his anger, I asked in a very nice manner for them to do their best. When the alignment was done for the fourth time, he told me that they found the part, that it was under so much rust, and he promised me a copy of the final alignment and according to Scott, it was perfect and he was gonna give me a copy of the print out. He had the copy of the print out under the keyboard. I asked him for it and he stated that I did not need it. Now it was around 3:15 PM.

We went to the bank which took us about an hour. When we finished in the bank, we get into the car and all of a sudden there is a clank every time we accelerate so I called Firestone again and the person that answered the phone asked me if I wanted to bring it in right away or tomorrow, and I said, “No, right now.” As the technician gets in the car, he hears the clank and he agrees that the clank was not there before. He told us that he had left a nut loose and that had nothing to do with the brake line. The guy behind the counter told me in front of the police officer that the clank is from the brake line and I told him that the technician has a different story. The technician drove the car all 4 times.

The vehicle was brought back for the alignment, but now the brake fluid is all over the place, and just because they reduced the price of fixing the brake like in half. The police officer gave us a ride home and saw that out driveway does not have a drop of oil. The police officer told me that if I drive a vehicle knowing that it is not safe that any person could be arrested so I had no choice but to leave it to get fixed. It will be ready tomorrow.

This letter along with the pictures of the leaks and the clean driveway and the police report will be used for the DMV and the State Attorney Blumenthal complaint we will be filing. I want a full refund of the bad alignment and the $322 you guys want for fixing what you broke. I could have gone to any other place, but I use to trust Firestone.

He then went on to inform me that he was including an estimate in the folder and the estimate was good for 30 days. I took the folder that contained the completed work receipt and the estimate and walked out the door. When I immediately called my mechanic of nine years (car has been running great all this time) and explained what had just happened, he told me to bring the car to him, which I did the next day. And just as I/we thought, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the car's other mounts. It was a scam!

Although I was not scammed into getting the $584.39 estimated work done, I just want to let someone know what is going on. This is second incident, but with the Firestone located on Andrew's Air Force Base, Maryland.

I took the car back on 09/09/10 and talked to Chip ** about 4 pm. He couldn’t service the car, same problem as Wednesday, they were too busy. He assured me he could service the car on Friday. I asked if he was sure and asked for his card. On 09/10/10, I went back to Firestone about the same time, talked to Chip, he said we can do your oil change today. I do not need an oil change; I need someone to fix my tire. I asked if it could be prorated, he said the tire was too worn, and I told him that I had already explained it to Chuck to no avail. They didn’t have a tire similar to my tire in the store. He could not get it until Saturday. He also stated that an alignment would have probably helped the wear of the tire. I went in on 08/06/10 to get an alignment and the same scenario, no help, cannot do it. I went to Sears and purchased a tire that day. (I purchased a lifetime alignment from Firestone.)

On my way home from Firestone on 09/10/10, I had an accident. I drove over a speed bump. It was only 3 miles from the store, and had a blow out, the car went out of control jumped the curve, and I ran over a brick mailbox, and my car was totaled by my insurance company State Farm. Nevertheless, I will not be coming back to Firestone for any service, and I am requesting at this time, a full refund for the lifetime alignment I paid for and have never used because I couldn’t get serviced by this store. I have been a Firestone customer for 20 years, and I am very disappointed and upset about the kind of customer service I have received in the past 6 months. I had to go to Walmart in August to get an oil change because they were too busy that day also. I have been in retail for more than 36 years and I know that customers’ needs has to be a priority, or you will not be able to operate the business and be profitable. I am a very concerned ex- Firestone customer!

It cost me about $6000 to redo the whole engine. It took nearly two weeks to get all the parts. In the meantime, I had to rent a car. I had to put these expenses on a credit card which will take a year or more to pay off, especially with the high interest. I filed a claim with Firestone but was denied, so now I have to pay back my high-interest credit card, which should take over a year. I would advise anyone considering using Firestone to think twice and read all the complaints against them first.

If they did their job the right way, I don't have to pay a second time fee for a/c check service when they checked my a/c for the first time. I am not this much upset plus my a/c is not working. I want my money back full refund.

Steven was very clear that he would have to pay $160.00 and it was never clearly stated that it was $160 on top of the $100 he was already quoted. It was definitely presented that way to him with the intent to deceive the customer and it's probably a very practiced and effective tactic. However, in all earnestness, it feels like he was totally taken advantage of because of his age and lack of understanding of how conglomerates can take advantage of the uninformed public. Seriously, this is probably not the first time as I have it done to me once a long time ago but now I know better. I must say that it really was quite the bait and switch and a creative play on words that got this sale.

Unfortunately, it is situations like these that questions business' integrity. It is rightfully so when a recognized company - like Firestone - allows their employees and possibly encourages them, to manipulate people and intentionally mislead inexperienced consumers who think they can entrust a well-respected and high visible conglomerate to not take advantage of them.

They made the mistake for not being clear and they need to refund $100.00 because they misrepresented themselves and intentionally presented the quote to the consumer who would not truly know the actual amount until it was too late. There should be a consumer protection legislation against this type of practice and since the amount was clearly and craftily misrepresented, he should be refunded the $100 he felt he was overcharged because he was told that the total was going to be $160.00.

I had to change the wheel on myself. I went back for arguments. Firestone insists their tire was good. As for what caused it to go flat, and whether it's going flat caused my damaged wheel, they don't care at all, and they consider themselves not responsible for it.

So what if I was involved into an accident for their flat tire? Those corporate **, they know it's not worth asking for a lawyer to solve it, so they ignore customer's perspective whenever they can. I will never go to Firestone again, period.

At that point, the manager proceeded to start and argue with me about how Firestone did do the alignment and it was my misunderstanding of what an alignment was and belittle me in front of me children and the other patrons in the waiting area. I would strongly recommend never using the Firestone in Waxahachie, TX. I have used other Firestone stores before and never had any problems. I'm not sure what is wrong with the one in Waxahachie but my experience with them has given me the opinion that they are a lot less than honest and will not stand by the work they do, or in my case, do not do.

When I got home, I opened up the hood to clean the battery and it was like new and did not need cleaning, I also checked the air-conditioner belt and it was OK. My vehicle is a Tahoe and only has 48000 miles on it. I am now wondering if I actually had a nail in my new tire.

I contacted the manager and he said bring in the vehicle so he could inspect it. I did and I raised the hood and he agreed that there was not anything wrong with the battery, he also checked the belt by trying to lay under the front of the vehicle. He stated the belt was bad. I have worked on cars most of my life and know when a belt needs to be replaced and have replaced several. I believe the manager was trying to make money off me because I am old and was walking with a cain. I was born at night, not last night and I do not appreciate trying to be ripped off. I have always trusted Firestone to keep up the maintenance on my vehicles, not anymore.

This leave us still out of pocket for car repairs that we had to pay when bringing our car to Dodge Chrysler $1,344.70, also car rental fee, gas and stress. This on going situation has been going on from Jun 1, 2010 to present. We truly need to find out what next step we can take. The damage is my 300M/1999 Chrysler is still not in running condition and due to this situation I am in a lot of stress. My family is in a fixed income and my car is the main transportation for us.

He then informed me that the particular tire that I needed was not available here nor in the store in Little Rock, AR. I was then informed that he had another tire that was available to me, but was about $10.00 higher in price that the online quote gave me. I informed him that that was okay and that I wanted to purchase only the tires for the truck and have them put on. I was then informed that he only had three tires in stock and that he could have the 4th tire here sometime that day. I agreed to have them call me at my home when the tire was available. The call came around 10 am that same day and my husband took the truck back down to the service center and was there to have the tires placed on the truck.

Before I left the store earlier, Melvin gave me a quote of $637.00 for the tires and the complete job. To make a long story short, when my husband arrived back home, the total for the bill was nearly $800.00. There had been an unauthorized charges placed on my card for services I did not request. This is not the first incident that I have had with Firestone about this type of thing. I feel that if they think that the customer does not know anything about the services that are needed for their car, I feel that they take advantage of them. I had $30.00 charge on my bill that was for someone checking out the coolant system on the truck and all I wanted were new tires. I truly believe that these young men are using ways to fraud the consumer and I believe that they should be investigated and checked out.

So, I drop of my car and got a phone call in about an hour. They find several faults in my car and give me a total of $500+ for it all to be fixed and passed. They tell me that my car needs a wheel alignment (tie-rod) and without that the car will NOT pass the state inspection. I was also told that I should not drive this car long distance since the tie-rod/alignment is way off. (Now don't forget that I drove this vehicle just the day before from another state to the state of New York and that was a drive of 7 hours and 40 minutes without any problems).

Not only this, I was also told that the filter was not cleaned at all in the last few months. And again, the filter, alignment and other detailed inspection was done just two days ago and I had spent over $600 for all this before coming to New York.So, they failed my car with the inspection and my report was sent to the New York DMV via email. I was forced to recheck the alignment. Of course, I took my car out of there and went to another service center where I was told there was absolutely NOTHING wrong with the alignment, but since the report was already sent to New York DMV, they had no choice but to look at it.

Not only the place was a complete rip off, the attitude from the employee/service worker that I was served was vulgar and insubordinate as I tried to explain them that my car was fine and inspected in another state with no problem. I was extremely upset. I will never visit a Firestone Auto center again, and will also make sure that everyone I know does the same!

Within the week, I sent a letter to the store manager, Phil, describing what I described in the paragraph above. I also sent a letter to Firestone Complete Auto Care Consumer Affairs regarding this same issue. On June 6, I received a phone call from Phil. I reviewed my problem with him and his response went something like this: "There are a lot of different things that can influence tire pressure.” I asked him to give me an example of what might influence two tires on the same side of the vehicle to increase by five (5) PSI above the maximum recommended pressure, while the two tires opposite them remained at normal pressure. He could not produce a clever enough answer. And with that, he simply reiterated his vague and uninformative answer.

I suggested that the two over-inflated tires on the one side were the result of a careless mechanic. Naturally, he would not hear that. There was no apology because then he would obviously be agreeing that inferior quality workmanship left his store. So, I received no satisfaction whatsoever from our conversation. I admit that this made me quite angry. But who wouldn't be angry after this? Within the month, I received a call from a Firestone regional manager and we reviewed my case (case no. **).

This gentleman, whose name escapes me, was very patient in listening to my complaint. He suggested that there were possibly two mechanics working on my car simultaneously and that's how the tire pressures varied from side to side. I agreed with his hypothesis; however, it still doesn't make it acceptable. This was all the "customer care" I received for my dissatisfaction and frustration. For $626.19 I think I should be entitled to all four of my brand new tires being inflated properly.

They moved the back tires to the front, because they were not able to fit correctly on the back. They said there was a potential for my tires to have flown off on the highway the way it was. Thank God, because I felt so uncomfortable with how it was done at this store, that I took it the next day to a private mechanic to recheck the balance. This could have saved my life and the life of my dear ones. I am very disappointed because I don't know whether this is a very bad mechanic, or a money making scheme, or an anti-semitic act, or they just assume that the customers are patsies. I am sorry to write you such a letter of complaint, but I felt that it was serious enough for you to know.

As time went on, it seemed to get worse. I took my car to my main mechanic for an oil change and asked him to check the car because the steering wheel is hard to turn again and I was hearing a noise when ever, coast on the brake. He checked it and didn't see much at first. He suggested I go to Firestone to have them check it to. At first, Firestone wanted to charge me to check it. I called my mechanic and he talked to Nicholas who is a Firestone employee and asked him to have the boot checked on the inner tie rods. Firestone checked and said they tighten it up. I drove it right back to my mechanic, he looks at it again and saw that the boot on the right inner tie rod was busted.

My mechanic explained that Firestone must have broken it in the first place. Because it was not broken when he put the tie rods on. He said to do an alignment. The boot must be loosened first and then tightened back up after doing an alignment. My mechanic called Firestone to inform them of the condition of the tie rod boot and to say they needed to replace it. He spoke to Nicholas and the manager. They both were very unprofessional towards my mechanic and hung up on him.

My mechanic found a phone number for consumer complaints with Firestone and I spoke to them, giving them necessary information and I was given a case number and told they would contact me in a few business days. This was July 30, 2010. In the mean time, I cannot drive the car in this condition. It is very hard to turn corners and the noise is louder. It will eventually break and I don't know what other damages will come from this. I cannot go to work without a car. I just want Firestone to replace the parts that were broken, when they claimed to do a wheel alignment on my car.

On 7-31-2010 about 3:45pm I brought my 2004 Chevrolet Silverado truck in to get some tires mount and balanced. The service man, Jim waited on me. Mr. Jim said he would be able to finish the truck before closing. When I arrived to pick up my truck, Mr.Jim stated he would not be able to mount and balance those "ghetto" wheels for that price the next time I come in for that price again and Mr.Jim stated the best thing I do was I bring some good tires that would last me a while so would not have come back for a while. He stated that flat stick on weights cost him about $124. A box of those ghetto wheel used 7 oz of weight on each of them. I talked to the tire tech and he said the wheels and tires was no problem to break down. Mr.Jim has no customer services skill. The things he said was not professional at all to a customer.

I left and went back to DC where I live. That next day we was supposed to leave for New Bern, NC for my visit with my parents to meet my new wife. The car engine light came on and kept stalling. So my wife said we'll get a ride from my nephew because he was ready to leave. We had to leave my car behind. We arrive back home on July 1, 2010. We drove the car back to VA still having the same problem. When we arrive and told the Firestone the car has worsen, they did another diagnostic and said that we needed Cam position sensor and remove and replace camshaft position work cost us $234.45 more money.

We left and thought the car was fixed properly, we was going to drive my wife home in Martinsburg, WV on the 2nd of July but the car start stalling out so my wife and daughter in law picked us up that morning and we rode with her. We return from WV on July 7, 2010 and took our car back to Firestone, they again did another Quality Assurance inspection. They had to remove and replace crankshaft position sensor. The car was said ready when we got in the car it wouldn't start. Chris (shop mgr.) stated for us to leave the car for 2 days and Firestone paid for car rental.

On July 9,2010 we picked my car up. We left and was driving to Woodbridge, VA. Our car start to putt and shaking, real back speed was 5mph and it just cut off. My wife call Firestone to let them know what was going on. She talked to Peter, another shop mgr. He stated to her that we couldn't bring our car Chrysler 300M/1999 back to their shop. She was upset because it was hot and our daughter was with us. We needed a tow truck. I got on the phone with Peter he said the same as he told my wife. I told him we just had our car fixed by them (Firestone) and that they are responsible for the repairs. I went on to say I'm bringing my car back and hung up the phone.

About 1 hour wait, I finally got the car to start and we rode 5mph down the highway until we made it back to Firestone. Another mgr., Ryan, was waiting. He check our car and came up with five more things he said was wrong. I told him that his mechanic (Jose) have messed up my 300m Chrysler 1999. He did stated that he was sorry and explain that his diagnostic person has been off work for 3 weeks and he will return our money $626.69. They couldn't fix our car.

It was late so he called for me a rental car for 1 day until we come back July 10, 2010 to pick our car up. We called a tow truck to take it to Dodge Chrysler, 5900 Richmond, VA. Matt (Dodge Chrysler) stated after the first diagnostic, $1,344.70 of parts and labor. We have sent out repair bills and car rental and fax after fax to Greg (District Mgr.) with no resolution. My car is still at Dodge Chrysler (Matt) waiting on a hand tester to be hooked up to the car while driving read the function on my car. I talked to another Bridgestone District Mgr. and he said that he wanted to solved the situation. He offered us $200 for car rental and $200 for stress. We are still out of a car and Dodge Chrysler has to undo the blunder from Firestone mechanic have done. We really need help with unsolved situation. We are on the losing end and see no way out. Like I have mention no car and I'm on a fixed income.

Some time later mid morning, Mike called to advise they needed three hour labor approval to open the engine and inspect the head gasket as they could not test the pressure in the radiator because of the engine. He explained that it would probably be a $1,000 car expense but that he had to check for cracking. I requested a visual inspection report and never received one until I called several times and insisted. When I finally spoke with someone, it was Cory who told me he did not think it was cracked and everything looked good.

I then got a call from Gary and voicemail telling me that the inspection of the head cylinder (first time I heard the word) and not gasket was cracked and it would cost $2300 for a refurbished part, new bolts, gasket and labor (including the $300). I told him I had to see if I could swing it and would call back. When I finally called back later that day (early evening) I ended speaking with Tom (Gary gone, Mike gone, and Cory not there). When I told Tom I could not do the repairs and would pick up the vehicle and pay them their three hours, Tom told me basically that I had to have the car towed.

First time I discovered that the inspection fee meant that they were destroying parts of the car that could not be replaced and would be undrivable. When I insisted, he then told me that first of all, my parts "were all over the shop" and it would take hours to find them, and if the car were to be put back together I would have to pay another three hours of labor. When I insisted I was never told that by inspecting the head gasket the car would then be undrivable, he then told me he had to talk with Mike and that I would have to talk with Mike in the morning but that he would have to check things out because the car was dismantled "all over the shop."

I shocked that my auto would be dismantled with such a poor concern about my parts, demanded the name of the district manager. Tom told it was Mike, the store manager. Then when I asked for the Regional manager's contact name, Tom said he couldn't give me the name because they only communicated via email, never met the person, and he didn't have his real name.

When I asked for the email, he told me regional manager was Mike. So I asked him to clarify whether Mike the District manger or the regional manager. At that point, Tom just wanted to get me off the phone and I acquiesced asking him to have Mike call me in the morning but then he told me Mike was off so he said he would have Gary call me because Cory was off the next day as well. Feeling very uncomfortable and uneasy with the shop and obviously the conversation with Tom (although I've been a customer since 2001), I decided to call Firestone customer relations (FCR) the following morning on my way to the Redlands shop. FCR assisted in getting the shop to put the vehicle "put back together" to the state the vehicle was in before the inspection.

Trying to salvage the $300 cost, however, I decided to leave the vehicle unreassembled and had it towed to another mechanic, who immediately in looking at the vehicle told me it was not going to be a head cylinder (the head did not have any cracks or warping) problem but instead would probably result in either being a leaky radiator or water pump. In reassembling the top of the engine, he inspected the parts given to us in a box, all three individuals working on the car realized that the fuel manifold had been broken and that it was highly unlikely it was broken by any overheating; particularly since all the "broken pieces" were in the box of parts. It took three more days to find a replacement fuel manifold. Ultimately we ended up getting the part from a jeep specialty shop for $100. The water pump cost $65 and the labor was 1.5 hours at $80 hourly rate or a total of $120.

I am shocked that it was quite visible the water pump was leaking, yet Firestone never inspected it but went right to the largest billing they could find, misrepresented the whole situation, and in addition, supplied me with a fraudulent report of what was quite visibly a non-cracked or non-warped part. Perfectly fine. I ended up spending $300 for 3 hours that were quite unnecessary, $100 to replace a part that was broken in the process of removing the head, and $45 to have the car towed, plus the coolant, the incredible mental frustrations, the gasket kit $167 plus the new bolts $39 (from Autozone) only to find out that it was just a $200 job for the water pump or at worst a $265 job at the $100 per hour rate Firestone charges. This is not to mention the fact that when I arrived to pay, they were charging me for radiator fluid, spark plugs, and oil change then never even did (but which was on the list to do). Btw, I have photos, reports and personal attestation from the service manager of a very large corporate conglomerate.

Today (the next morning), they are now telling me that I need to take it to a specialist because they don't do that kind of work. Apparently, they were okay with working on it back in September, but now they won’t touch it. In fact they went on to say they are not accepting responsibility for the liability. I've never seen all that was affected, but the fire ruined a rear view camera and a 'parrot' Bluetooth accessory mounted to the dash. Firestone couldn't fix it so they approved a replacement from Pacific Stereo who put it in originally.

They left me with a circuit board that hangs down from under the dash onto my right knee. The dealer is telling me the wiring harness is beyond repair and that I may want to consider purchasing another vehicle. My 2 auxiliary ports (cigarette lighter) are fried. The likelihood of an additional fire inside the cab is significant if I attempt to use the auxiliary ports. Bottom line, my vehicle is a danger to drive in their opinion.

Our pay was cut by 5% two years ago and we have not had any raises in the meantime. But I still wouldn't pay them to do something that I paid another Firestone location to do. Talk about a bunch of money hungry, money grubbing people. I will not set foot in another Firestone and I am telling everyone I know what kind of greedy people work there. I refuse to pay for something that I have already paid for and I urge everyone to stop going to Firestone for anything!

I drove the car for sometime after that, but could not take it anymore. I took my car to the Acura dealer. They could not find anything wrong with my front end, but said it was my tires. I argued with them because I have new tires on. After checking my front end again, Acura said I had the wrong tires size on, the wrong speed rating. And I also found out that Firestone does not sell a tire with the name brand Nanking. I purchased a new set of tires at the price of $833.44. This was done on 06-11-10, and my problem was solved. We as consumers do not know the ins and outs of our car care. That’s where we count on the expert to help us, not to just make a sale. I know it will not hurt Firestone, but I will never purchase anything else from you all. Thanks.

This immediately raised a red flag and told me that I need to be very careful about coming to this location in the future. I told the manager in so many words that I knew what was going on and that I didn't appreciate it, and it was dropped. But fast forward to about four months ago, I had my car in at the same Firestone store for a brake job. And while they had the tires off, I told them to go ahead and rotate the tires, since I had purchased them new from the same store about 3 years earlier. The tires were running smooth as silk, not a shake or shimmy up to over 80mph, until they rotated the tires.

For some reason the car started shaking at 70mph (interstate driving) and I immediately knew they had to have done something to cause this. Perhaps adding or taking away a wheel weight or something, hoping I would come back and pay to have them high-speed balanced. I have made my last trip to this Firestone store, located at the Huntington Mall, in Barboursville, WV. Everyone, beware of this store!

I know people have to eat. I never been in any shop where everybody takes lunch dinner or whatever at the same time and get other people done before you when your there a half hour before them. If I knew how much it would have cost and how long it would have taken, I would of plugged it myself. I am very displeased with that center and it's not the first time. I just never wrote anything down before. You don't have look for me writing anything again. I will never go there again.

When I was picking up the vehicle, I told them I knew damn well I didn't need any bulbs. I picked up the truck and checked all bulbs off-site: they were all fine. I had the truck reevaluated by three other shops over the course of the next week. None of these three found any problems with ball joints. One small privately-owned shop (where I should have gone in the first place) found my steering issue was minor and I had it done there for about $110.00. I went to AutoZone and bought a decent muffler for under $60.00. I paid another two-man local shop $50.00 to install, which included rewelding some hangers, and had mechanical crap double-checked again there at his small private shop and all mechanicals, including ball joints, wheel bearings, tie-rods, steering, sway bars, etc., were perfectly fine.

I got the truck inspected (PA state yearly requirement) and all is well. I am wondering how to treat myself to something with the little over one-thousand dollars ($1000.00) that I did not surrender to Firestone for unnecessary garbage bull** repairs. I will at least complain to them to get my stupid $19.99 "courtesy inspection" cost refunded. Then, I will be ever so pleased to take up their high-pressure scare tactics and lack of business ethics, let alone respect for their customers, with any PA State Board of Weights and Measure’s office and whoever PA state and local district attorney's offices that should be made aware of. I have already discussed this with seven family members and everyone at my place of employment that are my friends. The seven family members and folks at my office represent a total of almost 22 vehicles that will never be found on Firestone property. Now, my words of advice to consumers here are simple: do not, unless entirely necessary in an emergency, go to Firestone for anything whatsoever.

Firestone is a fraud-based company. They will fix what is not wrong with your car so they can make money and they do what the customer wants to be done for free. I don't trust Firestone at all and will spread the word about the worse car service that I have ever seen. There is no fairness and the sales people are rude. I will never bring my car to the Firestone only if they can resolve my conflict. Thanks to whomever will follow up with me.

So I recently took it back about a month ago. They said they couldn't align it because of some very worn parts. They were right on that. The car needed work first. They quoted a little over $1,000 to fix that. So we took the car and got the exact same work done for about $400 at a different shop. We then took the car back for our "free" alignment and were now told they couldn't do the work because of "blah, blah, blah, blah". So apparently my car went all to h*** after they gladly aligned my car and took my money in 2008.

Do not ever buy their free alignment [lies]! I will not ever use them again for anything. The economic damage is that I will now have to pay someone for an alignment that I was supposed to have for free. They just stole that $50 or $60 for a "lifetime alignment".

Question 1: "It says here that the rotors both need replaced, how much under tolerance did they make out at? " Response: "We like to replace them rather than mess with turning since there are so many problems that came about when you turn them'. (at $75 each with 15 min labor on each, I would love to change them too!)

Question 2: "You failed it because the brake fluid was dark? "Answer; "Yes, that is very dangerous, when it gets burned like that it makes the fluid very acidic and it will eat though all the parts it touches and the brakes will blow and at not work at all" (I wonder how many people that scare tactic has worked on).

Anyway, long story short, the front pads still had decent life left in them and the shoes were the exact same thickness as the ones I had just purchased to put on so I did not fool with changing them. I changed the front pads, sucked out the "burned" fluid from the reservoir and adjusted the back brakes. A mystery came up when I was bleeding the brakes, the fluid in the line wasn't black so I bled them out completely to change the fluid. My assumption was right, the only black in the entire system was apparently in the reservoir, I know weird huh? The car passed. Here is the good part, she just took it back for another inspection 1 month early this time instead of late.

This time the brakes were fine but the inner tie rod end and one ball joint were bad and wanted $550.00 to fix it this time. They left the car on the lift for her to look at it, Instead I looked at it and they still tried to show me why it was bad. The tie rod end, this part is good, he shook the wheel right and left so I could see movement in the rack, since the other side was moving with it at the same rate I told him that all he was showing me was the play in the steering wheel locking mechanism and the tie rods looked fine to me and felt fine as well. I made some comment about who was the mechanic here and we moved onto the lower ball joint. He began by shaking the wheel as much as he could so I could see all the play in the lower ball joint, not only could I not see it, but when I wrapped my hand tightly around it I could not feel it either.

Now the girl working the front counter is there to try to help, she says and I quote, "Sometimes you cant see movement when its in the air, we found it when it was sitting on the ground". Any mechanics out there thinking what I thought? How can you shake a wheel and see movement on the ball joint while there is about 1500 lbs sitting on it. I would think that if it were true, I would definitely feel movement in the air. Bottom line I feel that they prey on people who don't know any better and that is how they keep in business. I will not be returning to that or any other Firestone car care center in this lifetime or the next! The first charge of $850 was taken care of with a $29 set of pads that wasn't needed yet. The second will be taken care of for the cost of a different station to perform the inspection.

Firestone's Customer Service Department had made an appointment to reexamine my vehicle at another Firestone, but the District Manager of Firestone, Dan, cancelled without notice this second opinion. Dan also would not allow me to have a witness with me when I went to the local district office concerning this matter. It is my position, that Firestone was caught recommending needless services and that the district manager did not want this exposed, so he cancelled my opportunity to get a second opinion. Firestone's corporate office via Keith R advised me to seek litigation as they would do nothing about this matter.

I have a Firestone credit card and thus far, I cannot get services performed properly on my vehicle. I always have to go somewhere else to keep from getting ripped off. At this time I needed to use my Firestone charge card for real problems, not just problems they wanted me to have to escalate the charges on my Firestone credit card.

Then I said they needed to replace the damaged lugs. After an hour of waiting, no lugs were found. Then they proceeded to take the lugs off of my spare tire and put them in place of the lugs which they had damaged beyond use. They replaced the lugs on the spare with a washer and wrong size standard lug which they had in house and told me that they would order new lugs to replace the damaged ones. I called several times after I had left to get in contact with the manager whom claimed he would remedy this issue. He was not in or could not come to the phone. When I finally got a hold of him, he had only ordered two lugs and said that was all they had damaged. I said that was untrue and he suggested I come to the location to talk to him in person because he was too busy to be on the phone!

I fly several times a week and told him that would not be possible! Then on my way back from NC, I had a tire blow, the one they had supposedly fixed the leak in! I went to remove my tire and replace it with a spare when I discovered I couldn't, I did not have the tools necessary to remove my spare due to the wrong size lug's having been placed on my spare. So I called a Highway Patrol to dispatch a tow truck to the road side. The tow bill was $399.50 and I called Bret at Firestone to tell him he was responsible for the bill. He said he would pay and to send him the invoice.

I sent the invoice, and then he said it was far too expensive and that the company that towed my truck didn't exist! Bret ** knew this he says because he is from that area. He has refused to pay the bill and told me to talk to his boss. He also said that it must be nice to have 400 dollars cash with myself in the middle of nowhere and said it in a very accusatory manner as though I had lied about the tow bill. I have called his boss Rich ** and have yet to receive a response concerning my tow bill or the irresponsible actions by Firestone employees like Bret **.

Much later a mechanic informed me that the pressure in the remaining three new tires from Albuquerque was grossly low. Since I had these new tires installed precisely for this trip, they should have been sure that the pressure was the correct one most people inflate their tires. The man across the street told me that the Toyota dealer put five pounds more pressure in his spare after his tire light came on. Since I am 83, I expected that most mechanics should know that it is necessary to put more than the recommended air in tires--one does not need a soft ride, but firm tires that will repel objects which soft tires will accept. As a result I missed seeing both parks because I had to be in Yosemite at a certain date for a workshop.

I spoke with Luis whom I asked for corporate office number and never got that. I got a voice mail box survey line which tells me to leave information and a field manager will get back with you; nothing never happened. I spoke to Luis again, then he gave me a field manager number who then asked me to fax over paperwork of services rendered of another company that did the job correctly. I never heard back from him, not one time, after paperwork was submitted that William ** asked for.

Several attempts to locate corporate office were made and were unsuccessful. So I am out of $200.00 per car, not to mention the service that had to correct their problem for service that this company knew from day one that they could not provide. So now, no one wants to return calls nor contact me regarding the issue.

I took my car back to this store and told them I wanted the grease cleaned off the seat. The manager came out and looked at it. He also told me no one had sat in that seat. I told him that I agreed, no one had set in it. But someone did lie something on it, you could see the outline of the object. He did clean it, but my problem is the very poor customer service we received and the fact that I had to go back in after work and have the same discussion my husband had in order to get something done. We have used Firestone tires since we moved to Monroe, MI over 30 years ago but unfortunately this is the last time. By the way, it took him all of 3 sec. to clean the mess up and you lost a lifetime customer because of it.

He was running specials on tires as it was so he did nothing for me. I will never go back there again and I will tell everyone I know not to go there. Also when he put my tire back on my rim, there was grease everywhere on the rim. They were empty with no business when I arrived to pick up my car. It's not like he couldn't have wiped the rim off.

Honda dealership and West Coast Body shop have forensic proof that this accident was due to a faulty brake job from Firestone and that I was lucky not to get killed. I had to pay $500 dollars on my insurance deductible to get my bumper and hood fixed. Plus additional car rental out of pocket of $400 and $712 to get a complete new brake job for my car. At the time of the accident I was on disability and that is my only source of income.

I was trying to pay early and she said that I don't have to do that either. I understand that if I pay ahead, that would help me. Well, by me paying ahead I paid a day early and that caused that payment to go on the current cycle which I didn't meet the March 08 payment. $38 late fee applied as well as in April and I am supposed to pay $108 to be current. It is horrible! I have never been in a predicament where credit card people will not work with you and try to help you. I will pay this off on next month of May and close them out. I will never advise anyone to get them and I will make sure that I spread the word that they do not treat their consumers right.

I am very unhappy being past 7 days and I could get a citation from the police if pulled over. My husband asked for the Firestone corporate office number and was hung up on 3 times, and was given a fax number. I will not pay a citation when Firestone is now liable because they will not take my vehicle back in to issue my sticker. I will never return to Firestone again. This is the worst state inspection experience that I have ever had and the customer service has become very poor.

This is the second time this has happened at this dealer. The last time, they gave me a credit for an oil change. This time I won't even bother dealing with them, because I sure won't be going back. My concern with this is the potential danger in improperly inflated tires and the chance that someone may eventually get into a wreck or worse. I'm not even sure if there is anything you can do, but I feel it should be reported to someone.

My complaint is two-fold, the one being that I was still charged (after cancelling the appointment) with a visual inspection (that was a lie) costing me $21.99. The second complaint being the simple fact if someone came in not knowing anything about cars and took them at face value, how many people are actually spending the money for unneeded and unnecessary work (either being done or not) but still getting charged for the service?

I had the front desk person look at the car while still in the lot and he commented that the right rear definitely needed replacement but the right front was OK. He never looked at the two on the left side.

He wrote up the work order which included two new rotors for the rear. I questioned him why he would be replacing them when they have not yet been removed and checked. He said that just by looking he could tell that the right rear needed replacement and the left rear would probably be bad too. I asked him how he could make this decision without first inspecting. After challenging him and telling him that I am not going to just replace parts, he wrote up the work order to just check the rotors and then advise me as to the results.

After an hour he told me that the right rear was below limits and the left rear was worse (remember that the right rear had the damage, the left rear did not). I asked to see the technician and I was led in to the shop. The technician showed me on the computer that the rear rotor minimum limit was .409 inch. He then took the caliper (measuring device) and measured the rotor. I pointed out to the technician that, not only was he using the caliper incorrectly, the rotor measurement was well in excess of the minimum limit. I then asked him about the left rear and he said that it's not off the car yet and hasn't been measured. NOTE: I was told that the left was worse than the right.

I went back to the front desk and told the guy there that the rotors are well within limits and that the left rotor, which he said needed replacement, hasn't even been inspected yet. We then went back to the shop where he asked the technician as to what's going on and the technician said that he recommends that both rotors be replaced. I then asked why since the rotor that had been inspected was well within limits prior to resurfacing. He told me that any damage to a rotor is grounds for replacement. This is basically not true and explained to him that is why there is a machine that resurfaces the rotor to remove minor surface damage. I was continually told that it is recommended that both rotors be replaced but no solid reasoning was given.

I then told them that the rotor needs to be resurfaced and then if it is below limits then it should be replaced. He continued and then told me that if I only replace one rotor then the car will pull to one side during braking. This may be true while racing on the NASCAR circuit but not on a 2002 Dodge. I then explained to the technician that a slight difference in rotor thickness will not produce a noticeable effect in normal driving.

I asked if I could use the caliper to measure the right rotor but I was told no since I don't work there. I then asked the front desk guy to measure the right rotor and show me why it needed replacement. He proceeded to measure the rotor to which I showed him that he also was using the caliper incorrectly.

He then measured the rotor and the thickness at the minimum spot was in excess of .450 - well above the minimum thickness of .409. We again had the conversation about resurfacing and why they don’t recommend it. I asked him to explain then why the machine to perform the service was invented and why they have one in their shop. I asked them why the manufacturer publishes data as to the minimum limits for brake rotors. They stuck to their story about recommending new rotors. I told them that if the existing rotors were below the manufacturer's limits then I would have no trouble buying new ones but, since they were well above limits, I was not going to purchase new rotors.

They then told me that if I choose to only have the rotors resurfaced then the Firestone 12 month/12K mile warranty would not apply, as stated on the back of the Customer Invoice. Was this a scare tactic to get me to buy new rotors? Basically, they were telling me that they were going to perform a service that was fully within the scope of their job but they would not back up their work. At no time did I ask them to break the law or perform any work that is beyond the limits set forth by the manufacturer.

Bottom line - all four brake rotors were well above the manufacturers minimum limits so I had them perform the resurfacing and then install new linings. Why did they want to sell me new rotors? For the exact reason I hate bringing my car to any dealer or repair shop for work - because they make more money when they sell you an item that is faster to replace than it is to repair! By standing up to them and not letting them sell me items I don't need, I didn't spend the extra $130 that they wanted for the rotors.

Remember that the first guy said that the front rotors were OK when he first looked at the car? Remember that the technician determined that all rotors were well above the manufacturer's minimum limits? The invoice stated that "Customer was advised about the bad condition of the front and rear rotors and he decided to resurface at no warranty". I guess Firestone doesn't trust their technicians to perform repairs that are well within the limits of safety but would rather that they just sell parts!

Just so you don't think I'm blowing smoke on this one, I'm 48 years old and have been working on cars since I was about 15. I have performed this very service dozens of times and know a bit about what I'm talking about. Don't be fooled by these so called "mechanics" that tell you that you need this and that. Challenge them. If you're not sure about something, bring a trusted friend. Don't sign any repair order unless you know what it is that you're signing. The only damage that occurred is that I will never use or buy another Firestone product, nor will I ever recommend anyone to Firestone in the future!

I took the truck next to Firestone. They checked it out and said nothing was wrong with it. The following days, it was making knocking noises so I took it to GMC dealership. Once, I took the truck to GMC dealership and found out that Firestone used a really cheap engine oil and cheap oil filters. Firestone ruined the engine so it had to be replaced through GMC. Never go to Firestone for anything. They are a rip off.

I went home with the car making noise hoping it would stop. I put the car in the garage and all the oil leaked out again in the garage. On my receipt, it listed things that were wrong with my car. I needed a battery and a bulb. My car was not leaking oil before that. So I call Firestone and explained again. So they towed my car into the shop. They couldn't see what was wrong with it. They sent an inspector out who still can't say. So my car was towed to a Toyota dealer and it was determine that my motor was gone. Now the claim office has sent an inspector out to determine if Firestone was at fault. I’m still waiting. I need my car and they don't do rentals. This is my story.

Why would Firestone charge so much more for the same repair? I was also told that a lifetime warranty should be done at $159, but not according to the dealership or repair shop. I will not return or recommend this store or possibly Firestone to anyone.

According to Firestone, he sent a report stating my damage was all curb damage, it didn't look fresh as there was "mud on my wheels". I mean, really? Of course there was! I had an independent adjuster and a wheel shop, two separate people, look at the damage and they say it is impossible that this is curb damage.

Rather, it is consistent with a pry bar that was be used to remove my tires from my rims, only that is supposed to be done from the inside of the wheel not the outside where the rim is. A curb could not damage my rim in the places they were damaged even if one ran directly into a curb. So Firestone, once again, is using deception to get out of their responsibility to do their job properly without causing damage to the customer's property.

I think this deception is egregious in nature as it clearly shows they have no integrity and their actions border on criminal. After all, it would be a crime if my neighbor did this to my vehicle, why isn't it a crime when a business, who charges you money for a service, damages your property and denies responsibility?

When he got home I checked his wheel and they had left the lug nuts loose on the right front. I tightened them with no problem. I had a mechanic look at it and he said all that was made up, Firestone was probably hoping the wheel would fall off right away and it would need everything replaced they said. Nothing happened but if it had he could have been killed or killed someone else when the wheel came off from the lug nuts loosened. Fortunately we only live a half mile from the Firestone and he got home quickly and safely and I found it right away before he drove again.

They told me to leave my truck with them so they can check it again. The next day I received a call stating that they had figured out what the problem was: (After they contacted Saturn about the situation, they identified that they had put the wrong transmission fluid in my truck). Firestone thought by emptying out the old fluid and putting in the correct fluid would resolve the problem. What has me so bothered is the fact that Firestone would tell me that I need to have this work done, but never completed any type of research to find out anything about the type of fluid or transmission my Saturn Vue has or use before doing the flush.

On January 21st on my way to lunch from my job, my vehicle started acting up. It would only go 30 mph no matter how hard I pushed on the gas. I contacted Firestone who told me too bring my truck to AAMCO who would fix the transmission problem they created. Firestone Claims Department contacted me the next day and stated they would pay for the damages and rental car expenses while my truck was being repaired. Firestone paid AAMCO, but has not contacted me in regards to the bill invoices for the car expenses and requests of what I was seeking in return.

When I brought my truck to Firestone, my expectation was to get an oil change for the price of $17.99. I had to apply for a Firestone credit card because at the time I did not have $800.00 to pay to have the repairs they recommended done. I have been paying that credit card faithfully twice a month to get it paid off. I stuck to my agreement and I hope that Firestone will understand the frustration and inconvenience that I have been going through ever since I took my car there on 09-05-2009.

I have been concerned about this for a long time. So much, that now that I'm driving the truck more that I bought a rebuild kit for it. Doing the brakes myself cost $400.00. I can't imagine what Firestone would have charged!

I called Firestone to ask if they would put on the tires if I brought them in, they said yes. I was late and still could not get them on same day. I left the truck overnight and they were to put the tires on first thing in the morning. I received a call in the morning stating the district office called them and told them it was against company policy to put my tires on because I did not purchase them there. This was a blatant lie because I called three other locations in my areas and all were more than willing to put them on for me. I feel this manager was a bully and he wanted to send me driving off on extremely dangerous tires to "show me" that I should have bought the tires. He was pushing on me.

And we all must ask ourselves, why would this company sell anything that its managers deem "junk"? This is our safety riding on these tires and they openly express they sell junk? Do not go to this location. If you are in this area, I would suggest the Snellville location. When I called there the manager was kind, gracious and truly wanted to help. When I went to pick up my vehicle I found out why they didn't want to "put my tires on"; they had already attempted when they called me to tell me they could not do it and that it was against company policy. When I picked up my vehicle they had damaged all 4 rims (which I paid over $3500 for).

Police called to document damage and report that it was "fresh" as the manager tried to tell me it was curb damage. How likely is it that I hit a curb with all 4 rims? They even went as far as to write an additional note (in different handwriting and with a different pen) on the service ticket that said all 4 rims have curb damage. They had given me the original ticket the previous night when I left my car and it did not have the note, only their copy had it and that was after police were called. This resulted to $3500 in damage to my custom 22" rims.

I sent a complaint to Firestone corporate. Firestone corporate dare to say that I'm a liar. I gave up on Firestone and took the car to the dealer. The dealer confirmed that the spark plugs that were put in was bad. The Chrysler dealer was nice enough to call Firestone to ask for reparation and was rejected. Firestone did a lousy job and didn't want to be responsible for the mistake they made.

Do not ever go to Firestone to get your car serviced.

I was so disgusted that Firestone outright lied to me that it made me mistrust everything they said and I decided not to get the service done at all. I took it to another tire place in town, they replaced the wheel bearings and put on new front brakes for $500.00. Firestone lies, cheats and overcharges. I will never use them for any service.

I had a situation from a previous repair where firestone added locks to my tire wheels without my permission. The locks were probably added a couple of years ago around the time I purchased their tire replacement guarantee. Earlier this year, during a repair for my coolant system I found out that they had added locks on my tires. They lost the keys and couldn’t do and alignment. I reported them to corporate to get the locks removed. I have never asked for a tire locks nor did my car ever have them. I had contacted corporate and they said that they would add a note to my file and the next time I came in they would remove the locks. When I came in for the starter repair a few weeks ago I advised them of this. They said that they would remove the locks and align my car. In fact they said they would add the alignment lifetime policy. However they never removed the locks, didn’t do the alignment and still charged me for the policy. I had him remove the charge from the bill. I still have not heard back from corporate to get the locks off.

During my coolant repair, a few years ago, they also caused my cars digital clock to short out. It comes and goes. I had also reported this problem which was supposedly noted. I did mention it during the starter repair and still nothing has been done to fix it. My coolant system still has not been fixed, despite paying $900 for the repair. They told me when I went to fix the starter that another part of the coolant system that they didn’t repair the first time needed to be fixed. When I had the coolant system fixed they had told me the entire thing was replaced. The oil change was never done. A few days ago my car started grinding when I turn the wheel. The noise got worst and worst. Last night I stopped at a convenience gas station and looked at the steering fluid. It was empty. I purchased a bottle and poured almost the whole thing in.

Within a few days, the transmission broke down on the highway. I called my insurance company and asked for a referral to reputable mechanic. This small business they recommended replaced the transmission. A few days later, that transmission went out again! But this small business was "on vacation," so it's closed for 2 weeks!

When they returned, the owner said the transmissions had been ruined by the axle Firestone installed. It was defective, they said, where it met the transmission. Furthermore, if I drove the car, with the new replacement transmission, it too, would have to be replaced. So, I had it towed back to Firestone. They told me I'd have to let them remove the axle and send it to the manufacturer, because legally, they would have to make the decision to admit it was defective and compensate me or not.

Weeks went by. The manufacturer finally concluded they were not at fault, because it wasn't defective. Firestone's manager said they just replaced it without cost "as a courtesy" to me.

I talked to the regional office of Firestone during this, and they sounded surprised to hear that the local store manager had told me I had no legal recourse in Virginia in such a matter. However, an auto consumer group I found through library research, advised through their office manager, discussing it with their attorney, that I might have legal recourse. It had been done previously. However, they weren't in the business of helping individuals.

I'll never forget how much this cost me--a total of over $2,000, partly due to having to rent a car while mine was in the shops. I've never done business with any Firestone since. And the stress was incredible during the whole month this went on, in the middle of a job and housing hunt.

Then, Steve comes out and said, "Well, Ms. **, your anti-theft device has set off and we have to wait and walk away." I asked Jeff and David what are they doing back there. I only wanted my battery changed. He said, "I don't know." I then said that all he has to do is lock the car door with the key and then unlock and repeat that step twice and it will reset. Jeff then said, "Well, if I tell him that, he won't listen."

I then walked outside because several minutes went by and when I asked what was going on, he said that the problem was with the theft device. I told him about the procedure with the key and clearly, he was upset. He got up from the computer, sat in my car, tried starting it and it would not crank. He then tried the key technique. That didn't work. He said that he found something in a manual that took about 30 minutes and to bear with him. He then said, "Do you know that you have a wire under your dashboard that does not belong there and is dangerous?" I said no. He then said, "You have another wire by your battery that does not belong there." I said, "Really? I was not aware of that. I only wanted a battery. What are you doing under the dashboard?"

He then said to just bear with him. He sat down, ate his lunch (McDonald's) and I am clearly mad. I called customer relations and they spoke with Steve. He then rudely told me, "Now, I have to fix a problem that I did not do." I told him that he needed to send my car to the dealer. He then said okay and that he would get me a rental car. A few hours went by, he called and said, "You can pick up your car. I told you to bear with me." A few minutes later, David called and said, "No, don't pick up your car because it is still not acting right."

The next day, I received a call from Steve. He said, "You can come and get your car." It started up and stayed crank. I returned the rental and picked up my car. When I got ready to turn my signal lights and hazards lights, they were making an awful noise. I called customer relations to let them hear it, who then called David in the store. I tried going over 50 and my car was scrubbing. David advised me to bring the car back the next day at 7.

Shortly after, he called without customer relations on the phone stating, "You know that you had wire problems before." I told him that I didn't know nothing until I asked to buy a new battery that took three to four hours and then my car wouldn't crank. I advised him that I was having my hair washed and would have to get back with him. As a result, my car scrubs and the blinkers work when they want to and God knows what else they did. I will never go to or recommend Firestone to anyone--not even to my pet dog!

The problem continued. I took it to the Hood Chevrolet and they told me that Malibu is not that sophisticated a vehicle and that, there is no code to be stored (so Firestone apparently lied). Hood Chevrolet said the new sensor simply had to be calibrated (spelling?) which Hood said, that Firestone apparently did not do. The problem continued. I brought it back and they said they could not duplicate the problem. Well, the problem continued. I am bringing it back this afternoon once again. I've had the car looked at 4 times so far and yet the problem went on.

Yesterday and today when I press the brakes, now the brake lights sometimes don't even come on. I knew this because people have come up on side of me, warning me that I don't have brake lights. So far, I'm only out around $400 or so for the cost of two reviews and rental vehicles. The two other times, I was not charged for anything. I am waiting for someone to rear end me and if that happened, Chevrolet will definitely hear from me further.

They reluctantly checked it and said that they would honor it and gave me a quote for Tire plus Installation (which was $37.5 per tire). When I said that I don't want to install at their store, they balked and told me that they would only give me the discount if I did the Install at their store. I left their store after telling them that they should not mislead people. This store had very hostile environment. I felt like I was committing a crime by asking for discount. This is the worst auto repair experience I had to date. Never again... I promise, never again at any Firestone.

Well it turns out that my vehicle still had a slight missing problem. I figured it may have not been tuned up properly. I took it back in and I was told by one clerk that it may be that the vehicle is just flushing itself off and he recommended that I go to auto parts store and purchase a $10.00 container of C-foam, that it would help the problem correct itself faster. I thought to myself, "Why should I spend $10.00 for a problem I just spent $353.06 on?” It did not make sense to me and I asked if I could bring the vehicle in on Friday, the day after Thanksgiving to be looked at. He said yes. I brought the vehicle back in Friday, 27th and after explaining that the vehicle still had a slight missing problem, I was told that it sounded like a bad gas problem. I told them that I still wanted the vehicle looked at.

Oh, I forgot one other solution they recommended, that I have them put some kind of package that they showed me and said that it was going to be costing more money because it was entirely a different problem altogether. I told them that I did not want to pay more for another repair and I just wanted them to determine if the vehicle needed more tuning up. One hour later, I was told that I must have a transmission problem because my vehicle has a big engine and it wasn't changing gears properly; that I should take it to a transmission guy. When the mechanic approached me, he said that my motor mounts were loose and that my car was old and may need transmission work.

I said goodbye and I was very concerned about the different stories about what could be wrong with my car. As I drove home, my car was hesitating as it idled at a red light. Before I ever took my vehicle in for repair it never stuttered or hesitated at a stop. I believe that the job was not performed properly to begin with. It's funny how when I first took my vehicle for repair it was driven into the garage. Now it was not worthy of going into the garage to be diagnosed. The mechanic diagnosed the problem by just driving the car. It never made it into the garage. I guess once they take your money, nothing seems to matter after that point. I seem to have read the Fixed Right Guarantee clause on the back of my invoice.

What happened to my Fixed Right Guarantee? No one at the Firestone Complete Auto Care Center seems to care. Oh by the way, I am an elderly woman. Do you think this has anything to do with it? I want answers. I want to know if your complaint department is any better than your car repair station. I had to spend more gas to go back to the mechanics. I was unable to visit my mom in Cathedral City for Thanksgiving. I was supposed to spend the day with her as she is 85 years old and going into surgery on December 7th. I was supposed to take her a Thanksgiving dinner. This probably will be her last Thanksgiving. I talked to her on the phone and found out that the neighbors had taken her to dinner. I felt really bad and I was unable to be truthful to her about my car situation.

If my mom knew the truth about the repair shop not repairing my car after I paid $353.06, it would make her ill. I had to tell my mom a lie. I told her that I did not want to travel so far on Thanksgiving because of the traffic and drunk drivers. I knew her love for me and that my safety came first. Now my worry is will I be able to go to the hospital on December the 7th for her surgery? I finally told my mom the truth about my vehicle so that she can understand why I cannot be there for her on her surgery day. I am currently unemployed and find it difficult putting out my resume every day in the event that some company may call for an interview. I don't know how much longer my vehicle will last. I really need my issue with my car resolve soon. I know that it is just a matter of tuning up my car properly.

When she left, she had a bill for over $2400. They told her that her car was in bad shape and could leave her stranded unless she made repairs. They replaced the tires, shocks, struts, all the hoses and belts, tune up with platinum plugs, brake job, front end alignment. Remember my mom is 83, she does not have a job and is on a fixed income. They told her she would not have to pay for 90 days and then just a small payment every month. It turns out they were asking her questions and filling in on the PC. They asked her to sign in the box (like you do when you pay by credit or debit card). She thought she was signing for her car.

Instead, it was for a Firestone Credit card that she was not aware she was applying for. They did not give her any paperwork except for the work they did, not even the credit terms. My sister read that up when she went to complain. Interest is 22%. My mom does not have the means to pay this bill. We will file a complaint with the corporate office and then with the Attorney General's office to investigate the practice of tricking 83-year-old ladies into signing up for a credit card. My mom paid a down payment of $350. Her car, a 1997 Toyota Corolla, isn't even worth $2,000.

I was out of the country for a month and when I returned, my wife told me that she feels vibration in the steering wheel and awful humming noise when driving on the highway. On October 18, 2009, I took the car to the shop and told them about the problem. They offered to re-balance the wheels and that they just re-calibrated their balancing machines. Sure enough, the tires were out of balance. It took 3.5 oz. weight to balance the right tire and 3.75 oz. weight to balance the left tire. And when they had the tires on the balancing machine, they were wobbling, so I asked the Sunday manager, Matthew if he would replace the tires because the wobbling was causing the humming noise. He said he could not do that and his boss, Mike, would have to make that decision.

Today, October 25, 2009, I went back to the store and told Mike about the problems with the tires, that the vibration was almost gone after re-balancing but the awful humming noise was still there and asked him if he would replace the tires. He refused and said there is nothing wrong with tires. He blamed the rear tires for the noise. I told him that could not be true because I did not have the humming noise before installing the two front tires. He said all he can do is to balance the tires again and refused to replace them. I am a Firestone retiree and my wife is still working at Firestone as the accounting manager. We both feel that we have been wronged in this case and ask for a just resolution.

But when I went to the shop, there was a huge spot under my car. They told me the only way to get my car was to get it tolled. It was late Saturday, so I left the car there. I then got a car on Monday, and they said they couldn't get the fluids to go through my brake line so they had to do more work. My bill went from $158 to $1,124.33. I feel like they robbed me, and I should have called the police. People are telling me to sue them. The parts for my car were $400, and they charged me $600 in labor. I will tell everyone I know and even people I don't know about them. They are crooks and they will rob you.

The same store manager was on duty. I told him I needed to do the wheel alignment. He said okay and told me the price. I told him I have a lifetime service package from Firestone and as soon as he heard this, he asked, “How many miles is in your car?” I answered him and he mentioned that I have done my wheel alignment 2000 miles ago and there was no need to do it now and I cannot do it in their store unless it’s 5000 miles. But I told him that I needed to do it as my car is pulling to the right side and I want it to get it fixed. He said, “You have to wait for 3 hours then.” I just got really pissed off because it was in the morning and there were only like 1 or 2 cars in the shop and I needed to wait for 3 hours.

I realized that he was trying to avoid me since he was not getting any money because I have taken a lifetime wheel alignment package. So I just got out of the store and since I have to do it, and went to a different store, paid money and got it done. But I really felt bad because I usually recommend my friends and family to Firestone and this was how they treated me. I wasted my time by taking off from work and driving to them for nothing. Firestone really needs to educate their illiterate store managers to keep up their reputation.

I didn't understand but agreed to have the other 3 tires replaced anyway. I visited the shop that evening to pick up my car and was shown the damage. I immediately got suspicious because the damage looked as though it was done with a tool and was obviously fresh. I was then shown how the other rear wheel was damaged in the same way, but not quite as extensively. I asked why the damage looked fresh when the rest of the wheel was covered with brake dust and dirt. They had no answer other than the damage must be fresh. I explained I knew this couldn't have been while I was driving it because when the tires started losing air, I checked them and there was no damage to the wheels. I asked why I was told originally it was nails and the story then changed. They then called over the technician to find that out.

After asking the technician who worked on my car about it, that technician claimed he didn't work on my car even though I recognized him from the previous day and despite his name being listed on my receipt as the technician who worked on my car. A different man was called over who said he originally worked on my car but had to leave in the middle to go to the hospital because of a "spider bite". He did say he remembered identifying the damage to the wheels before he left though. Later in the conversation, he admitted he left before the wheels were removed from the car, making this impossible. After then asking the previous technician a second time if he worked on it, he admitted he did. He had originally lied to us, and the store manager.

Of course me pointing out he was listed on my receipt to the manager didn't mean anything, nor was the manager suspicious that he was originally unwilling to admit he worked on my car. I asked how the earlier technician's claim that I wasn't being truthful about being told on the phone originally that nails caused the damage could be authenticated, since he admitted he left before the wheels were even off my car. The manager shrugged and had no answer other than to repeat, "Our tools can't cause that kind of damage." It was his rhetoric motto the entire conversation. The store then tried claiming it was my fault and the damage occurred when I hit a curb, even pointing out that he (the manager) had 32 years of experience and sees this type of damage all the time from that kind of incident.

I asked how the front wheels wouldn't be damaged in that case and just the rear wheels, and he conceded it was unlikely. They then settled on it must have happened while backing into something. Afterwards (as I'll explain shortly), the same manager told me that a damage like that would only occur with a large amount of direct force in that single spot. I asked if backing into something slowly (which I did not do but was pursuing his line of thinking) would cause that damage. He again conceded it was unlikely. I would have to hit something in reverse at a high speed. I then pointed out this would likely have caused damage to the exhaust or the underside of the car in some other way as well. He again conceded this would be likely. Yet, I had no other damage that was visible.

His next line of reasoning was to show me that the tire "puller", or whatever the appropriate name of the piece of equipment was, wouldn't cause that type of damage. As he put it, "It doesn't even touch the rim. No tool touches the rim, so it would be impossible." Trying to get to an answer more than anything, I entertained this demonstration. The same technician from earlier grabbed a tire off the floor and proceeded to demonstrate. The first thing that occurred was a large brace was locked against the tire and rim. I pointed out that equipment was already against the rim and was using force. He quickly amended his previous statement, explaining that piece of equipment was plastic and could not harm the wheel. I asked for him to show me it was plastic, and he refused for safety concerns.

The next step was the technician took a stainless steel pry bar and wedged it between the tire and the rim to break the tire seal off the rim. I immediately pointed out that stainless steel is harder than aluminum alloy and could cause damage to the wheel. Looking directly at my girlfriend and I who just witnessed him prying against the wheel with that same bar, the store manager told me, “That bar didn't touch the rim.” I explained I just witnessed it with my own eyes. He then recounted with, “Well, that is a steel wheel, and they get tight seals sometimes, but normally it doesn't.” This is when he proceeded with a wrench to attempt to show me how a harder tool couldn't possibly do that damage to a wheel. He used a small steel wrench (I believe it was a 9/16 or a 3/4 perhaps) and scrapped along the wheel. It did no damage.

I pointed out that he was just scrapping lightly and he had earlier informed me that it would take "quite an impact" to cause that damage. He again conceded I was correct and again attempted to show me that a tool wouldn't cause this damage by hammering on the now ruined wheel with a wrench. In the process, he further damaged the wheel by causing the wrench to dig out chips of alloy from the wheel. After I pointed out that he had just shown a little wrench could damage the wheel, so therefore a pry bar or some other tool with far more force obviously could, he basically backed up and said, "I was just trying to get a free wheel out of them, and I was welcome to pursue the matter if I had the time." He then walked back into the store.

I was lied to multiple times by their staff. The manager even caught his own technician in a lie and refused to admit or even acknowledge that it had occurred. Not a single explanation from them proved to be plausible. They tried putting the blame for the damage on me. Their store manager even showed through a physical demonstration that it was possible for them to have caused the damage to my wheel and again refused to acknowledge that fact. I have filed a claim with the Consumer Affairs Division of Firestone. I am still waiting for them to get back to me. In the meantime, because I require my vehicle for work, I was forced to purchase two new wheels and am waiting for the delivery currently so I can get my car off 1 damaged wheel and 1 doughnut spare and make it drivable again. As with what seems to be a large volume of complaints against these centers, I would recommend staying clear of them and taking your business elsewhere.

Same tires were in the same location at pickup, meaning they didn't do anything! No alignment, no rotation, no checking of the brakes. At least, they did the oil change (although who knows if they changed the filter). I went back the next day when the store manager was there, vented, and demanded my money back. While very apologetic, he didn't have anything in the way of an explanation or excuse. He further pointed out that the work ticket was signed off (and supposedly performed by) a manager, not necessarily one of the lower-level guys. This makes it even worse. What should be a position of responsibility within the organization is clearly apathetic and fraudulent. The store manager did provide a refund of the difference between the lifetime alignment package and a onetime alignment although it took me three trips to Firestone for him to finally agree and stop delaying. I guess he realized I wasn't going away.

It gets even better. I also had the lifetime rear brake package I purchased several years ago, which is obviously pretty useless if they're not even going to pop the wheels off and check. I took the car to a different auto repair shop and they said I needed work on the rear brakes. I took it in to a different Firestone and they said the rear brakes were fine. Now, it's certainly possible that the other repair shop was lying, but considering Firestone's track record, they have no credibility. I'll be taking it to yet another repair shop in the next few weeks to get another opinion, then forward to all to my state and local district attorney's offices, state board of weights and measure, licensing board, as well as checking to see if anyone has a class action going against Firestone.

Great bait and switch tactic by Firestone: sign up for any lifetime service and the item lasts forever and never seems to need servicing. Don't sign up for the lifetime services and my guess is they will always find something wrong. Bottom line is don't trust lifetime services and Firestone has lost a household with three vehicles and seven years of consumer loyalty.

After the car was lifted and inspected, I was told by the store manager that I need a right front tire rod replacement in order to proceed with the alignment. This is obvious a pure extortion because after my refusal to change the part, the car was not serviced. I was denied alignment unless replacing the tie rod! This is just another typical treatment in this store I received. The same day, I went to Firestone store # 004162 in Daytona Beach and the technicians inspected the car, did the alignment, test drove the vehicle and stated that it runs good and the condition was good. Their overall performance completely contradicted the one from store # 011630.

I am extremely shocked from the repeatedly maleficent customer care, extortion with unnecessary services and waste of time for me as a customer, as well as ignorance towards my preferences. I apply to you for explanation of the different standards in these stores. How is it possible to receive service in one location and get the opposite result of inspection from another? The manager in store #011630 was assuring me how damaged the tie rod was, and this was completely refuted in two other automotive shops. I believe that this is a very hostile customer service and I doubt it should be supported by Firestone Complete Auto Care policy. I would appreciate some explanation as I am determined not to tolerate such attitude.

The conversation that took place after that was so unreal, that I thought that I was being pranked or something. This man called me stupid. He told me that I was a racist because my eye was twitching. He said that I looked like wanted to call him Honkie. This man must be crazy. He said that there was nothing that a complaint to Firestone could do because he was the owner and the Firestone Corp. could not do anything to him. He also told me to get off of his property and find something better to do. I was totally outdone. I couldn't and still can't believe it. This letter is my first step in getting some resolution. I would like to speak with someone from your corporate office as well as having a one on one meeting with this individual, who claims that his name was Halverson. I think his behavior really needs to be addressed. This is something that had no reason to happen. It was totally uncalled for and I am very upset.

I have now been notified that I have been charged and paid for oil filters that I have never received. Upon trying to have this service performed at a private mechanic shop, I was then informed that the oil filter seal has never been broken. The original filter some 10-12 oil changes later. I still have the original factory filter in the car. I want all my money back. This is a breach of agreement, and they owe me for each time I had services done there. Keep in mind the performed fuel system cleaning for like $400.00 and I am just hot and bothered by this new-found issue! Filter cap is stuck.

There was a new retaining clamp on the drive axle CV boot. There was no reason for that to have been touched. I gave them specific instructions as to what repairs were to be done. This, it turns out, is the source of the clicking sound. Now, I am looking at having to replace the drive axle. I have purchased tires and have had some break work done at this location in the past, and have been very satisfied. This event has caused me to no longer want to bring my vehicle to your store for service. This is no way for employees that represent your company to build trust and loyalty in your customers. I will warn others of my experience.

At another time, I got my vehicle inspected and was told that the alternator has bad cracks in it and needs replacement. Funny thing is that about 1 month ago, I replaced all of the belts with Gates belts from NAPA. Since then I have had two auto mechanics (not Firestone) look at the belt. Both said no problems were found with any of the belts. I can only wonder how much they sucker those who know nothing about autos. I will no longer deal with any Firestone location and tell those I meet to follow the same.

However, when I took it to him, he called me within an hour and told me he found no evidence the intake had ever leaked, and he couldn't get it to leak under pressure. There was nothing wrong with my car. I asked him to do a system flush to clean out the Dex-Cool and replace it with green antifreeze... and went home with $1,200 I would not have had if I'd had Firestone do the unneeded repair.

Needless to say, they said it was no fault of theirs and that they would have it ready the next day. Well, the total was 2400 dollars and now it's back up there from the RPMs dropping real low and jumping up and down. They just called now saying they can't duplicate what it was doing so I could just come pick it up. On top of that, my crankshaft pulley is shaking back and forth and I mentioned that to the guy (Allen) when I dropped it off 2 days ago. Yeah, it took 2 days for them to just look at my car and say they couldn't duplicate the RPMs going up and down, which I told them only happens once it gets warmed up. I will never ever take my car to any Firestone ever again and I advise everyone reading this to do the same unless you want shady service and inexperienced dumbos to work on your car/truck.

After getting off the phone with him, I spoke to some co-workers about it. I was informed that you cannot drive a car with a blown head gasket and I should not pick the car up because the second it was off their property, they would claim no responsibility for the damage to the car. I called Cameron and told him that I was not picking the car up and he needed to make arrangements to have it fixed. After a long time of dealing with him and his rude and arrogant attitude, he then informed me that my car needed a new engine entirely. He refused to give me the corporate office phone number. I got the number from the internet and filed a complaint.

They were completely unwilling to work with me to repair the damage they caused. In the end, they ended up paying for the labor and I had to pay for the engine and some other parts. It ended up costing me over $3,000. Now, a year and a half later, my transmission went up. The shop rebuilding my transmission informed me that it was obvious that Firestone did a crappy job and did not even do some things as trivial as re-installing bolts on the exhaust manifold, as well as countless other items. When I get my car back on Friday, he is going to show me everything they did wrong. I am going to ask him to give me a list of items so that I can send it to the person handling my complaint with the BBB.

They never even responded to the BBB about my complaint in the first place. I also have a call into my attorney to find out if I can recoup my $3,000. My car has never run the same since then and I had to take it to a Ford dealer and back to Firestone 3 times, after they replaced the engine to fix and oil leak and brake fluid leak. My brake fluid is still leaking, they could not find a leak. If they cannot find one and they were supposed to be experts, then why do I have to add brake fluid every 2 or 3 days? I will never take my car there again and I tell everyone my story so this does not happen to them.

I drove my car immediately to Sears (where I had the battery replaced before). Sears technician tested the battery and told me the battery is in good working condition, there was nothing wrong with it. I realized that Firestone had turned on the lights (with engine off) to drain the battery; then they test the battery to show you your battery is in critical condition... expecting you to let them put a new battery when you don't really need to. A saleslady from Firestone Headquarter/Sales Center called to tell me about a promotion. I told her the story, and I said that I will report a complaint to the BBB. I was too busy to do that. But I'd never return to that Firestone again.

I went back inside the lobby to ask Sam, the service advisor, why I was being charged for a part that I do not need. After Sam got off the phone from ordering my part, which was an hour later from when I first got there, Sam told me that I didn't make any sense and that I should replace it. At that very moment, I left and went to another place. The new place I went to did not charge me anything because it was just a rubber piece missing. They told me that my brake switch was fine. Now my brake lights work. I am very upset with Firestone. Firestone is no better than Tire Kingdom. Sam still charged me $20 for bad service and false diagnosis. I want my money back.

The customer service at this location is terrible. The lobby was full of people coming in to pick up their cars. All the guys were out working but one manager (I guess) was sitting in the office on the internet ignoring all of the traffic. The entire time I was there, one of the employees was constantly on his cell phone trying to work. One customer had to ask him to get off the phone so she could explain to him what her car was doing. I have been a customer of Firestone for sometime (in Houston, Texas) and I never had to wait this long behind nonsense. After all of this, the manager never came out and apologized or offered me a discount or nothing. This is ridiculous.

Mechanic also showed me how he checked the temperature using an instrument. They recommended changing rear brake calipers. I paid $496.34 for changing them. The very next day, I noticed the smell and smoke again from under the car. When I called them, they said that they can inspect it again if I bring the car. I do not want to take to them because I lost trust in their service. I may file a complaint with my State's Attorney General.

On Thursday, I went for an oil change and they again pulled the same junk, tried to sell brakes, gas filter and a serpentine belt. I refused all and contacted my mechanic. He verified the serpentine belt did not need to be changed. Every time this happens I call them on it and it's the same story, "Oh well, we changed management and this won't happen again," or "Oh, we read the measurement wrong." This store should be closed by the BBB.

I did question him regarding the fee and he then told me that is part of the service. I did not ask for this, so he returned the money for that service. He was short for one tire I noticed as I was almost home. I called him and asked if he could just put the credit back on the card. I noticed his attitude. (We paid some cash and the rest on a credit card.) He said, "Well, you wanted the cash before (in which it did not matter if the cash or a credit was issued back)." I told him never mind. I would come in later to get the credit. On Thursday, April the 2nd, I stopped in and Wayne asked for the receipt. I gave him the receipt and he said, "No, I need the other one (that shows a partial credit)" and said he could not give me the credit without it. "Okay, I'll get that for you and I will come back." I told Wayne I needed him to reset the computer on my maintenance button to update the tires and the oil change that had been done. Wayne told me he didn't know what I was talking about.

I again told him about the reset button, and I told him that I have purchased my first set of tires (same car) with Firestone and they knew what and how to do that. He still said he didn't know and said, "Show me," in which I did. His reply, "We don't do that" and I told him Firestone has always taken care of that. So then Wayne said, "Well, that's going to take a long time" and I need to bring my car back. I left, trying to figure out when I can get back there. I went home and called another Firestone location and they told me it is no problem and will take only a minute to reset my computer. On Friday, April the 3rd, I went back and told him the way he had treated me and that he should not talk or judge anyone when he doesn't know or has no right to say what he did and act the way he did. Needless to say, my computer was reset in 1 minute and he gave me the balance. I or anyone else should never have been treated this way. Yes, I was very embarrassed and his reply, "It was a joke."

Once paid and behind the wheel, I started the car and there was a loud noise coming from the water pump area. I requested the tech to take a drive with me. As soon as I started the car, the tech could hear the noise. We drove the car and received a check engine light. The car was then hooked up to the computer, and the error was a misfire on cylinder #1. They checked the plugs and reset the computer. I left the car with them overnight. This was around 10 pm on the 21st.

The next day, I was told the noise was coming from the belt tensioner, so I said replace it. It was approximately $190. Then I paid to pick up the car. They promised I was all set. When I got in the car, there was a low noise, not very loud but consistent with the previous noise I complained about. I took it back the next morning and had the tech go for a drive with me, and the noise briefly went away. Then, while he was troubleshooting at the garage, the noise came back loud as ever. So he then said the problem was the fan belt. It cost another $100.38.

Now the problem is a noise in the area of work, and they claimed it was a belt tensioner I paid to have replaced. The noise was still there, and now I had to pay to replace the fan belt to finally get rid of the noise. Seems to me that the noise was the belt initially. After replacing the belt, the noise went away. And the mechanic said they should have replaced the belt anyway.

Regardless, they did all this work only to tell me...that I had a blown head gasket. My car is showing 251,000 miles, but I have had a rebuilt trans and motor in the car. The motor was replaced at 190000. I just feel like they took advantage of me for almost $900, and now I'm faced with having to get another commuting car. I'm out of serious cash, and still no reliable wheels to get me to work. I commute 190 miles a day. This has been very stressful.

After reading the letter that Bryan from Firestone wrote, I was just once again reminded of the incident as when I first took my car back and told Bryan what happened. He told me he didn’t know anything about these cars’ upper manifold gasket and as you read, he mentions that he inspected it and it was fine but only 3,000 miles later is when the trouble begins; just enough time to break apart after being intensely overheated when the radiator hose blew off on a hot day in traffic and the car got so hot that the engine failed. Bryan sent all kinds of print outs from the internet that he or anybody could copy but did he read them? The first article about 2001 Firebird with stuck thermostat only 25,000 miles and the upper intake manifold gasket was ruined from overheating just the same as my car.

All the other articles Bryan sent the cars have at least 80,000 miles on them and it is hard to say who was driving them, how hard they were pushing the engine and if they ever check the fluid in the radiator. Note there is nothing of Firestone or any documentation of Bryan actually working on a car with this problem. There are a lot of these cars on the road with lots of miles on them and have never overheated, therefore, the gaskets didn’t need to be changed. This is absurd saying that every single GM car with a 3.8 engine will break down with this problem. It is not true. What is true is if they are overheated, the plastic gasket warps. Therefore, you don’t let idiots work on your car after a radiator hose comes off. Maybe a freak accident but it is Firestone’s fault. They are the ones that put the hose on. Take responsibility. Don’t make excuses!

I don’t expect anything of Firestone nor do I expect I will ever do business with them again even though I’ve paid for a lifetime wheel alignment and 70,000 mile tires for this car. I took my 2003 Buick LeSabre there right after purchasing it in December as the right rear tire was leaking, they quoted me $8 to fix. I left the car for the better part of the day and when I got off work and picked it up, they still hadn’t fixed it so I took it to Discount Tires where they must want my business as they didn’t charge me anything to fix it. That is what I call customer satisfaction. As matter of fact, I have Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome and who knows what I may do if this is not resolved in a fair manner, besides the fact that this happened on the day of my partner’s funeral. Matter of fact, his parents have a 2000 Buick with the same engine and 100,000+ miles on it. Do you think these problems have ever occurred on their car? NO. Thank you very much. This will go a long way for their advertisement on the internet when I diss them! Speaking of the internet, I think this exact letter would be a great start on how they treat their customers.

I was also told I needed to read all that I sign and the sales person told me it would cost me money to have it fixed and nothing was said. Because if that would have been the case, I would have taken it back to my car and went home and gave the business to a local garage and paid $10.00 and it would have been done correctly . When my wife went in to discuss this with the manager, he threatened to call the police on her. Then said he didn’t want to hear anything she had to say. She never raised her voice at him nor was she rude or violent towards him. His name was Jeff, we are assuming from the paperwork we have. I agree very much that this Firestone is very shady as well.

My wife said if she would have known this is where I was going to buy my tires, she wouldn't have let me because over 25 years ago her father had had problems with this same place. They DO NOT DISCLOSE EVERYTHING THEY SHOULD ABOUT THEIR WARRANTIES. THEY LEAD YOU TO BELIEVE YOUR TIRES ARE COVERED! Hopefully all who have had problems will be reimbursed for all problems. All who live in the bi-state area in MO/IL beware.

The point is, Firestone Service Center charged me for a tune-up, removed and replaced the plugs for $51.60, removed and replaced the spark plug wire set for $77.40, tailored res wires for $55.46, performed electrical system test labor for $25.99, and performed ever-wear fuel system tune-up for $59.99. THIS CAR IS ONLY A 4-CYLINDER. And here is a charge for shop supplies: $10.20. Why do I pay for their shop supplies? TOTAL PARTS = $98.12, TOTAL LABOR = $169.98... A towing service and AutoZone checked my battery and said it was no good. Only Firestone said it was good...

Husband checked it out later that day, but it didn't make noise again. Next day (now 3 miles after repair), car makes loud noise and dies and would not start. I called Firestone and told them they wreck the perfectly great car and should come and tow it back to shop. Firestone then diagnosed the car and said the time belt went and since it is an interference engine, it is likely the engine is destroyed! The manufacturer doesn't call for service/replacement to the timing belt until 60,000 miles and we had only 41,000. Firestone said they would change all the belts and if it didn't start after all that, then the engine would certainly be shot. They would change the belts for free but would accept no responsibility beyond that. Naturally, the car didn't start after the hose and belts were replaced. They later put it through a test which they say indicated the timing belt had skipped five teeth. The cost of a replacement engine (and ours had only 41,000 miles) is approximately $3,800.