Monro Muffler Reviews

I showed up at the Monro store and asked ** for the car and told him I was taking it to the dealership. Now he tells me that I should ask them about an "engine block" because it might be cheaper (Hmmm...do I really need a new engine??). I took the car to the dealership and they found absolutely nothing wrong with the car... just routine maintenance. In my eyes, ** was taking complete advantage of someone who doesn't know much about cars. All I can say is that I will NEVER take my car to that store again and I will recommend to anyone who is looking for a car service place not to go there. I am also going to contact our local Better Business Bureau regarding this incident, as my experience was completely uncalled for.

Last Saturday, my brake pedal went to the floor. I discovered that the rear brake line on the passenger side (that they had replaced) had blown and was leaking. I have lost the receipt or I would have taken them to task on that, but I don't trust them. They try to find extra things to fix and charge more money, and the extra work they charged me for is substandard. I took it to another place that I've had better experiences with and they fixed it for a reasonable price. The mechanic I went to said he had worked for Monro and that he quit after a month because the managers were dishonest. Stay away from Monro!

Well, through the weekend, that same person happened to lose his job for rumored theft. I took my car to the dealer and was told work was done but in fact not at the same time which means more money out of my pocket. I am poor and disabled. Addressing with the new manager, he addressed one side of the warrantied brakes and the other side he told me I paid someone to do damage. I still have issues and a worker in fact tried to tell me that he was pocketing money and I was getting aftermarket parts. I would like answers and my warrantied brakes I paid for! Five times in a garage for brakes in two years, come on! Fix my car properly.

I left with my 7-year-old son & drove down the street - the car was now worse than before. It was now scratching deeply against something. I called Richard & complained. Richard said, "Bring it back, we'll take a look." I noticed the mechanic whisper something to Richard. Richard looked under the Jeep as the mechanic pointed under my right passenger tire. I could read Richard's lips. He said, "Oh, **." He then stepped back and lighted up a cigarette. He began pacing back and forth. He then came into the lobby and told me to "come and take a look." He showed me underneath my car & said, "We got the wrong shape tie rod on this one end. They gave us the wrong one. It might even be a defective part because it doesn't look like the old one. That is why it was grinding. It was rubbing up against your rim." I said, "Did it cause damage?" Richard said, "No (I later learned it did cause damage from the repair shop who actually fixed my Jeep)." Richard said, "It will be fixed tomorrow. I will make sure we get the right tie rod for you."

On Sat., Richard said, "The car is fixed now. You can come and get it." I drove out of the lot and the car was just as bad as the last time. Richard said, "Let me take another look." Later, he said, "Okay! It's ready now!" I got on the freeway with my 7-year-old son. The Jeep was now worse than ever. It did not steer properly. I took it back. I handed Richard the keys & said, "You drive it on the freeway and tell me what's wrong with it!" Richard said, "Okay!" He came back less than 3 minutes later and said, "I didn't need to take it on the freeway; there's definitely something wrong with it. I'll come in early tomorrow morning to take a look at it." I said, "Can I have my check back since you didn't fix it right the first time?" Richard said, "No, it's company policy that we deposit all money that we receive." I said, "But you didn't fix it! Why did I write a check for over $1,000 when it's not fixed?" Richard said, "But it's company policy."

On Sun., Richard said, "Well, I found out it is actually your steering column! Since the parts stores aren't open today, we'll have to wait to fix it tomorrow." I got a rental car & eventually end up paying nearly $250 for 3 days of use. On Mon., Richard said, "Well, I took another look at it and it is the Pitman arm. I'll order one tomorrow." On Tues., Richard said, "Okay, I've called every parts store and there is no Pitman arm within a 180-mile radius of Cleveland, Ohio. I'll have to order one from out of state. It should be here by tomorrow." I then called the nearest parts store - right by Monro Muffler and what do you know? They had one readily available.

I called for a tow truck, went directly into this useless, waste of time and money shop and demanded they give me my Jeep. I had it towed to another repair shop. This shop fixed it that same day & it only cost $201.71. The only problem was the steering pu,p. The car is now fixed, thanks to the other auto repair shop! They also advised that my Jeep did not need a new Pitman arm. Beware of Monro Muffler! If you go to the BBB.org website & use their local phone number to the Brooklyn, Ohio shop, you will see that they have over 1,000 complaints filed and they have an F rating!

When I heard this, I felt that they wanted to milk me and I made a complaint to the new manager. He told me that Wayne was transferred to another store and that the mechanic who did my work was not with them anymore. I just called to make a complaint and the customer rep told me that he could take the complaint online. He asked me for my name and I gave him the store number, but he did not ask me for my number and the invoice number of the transaction. For the second time, Monro Muffler fails to their customers.

When I brought it back after Christmas, I had to return two more times because after I left each time, the check engine light came back on. After bringing it back the third time, the check engine light stayed off for several months. Check engine light came back on and I brought the car back to the Monro Muffler on Elmira Road in Ithaca, NY on 10/22/12. I was told that the diagnostic test indicated the numbers 2 and 4 cylinders were misfiring and to repair this, Monro Muffler replaced my 6 spark plugs for $26.99 each plus $33 for each in labor, for a total of $359.94. Additionally, the ignition coils for the 2 and 4 cylinders were also replaced at a cost of $249.99 each, a total of $499.98. After a day or two of driving the car, the check engine light came back on. I brought the car back in and a diagnostic test was run. They said my cylinders were still misfiring and that this was caused by an exhaust leak.

I was told that a part needed to be ordered and that it wouldn't be in for a week. I brought the car back in as soon as they had an opening. They installed a manifold gasket at no charge and I picked my car up on 11/13/12. After driving the car 22 miles, the check engine light came back on. Completely frustrated after spending so much time and money to fix the problem, we took the car to the dealership where the car was originally purchased, where we paid $149.91 for them to do a diagnostic test on the car. Code 431 came up from this test, which indicates a problem with the catalytic converter. I was told that that was the only code that came up and that if a different part of the car was causing the catalytic converter to fail, that another code would have come up in addition to the 431 code.

Because my catalytic converter, which was purchased from the Monro Muffler on Elmira Road in Ithaca, NY on 12/22/11, was still covered by its 5 years/50,000 miles warranty, I brought the car to the Monro Muffler in Lansing, NY on 12/18/12 hoping for a more knowledgeable mechanic staff to honor my warranty. I explained the situation and showed them the diagnostic report from the dealership and the paperwork showing my coverage under the warranty. The gentleman behind the counter wouldn't look at the paperwork from Mazda, stating that he wouldn't accept paperwork from anyone else just like they wouldn't accept his paperwork, and that he would run his own test. He said that he was booked that day and would do it on 12/19/12, so I left the car there and waited for his call. No one called me all day, so I called him at 4:30 pm and was told that the codes (431 and 421) that were coming up didn't match the make and model of my car.

I told him that the one and only code that came up at the Mazda dealership was 431 and he said that the Mazda dealership was wrong, even though I had it in writing. He also said that he called a Mazda dealership and that they told him that he was right, that those codes didn't go with my car. He said that he couldn't tell me what was wrong with the car. He said he was waiting on a phone call about the matter and would call me back, which he did not do. On 12/20/12, I did not hear from anyone, so I called around 4:30 pm and I was told that they still couldn't figure out what was wrong (still refusing to believe that it was the catalytic converter) and that they were going to do more tests and that if they couldn't diagnose the problem, I was welcome to get a second opinion.

I didn't get into it with him again that I had already gotten a second opinion at the Mazda dealership. I picked up my car on 12/21/12 with the check engine light still on. Unfortunately, your products have not performed well and the service I received from your company was inadequate for the reasons described above. I feel totally frustrated, taken advantage of, and ripped off. On 10/22/12, the problem with my car was it was misdiagnosed and the work they did had nothing to do with the problems my car was having, since I had to bring it right back for the same problems. To resolve the problem, I would appreciate a refund of my $859.92 for the spark plugs and ignition coils because they were not causing the problem with the check engine light or the misfiring. Additionally, I would like a refund for the catalytic converter that I have proof of failing within the terms of the warranty that Monro Muffler will not honor (cost: $1,257.86 and labor $259.20 for a total of $1517.06).

Because I don't trust the skill of the mechanics or the quality of parts used at the two Monro Muffler locations in my area (338 Elmira Road, Ithaca, NY and Triphammer Road, 2309 N. Lansing, NY), I want to take it to the dealership so that I can have it fixed correctly with a quality product. ** in Ithaca has told me that they have never seen or worked on a car like mine before, and I think that this lack of experience is a large contributing factor to the problems I am experiencing. Enclosed are copies of my receipts and warranties. I have been a loyal Monro Muffler Brake, Inc. customer for approximately 20 years and have never had a problem with the quality of products or services I received before this ordeal. I look forward to your reply and a resolution to my problem. Please contact me at the above address or by phone at **.

When we showed up to pick up our vehicle, we presented the coupon for 20% off and the assistant manager rang us up and said we owed $71.99. He said the quoted price already included the 20% off coupon. I wasn't told by the manager that their price was $89.99 (which I would never have paid) minus a coupon to bring the price to $71.99 (which i would never have paid either). I made my decision to take my vehicle there based on the 20% off the $71.99. He came out and talked to me and basically called me a liar and said he told me the price was a manager's special, which he did, but he never told me it included a 20% off coupon. I know he had the autonomy (or at least should have) to make it right for us and give me the $14.40 but he didn't. He just stood there, argued with my wife and myself with 2 other customers in the store.

I will never go back to a Monro Muffler/Brake & Service ever. All my friends and especially the service station that referred me to them will know about my experience at your store.

After driving the vehicle that weekend, I noticed that the vehicle continued to make the same noise, so the work performed did not address the problem. I brought the vehicle in to the same Munro Muffler location a second time on December 27, 2011. The vehicle was at that location for a week and was not ready for pickup until January 3, 2012. When I picked up the vehicle, I paid another $399.98 for brake shoes, hardware, backing plate and front end bearings. After picking up the vehicle and driving it, I found that the car was making a new noise when driving straight and two dashboard lights indicating service were on. Additionally, I found that my GPS, which was left in the center console of the vehicle, and a pair of sunglasses (left on the dashboard) had been stolen.

I filed a police report for the stolen Tom Tom 340S Special Edition bundle pack (retail value approximately $140). The police report was forwarded to the regional market manager, Sean **, via email. I also sent several emails to follow up on this situation. Thus far, I have had no response. I am asking that Munro Muffler provide a full refund on all of the repairs as well as reimbursement for the Tom Tom.

Monro said that I exceeded their 90 day warranty, so they would not help me replace the tires. I explained this problem would not normally present itself within 90 days, so "it was a catch 22". Monro just doesn't care about its customers, and it has an unbelievably bad reputation. The Better Business Bureau gives it an "F", which is its worst possible score.

So he said he would come to the shop in about five minutes and that he would call me. I left the shop and Gary never called me so I went by there about 5:15 pm and I spoke with Gary and he stated that I should go to Expressway Toyota and order a new one and that he would reimbursement. I said, "No, you should do it. You're responsible." And I stated that I never had anyone ask for my wheel lock to do an oil change. He did not respond to that. So I called Expressway Toyota and I am going there tonight. So I wanted to know why did they ask for my wheel lock? Has my car been tampered with and could I have problems with my car in the future?

About one week later, the cars check engine light went on, the speedometer was stuck at zero, and the car would not shift properly. The girl took the car back to Monroe, as they had worked on it so recently. Monro somehow made the diagnosis that the Linear and Control Solenoids in the transmission were faulty and they replaced them, at a cost of $1060.

One week later, the same problem reoccurred. Monro initially suspected that the new solenoids they installed were defective, but after further analysis, they concluded that the problem was due to the Electrical Load Detector. It is not clear what Monro did to correct this problem, as they did not charge for the service and no receipt was provided. At this point, however, one has to wonder if this problem (the same problem seen the previous week) was caused by the ELD, was it necessary to replace the solenoids?

Ten days later, the same problem occurred, again. This time, a mechanically-inclined friend examined the car. Suspecting an electrical short, he examined the wiring and connections on the engine and under the car, including the wiring to the solenoids the oxygen sensors that were installed by Monroe during the original exhaust work. Sure enough, the insulation on one of the wires to the O2 sensor in the catalytic converter was worn away from rubbing on the chassis of the car. The wire was grounding out, causing a short circuit (and the symptoms with the ELD and transmission). It seems many other people have experienced a similar problem with their Hondas -- see this thread:

\Having made this discovery, the girl and friend took the car back to Monro and confronted the manager. The friend showed the bare wire to the manager and explained that it, not the solenoids, were the cause of the problem, all along. The manager then asked the friend If you know so much, why didn't you fix the car? The girl and friend left the car with Monro to make the repair. Two hours later, the manager reported that the car was fixed. He stated that the connector to the solenoids was loose an outright lie, as the friend had checked that connection before taking the car back to Monro.

Conclusion: Monroe's work on the exhaust system resulted in a shorting wire, which caused the other symptoms seen with the transmission, ELD, and check engine light. Monro then misdiagnosed the problem and charged the girl over $1000 for parts she didn't need (which should be obvious, as the same problem kept coming back). Rather than admit to the mistake, the manager lied about the loose connector.

I got a second opinion somewhere else. They said I only needed to replace a part for $150 (all the other items quoted in the Monro's estimate were just fine), but there was a fuel leak and that the lines needed to be replace because they were rusted. I mentioned I had done it three months prior at Monro, and paid good money for it. When I told him the price, his jaw dropped, and he assured me the job had not been done. Monro put my family's lives in danger for three months, and I would still be driving around with the fuel leak, had I not gone elsewhere!

They said that the license plate light was not fixed, and it would be about $10.00 to fix it. I agreed because I thought I had a defective light. He came back with a bill for $31.99. I asked what for. I thought there was no charge for them to check and approve. He said since I had the problem fixed somewhere else; they had to charge me again for inspection and for the use of the machine. I said if I had it fixed there, I would not be charged for the inspection. They were not nice. They charge $90.00 for a check of emissions when the auto parts shop does it for free, even if you did not buy the parts there. Beware of Monro. I will never go there again and neither will my family and friends.

Went to the store to discuss with the manager and no one was there even though it was to open at 7:30 a.m. and it was almost 8 a.m. I called another location requesting for the DM to call me. I made an appointment for the vehicle to be looked at on 8/27/2011 by that location, at that time. DM called me and I told him what I felt was wrong, that the repair wasn't completed. He hung up on me, called the store to get their side.

Once he called me back, he was rude and wouldn't let me talk, saying that he believed his employees did their jobs. I said I was going to take it to another location and as long as they said the gasket was replaced and there was another issue, I would have no problems. But if the work was not done, then we would have serious problem because then it's a case of fraudulent repairs. He immediately said to me, "Since you seem to be so well versed in automotive and exhaust repairs, and we are not, why don't I just refund your $ and you can go somewhere else!"

After agreeing to go to the other location and hanging up, I was thinking that I really didn't trust Monro to look at my vehicle since this was the third negative experience in a row for them in less than a year. Especially after being so condescendingly spoken to by someone in their upper management. I really wanted someone else, a third party, to look at the vehicle. I went to a different repair facility and was shown how the gasket was not replaced and in the process they damaged a part of the exhaust system that needed to be straightened out. I have all documentation via invoices and pictures showing this.

When I called the corporate number to talk to a supervisor, he told me that there was nothing they could/would do. I also was informed that because I was bringing up such negative publicity for them by posting reviews on FB, that they no longer wanted me as a customer. When I told him I simply wanted an explanation for how and why this could happen, he said he had nothing more to say to me and after this phone call, it would not be discussed further.

We had it towed to another mechanic and went to Monroe to tell them what happened. They said they had insurance for it. They called me later and said they never touch the right front tire, only the left. I told them that they were supposed to check the car to make sure it was put back together. Their insurance, Travelers, informed me today that they are not responsible because they only worked on the left side. I told her they were supposed to check the other side. She called me back and said yes, they checked the right tire, but didn't take it off. The technician first said he didn't look at it, but now he did and it was fine. They said they were not liable.

I was never asked or informed of any other work being performed to anything on my vehicle beyond the one left front wheel. I never authorized any other work, either verbal, or by my signature which does not appear on the blank customer authorization lines provided on the Monro paperwork requiring said signature .I find it peculiar that Mr. ** phoned to ask if I wanted the previously mentioned tie rods "with play" taken care of and after my saying "no" went on with no notice to perform $1000.00 worth of some other work to my vehicle without my knowledge or approval.

After refusing to pay bill, Mr. ** impounded vehicle by refusing to release keys and advising locking up vehicle in shop. It was imperative that I had my vehicle next day. Therefore, I decided to pay the bill and take various legal actions against Monro and the actions of Mr. ** ASAP. I had $813 and offered it to Mr. ** for the release of vehicle. He said okay and "fudged" a new bill to read $813.00. This also is in my possession. All Monro paperwork mentioned as being in my possession are exhibits available to show that the conduct of Monro's manager was willful, intentional and egregious and thus entitling me an award of punitive damages as well as any and all legal costs.

I called Monro and left a message telling them about the incident. I spoke with the manager Dave **. I begged him to come and see what had happened to my car after I left his shop. Dave stated it wasn't necessary to come and see. My car is now in worse shape than the original. I started with a leaking water pump and now my car isn't even drivable. I was referred to another mechanic (Jack) who offered to "look" at my car for free and tell me if it was worth fixing or not, had to tow car there. Jack called me the first day he looked at it and had me come down to his shop, so I could see firsthand what he found. I took 2 witnesses with me and what we saw was a bolt not even screwed in all the way. Permission was given for Jack to tear into it and try to fix it. Jack did not want to get involved regarding the other shop. As he said he never speaks badly about anyone and doesn't throw stones at glass houses. But after Jack started tearing into my car, he found that "the serpentine belt was thrown off (again), water pump was still leaking with water pump bolts loose, idler bracket bolts loose, idler bracket bolt barely in and bent over, antifreeze leak at thermostat housing (reservoir problem), and the bolt loose in front of cam causing oil leak".

Nothing was wrong (fraudulent claim by Monro) with the head gasket and it was not replaced! Jack was so shocked by what he found that he said "he would record everything he found wrong, because he felt sorry for me and had never seen anyone screwed so badly before". I called the Secretary of State’s office and found that Monro has been in Ohio since 1986 and is from New York (and have numerous complaints in New York against them). There is no owner in Ohio and the SOS's office doesn't know how this happened. There are numerous franchises here in Ohio but no owner living in Ohio, only a statuary agent in Cleveland. I have already contacted the Ohio Attorney General's office and Terry (in New York) refuses to fix their problem (now my problem of $1,900.00). I cannot sue them in small claims court, because there is no owner here in Ohio. I have all documentation from all sources but nowhere to go with it, only to make others aware!