Pep Boys Reviews

The alternator plus labor costs $545 (tax included). The fuse and accompanying the labor plus tax costs $530.08. When I left Pep Boys, my car was not turning on properly. I complained to Pep Boys’ headquarters and Better Business Bureau and they did help me.

She then apologized and told me that she would have to speak to her manager. After a couple of minutes, the manager approached me and asked me if in fact this had happened to me twice. I of course said yes, and that was the reason that I was overly perturbed. She then asked if I had brought the other one back in the same condition. I stated I sure did but I could not remember. Guess she expected me to wash and dry and refold like new? She then said she would not take it back. I asked her why and she just said she would not and walked off. The clerk apologized and said she did not know what to say. I then asked her who else I could speak to and she suggested that I go to their website to file a complaint.

I then returned the other cover out of disgust at 2:08 PM and returned home. I called their Customer Service line and finally spoke to someone at 2:36 PM on the same day and was provided case # **. I was informed that I would receive a call within 48 hours from the manager. I told them it would not do any good to receive a call from the store manager as she was the one that had turned me down. I was told that they had to start there and it would then be escalated if we did not come to a solution.

Finally, on 1/3/2011 at approximately 2:30 PM with no return calls, I called the Customer Service Department back. I was informed again that my claim had been denied. I asked by whom and she said the manager. I then stated that I was not surprised and I wanted to escalate it further. I was then told that it had gone as far as it could and was hung up on. My purchase time was 1:35 PM and return time to store was 2:00 PM. Who in their right mind would bother to go through all of this, thinking they were going to get a $29.98 cheap car cover for free?

Now for my story, In December 2010, my boyfriend purchased a $135 starter at this Pep Boys location for his 1978 Mercedes Diesel (already in-stocked item). Within 3 days, the starter decided to spark and shoot sparks. They sold us it was a bad starter. On December 26, the starter stopped working.

The El Cajon Blvd. Pep Boys was said to be the only Pep Boys in the San Diego county to carry in stock a 1978 Mercedes Diesel; therefore, we shopped there. On the day that the car stopped running due to a bad starter sold to us, (12/26/2010) he called that night to speak with an employee to ask if the starter for his car model was in stock, and the employee said that yes, it is in their store as a stocked item and told us to stop by as they have it in stock now. We showed up the next day (12/27) and the Pep Boys employee said that the item is not in stock. We said that we called in to ask about it and a female employee said that it was in stock to pick up.

The manager came out and asked us if we called their Pep Boys location on El Cajon Blvd, and we said yes, as it is the only Pep Boys in the county that sells his particular starter for his 1978 Mercedes Diesel vehicle model.

Next, the manager insisted that he must have dialed another number to another Pep Boys. We disagreed and showed the receipt from his rewards/gift card and Pep Boys card that has records of his purchase at that store. Then, an employee came out to scan his rewards/gift card which did show that he purchased the $135 starter at that location.

The manager acted like we did not purchase the starter at that location and then told us that the employee must have not been at his location. We disagreed again (as we did call this location's store number and reached their employee). As a result, the manager concluded that the item was sold to someone else - a coincidence that this customer had our exact car model ('78 Mercedes Diesel 300)

According to the manager, he said that we must bring in the starter and the receipt to the store in order to check if the starter is bad like we reported. After testing the starter for approximately 5 minutes, the manager agreed that the starter no longer works. The manager said that this comes with a warranty, in other words, we can get the starter replaced but he cannot order it for us.

Because the manager stated that he will not/cannot order for us, we must check every few days (call- in or walk-in) to check if the item is back on stock. According to the manager, this item was a regularly stocked item. He said it is likely to arrive on Friday (December 31). The car was without a starter for one week, starting December 26 to 31. He came in or called to (Monday & Wednesday) to check up on the status, whether the delivery truck had the item in-stock.

On December 31st (Friday), like the manager believed, the starter was there. On that same day, the starter broke in half within a few hours of driving. We drove up to Carlsbad for a New Year's Eve gathering with friends and came back to find that the car would not start, and once he pulled open the hood, it showed a starter that was falling apart. We were stranded.

On January 1st, we entered the store to speak with the same manager in regards to the starter that was given to us by that store. The manager said that he must have installed the starter incorrectly and that he wants him to bring it back into the store to run some tests.

We believe that the "new" starter was the original "bad" starter that was given back to us like it had been unprofessionally "fixed" up. There was no new packaging on the so-called new starter. It had the same golden tip box when it was first purchased with the same markings/scratches on the box, said my boyfriend.

We asked if the manager can just please order a new starter, but the manager refuses because he insists that there is no point in ordering the part because it supposedly comes in as a regularly stocked item for the store.

We will never shop at Pep Boys again due to false service, lack of care, weak customer service!

Lastly, the manager said that since it will be the 3rd time that the starter is returned (as it has a warranty), he believes that there is something wrong with our car, and therefore, it must be brought in to be checked. He just would not admit that his place sold us back our original starter because he refuses to order it.

Misinformed, we waited over a week for a new starter to get in-stock at this location (the only San Diego County location to carry this particular item for this particular car model) and got back the original broken starter that was temporary fixed which broke down the same day it was replaced.

I asked if they went ahead and replaced the sensor would I still be charged for the $69.00 diagnostics fee and he said yes. I ask why, since they were doing the work. I understand the diagnostic charge is in place should I decide not to let them do the work, they didn't spend their time checking it out for nothing. But if they were going to do the work I should not be charged for the diagnostic. They told me if I had just come in and said fix the oil light from coming on they would not have charged me the diagnostic fee. So I said I am being charged for telling you where to look to find the problem? They said yes. This is a rip off. Next time you go to Pep Boys be aware of this issue. But also note had I not told them what to check they would have just started replacing stuff without checking. I can see that they would have replaced my oil pump charging me for that then when I had to bring it back because the sensor was still messed up they would charge me again for that.

I asked the manager if he had the authority to make a decision he said yes but he was not going to ask his crew to work for free. I asked how would they be working for free since they will be doing the work and replacing the sensor. They couldn't answer that. I suspect they would have made more money by changing the oil pump and since it’s not the oil pump they want to capitalize the most so they charge me for checking to see what was wrong with the car. Basically what they told me is that they done check to see what is wrong they just start replacing parts until they find out what the problem is.

As was informed by the Manager that they could not issue a refund, and I would have to contact American Sportworks Company (ASC). As requested, I contacted the American Sportworks Company (ASC) and was instructed to take the Gokart to A&Z Lawn Mower Part (A&Z), located at 4431 Augusta Rd Lexington, SC 29073-9157.

Additionally, I incurred an additional amount of moneyiIn October to hire someone who could take the Gokart from Winnsboro, SC to Columbia, SC. Apparently, A&Z Lawn Mower Part Store is the facility Pepboys has contracted to do repairs. On October 4, I had to pay another sum of money for the Gokart to be picked up from the repair store.

Once I received the Gokart and my son drove it around, it still was cutting hesitating, and finally cut off. We have been unable to start the Gokart since receiving it back from servicing. I have done everything in my power to work with Pepboys management. On October 30, 2010, I once again contacted management and was told to call back next week when Steve, a store manager, would be there or contact A&Z.

On Nov. 8, 2010, I once again contacted Pepboys and explained the issues I have been having to the manager, Steve. He informed me that once you purchase a product like the Gokart from Pepboys and leave the store, it is out of their hands. You are required to contact ASC. It is apparent to me that both Pepboys and A&Z are giving me the runaround. I purchased what I believed was a good product from your establishment.

Purchasing a product from Pepboys has been a very bad experience. Pepboys had been recommended to me by someone I trusted. Had I known this purchase would turn into a nightmare, I would never have purchased the Gokart from your establishment.

I feel Pepboys has misrepresented this product, and am hereby requesting a full refund. It is evident that the Gokart was defective when purchased. It is also apparent to me that Pepboys could have taken responsibility and refunded my money within 30 days. I sincerely hope we can come to some kind of agreement without bringing in litigation. Thank you

I asked where another Pep Boys was located. It is in San Jose which is 15 miles away that was the closest. Note that in Atlantic Boulevard, the location is within 3 miles. I called the San Jose location when I got home. Their battery machine was working. I went there at 8 am on Saturday morning. The battery was bad and I had to replace for out-of-pocket cost of $54. The Original costs $92. I missed the free battery replacement by 6 months. Note that I used to drive for a living in my personal car. I have dealt with Pep Boys Atlantic location in the past. They usually try to over sale me with services. I stopped going there but when the battery died, the tow truck driver suggested Pep Boys. Trust me, if this battery goes, it will not be replaced by Pep Boys whether free or rebated!

A few days later, my car started jerking really bad and I could smell the scent of gas. I went back to Pep Boys telling them that it started after they worked on my car but the only thing that they told me was it would take more money to even look at it! I am having to pay out a bundle of money to repair the damages that they caused and fix the ones they were supposed to in the first place. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone who wants to keep their vehicle drivable.

I never heard from them the next day so around 2pm, I drove over to them and they told me I needed struts, shocks, fix oil leaks etc. and I got ** because the noise, I told them, I had was way too distinct when you start the van up, for them to tell me that they just went through my van pointing out everything that they would like me to get fixed and not what was broken. I was like, “what idiots are these people?”. Anyway I told the guy how mad I have gotten and told them to get their act together and call me when they find the problem. They called me two hours later and told me that my AC compressor went out and needed to be replaced so I said, “Replace everything you have to and give me an estimate”. It was $842.

Anyway a few days later when it was all done, when I went to pick it up, they told me it was going to be over $1000. OMG! I lost it. The asst service manager fixed it really quick and apologized and I took the van only to go to work out of town and the bolt holding the alternator fell out about 2 hours away from my home in Brooksville. I wanted to cry, chew nails and scream. I called Kev, the service manager, and he said that I needed to pay out of pocket for a special order assembly to fix Pep Boys' mistake and I refused. I told Kev that I spent all my money getting my van from them so he needed to pay for Pep Boys' mistake. I took my van to the nearest dealership who gratefully showed me the problem and took care of the repairs and Pep Boy's paid the bill.

I know there are good mechanics out there but I would stay away from ones whose record shows faulty workmanship and it seems like Pep Boys are not getting their acts together.

The Shell station had a mobile mechanic's card I called on and when AAA showed up for the tow into Yuma, the driver offered that Pep Boys was open 'till 9, so I had him tow me there instead of taking a chance on a rip off. Arriving in plenty of time at about 8pm to find 10 unoccupied bays out of 11, I asked them to get on it but they wouldn't. The tow truck driver drove us across the street to a Ramada Inn.

Pep Boys opened at 8 and I walked over at 8:30 to find they'd done nothing but pulled my truck into a bay. It took them hours to confirm the problem and do 20 minutes' work changing the heater hose and replacing the thermostat. They presented me with a $260 bill that was final out at $253.98 and I paid it out of desperation to get going and get the ** out of there.

In the end, it was Pep Boys I should have been wary of, not the mobile mechanic who I apologized to. I was an old Pep Boys fan but not anymore. They took advantage of this 71 year old traveler and his teenage daughter. Their marketing claims about being reasonable are lies, and I will never darken their door again. They are but one more story of greed and disregard for the public out there.

This was my first visit to this location and my visit to Pep Boys. My husband and I own a 2000 Toyota 4Runner, on Thursday 19 Oct 2010, I got in my truck to go someplace, when I reached a speed of 40mph or so my truck began to shudder/vibrate as I was pressed on the accelerator, the faster I drove the more it intensified. I turned around, went back home and got my other vehicle. Nissan Murano.

The next day 20 Oct 2010, I took my 2000 Toyota 4Runner to Pep Boys for service. My husband recommended the dealer but I have used Pep Boys in the past, Petersburg, Va. Virginia Beach, Va and other locations. As a military wife, I have appreciate the good service at a good price. I arrived around 9 or 10 am surprisingly there were no other customers at the time. I waited 15mins before I was acknowledge even though there were 3 Pep Boys in the room with me. No hello, no has anyone helped you, nothing. They conversed about various things, then another Pep Boys serviceman walked into the room, he went behind the counter with the others fumbled with a some papers for a minute then said, "Can I help you?", and at that point I was thoroughly irritated.

I proceeded to explain the above stated problem, the man assisting me then asked another Pep Boys serviceman that had been standing there talking about his upcoming weekend whom I later found out is the service manager "Rich" who to give the ticket/job to. He stated, "Give it to one of the guys" that particular guy also had been standing in the room since I arrived and he clearly stated with attitude, "It's not my turn, I'm not up next" so they tossed around a few names and finally gave it to "Joe **", who was not in the room.

Joe was called and came into the room immediately, he went on a test drive with me, during the drive he stated, "Sounds like bad U-joint/s, and said he would get the ticket written up upon returning, lift the vehicle and let me know what he finds in anything different. He did exactly as he said when we returned, I waited in the waiting area. After about 20 minutes or so a Pep Boys serviceman walked over to me with ticket in hand and stated it was the U-joints, both of them. So, I approved for the work to be done, I went back home, received a called at 2:08pm. I asked had Joe driven the truck to determine if the problem was corrected and was told "yes". I also asked to have the old U-joints put in my truck, as this is a lesson I learned early on as a woman dealing with mechanics.

I arrived, inquired about an oil leak repair to my Murano for the next day, paid for the repairs to my 4Runner, got the key and left the facility. I walked down the shopping mall strip to another store, returned to my 4Runner got in and drove away. I didn't even get halfway to my house; the same exact problem. I took my truck in for was still there. I called Pep Boys back asked for the manager and told him the problem has not been repaired and I was on my way back.

When I pulled up, I looked in my truck for the old U-joints couldn't find them, walked into the store spoke with "Rich, the service manager" he stated, "Okay, I will drive the truck and he took another Pep Boys serviceman with him "Mike" and when they returned they said it was another problem which was caused by the U-joints, and suggested I take my truck to a rear-end specialist. I was not pleased, I had just spent almost $300.00 on what I asked where were my old U-joints that was replaced and everyone including the manager looked dumb-founded. I was told after 1 or 2 of the service people looked around that they were probably trashed.

I never received them. So, now I just spend my time, and my money on nothing. As I stood there for a moment to compose myself and my thoughts, after a minute or 2 the manager stated to leave it with him overnight because when he looked at it, it seem like there was a pin missing in the assembly and maybe that's where the problem lies. He stated he would call me the next day with his results. I waited until 3pm this 21st day of Oct, 2010 with no call; I finally called, asked for Rich, the service manager and was told that he was off until Saturday.

This is inexcusable, I am more than angry, God knows good help is hard to find, but c'mon! Your response is requested as I plan to report this to the Fort Meade JAG office for legal assistance, and requesting that this incident be noted on the "Do Not Use" list, military base newspaper and Anne Arundel County newspaper as well. This is why countries all over the world don't trust or rely on anything American. Companies that treat their customers like this aren't companies long and certainly not large companies. What happened to your mission statement? Do you stand by it or not?

My biggest issue with this Pep Boys is they claim they do it all. So I asked Richard to change my oil. He indicated that he would not because it would be liability. Actually his actions are discriminatory. This is a violation of government code: 12900. His excuse was he stated I have engine problems. Who doesn’t. The car still drives. What he then stated really shocked me. Instead of wanting to change the oil filter then the oil. He just wanted to add oil. This is how seals get blown. He acted like he didn’t know what I was talking about. This means if a person puts too much oil, it will blow the seals. Can you imagine, this guy calls himself a service manager? The reason they did not charge me a service fee for finding out why my car over heats. Is they did not do anything.

Basically I think all consumers should be aware when you bring you car here for service. Basically unfortunately there are those mechanics still taking advantage of helpless women. Charging too much for service not needed. Parts not needed. One reason could be the economy. This service is bad. Richard stated its Pep Boys policy to not service a car if the engine sounds bad. I stated all I want is an oil change with an oil filter. He would not do it. He indicated I can't. So after I went to the bank and drove back and waited and waited for at least one hour. He did nothing. Then gave the excuse he could not even change my oil. I asked him if he could show me this in writing. He then just walked away. Consumer is aware. Is Richard the service manager allowing work on your car? Is he over charging you? Is he charging you're with or children too much money for parts and service not needed?

They also said that because they did not have the parts that they broke, I would have to go to Toyota and pay for the parts out of pocket (even though it was not my fault they broke off two studs on my new car) and that they would not charge me labor.

I told them I have school and work and that I'm only free for a short amount of time between 4:30pm to 6:30pm because I had work at 7pm. Joel(the person I spoke to yesterday) said that it was no problem, I could bring it in anytime. So, I asked for paperwork showing they broke it and that they will replace those parts.

Joel did not want to give me any papers. Finally, Joel had gotten someone else to write up my tire rotation and the damage that was done, but he had to get approval from David the manager. As the gentlemen that wrote it up went to get that approval David proceeded to tell him to, "Just get them out of here". So that gentleman wrote up the paper and put that Pepboys would refund me the parts and perform the service for free.

Today, I go and buy the parts from Toyota and bring them to Pepboys no later than 4:30pm and Joel helps me again. Joel says it will be an hour. I agree and told him I would wait. I told him that David yesterday said, I could get a refund and Joel didn't believe me. I showed him the paperwork that Reuben wrote, Joel told me Reuben had no authorization to give me a refund on something that wasn't their fault.

I still had him take my car and I waited almost two hours until I asked whether or not my car was almost finished. When I went to ask, David, Joel, Reuben, and everyone else had gone home for the day. I asked another worker inside the garage area if my car was almost finished, he told me the car had been sitting there and they haven't even started and that it would be at least another half an hour.

I asked for my keys back because I was already running late for work. Before I left, I asked to speak to the store manager who is Alfonso. I told him my situation and all he told me that my car was not priority because it is first come first serve. I told him that I told them what time I would be coming and he said because they did not put it down for an appointment that my car was not priority. He said if I want to come back (which would be my third time) I can come back at 8am without an appointment, so I can get it fixed. Not guaranteeing that it would get fixed in the morning. So, all I could do at this point is agree and take my car home which is still not fixed.

When I spoke to the District Manager, Dave, I asked for the contact of the Regional Manager. He explained to me that I would have to call the 1-800 customer service lines for that information. When I called the service line, they explained to me that they did not have that information and I would need to speak with someone at the store location to get the contact of the Regional Manager. I explained to them that I had already done that and that the District Manager was the one that told me I had to call the service line for that information. When I called the store location, more employees told me that they do not have that information there. Basically, they are giving me the run-around so that I cannot contact any of their superiors. Don't waste your time and money here! You will bring your car in for routine maintenance and walk out with a list of issues!

When I returned the next day to complain about the issue with my car, the manager Malachi took the car for a drive and acknowledged that the problem as existent. He stated it must just be my car and more than likely, I'll need to replace the struts. He quoted me a rental price for the equipment and $70/piece for struts. He refused to accept any responsibility and said it was my problem. I'd have to get it fixed. I had informed the mechanics of what Midas had done to me and they laughed and smirked. When I told the manager that there was no way it was my car causing the issue and it wasn't just time for this issue to pop up and it was just a coincidence it was after their service, he said it must be because my struts were weak and when a car goes on the lift it can stress them out. He also said this is why I had the same problem with Midas.

However, since this situation happened before I know for a fact that it is not a proper reasoning. When I repaired my car the first time, I did not have to do any work on the struts whatsoever so that disproves his excuse. I was/am very disappointed in the attitudes I received from all of the workers I dealt with in the store, from the front desk representative, to the mechanic, to the manager. They were all apathetic to my issue and refused to assist me in any way. I had hopes that the issues with my car had finally been resolved and had confidence that by using Pep Boys that I wouldn't have the exact same issue I had experienced before.

After going through this again and then dealing with the horrible service in store, my confidence has been lost with their company. It is not fair that I should have to pay out of my pocket to correct an issue that was inflicted by their store during an overpriced $43 oil change. I find it hard to believe that if Malachi's excuse was true, that the lift just stressed my struts that this isn't a more common issue that more people would be experiencing. I know for a fact that Midas had tampered with my car and have proved it. It is extremely disheartening and frustrating to believe that I can no longer trust any of Jacksonville's car service centers due to expensive/extensive damage being caused in hopes of additional profit for their company. I would like to think that if an error was made, the company would be honest enough to rectify the issue instead of turning me away rudely.

After submitting a complaint online, I received a call from the manager, Malachi, the next day. He said that I could bring my car in and if they found anything to indicate that they were at fault for the issue with my car then he would take care of it free of charge. I don’t know what he expects to find because how can I prove how my car was running before? Obviously, my word isn't good enough for them or the issue would have been rectified already. I just spoke with him today, August 16, 2010 and have not decided whether it is worth my time to pursue this with Pep Boys any longer. After reading multiple websites chocked full of complaints about their service, I am apprehensive to let them touch my vehicle again. I do want them to own up and fix it free of charge though. I will be speaking with the manager again in hopes to get what I am owed and even willing to pursue in court. With all of the issues coming out of their shops nationwide it seems that Pep Boys could be put out of business to stop them from their continuous bad service.

I eventually agreed to get the tire replaced and the service person then told me the price of the new tire then informed me to wait again in the waiting area until the mechanic changes my tire. After watching television for about 30 minutes, I heard my car alarm go off for about 20 seconds and then it stopped. A minute later, one of the mechanics came into the waiting area to tell me that the car will not start. We both went into the garage and attempted to start the car to no avail. After attempting to start the car several more times, the mechanic decided to take a look under the hood and had me attempted to start the car again for naught. Then he suggested that we (he, myself and another service person) try to kick start the car by having us push it as he tried to start the car while it was moving.

However, that didn't work as well. We then pushed the car into one of the bays and then popped the hood again. The mechanic then connected a device to the battery of the car and informed me that the problem was not because of the battery. Two service persons then started fidgeting some more with the components under the hood. One of them took an object and started banging away recklessly at the inner components of the car. He then continuously disconnected and reconnected the battery to demonstrate that the battery worked; as he instructed me to try and start the car. After about another 5 minutes of this, they quit and advised me to leave the car and assured me a mechanic would look at it in the morning.

The next day, I got a call at work from a mechanic at PepBoys. He told me that they were not able to determine why my car wasn't starting and that they needed to install a new battery and starter in my car to conduct a diagnostic. After giving an estimate of what that would cost, I agreed to let them install the parts in order to help find what the problem was. I called back two hours later to check on the status of the diagnostic and I eventually spoke to the same mechanic I spoke to earlier. He informed me that they changed the battery and the starter, the car still wouldn't start. He then told me that the problem was with the ignition and assured me that they can fix it quickly because they actually had the part that needed to be replaced within the store. I agreed to let them attempt to fix the problem as long as they were certain that they could fix it.

(Friday, July 16) Since I hadn't received anymore phone calls since Tuesday, I decided to walk to PepBoys expecting my car to be fixed. As I walked into the service area, I saw the hood of my car up and the Service Manager sitting there. She explained to me that the car was still not working and that they needed to have a locksmith determine what the problem was. She also stated that he was on his way and implied that I would be paying for this visit. The Service Manager then instructed a mechanic to show me the car. I briefly examined the car and then the mechanic drew my attention to the interior of the car. With a screwdriver in hand, he demonstrated how my car can now only be cranked with a screwdriver. It wouldn't even start running now. Figuring they would just put the ignition back together, I asked him if they did this just to get the car to start but he shook his head.

I then asked him if they intended to put it back together but he gave me no response. Without hesitation, I stormed into the service area and informed the Service Manager to call the locksmith and tell him not to come, but she stated it was too late. I informed her that I was not paying for the visit and that I also wanted to have all parts they installed on my car removed, including the brand new tire. She informed me that they couldn't do that because I agreed to have them put the parts into the car and couldn't change my mind even though the car was still not working. I explained to her that the only reason that the new parts were placed into the car was because the mechanic who called me on Tuesday told me this was part of the diagnostic. I again stated that I wanted the parts out of the car and I planned to be back on Sunday, July 25 to have the car towed out of there. At first she agreed, but then she advised me to give them more time to try and fix the car. I still told her that I intended to have the car towed out of there on Sunday if the car was not fixed by then.

Sunday, July 18, I again walked to PepBoys and still saw the car in the same position with the hood up. However, this time, I spoke to Assistant Service Manager. I asked him for the Service Manager, but she was not there that day. Frustratingly, I explained the entire story to him after I told him my cell phone number. He told to me he didn't know what was going on as he read notes in the computer. He then excused himself to confer with another mechanic in the garage. As he spoke to the mechanic, I asked him if the car was fixed and if it's not, I intended to have the car towed out of there. He stated that the car was not fixed and that I could tow it. I then asked what was wrong with the car and how much was it going to cost to fix it, but he stated that he didn't know. I then asked for documentation about what occurred earlier in the week because I noticed he was able to find information on it in the system. He also declined to give that to me. I agreed to have the car towed on the condition that PepBoys pay for the towing and he also declined that.

Since that was refused, I then stated that I wanted to complain about what occurred and he gave me the 1-800-PepBoys phone number. I called this number from my cell phone and spoke to a Customer Service Agent named Bruce. After I explained what happened, Bruce asked me to put the Assistant Service Manager on the phone. I gave the phone him and then he spoke to Bruce about what happened and what notes in his system stated about what happened. Then he gave me the phone back and Bruce started telling that it wasn't their (PepBoys) fault. As we argued, he mentioned that I wanted to get the car towed out of there. I agreed but told him that I expected PepBoys to pay for it. He also refused this offer. He then transferred me over to the Towing Department before I could ask anymore questions.

However, I called back abruptly hoping to speak back to Bruce but reached Laura in Customer Service instead. She asked me for information as if she was looking for something in the system and eventually told me there was nothing in the system regarding the previous conversation I had with Bruce. She assured me that the phone calls were recorded and that Bruce would be giving me a call back in 30 minutes. About 45 minutes later, I still received no return call. I then called back and luckily, I was able to speak with Bruce again. I briefly reminded him of myself, my situation and expressed my displeasure with being blind transferred to the Towing Department. I also asked him why there was no documentation of our prior conversation.

After he apologized, we continued to argue for about 5 minutes about who was to blame for the car not starting until he then started asking me what do I want to do? Then he started telling me that I needed to make choices. I explained to him that first of all, I didn't know what he was talking about and secondly, that I couldn't make the best possible choices without all the necessary information. He stated that I should get that from the service manager and I explained to him that the service manager wasn't there and the assistant service manager referred me to them. He then started getting defensive and implied that things were getting more serious if I kept up at doing what I was doing. I simply agreed. I explained to him that I was just upset seeing the mechanics not do anything, while the hood of my car remained up. Then he started saying weird things like "Now, I find myself behind the eight ball" and "Once I start this, process there is no turning back". He questioned how far I would take things to try to scare me. As we continued to argue, he then asked me what do you want to do, complain? So I thought about it and then said if the mechanics are not going to fix my car, then yes I will complain which is what I thought I was doing.

Then I asked him, now I need you to tell me the best way to go about doing that. At this point, he got agitated and even cursed over the phone which completely shocked me. After realizing this, he then started cooperating and offered to file a complaint. As he was noting the complaint, he kept stating he was only interested in the facts while he continuously offered his opinion. I just kept telling him to make sure that the next time I called, that this was all documented. After he documented the situation, I asked him what the next steps were. He told me that it would take 48 hours for the Service Manager to get the request and investigate it. He also told me that the best thing to do was to not tow the car but leave it in order to have them thoroughly investigate everything. I explained to him that the Service Manager didn't accept fault as well and wanted to charge me for new parts my car actually didn't need.

I expressed my anger with this process and requested someone internal investigation. After I finished speaking with Bruce, I informed the Assistant Service Manager that I would be leaving the car to have it looked at because I filed a complaint. On Monday, early in the morning, I got an irate phone call from the Service Manager. She stated that the complaint was received but there was nothing to investigate. I told her to look into it some more but she refused because she said the investigation was already done. I responded, how could it be done if you just got there? She then continued to argue with me and stated that nothing would evolve of this. However, I assured her that I would get my car fixed or get my car towed out of there and PepBoys would be paying for it. To which she responded, we don't work for free here.

Wednesday of that week, I followed up with Customer Service and spoke with Laura again. She informed me that the investigation was completed and I told her that I was still completely dissatisfied. She offered to escalate the investigation to the Store Director, Sammy, and that he would be contacting me shortly. Much to my surprise, in 10 minutes, I received a phone call from Sammy. I briefly explained the situation to him. He assured me that he understood and stated that he would be giving me a call back after he looked into the matter for me. An hour and a half later, I returned a missed phone call from Sammy. I first reached the Service Manager, who eventually forwarded the call to Sammy.

Sammy told me he finished conducting the investigation and that I needed to get some part fixed. He recommended an off-site garage I could go to, to get it fixed but I balked at the idea and stated why not have the car repaired at PepBoys? He said that was a possibility but stated it would cost me. I assured him that I would not pay for the cost of repair of a problem that they were responsible for. He then insisted I pick up the car since I was unwilling to pay to get the car fixed.

Friday, 7/23/10, I called up PepBoys from my cell phone at 10:08AM to check on the status of my car and again, I reached the Service Manager. I informed her that I intended to pick my car up today. She then placed me on a brief hold and stated that the car was not ready because they were replacing the starter in the car because when the mechanics were removing the original starter (which they claimed was bad), they actually broke it. It explained why the car wouldn't start when the mechanic tried to start it with the screwdriver the Friday before. She explained to me that they would replace it with a new one shortly. About 4 hours later, I decided to walk over there to check on the status of the car. This time when I got there, the car was ironically by the wall I initially parked it by but facing the opposite direction. The Service Manager explained to me that they were still not done with the car and that she would be calling me when they were done.

I asked if the car would work once they replaced the starter and she said no. I left and then returned at 6:30PM to find out that the Service Manager left without giving me a call. The Assistant Service Manager was there and he called her to get a heads up on how to handle the situation. He then informed me that the part (starter) was on the way and that they still intended to replace it. I said to him that I wanted to get the car towed out of there after they were done and I reiterated that I wanted it to be paid for by PepBoys. He stated it was not up to him. Ten minutes later, I suddenly got an automated phone call from PepBoys stating that the complaint I filed was resolved.

After waiting around for about 30 minutes, a gentleman handed the Assistant Service Manager what appeared to be a starter (Pro Start) and then a couple of the mechanics pushed my car over to one of the bays and proceeded to put this starter into the car. When they were done, they then started pushing the car out of the garage towards the parking lot. The Assistant Service Manager then stopped them and called me over to ask me how I intend to get the car towed. I adamantly told him that I wanted PepBoys to tow my car. He stated that even if they could tow the car, they don't tow cars from a PepBoys' garage.

I then watched the Assistant Service Manager and another mechanic push the car to the middle of the parking lot. When they were done, they both dusted off their hands and started walking back towards the garage. I then again asked the Assistant Service Manager what the problem was with the car and he pointed at the dismantled ignition. I then asked for an estimate of how much it would cost to fix it and if I could receive documentation. However, he just shrugged his shoulders and walked away. I was left there to call my insurance company to hope they could find a tow truck company for me. Luckily, they were able to locate one rather quickly and I was able to get the car towed back to my house, which is about 2 minutes away, for only $60.

I have frequented this store since the date of opening and have receipts adding over $3,0000 in services .Please contact me on my next steps to file a more formal complaint against this unprofessional employee. Thanking you in advance.

I went to Pep Boys hoping that they could maybe exchange or return my money for the battery. Instead, they were extremely rude giving me the run around as if I didn't know what I was talking about because I was a woman in a man's shop. I returned once more after that leaving in tears. In June, with my mother, I tried to take the battery back again after having to replace it myself. They still refused to work something out with me based on their policy. When we talked to the sales manager Marcus **** , he was extremely incoherent to anything that was being said and just refused to give us the service we needed. He was also very rude to my mother. All in all, they were very rude and unhelpful to me. All I ask is that they take the wrong battery back and return my funds for the mistake.

After 1 hour and 10 minutes, I went back to the desk. Erick was not around so I asked another employee who was not able to find my order on the computer. When Erick saw that this man was assisting me, he walked by both of us and made a comment to the male employee (which started negative conversation between several other employees). Apparently, some other employee had quit early that day and someone asked Erick if he wanted to quit too. Very unprofessional comments continued for several more minutes (while other customers were present and were forced to listen to).

Finally, another employee walked by and told everyone that was enough and to get back to work. Then, Erick was asked to follow-up with my car. At this point, I was annoyed but not as annoyed as I was about to become. Erick never put my order in because he stated that I was not at the desk when he came back from looking at my car. So, instead of walking a few feet to the waiting room, he just left my keys on the counter (was given back to me by another employee). He never even apologized and basically blamed me for the incident. So as you can understand, I did not get my oil changed at your store.

In fact, I will never return to your store for anything again and will tell as many people as I can about my very horrible and unprofessional experience at your store in EHT, NJ. I have had my last several oil changes at this store and never had it completed in under an hour, much less 29 minutes. I was talking to other people in your waiting area and they also have never had their oil changed in the 29 minutes you advertise online, by mail and in your store. Very poor customer satisfaction! I hope you are able to improve your services at this store so others will not have to experience what I had to today.

"I have been a happy and repeated customer to the Pep Boys stores, with no less than about 15 different transactions, spanning across three different stores of yours in Chicago. I am an active blogger and a social media enthusiast. I always trusted Pep Boys to do the right things to my cars and never had to worry about the problem any more. The trust I had on your stores can be best explained by this statement I made to my wife 2 months back, "I will take the car to Pep Boys, have them fix all problems and it should be perfect for at least the next one year". However, a recent and long running episode with one of your stores slashes all the confidence and trust I had on your chain and the staff.

In interest of your valuable time, I will keep my story short. However, I have attached a PDF which gives a much detailed look in to my frustration. On 5/6/10, I took my car to store #820 (order #**, transaction #**) to inspect and fix my check engine light, knocking sound and driving in a very low power added with engine vibrations. The service adviser Pedro attended my order and performed a full drivability diagnostic. He reported a big list of things to be done with a broken gasket seal as a main problem. I agreed to do everything he wanted me to do (pay for) except for a new battery and tie rod replacement, which were not real problems I was facing. He promised me that by doing all the repairs I agreed to, the knocking sound, low power drive and check engine light would go off and are protected by the warranty. I also got my brakes serviced. The total of this bill was $732.36. There was also an attempt to extract some more money from, which is detailed in the PDF.

However, it has been 48 days, car in the store for 16 nights, 11 visits to the store, 2 day-offs from work, at least 30 phone calls, but the car is not fixed yet! The car is still in the store. I live (in a suburb) and work about 10 miles away from the store. You can imagine the financial toll it takes on a common man to pick up/drop the car 7 times. To pick up or drop the car, eventually one way of the trip becomes a cab ride. Four complete days the car was in the store, I need to rent a car. All of these frustrations and problems have been explained to the store manager (Israel) on 6/17/10. In spite of all these financial losses I am incurring each and everyday, I even requested the manager to just return my $732.36 even though I have already shelled out more than thrice of it (days off, cab rides, rental cars), but that has not happened.

The most basic request I had was to at the least promptly call me and update about my car, rather than me trying to hunt him or his staff - that is also not happening. On 6/17/10, he told me that he is taking the car to a dealer to get it fixed and I would receive a call not later than 6/21/10, but no call until this moment. In all of these 48 days, I have received just one call from the store. I did also insist upon my interest to get in touch with the corporate office. Throughout this frustrating episode, I have dealt with the manager and other staff with utmost patience and respect. However, it seems like people with patience and respect will be taken advantage of. I have been blatantly lied to as described in the PDF.

Given the huge establishment your company is and the good reputation it has in general, I believe this is just a stray incident which can be fixed. I hope that you or your staff can intervene and help me out and would compensate me in a fair way. I am just not able to handle this financially. I can be contacted by email at ** or by phone at ** ."

They said it would be ready that evening. When I called to confirm, I was told the car will not be ready till the following day in the afternoon (Thursday). Due to working a double shift, I was not able to pick up the car until Friday morning. I picked up the car on Friday and it sounded like a freight train and was shacking and vibrating. I drove it around the block and took it right back to Pep Boys. I spoke with Jim, the service manager, and explained what the car was doing. The car did not shake, vibrate or make horrible noises when I dropped it off on April 7, 2010. On Saturday, they called me to come in and pick up the car. It was still vibrating, shaking and making noise. They where unable to fix the problem. Jim (service manager) told me it was the Hyundai's problem. I drove the car home (four blocks away) parked it and brought it to Hyundai that Monday.

Hyundai evaluated the car on April 12, 2010 and stated that Pep Boys over torqued the timing belt and damaged the power steering pump. Hyundai provided this in writing, see attached. Hyundai advised to drive it right back to Pep Boys (two blocks away) and no further because the car would break down. I drove the car from Hyundai to Pep Boys and gave them the paperwork Hyundai provided on the work that was done by Pep Boys. Jim of Pep Boys told me that Hyundai was crazy and did not look at my car. He then took the keys and said we will look at it. I then went home and called corporate (for Pep Boys) to file a complaint due to the way I was being treated and the fact that they had not fixed my car. I then called Pep Boys to check on the status of my car and Jim stated he had three techs working on the car, he said they fixed and belt replaced the pump, but could not figure out why the car was shaking.

Jim then said he believed I would need new motor mounts. I explained to Jim that my car came in for a steering pump and now it needs all this work. Nothing was broken when I dropped it off and that I was not paying for what they broke. Jim said he would not charge me for the mounts. Monday, April 12, I am still without a car from April 7th Tuesday to April 13th. The car is still not done. Wednesday, Pep Boys called and stated the car was done. I picked up the car and the power steering pump was whining and the car was still vibrating. I called corporate again and left a message because I still had not received a return phone call. Finally, Thursday morning, Dave the field manager called me and said I need to drive the car 200 miles to let everything settle in.

I called corporate again and spoke with Cheryl, complaint department manager. Cheryl said they closed my case. When I asked Cheryl why my case was closed, she didn't have any answers for me. Just the name of the person who did it, Terry **, no email, phone number etc. No way to contact this person. I then called corporate back and got Mr. **'s voicemail and left him two messages and left a message for the field manager Dave. No one returned my calls. Jim called me on the following Thursday and asked that I bring the car back to him. I dropped the car off. Jim called on Friday and said the car was ready. He said they replaced the pump again, vibration is still happening. Jim then informed me that my business there was complete. I asked him what does that mean, you have not fixed what you did to the car and he simply said your keys are at the front desk and your business with us is complete!

End result. I have a car that is still vibrating, was without a car for almost 2 weeks and was treated horribly. The car is still vibrating. They refused to fix it and I do not feel that they should be paid for a job that was never completed.

On Sunday, May 2, 2010, I came back to Pep Boys and left the car until Monday because the guys who work in my car work Monday. On Monday my wife and I go to see what happened with the car and it was not ready. They supposedly installed three different water pumps and the noise did not stop. They were waiting for original parts of GM. The Service Manager is not a professional. He has a really bad attitude and was really rude with me and my wife. I called Service Relations and they promised me the car would be ready in 24 hours. Now I'm waiting till they fix my car. They do not call me to let me know what happened with my car. I took two days off in my job without pay because my wife needed the other car all day because she worked on the road.

They decided to call a Radiator shop and yes they had them which they were going to sell to establishment for $44.00 for the both of them. I stood there and listened to the guy on the phone and asked him about the price and so I said how much will they cost me. Okay, so they are now $95.00 a piece to me plus I think it is labor of $98.00. My question is how do [they] go about [their] price? There is no set price for Hoses. Do [they] have a certain mark-up? I also asked about the Satisfaction Guarantee posting on the wall. If you're not happy with the service, they will fix it for Free or Refund. Really no answer from the serviceman.

My question also is why weren't these Hoses found out the first time I was in? They just don't go bad in one day. So now, I am waiting for the store to get the parts from the Radiator shop and since I work on weekends sometimes and during the week, it is very hard for me to get in there. I am not trying to cause any problem. I am just trying to figure out how this works. I need to take care of my vehicle and don't really have the money to spend. I think there should be some type of compromising in this situation. Please think this over and get back to me. I really appreciate it.

A customer service request form was signed for repairs and the vehicle was left at the shop. During this ordeal, this was the last time I was able to talk to him. A few hours passed, I received a telephone call from Mr. Edward **. I was informed it would cost $510.00 to repair the vehicle. We authorized the repairs to be done immediately. Later that evening, we picked up the vehicle and were informed by Mr. Edward **. He clearly stated all repairs oil leaks, power steering and water leak were taken care. As we were leaving the premises, we were able to have a conversation with your mechanic representative, Mr. James. He explained to us the problem was not solved, additional parts were needed. I replied, how could this be? This was not what Mr. Edward ** informed us just now.

On the spot, I confronted Mr. Edward ** and the shop mechanic together. To my amazement, there was two different opinion of the vehicle your mechanic stated that he wrote down his diagnosed on the work sheet. The shop work sheet was missing or was removed, it was nowhere to be found. The shop mechanic was disturbed. Mr. Ed ** had no reply as to the mechanic's request. Truthfully, this was very embarrassing as to your company and your service to the public especially your present customers. We questioned Mr. Edward ** as to the charges and the repairs done on the vehicle. He had no answer.

His reply was, "leave the vehicle here again, he will correct and fix the vehicle and we would only be charged for parts only. Approximately $201.00". Later that evening, we picked up the vehicle and were charged an additional $225.98. I asked myself, there was no reason why I had to pay additional funds and additional shop fee when already I was informed by this service manager the work was done and complete.

Next day, April 10, 2010, we had to bring the vehicle back to Pep Boys because I was still having the same problems. Their representative, Mr. Ed ** refused to correct and repair the vehicle. He requested all our paperwork returned to him. We refused to submit and informed him he had his copies. He was rude and unprofessional in front of present customers waiting to be attended. He wanted to charge me extra for same work already done. I had to explain my vehicle problem to him several times because he did not seem to be listening to us. I informed him to repair my vehicle and stop trying to take advantage of us, they have charged us $713.62 to repair this vehicle and have not done so as per my signed customer service request form. He re-evaluated the paperwork he had and I left the car again.

Later that late evening, I had to call the shop and requested to talk to Mr. Edward **. He informed me that he would fix the two biggest oil leaks free of charge, but will not fix two other leaks. The car would have to stay over the weekend. I was outraged and very disappointed with his attitude. I decided not to argue with him anymore. The outcome of your services at this store was as follows: We were charged twice for shop fees which he refuses to reimburse. We are still having problem with the vehicle. Water is still leaking, steering wheel still stiff and oil leak continues! This is called robbery. Plus, I had to leave the vehicle four days at the shop besides all the agony I have experienced with representative Edward **. As a realtor who deals with the public here in Kissimmee, customer service is everything! I expected a much higher level of service for repairs from their company and I am quite disappointed.

I do not want to spend any more time on this problem. I expect a refund and vehicle repaired properly and immediately. I will be informing my friends and family about this experience. Their logo: "Do it right" is not in harmony with their service. On 4/14/2010, water leak just got worse. On 04/23/2010, I just called Mr. Frank ** and we talked about the uncompleted work. He had no paperwork or work sheet on hand.

He wanted me to take the vehicle to some other Pep Boys to have it checked. He refused to answer the telephone. I need the vehicle problem to be solved immediately. My co-worker as the owner of the vehicle, Erika **, did call Mr. Frank. His unrelated question, if she was my wife is not proper, unethical and unprofessional. Personal question, not related to correct the problem of the vehicle. He refused to talk to her and he hangs up the telephone on her. The vehicle is still heating up. Oil is still leaking and radiator smell inside.

Now after replacing the fuel air filter, they are saying that the computer has gone bad and I need to tow the vehicle to the dealer to get this problem rectified. I believe that they might have done something wrong and the computer could have gone bad during the replacement process. I refer to NTB-09-030 for Nissan Quest which says the battery is to stay connected when the engine is running to prevent damage to the vehicle's electronic components.

On 2/24/10, the car gauge was not registering (check engine light was on) for the coolant. We took it to the recommended mechanic and the test showed that the car was running too cold. It cost me $134.93 to have the thermostat changed because the thermostat that Pep Boys put in had a piece of hard plastic shoved in it.

On 3/31/10, the car was making noise at start-up. We took it to the same mechanic and the test showed that cylinder 2 was misfiring. I spent $193.06 for compression loss due to poor sealing intake valve. On 4/14/10, I became stranded on freeway due to overheating. The coolant container had black bubbling stuff in it. I had it towed to a recommended mechanic. They performed chemical test for head gasket/head failure. The test confirmed a faulty head gasket.

I spoke to Pep Boys and the manager on duty took a picture of the thermostat with the plastic piece in it and copies of the mechanic's findings and reports. He said that he would give the information to Anthony, his manager. Anthony called the next day and said to bring it in. I told him that I can't even drive it. He said to me, "We have lawyers too." He was very rude. We explained that we were giving them a chance to make this right. We also explained that we did not trust that they could do it right!

I called and complained to customer service department of Pep Boys. Our case number is **. In the meantime, my car sits at another shop. I have had the car towed four times and have run out of tows from my insurance company. We want our money back, including what it cost for tests, etc. so we can have a qualified mechanic fix the car once and for all! They told us that someone would get back to us in 48 hours.

At that time, Danny stated that these new struts would be an additional $100 + tax to order them and that they would be able to give me a 50% discount to help with the additional last minute changes. I agreed for these additional charges. Then in the evening, I received a call from Yolanda notifying me that the total cost would be $797 because the 2nd pair of struts did not fit my car and they went ahead and ordered a third pair for $558 plus the service fee. I did not authorize for them to purchase the third pair of struts as I was not informed that a third pair had to be rushed delivered to them.

I explained to Yolanda that I had not agreed on the amount of the third pair of struts because I had not been notified of the additional charges. She went on to say that they were recommending for me to authorize a tire rod change for an additional $200. I was in shock because the original quote I was given was the amount of $187 (plus I had paid an additional $98 for the initial pair of struts). I told her that the amount had tripled and this new amount was not in my budget at the time. She was very rude and provided poor quality of customer service. She stated she was only an assistant manager and that she would have to talk to a manager and would return my call before the store closed at 9 pm.

At 8:15 pm, I called to follow up with Yolanda and I was told she had already left for the day and I spoke to Edgar, the manager and I explained the situation. He stated that I should speak to another line staff employee, Donna. I objected to speak with Donna because she had no authorization and I needed to talk to a manager. Edgar kept stating that I would have to pay the amount and I told him that because I did not authorize for the 3rd pair of struts, they should take them off and I could take my car to be serviced somewhere else.

Edgar stated that if I chose to do that, I would still be liable for all the charges plus an additional service to get them removed. After 20 minutes of talking to Edgar, I informed him that I would go in tomorrow, 3/31, and speak face to face with Danny, the mechanic, and a manager to try and resolve this matter. Is this legal? Please help. The economic damage is that I cannot afford to pay $797 to get my car out of the shop. I had budgeted only for $250 to pay for the repair costs and now the total bill is $797. Currently, I am not able to come up with this new amount which I never authorized. What am I to do?

2 hours later, they call and give me a list of parts that need to be replaced, and the l/S control arm bushings are on the list. I told them not to replace any parts, just align it. Anyway, I picked it up and just paid the $69.00 for the alignment. Immediately, I notice it pulls to the left, just as when I dropped it off. As soon as I got it home, I noticed the bushing's I had painted were never touched. Obviously, they were butt hurt when I told them not to replace any parts, and didn't even attempt to align it. After complaining to the service manager, I was told to bring it back in. No way! I did it myself, as best I could, and got it pretty close. It doesn't pull at all now. Caution, the boys will rip you off. They will try to sell you parts and labor you don't need, and as in this case, charge you for labor they won't do!

They are refusing to refund the money, even though their paperwork proves their equipment has not been calibrated.

They have paid for all damages and just finally, they took the paperclip out of my alternator but I had to go to the Pep Boys at E Altamonte Dr, Altamonte Springs, Fl 32701. The Pep Boys has taken full responsibility of all their faults except for the bearing and seals in my front tire. I have been getting this resolved with their corporate office since December, but they cannot help me any further. The general manager Frank ** promised me to fix this on March 3 this year but my car has been there a week and the only work they did was taking the paperclip out that the other Pep Boys techs put in. They are doing this to me on purpose and they just keep saying most of their employees quit and they have no managers.

Yesterday 3/1/2010, I finally called the Altamonte police to make a report and I had my car towed back to my residence. This has also caused me to take a leave of absence from my college for one month. I have all the paperwork to prove they will not correct the problem they have caused such as work forms. These forms contain all the proven damage and horrible service I have endured. They constantly lie and say my car is ready to have me go back and then just for fun so someone else told me that and that person is not there.

All I know is my car does not work, I had my car inspected from Tires Plus beforehand and have their paperwork to prove what I'm saying. No one returns my calls ever from Pep Boys. I don't want to spend my income tax refund on a lawyer unless I really have to. I don't want to pay for parts traced back to junkyards which I can prove because they only just got their own parts store one year ago and be told they are new.

I need help. Please call me because I have witnesses and additional information if needed. Police were called. Car is damaged and had to be towed. I loss one month of college. No transportation. Incredible stress from this 2-year problem.

I called Pep Boys' tow line. It took them half an hour to process my information on my location. I am 74 years old and in all my life, I have never had an experience of this true trauma. I was shaken with fear and anxiety. I called the police to get some assistance, after waiting over an hour for the tow truck, I was told by the tow truck driver that my car could not be driven because of the alternator.

My bill came to over $440.00. I expected more from anyone who call themselves a reputable business to have competent mechanics. I had to ride in the tow truck which was like 15 feet high, but thank God for that. I am contemplating on a lawsuit to stop this kind of practice and disregards for people's lives. I want to thank you for your attention.

On the evening of Wednesday, March 3rd 2010 at 7:39:49, I dropped my 1998 Corvette off at the Pep Boys located at 106 Market Place Blvd for service to diagnose and repair the fact that my car would not start. The car was service for my car was coordinated by John **. Prior to this problem, the car was running fine. The next morning, I was informed of the service needed and made a joint decision on the service requirements and cost of that service. That afternoon when I called to check on the car, I was informed that they were still waiting on parts and that the car would not be ready until the following day. As a result, I had no choice but to make other arrangements for transportation. The next day, I was given a similar story and informed that additional services were needed on the car.

I authorized additional service at additional cost to me in good faith that the car would be ready and road-worthy that afternoon. Following work on Friday, March 5th at 3:07PM, I paid for all services rendered and was given the keys to drive my car off the lot as though it was fully repaired and safe to drive. Instead, I discovered that the car was in very bad and dangerous running condition.

Apparently, the mechanic who performed the work, Michael **, chose to ignore those dangerous issues when deciding to release the car back to me, the customer. Upon pulling out of the store, I discovered that the car would not change gears until it reached almost 4000 RPMs and that the car would not idle. The car died at each stop sign and red light encountered as I drove to return the car to the store. The car was unsafe to drive and was obviously not road-worthy when released to me after full payment for services rendered.

Thankfully, an accident due to the condition of the car immediately upon release to me was avoided and I arrived back at the Pep Boys where services were rendered to inform them of the new problems caused by their work on the car, problems that did not exist prior to services performed by Pep Boys. Upon my arrival, I was informed that they would not be able to reassess my car until the following morning. I informed the service manager that I had paid in full, almost $600, for their service that had taken a day and half longer than advertised and of my frustration and loss of confidence in the service provided by Pep Boys on my car. At the same time, I also informed the service manager of the fact that my car was unsafe to drive as a result of their service after being released to me as though it had been fully repaired.

It was reiterated to me by the service manager that there was nothing he could do for me or my car until the following morning. As a result, I had no option other than to park the car at a friend's house who lived close by and make transportation arrangements for yet another day. The next morning, Saturday, March 6th 2010, I called the service department at Beaty Chevrolet and described in detail the services and parts performed by Pep Boys as well as the symptoms that were resultant of that service in hopes that the service department at the dealership might be able to repair the damage done by Pep Boys. I was informed that based upon the parts replaced, service provided and the symptoms exhibited following the service, the problem was a timing issue and that it takes specific expertise and equipment to get the timing set properly after replacing the distributor as had been done by Pep Boys.

Unfortunately, the service department at Beaty could not service my car until the following Monday, so I reluctantly took the car back to Pep Boys at 10:03AM on Saturday, March 6th 2010 after calling them to gain assurance that they could and would fix the issues of dieing at stops (inability to idle when at rest) and the excessive RPMs required for the automatic transmission to shift gears - both problems that did not exist prior to work performed by Pep Boys at their facilities at Market Place Blvd in Knoxville, Tennessee.

I asked the service department at Pep Boys specifically if they had the equipment and expertise required to fix the car properly and they assured me that they do and would. After waiting for a reassessment by the mechanic, he came out of the garage and indicated to me that additional services would be required for my car to run properly. When I asked the mechanic why I should have to pay for additional services to repair problems that did not exist prior to his service on the car, he informed me that the car came in on a "trailer" and that he felt the car had these problems prior to his service on the car. At that point, the service representative stepped in to take the mechanic back out to the shop, talked to him for a few moments and returned to inform me that he had instructed the mechanic to go ahead and complete the remaining repairs to the car and that they would be completed at no additional cost to me.

I was also informed that, once again, they would need to order some parts to complete the repairs needed and that the car would not be ready until late that afternoon. Stranded, I called a friend to provide transportation once again while I waited on my car. Late Saturday evening, at 5:52PM when the service department was preparing to close, I received a call informing me that my car was once again ready for me to pick up. Upon my arrival at Pep Boys, one of the service managers arrived after test driving my car and once again, released the car to me as though it was repaired. Once again, immediately after leaving Pep Boys, the same problems still existed and it was readily apparent to me that the service personnel at Pep Boys were simply incapable of repairing my car properly.

Leaving the car with my friend and making other transportation arrangements once again, I made the decision to have my car towed to the Chevrolet Dealership to be repaired properly and avoid the potential of an accident while driving the car in its condition following iterative attempts at repair by Pep Boys. Today is Sunday, March 7, 2010, a full three after seeking service and repair to my car at Pep Boys and I am still stranded without transportation. If not for the kindness of friends and availability of resources to rent a car for transportation, I would still be completely stranded due to the condition of my car following Pep Boys' failed attempts at servicing it properly. This afternoon, I will have my car towed to the Chevrolet Dealership for repair and rent another car in order to get to work Monday morning.

I am very disgruntled with the service attempts, misrepresentations and incompetence demonstrated by both the managers and the mechanic who were involved with the work on my car. My time is worth a lot to me, particularly on the weekends. Not only have I lost transportation during these failed service attempts, I have lost time in waiting. It is my contention that a full refund for the amount I paid to Pep Boys to repair my car is the very least that Pep Boys should do at this point. In addition, the executive management at Pep Boys should be made aware of the potential liabilities associated with this kind of incompetence. Had an accident occurred, Pep Boys would be fully liable for all harms done as a result of the accident.

It is my hope that this is an isolated incident and that the executive management at Pep Boys will take immediate action to remedy this potentially tragic situation. Sunk cost (almost $600) of repair service at Pep Boys must be repaid to a reputable service provider. In addition, car rental for 5 days ($29/day) has been incurred.

Well, 1 hour later (because everyone was at lunch as indicated by Lou), the battery diagnostic was done and it was relayed to us it had no charge and that most likely would be alternator and a new battery would run us approx $130. We accepted the cost, in turn they ran the alternator diagnostic only to tell me it was ruined and they would not have one till the following day at approx another $211 and that the charge life of the battery would only last 45mins? I refused to leave the car and took my chances and drove away to obtain a second opinion in my area. (I returned to obtain my dead battery and they stated they would charge me(!) $10 for it, so I left it)

I had a second opinion done with another mechanic and he stated that the bolt to alternator was broken off that caused power to battery, and that the alternator was fine. The cost to fix this item was only $5.

He re-evaluated it again and came out with another figure. I said, "For what?" He answered for not coming in for the past 4 months so he added an additional charge. I responded, "What does that have to do with the work being done?" He re-evaluated the price to $149.00. I asked him again, "How much do I owe,?" And he finally came out to the same price I calculated of $139.00 includes tax. This price is for the labor rate of $111 plus $25 for the anti-freeze. I am so upset on how we are being taken advantage of by Pep Boys. I have been bringing my 3 vehicles to them for 25 plus years.

I think what happen is, the mechanic was very overweight and by leaning on the radiator to replace the water pump he caused damage. I only had to pay for the radiator and not labor after an argument that is, $177.00. Mechanic Nick worked on it this time. I had to miss 4 hours of work. I drove to work and the truck was not running right. I parked the truck at work and there is a big leak on the opposite side of the radiator. I can't bring it in for service because I have to work. I check fluids constantly plus I would never go there again. I have lost about $1,500.00 so far and more to follow because I have to take it somewhere else. I work very hard for my money and I don't want some auto repair place trying to rip me off because they think I don’t know anything about cars. This is just not right but I'm sure they will get away with this and do it to other people.

On Friday, January 16, 2009, they informed me that I could come and pick the car up. When I got there, Joey stated that the car was not actually ready because the technician had put too much coolant in the car and it was running hot. He indicated that they were in the process of trying to get the air out of the line. After waiting about an hour, they told me that the car was ready but if it continued to run hot, to make sure that I bring it back. I thought this was odd, but went on ahead and paid the charges for the repairs.

After only going an exit up the highway, the temperature gauge started going past the halfway mark. I immediately turned around and went back to Pep Boys. The mechanic had already left so I had to leave my car. They kept the car overnight, and the next day, Roger informed us that the radiator could be the cause of it running hot. He said that they would not charge me labor for putting it on. We told him that was highly unlikely since that radiator was only four-months old and the car was not running hot before. We then asked Roger if the mechanic had bled the line; they had not. After they bled the line, Roger informed me everything was fine and that I could come and pick the car up. After driving the car for less than a week, the temperature gauge went past the half way mark again. A call was placed to Roger the next day and he informed us again that the radiator was probably the cause.

On Saturday, February 14, 2009, I dropped the car off to have the radiator replaced as he recommended. After changing the radiator, they discovered that was not the problem at all. They then went on to replace the water pump and the thermostat and informed us that the car was still getting hot. We then asked if they torque the gasket down correctly, and presumed they went on ahead and did this because on Sunday, February 22, 2009, they told us that the car was ready.

After having the car returned the second time, I was a little leery in wondering if the car was going to run hot again. The car was fine for a few days until Thursday, February 26, 2009. I was at the light and the gauge went past the halfway mark again. I pulled into a parking lot and let the car cool down. I tried to add water, which it did not need since the fluids were full. A call was placed to Roger again and he told us to bring the car in. The car was subsequently placed in the shop a third time on Saturday, February 28, 2009. On Monday, March 2, 2009, Roger informed us that the problem was in the head, and that it needed to go to their machine shop. We asked why because the valves did not have anything to do with the car running hot.

On Tuesday, March 3, 2009, I called Roger myself and asked how could my cylinder head be losing pressure now. I then told Roger that my car had never run hot before Pep Boys got their hands on it. He replied by stating that that it was. I asked how could a car run hot and I not know it. I told him that the car had never emitted steam or smoke indicating overheating. He stated that it was smoking from the tail pipe. I told him this had never happened. I always check my mirrors so I would have noticed this. I then told him again that I did not have this problem before I brought it to Pep Boys.

I then asked if the timing belt jumps, what would be the need to have to do gasket work on the car at all. He then rudely stated that the problem was the head. I told him again that did not have anything to do with the car getting hot. He stated that we could come and get the cylinder head and have the machine shop look at, but once they break it down this time, that he is done with it. Roger stated on March 3, 2009 that once the head came back to them this time and they put everything back together, if the car runs hot again, then they will not look at it again. I found this to be totally unacceptable.

On Thursday, March 5, 2009, I picked the cylinder head up from Pep Boys. On Friday, March 6, 2009, the head was dropped off at the machine shop to check the engine valves to make sure that they were seated properly and also to check for leaks. The machinist contacted us a few hours later and stated that there was nothing wrong with the cylinder head. He stated that all valves were seated properly and that none of the cylinders were losing pressure. We then called Pep Boys to inform Roger of this information. We picked the head up and dropped it off at Pep Boys that night.

On Saturday, March 7, 2009, we received a call from Roger who then informed us that maybe it was the parts they were using in the car. He stated that Pep Boys carried generic parts and that he would be ordering the parts from the dealer this time. On Saturday, March 14, 2009, Roger called around 3:00 p.m. and stated that they had put the car back together but wanted to keep the car until around 8:00 p.m. to make sure that the car was not running hot. On Sunday, March 15, 2009, I went to pick up the car and on my way home, the car ran hot again! I am so disappointed.

Based on all the information Pep Boys was telling me, they replaced the radiator, which was never the problem. They replaced the water pump, which was never the problem. They replaced the thermostat, which was never the problem. They then said it was the cylinder head, which was never the problem. They then blamed it on their generic parts and ordered dealer parts, but the car was still running hot.

On Tuesday, March 17, 2009, a call was placed to several Pep Boys branches so that we could locate the area manager name and number. We talked to the Marietta location again and the service manager Scott ** stated that he would be willing to take a look at the car. The car was towed out to that location on Wednesday, March 18.

On Thursday, March 19, 2009, Scott called and said that his mechanic did notice that the gauge was going past the half way mark. I told him that's what it would always do. I told him that I never would let it get to the point of smoking out. He asked if the car had ever smoke out before it was initially repaired. I told him that there has never been any smoke coming from anywhere. He stated that they believed it was the temperature sensor and they would order one. He stated that the part would be in tomorrow and he will give us a call back. I cannot understand why the other Pep Boys did not check for this. Clearly, they did not run a diagnostic on the car as they claimed they were doing all the times it was brought in.

On Saturday, March 21, 2009, Scott called and said that the part had come in and we could pick up the car. He also stated that the car was not misfiring as the Pep Boys in Conyers had claimed so many times. I picked the car up on Sunday, March 22, 2009, and the car has been doing fine. I have not run into any problems.

For two months, I dealt with incompetence with the Conyers Pep Boys. Over and over, we told the Service Manager Roger that the car had never smoked but he insisted that it was. That was never the case. He even insisted that the problem was the cylinder head, which the Marietta Pep Boys said the car was not misfiring as we had been told for almost two months. It makes me think that the Conyers store was just trying to get more money out of me or they really had no clue what they were doing.

It caused me stress and money for two months. It was unacceptable. If they had listened to my complaints about the car and really took us for our word that the car was not doing this before it was brought in and that it had never smoked out, they could have resolved this from day one. Instead, it took two months for the issue to be resolved by a different store. However, that does not take care of the money that was spent on rental cars and work that was performed inadequately. Even the Area Manager Charles ** said that it was not their policy to refund money I spent on rental car. Please do not take your car to the Pep Boys in Conyers, GA located on Northlake Drive.

All I would get is another set of these plugs that did not work. How would she feel if Pepboys put them in her car and she stalled her car wherever she went? Thank you for your time and cooperation in this matter. I’ve been going to your stores since 1983 in Tempe, AZ. Your man in parts was very helpful and told me to stick with the Acdelco plugs the car came with, but he could not get them for me; Genden auto parts ordered them for my car. I’ll be waiting for your response.

I called Pep Boys to let them know, and the mechanic said that it was my check engine light that was causing the car trouble, not the hatchet tool. I called to see if they would check my car to see if the hatchet may have caused any problems, but they didn't even offer to take a look. I was not please with their reaction to their mistake, which could have damaged my vehicle and perhaps complete destroy any part. I still do not know if the hatchet caused any problems because I have not driven it since.

A mechanic put the tire back on the rim and inflated the other one. My complaint is that I have had to go back to Pep Boys several other times because the tires needed to be inflated. I also had to have them inflated in WV during the weekend of July 4th. Each time I take the car back to Pep Boys, they check the two tires and fill them with air, saying that nothing is wrong with the tires and that they don't know why they keep deflating. The last time I went on July 29, 2009, I asked for new tires because these had less than 25 lbs. of air in them. I know this because I checked them before I took the car there. I was told that they were not going to replace new tires with more new tires and that there was nothing wrong with their tires, implying that maybe there was something wrong with my rims. I told them that I had no problems with the previous tires when they were on the same rims. They still refused to replace the tires.

I was so disgusted and disappointed. Needless to say, the tires are still under inflated and I have to inflate them regularly. I plan to go to Pep Boys on Monday, August 17, to see if I can get this situation resolved before one of these tires blows out and I'm in an accident, serious or otherwise. I want to mention here that I have been a customer of Pep Boys for more than 10 years. In the past, to my knowledge, I haven't had any defective parts. I have had good service. I thank God that I have not had any accidents, driving on under inflated tires. The consequences of driving on tires like this are numerous from being injured or killed in an accident. It could be injury to me or someone else on the highway.

Continuing to go to Pep Boys to get the tires inflated has been emotionally trying for me, and, being treated so insignificantly has caused me to be upset and angry with them because they treat me like my problem is no big deal to them. I don't believe they are looking at the bigger picture - that someone could be hurt or killed if the tires blow out. The only economic damage would be if I had to replace my brakes from improperly inflated tires. I am looking for a fair resolution to this problem.

I took it back to utilize my 90 day warranty, and was told that a nut and bolt that held the caliper in place broke off (now mind you I drove this truck back and forth to work on the highway at speeds between 55 and 65 miles per hour). When I asked how this happened, he told me that the slot where the bolt slides in has grooves that held it in place but there were not enough to hold it. He said they could repair it but it would cost me about $200.00 plus. I wasn't thinking at the moment about my warranty, and told him I could not afford this expense and he began acting like he was doing me a favor by telling me he was going to try to work with me and said, "What can you afford"? Then, I mentioned my warranty and he told me some ** and ** story that made my warranty more or less useless. We agreed on $100.00 plus tax, equaling $110.00. I had to call my son and borrow money to pay him.

When the job was completed, I had to call them to find out the status of the job and was told my car was ready. When I got to the repair shop, I was handed a bill for $299.77 for the replacement of a steering knuckle. My daughter and I protested this and demanded to speak to Luis. I was told that he was not in and this was the price of the job. I told the young manager that Luis agreed to do this job for $100.00. This young man asked me to wait a moment and picked up the telephone and supposedly called Luis who then told him to give it to me for that price. He then rang it up and charged me $84.80, and then said, “Well Luis is going to take the loss on this one."

Hold it, it gets better. On July 29, 2009, the engine would not start again delaying me from picking up my grandchildren from camp and getting to work. My wife called the customer relations people and spoke to Phillip, who put my complaint in the computer and said he would look into it and gave her a reference number (#**). I waited the allotted time. He asked and called back because he never called us as he said he would. On 8/10/09, I spoke to another customer relations manager 'Arash', who lead me to believe he was going to help resolve this issue. I told him the same story mentioned above, and he appeared sympathetic and told me to have the car towed to the garage and he would have the mechanics look at it. I specifically told him I was weary of sending it back because I did not want to and could not incur another expense. He told me that the tow would be paid by the garage and that my warranty was still good. He never called back.

Then, a series of calls to Pep Boys corporate office began over the following few days. I was given numbers to people like Jack ** who only has a voice mail directing you other numbers. I was referred back to the customer relations number where I initially spoke to Phillip and Arash, the supposed regional manager, Mr. Joe ** who has yet to contact me. My daughter contacted all the same people above again on August 13, 2009 and was ultimately given the same runaround treatment.

After speaking with customer relations again, she was told that the complaint had been kicked up to the regional VP Terrence ** and assured that I would receive a call back because "they generally do not like complaints to go that high in the command chain." That was after 3:00pm on August 13, 2009. Today, August 14, 2009, he has yet to return my call. This problem has caused me financial distress i.e. placing me in debt, left me without a means to travel back and forth to work, place me in a position of dependence on others unnecessarily.

By the way, Pep Boys told me my car was leaking oil and that the car was running on no oil. I also paid for a very expensive oil change. I couldn't believe that my car was leaking oil, because I checked it after a week and the oil was still there. I started my car, and the service engine light was still on; but the car wasn't leaking any oil. I decided to take it to Ford. Guess what? They fixed my car for $1026.00 and has been running perfect ever since. I told them what Pep Boys told me what I needed to repair my car, and they said no. Shame on you, Pep Boys! Big-time scammers!

A few minute later, he brought out my suspension belts to the alternator and the power steering pump drive belt. There was not one thing said about a pulling before they put the belts on my car. I got up to drive my car on July 28, 2009; and there was a loud, ticking sound and my car was warbling. So I took it back, and they took it back in the back, came back, and told me "Ok, we fix the ticking; and you need some tires." So on July 29, 2009, I purchased my 4 new tires. My belts were put on the car on July 27, 2009.

On August 3, 2009, my car stopped in the middle of a very busy street, 71st and Stony Island, that connects to Lake Shore Drive. (My car has never stopped.) I have to get it pulled out of the street by Streets and Sanitation. Two guys came from the gas station. Once they looked at the battery to jump the car, they asked who the last people working on my car were. I said Pep Boys. He stated that my covering on my battery was loose and it should never be loose like that and that it could cause a lot of problems to my car.

I drove my car home. Once I turned it off, it would not come back on without a jump. My husband jumped it, and I barely made to Pep Boys. Everything in my car started breaking down. Once I got it to Pep Boys, the gentlemen who looked at it, stated how my cable on my battery got so loose. I told him my car had maintenance there and I don't know what they did. My car has never stopped on me. I work so far to be having car problems. After taking it in to check, they said the battery was low and the alternator was getting no power. But they had to get a second person to look at it.

After about a few hours, they came back and told me it was the pulling that split the alternator belt. He said something must have fell off my car. I told him the pulling did not split the belts that was on my car and that how did something just fall off my car and that if it was a pulling, how could they put new belts on a damaged pulling. He stated they did not check it before changing the belts. So I said if that's the case, they don't know if it was damaged or not. Because the belts that they removed off my car was just cracking because of wear and tear; they never split, so why would they split now.

I had to try to get my car down to KIA just to get it fix correctly. Pep Boys' guarantee does not mean anything to customers. They have damaged my car. I pay them $218.00 to check my battery. Alternator and gas pump was all supposed to have been checked and protected. They could never touch another vehicle and will ever have because they don't take responsibility for what they do to your car. All they're trying to do is damage your vehicle to get more money. I want my money back for service that was not done right, and I will see Pep Boys in court.

They changed the wires, cap, plugs, and rotor, which I had replaced a couple months prior to that. A couple days went by, and they still couldn't figure it out. So, they sent it to an electrical specialist for 4 days. I found out that the guy wanted to charge me hourly for those 4 days after it was down there. I told them no way that I'm paying for that. So, they towed the truck back to Pep Boys, put it back on the machine, and changed the timing chain, thinking the slack was causing the problem due to high mileage. Then, they started positioning the sensor; that didn't fix it. I was told the computer was bad after that didn't work. My catalytic converter was plugged, and he showed me the broken honeycomb.

After I got the truck home, I looked around the catalytic converter to see if they pulled it apart. The bolts were still rusted, so I have no idea where they got the honeycomb. After sitting there for more than 30 days, I told them enough is enough and that I'm taking my truck elsewhere to put it back together. When I showed up, the exhaust from the header was still disassembled, and I found they put a coil on and was going to charge me for it without even asking. After disputing that, I took the truck home.

One good thing out of this is that I did get my money back for all the parts, except the fuel pump. The truck still ran rough like the timing was off. I took it to a Pep Boys closer to my home, and it sat there for another 2 weeks and could not figure out why it's running rough. I told them the Oceanside shop messed with the timing but wouldn't pull it apart to double check the work, unless I paid for the labor if that wasn't the problem.

This whole evolution was about a month and a half with no vehicle, and it's still sitting in my drive way right now, running the same way until I got back from Iraq. I will never use another Pep Boys, period. After a few days, I should have been told they didn't know what was wrong; and I would have been happy with the honesty rather than them stabbing in the dark and trying to snowball me with ** trying to fix it. I had to carpool many days to work when I couldn't use my wife's car for almost 2 months.

I called the number on the card and they immediately said my paperwork was in order and that they were sending my rebate check. Based on similar experiences narrated on ConsumerAffairs.com, it seems this is Pep Boys’ standard business practice. They deny the rebate claim in the hope that people will give up. This practice is deceptive, dishonorable, and should be illegal.

So I brought the "new one" home and this one did not work at all. Again, it looked used and worn. They are obviously selling used parts, probably bought off of eBay. I asked the manager, Ari, to give me a refund over the phone because I did not want to travel back there again. He would not. It is a very unprofessional practice to sell used and defective products. It makes me question what else they are selling that is used such as car parts that actually may injure someone. Buyers, be aware! Do not leave Pep Boys without making sure the product is new and works.

I drove the car with the check engine light on for about 30 miles, and the light went off. I assumed the tune up and all the work that had been done to the car resolved the issue. As the weeks went by, I had no issues with the car. Then in May 2009, the car's check engine light came on again. But this time, when I slowed down the car, it shut off and died, causing a traffic issue. This never happened before.

The time between August 2008 and May 2009 is a mute point, as I only drive from home to the park and ride lot and back eight miles per day, forty miles per week, and one hundred-twenty miles per month; the rest of the time, we use my wife's van. I had to set for about 10 minutes, at which time, I could restart the car and drive and within a few miles, the Check Engine light went off again.

I called Pep Boys, and I was asked if the Check Engine light was on, to which I replied no. I was told they could not pull the codes, unless the Check Engine light was on and to bring the car in when the Check Engine light on came on again. The issue with the Check Engine light being on was on and off at various intervals. On 6-19-2009, on my way home in heavy traffic, the car again died and caused a traffic issue. The next day, I took the car to Pep Boys for inspection as stated above.

Then I received a phone call stating the Check Engine light issue needed resolved before the inspection could take place. Several days went by, and I was told they had found the issue of the Check Engine light being on was caused by a sensor giving a false reading and that my car would be ready to pick up. On Thursday, June 25, I picked up the car and was told the issue was resolved. But I could not get the car inspected until the sensor was set, which required me to drive 250 miles to prevent the sensor from issuing a false error code during the inspection process.

On Friday, June 26, I drove the car from my home to the park and ride lot I use. The total mileage from Pep Boys to my home and to the park and ride lot and home at the end of the day was 18 miles. On Saturday, June 27, I drove from my home to the four-way stop at Susquehanna trail and Canal Road about 8 miles from my home. And again, the Check Engine light came on and the car shut down in the middle of the intersection. After waiting 10 minutes, I was able to re-start the car, the Check Engine light went off, and I drove to Harrisburg and back. Total mileage at this point was about 60 miles on the repair I paid for.

On Monday, June 29, on my way to the park and ride lot, as I was going around a curve in the road, the Check Engine light came on; and the car shut down. Another car in the opposite direction changed lanes to miss from hitting my car. With no ability to control the car, I slid off the road and just missed a tree. Waiting about 10 minutes, I re-started the car, park it, and went to work.

I called Pep Boys from work and stated the repair was defective. I paid $170.74 for the repair, and it was less than 100 miles on the repair that almost caused an accident. I was told to bring the car back in. This would have been the third time for the same issue. Spending over $450.00 for something that was not fixed correctly to start with. I started up the car and backed out of my driveway, heading back to Pep Boys; and the Check Engine light came on, and again, the car died. I waited, re-started the car, and drove it to a dealership to trade the car for another car. The car was not repaired correctly several times and was a definite traffic hazard and unsafe to drive.

We have been a loyal customer of Pep Boys for over ten years, and I have no issues paying for service that is complete and correct. As a matter of fact, I had my wife's van in for service, which I picked up on June 20 for a cost of $1004.66; and there has been no issues with those repairs. However, I felt I was a victim of Pep Boys's inability to correct the issue with my car. I just thank the man above that nobody was hurt or killed by their inability to correct the issue. I placed a stop payment on the check that night. I am requesting you dismiss this claim by Pep Boys, as I wish not to pursue the issue to the next level.

I will never go to Pep Boys after this. I will pay for the damage of my bumper. It's not as expensive, but all I want from them is some decency or honesty to admit it. I will tell all my friends and will be friends about my bad experience and I hope they will not go to Pep Boys for any service. This is the Pep Boys at Highway 153 in Hixson, TN. They don't deserve to be in business for the way they treat their customers.

My car was totaled. I have to bear the expense of purchasing a new one. It is only by sheer luck that my life was not ended by this accident which I believe was caused by a faulty product sold to me by Pep Boys.

The first problem was that the store initially tried to charge me more than advertised for the oil filter. I have a GM model car (not a performance car or anything). Who says that GM filters, the most common brand of vehicle, cost more than "standard" filters? Why wasn't this disclosed upfront? I challenged this and they did change the price. Afterward, I submitted my rebate forms and receipts. I am a lawyer and so is my husband. We keep copies of everything we mail and we are aware of the "fine print". I followed it to the letter. About the time the rebate was to come (4-6 weeks), I got a postcard in the mail that our rebate was being denied because the documentation we submitted did not show a qualifying purchase. I called the number on the card and the woman I spoke with said there was nothing wrong with our paperwork and processed our rebate the same day.

I am now waiting on the check (should be coming in another 4 weeks). In my opinion, this was at best an unreasonable delaying tactic on their part and at worst, a deceptive business practice of not honoring rebate requests even if properly filed. I hate to think how many people have also properly filed their paperwork, but won't get their rebates because they didn't get their postcard, they didn't call to follow through after getting a similar postcard because they thought it wouldn't matter (or they didn't have their documentation or copies) or had a language barrier, or some other reason. I think Pep Boys is taking that chance that people are not going to be able to document what they have sent in and they (PB) can just say "Oh well, too bad" rather than just honoring the legitimately filed rebates they have advertised.

On my way home from Pep Boys, the brake light and ABS light came on again. I called Pep Boys and took the vehicle back on 5/7/2009. I had to go out of town for 4 days. I left the vehicle with them to correct the problem. When I returned on 5/12/2009, I picked up my vehicle. The light was off and I drove about 3 miles and the brake/ABS light came on again. I called and told Robert I was having the same problem but could not bring the vehicle back right away due to needing transportation to get to and from work as well as other duties that required me to have my vehicle.

I took the vehicle back on 6/6/2009. During the time I was driving the vehicle, the belts starts squealing and the brakes were squealing as well. When I pulled up to Pep Boys, you could hear the squealing and I said to Robert, "Do you hear what I am talking about and the light is still on?" He replied yes. I left the vehicle for 24 hours.

When I picked it up again, the constant belt squealing was gone, the brake squealing was gone, but the brake/ABS light was still on. Robert told me he had no idea what was going on with the light and I said, "That was the original problem." He went on to say that they had to replace the serpentine belt and front brake pad again. I drove my vehicle away and about 4 miles down the road, the brake/ABS light came on. 4 days later on 6/12/2009, the brakes started squealing again.

Today is 6/16/2009 and the squealing is getting worst. My vehicle has been maintained at all times and I have never had any issues with it. I paid Pep Boys $1,200.00 in good faith to resolve the issue with the brake/ABS light and replace the pulleys but the problem still exists and I am not willing to let Pep Boys touch my vehicle again.

On the cross bar where the studs go through on the frame side, it has a concave. And on each stud, it has a washer/spacer that is convexed on one side and flat on the other. The concave and convex are supposed to mate, and on the flat side is where the shims are supposed to go. It is a no-brainer, common sense. Sal didn't really look closely at it and stated they probably had to do that for some reason. I simply said “No sir, that's wrong and there is no reason for it to be done wrong like that; check your books please.” Sal just mumbled, “I'll have the tech check it.” I thought he noted it for the tech. When I returned to pick up my truck, I looked it over and found they had done the same thing again.

I went in and talked to the customer service guy, Jim, and tried to explain and wanted him to look at my truck to show him the problem. He just said, “I am not a tech so I wouldn't know.” So he went and got the tech who did the work. I tried to show him what he did wrong twice now, and he was just ignorant to the fact and just said to go talk to the manager; that's the way it is. So again, I went back inside to see the manager. I tried to talk to him and he was not helpful. He said, “Just a minute” then disappeared for about ten minutes. While I was waiting, I found a repair book for my truck and looked it up and found the info covering exactly what I was talking about.

When he came back, he said he talked to Sal and he said it was right. So I tried to show him the book to show him it was incorrect the way they did the repair. Needless to say, he would not look. I told him if they were not going to do it right, then I wanted my money back so I could get it done right. He left again and when came back, he handed me my money and “Here sign this and don't come back.” Rather than take care of the problem and do it right, they chose to ignore their mistake and treat me as if I was the one who had done something wrong. Consequences: I missed two days of work. I still need to take it to a shop that has a tech who knows what they are doing and one more day now.

About an hour later, Andrew said that my car was ready; they changed the tires and oil. I asked him if my car was still making that noise, and he said yes. We drove around in the car and came back to the shop. He put it on the lift and then twisted the wheels and pressed the gas. The mechanic said that it was the wheel bearings. I asked him to show me the problem, but he said that he can't. I asked what if it was not the wheel bearings. Andrew then said that they will put the old bearings back on.

When we went back to the customer service area, I asked Andrew if it was policy not to tell the customer what was wrong with the car. He said that because he provided me with a courtesy by checking the car, he was not obligated to tell me what was wrong. I asked him if that was policy, and further stated that if there was something wrong with the car, he should have told me what it was and given me the option to either change the tires or the bearing. I would have changed the bearing and not the tires, since the tires weren't the problem. He said that I asked for tires. I said at first, and then I explained the problem with my car and you told me that you were going to double check the issue. He said that because he did not charge me to check the issue then he is not obligated to tell me anything. I said, but my car was making a noise. I asked him to take off the tires so that I could get the wheel bearings done, but he said that he cannot do that.

Then after calling and calling corporate, which was a waste, they don't return calls either. They said they would do the work for free. Another week goes by and still no truck. Now the service manager Eli comes back with "We will replace the engine for free." No calls and not a week later, he says pick up the truck and that they are not replacing the engine. They do not stand behind their words.

Well, when I went to pick my car up, this is the 3 store I've taken it to and when I picked it up and drove it home, it would not go past 50. My engine was straining for it to be a 350 high performance crate Chevy engine. It would idle high low, high low light would go bright, dim, bright, dim then so I took it back. They sent it back. What they said I needed I said, "Let's do it." So they so-call did. When they did what they could, now it would cut off on me while I was driving it. So they sent it to store 0383 and they didn't fix it. They said all they was doing is the wheel alignment.

So back to 0119. Again when they said it was ready, I was excited hoping I can finally drive my car. Well on the way home, it cut off on me so I towed it home and let it sit until I moved to California. They told me it was under warranty for 100,000 or 3 years. Well I got to California and tried to drive it after it sat and it started. I drove to a friend of mine. It made it there but on the way back, it cut off on me on the freeway. So it sat. Then I finally took it to store 0608, 147 South E. Street, San Bernardino. I got it towed to ** and told him what was going on with the car and they took a look at it. They later told me whoever put that engine and the electrical did a horrible job. They didn't even know how the alternator was hooked up. The wiring was bad burnt wires on the manifold, hoses missing on the carb, leaking from the valve covers, gaskets out of place on the water pump and the window was broke.

Well they said they would take care of it. They kept my car for about a month and 15 days. I went to get my car and I told a drive now my brake were squeaking. Car was still doing the same thing - engine idling high, low high low. Smelled like gas. Suspension was terrible. It was bad. Well, this time, my brakes went out on me. So I took it back again. This time, I dealt with the store manager. Beforehand, I did call customer relations each time and they would say take it back so I did. Each time I would call, they tell me the case has been closed. I didn't understand why. Well getting back to it, I took it back to be fixed again... They kept the car for about a month. I went to get it. The windows still wouldn't roll up - gas smell, engine still doing the same thing idling high low. It's cut off on me again.

I was driving through Bakers Drive, threw brakes went out again. Almost got home, car shut off on me. While it was park, radiator was leaking. The suspension is bad. It's not right especially for the money I spent. I spend over $6500.00 and I cannot drive my car to this day. I don't want to take it to Pep Boys anymore. I believe I deserve a refund and they close the account again. It's not right, not fair at all. Please help. I will represent myself and I am willing to do an administrative process and file a lien against them and get a judgement for triple the damages. I want to make record of all of what's going on. The San Bernardino store can tell you how bad the car was when they got it and they obviously couldn't fix it or make it better so help me please.

Since 12-5-08, I did not attempt to check the radiator or even open the hood. My truck is parked in a fenced yard on my property. To open the hood requires that a hood latch be operated from inside of the cab. I have never had to deal with a problem like this before. I trusted them that they were professionals and that once the hood was closed that everything was done and was in working order. I feel that it was a deliberate act. There was no need to touch the radiator cap.

When I get my van home it is smoking. Thick white smoke is coming out the tail pipe. I think it is the impurities I was told about. So I drive to work & home for a few days (about 18 miles roundtrip) for a few days striving to blow out the impurities. The smoking gets worse & now it is blowing oil out the air filter & tail pipe. I take it back to PEPBOYS & they tell me I need a tune-up that would cost almost $500.00. What about the smoking I ask? You may have internal engine damage - which we do not repair but you can take it to an engine repair shop down the street! I complaint to the PEPBOYS corporate customer relations department. The $500.00 tune-up disappears with explanation but my vehicle is still running bad.

Back & forth I go with my vehicle to the store & over the telephone with customer relations. Each time I get my vehicle back, it is running worse & there is a new problem. The final straw was Friday, Saturday, & Monday (October 24, 25,& 27). To make a long story short, Customer Relation Agent Karen told me to take it to another shop, get an estimate, send her a fax of that estimate - implying PEPBOYS - would restore my vehicle because of their lousy mechanic work. At this writing, my van is sitting on the rack of another shop with a $1505.00 bill but now PEPBOYS is reneging on the deal & not allowing me to talk to the Customer Relations Agent, Karen, who originally suggested this course of action. I do not have the money & I need my vehicle to get to work. Can you help me?

I stated that I had been promised that my car would be done and that I had to be on the road the next morning by 8:30. He then hurriedly said that he would have it for me the next morning by 8:15. When I looked at their hour posted on the door, I saw that they didn't even open until 8:00, so there was no way that they could have my car done by 8:15. ( LIE # 2) We went back in and insisted that they do the tire change right then while we waited. They then informed us that it would be an additional $2.00 charge if we wanted to take the old tire home with us, as the people that pick up disposed tires would charge them if they did not have a tire that they had service. (CROCK OF BULL) Now, we had already been charged a disposal fee, this $2.00 charge would be in addition to that. SO, now were being charged $1.50 disposal fee, a $2.00 take away ourselves fee, and later on the bill, I found a $2.00 TIRE TAX FEE, in Delaware, where we have no sales tax.

In addition, there was a strange mechanic he called in to talk about other issues not related to what I needed replaced. Basically, it was a simple starter switch problem with either a defective relay switch or a shorted switch on the starter itself. I explained to the above person that I was a retired shop teacher and all that got me was an inaccurate description of what He thought was wrong with it at the level of a fourth grade student. The conversation drifted to a $25. analysis, possible replacement of my new battery and cable ending up with a new starter to fix a strong starting system with a once in a while clicking sound when attempting to start the truck with the final outcome being an expensive repair service to fix a minor problem.

Is this a possible rip-off? No, I am no longer going to see Pep Boys for repairs as they are no longer the greatest service around at a truley affordable fee. The opposite is now true, at least at that location.

Economically, they have lost my loyalty and my account. Physical damage did not occur as I took my truck out of their hands. Condescending remarks and refusing to listen to a customer can be devestating to a business when the truth leaks out. Let's hope the old Pep Boys comes back to serve us with excellent repairs and courtesy in dealing with us.

The next day when I started the car it sounded weird and the rpm is high even though it is in idle, so my son told me to just bring it to the dealer. I took it to the dealer and told them about the problem. Later on I got a call from the dealer and was told that they need to replace an alterenator belt because they don't see one . I also got a call from the Pepboys and gave me an estimat of $1188.97 to repair my car.

To make the story short the Mitsubishi dealer repair my car and charged me $67.89, they don't need to replace the alternator or the master cylindr that the Pepboys told me needed to be replaced. I am just wandering, are they doing it to all the female customers because we don't know anything about cars? If that's the case it is very sad that we cannot trust them.

Bought 4 tires, rebate filled out at the store, Rebate center denied rebate, more to be explained below. I'll try to make this short by points, Shopping for Tire at Pep Boys and seller said that there is a great deal buy 4 tires and get 1 free with mail in rebate. We purchased tire on 05-26-08 and because of the nature of some mail in rebate and my past experience with it. I was very explicit and asked all the questions.

Everything seems to be ok since the STORE filled out the rebate and mail it out for us. I though wow what great service and this shouldnt be a problem. Well to my surprise. Today is 08-11-08 and I received nothing. After doing some research I found out that you can call. It is the rebate center telephone number. Before I call I figured it would be good for me to check the website. We all know how you get nothing done calling a call center all the way in BFE country.

Website was quite easy to use. I found my rebate by entering last name and zip code. The Fun begins, the Rebate Status Inquiry states (Non Compliance Mailed) and the only thing that I can see which could have caused any kind of rejection is (Offer Date Range 05-04-2008 to 05-31-2008, Last Postmark: 06-14-2008). Are they trying to say that I didnt post mail the rebate on time? Did I not sent it? But Wait the FREKEN STORE filled out and mail the rebate form the DAY OF PURCHSE!!. How can it be late?

A little confused and ****** off, I put a call to the 800-829-1420 number and no surprise. I get some one that is a little hard to understand. This is Ok because as consumers we are very price sensitive so I dont have high exceptions for service that is not the fault of any company. However, after giving the person all of the informant he requested. He said Please wait a moment while I check on the status? he then proceeded to say Sir, we will not issue you the rebate due to non compliance, in order for you to receive the rebate you must meet the rebate requirements. These requirements are this and that and you meet all except that you did not purchase the EXTENDED WARRANTY?

OK here we go. My rebuttal comes. EXTENDED WARRANTY? No one mentioned any warranty at the store when I bought the tires because of the special deal. Even if I was absolutely stupid and did not listen. Should the customer service staff know that and tell me that before he fills out my rebates? What is this? The bate and switch technique? Sir we will sell you 4 tires and even mail the rebate in for you however we will just omit to tell you about some required details?

I was HOT on the phone back and forth with the guys and he hit my HOT button and said Sir, you sign the rebate at the store, so what, did you not read it? I replied Yes, I signed and I have no issue with that however I was not told about any warranty at the store when I bought these tires. On top of that, I asked the customer service rep to fill out the rebate to avoid issues like these.? He replied Sorry, but we do not have to tell you anything.

OK this is when I blew up and told the guy to stay on the phone while I get my digital recorder set up and I wanted him to repeat what he said to me about WE DO NOT HAVE TO TELL YOU ANYTHIG.? I wanted to get that on recording so that I can let the whole world hear this. Well no surprise [he] hung up the phone! And dumb me didnt get his name. 2nd call placed and this time. Time I was sure to set up my recorder and get he guys name. The guys name was Nick.

After going over the info again he pulls up my rebate and said please hold and said please wait? and wow. To my surprise the guy game back and said Sir, your rebate will be processed immediately.?

What transpired? between the 1st call and the 2nd call. Did someone get scared because they said something incriminating. The We dont have to tell you anything statement. Yes, the problem was resolved and I got my rebate but believe I am no happy about it. Regardless, dear consumers. This tells you something about how Pep Boys operate. Please be careful when you buy something there and when it comes to rebate get everything in detail in writing with blood whatever you have to do. I am going to proceed and file a complaint with the BBB and than also email this same complaint to Pep Boys Corporate office.

I felt that upon initial assessment that a more realist prediction would have been that the car had extensive damage and was no repairable in 1 day. I was told that they wouldn't be doing their job if they said that they wouldn't recommend trying to do the repairs. The manager even wanted me to pay by gift card up front before the repairs were done because he was afraid I wouldn't pay if the car wasn't repairable.

Total bill $953.95 not including the towing. Had to rent a uhaul to bring car back to MD for a total of 313.88, not including gas.

I have called PepBoys and its always we have only one guy on the others have called out sickso we can't help you today but you can come in and I can look at it for you. Well I am an amputee and I don't want to drive 30 miles for them just to look at it. And have the belt come off again going there, just so they can look at it and send me home. I can see why the belt is coming off. The pulley on the power steering pump wobbles.

over $150 on v-belts need to fix and but another power steering pump

When I came back for my car they had put on different tires, Cornell 1000 P185/70SR14- so I asked the service manager - Mitch M. why they did this and he said that the Cooper Trendsetter SE does not fit my car- I know this is a lie because I have seen advertisements for this particular tire many times- then he said he would have to charge me a lot more to put these tires on my car- Why didn't he just tell me that to start with?

Also they threw away the original paperwork and printed something else out on the computer ( misspelled my name- I guess to make it more difficult to figure out what happened in the future) that showed the Cornell 1000 P185/70SR14 tires had been installed at the stated price for the Cooper Trend setter SE- 1000 P185/70SR14 tires. So this is clearly a scam- I did not get my free tire either, so Pep Boys is running a scam using the Tallahassee Democrat Newspaper as a partner in crime.

Something else - I also heard the buy 3 get one free on a local radio station- this offer was made without qualification or having to buy anything else. I was on vacation from North Carolina at the time so I went ahead and paid for the tires to avoid any further hassles. I am not certain if all of 4 the tires were actually new (may have been on the rack for years) because the DOT code on two of the tires was blank. If you go to Pep Boys to buy tires be careful - became they may run a scam on you to.

I did not get the same tires at the price that was agreed upon and did not get the free tire as agreed upon (buy 3 get one free. I am not sure ift two of the tires are actually new - no DOT code on two of the tires.

I feel I have been cheated out of over 600 dollars in faulty tires. I now have 3 new ones that I am watching closely as to avoid any more hazard potentials but I am very worried that they will blow out on me. Pep boys has charged me to replace defective tires and will not make good on this tire which has 2 pinholes which I only found by placing the tire into a large tub of soapy water. Had I not caught these defects in the tire I would have had a blowout which may have caused me to have a major accident.

The Mechanic there said there were leaks but nothing major. He advised me to take the car drive it for a couple days and bring it back. I guess it was to let the dye go through the system and he would be able to tell where exactly the leak is coming from. So i took the car back drove it for a week and made an appointment with them for Dec 11, 2007.

On the 11th, on my lunch break from work, I took the car in at Noon. An employee where I work picked me up because Pep Boys said it would be at least an hour before they look at my car. around 2:15Pm i get a call from pepboys telling me the diagnosis from the Dye. the mechanic said that there was leaking from the valve cover gasket and from the Oil pan gasket and the total would be $375. Since i didnt have much money I went for the least expensive choice of changing the valve cover gasket for only $90 and worry about the other one at a later time. about 45 minutes later pepboys calls me back and tells me that the gasket was glued to the cover and that it would cost me another half hour more of labor for them to take it off and put the new gasket. The total now came to $140. I agreed of course.

at around 3:50pm John(service Manager I believe) calls me back and said that THEY cracked the valve cover trying to take off the old gasket. He said he called all junk yards and dealers to see if they had a valve cover to get mine replaced. the fastest they can get one is either Thursday or Friday. In other words I need to leave me car there until they can install it, which wont be until the 13th or 14th. He did say it was going to be free of charge to replace the valve cover they broke. Now that was putting me in a tight spot. I am a Hardware Technician I need my car for work. I also have a 19 month old son that has had 2 febrile seizures which could come at anytime. I called John and mentioned to him about helping me with a car rental and he said that Pepboys doesn't do anything like that. He did say that if I can find someone that has an extra valve cover that I could get my car sooner. But pretty much i just had to wait untill Thursday or Friday and be without a car.

I have been unfairly inconvenienced by Pep Boys. I was told it would only take a couple of hours to fix. However due to their negligence its going to be at least 3 days. I am asking for rides to work. My boss wants me to rent a car. I have to ask to borrow money to rent a car. My gf was going to babysit her little sisters new born baby on Thursday Dec 13, but now cannot.

THe next day (6:30am) on my way to work, my car over heated, I was forced to have my car towed back to Pep Boys, the tow truck driver checked my radiator, it was empty, no antifreeze in it, the radiator had not been refilled. There was no signs of antifreeze on the freeway, or the ground of the suface street I ended on, after exiting the freeway. Upon inspection again at Pep Boys the shop rep. determined it was my heater core, this time. I was forced to have my car repaired, I was unable to drive it in that condition.

I spent 7:45am to 7:00 PM at the shop, and my car was still not repaired. I was given a ride home, the manager did offer to rent a car for me, but, if I had done that I would have to return to their shop the next day to work this out, and miss another day of work. So I got a ride to work from a co-worker the next day(Oct.2nd). I asked the shop rep. in advance have them save my old parts, as I had done at my initial visit, they did not do this.

The mechanic proceeded to pick parts out of the trash can and place them in a box, I am unsure if these are the original parts removed from my car. Before I left I ask that they go over all of the repairs with me before I drive away. When I entered my car my oil light was on, I asked the mechanic why? When I drove my car in the oil light was not on. He put two quarts in my car. As I write this report, my car is still not working. I've been without the use of it from Oct.1st through Present.

I am so afraid to take it back to Pep Boys, for fear that they will cause more problems. All of this cost me over 700$, Not adding the time missed from work because of this situation. I can be reached at my cell phone (818) 336-7993. This is not directed at the manager of the store, he did try and work with me, it's the shabby workmanship I am angry about. And the loss of my valuable time and wages.

He then proceed to tell us the problem with the car was an exhaust problem and that they told us that in the beginning and that they do not fix exhaust problems and state that he had told us the car was not going to be fixed with the repairs that they did. I told him that when I talked to them they said nothing of an exhaust problem and that I would have never paid $700 for a car that was not going to be repaired and that would be crazy for someone to give you that amount of money and have an understanding that the car was still not going to run. Khillings in the meantime said he did not care and that the car was also out of gas and were we not able to afford to put gas in the car that is when my sons father stated that we were going to leave the car there and that we still hold them responsible.

The next day I contacted Pep Boys Corporate to let them know of the situation, no one contacted me back so I called back and they said the Khillings said that he had contacted me and explained the situation to me. I told them I have not heard from Khillings and that was a false statement. The said they would have someone contact me in 24 to 48 hours no one has contacted me, this has been going on for three weeks with me contacting them about five time and still no call from them.

I talked to the service manager Sal. They put some more stripes and more bolts, not the originals they lost though. Now the car hits the ground every ditch. Sal did a fine job but he can't do miracles cause the guard has missing pieces. I went to car dealer and the damage is around 400 dollars plus labor and Pep Boys won't fix it. Pretty expensive for an oil change. I should have stayed with the dealer.

Pep Boys' response was "we told you it was an electrical problem" and would not even look at it. On Monday, I had it towed to a repair shop. After checking, the owner called and said that I needed a new alternator. I asked him about the electrical problem I had. His response was, "No electrical problem - other than needing a new alternator". He replaced the unit.

I asked Pep Boys to reimburse me for the cost, since the unit was under warranty and they refused. I took them to small claims court and was awarded judgment of $411.29 plus $50 in costs In Los Cerritos Courthouse, Case No. ** on February 02, 2004. I have not heard from them and I don't know how to proceed at this point. I can only see more court time.

I ended up getting impatient so I called them. They told me that my vehicle was ready to be picked up. Jay **, the store manager, said that he had personally driven the Bronco around the parking lot and everything was fine with it. When I went to pick it up, Jay ** apologized and gave me the keys to my vehicle. After a short while of small talk, I went outside and started it. I immediately noticed two things: 1) I had 20 lbs more oil pressure than I had ever had and 2) the engine had a rod knock in it. Without even putting the vehicle's transmission in drive, I turned it off and went back inside to speak with Jay **. I told him that the engine had too much oil pressure and it had a rod knock. While not rude, he adamantly refused to go outside and listen to it. Mr. ** said that he had listened to it previously along with other certified mechanics and everything sounded fine.

After a few minutes of talking/arguing, and obviously not getting anywhere, I asked for the contact information for the district manager. Once again, he refused to give it to me. Jay ** accused me of trying to start trouble and said that the noise I was hearing was my aftermarket camshaft. Although I have put less than 5,000 miles on this vehicle since I assembled and installed the engine, I know exactly what my motor sounds like. The camshaft is nothing new. I also requested something in writing saying that the oil drain plug had fallen out of the oil pan causing a loss of oil pressure in my engine; Mr. ** refused. I inquired about the paperwork when damage occurred to a vehicle in the shop. He said that the customer got nothing in writing and he would not give me anything in writing.

Before I became too upset, and consequently rude, I left. I drove 1/4 mile to my work where I immediately started calling other Pep Boys in an effort to get in contact with the district manager. It appears that nobody knows how to get a hold of the district manager except the store managers and they would not give it to me. I called approximately 6 stores before I received a call from Mark **, the district manager. I explained to Mr. ** what had occurred (he had heard nothing about it beforehand) and that I had magically gained 20 lbs of oil pressure over what the engine has had since it was brand new. I told him that with the rod knock, I was not comfortable driving the Bronco the 25 miles home. Mark ** agreed to give me a 2 year, 2,000 mile warranty on the engine, but considering how they were already attempting to sidestep their responsibility to do the right thing, I find little comfort in it.

Also, Mark ** agreed to tow my Bronco home at their expense and give me enough oil and another oil filter so I could change my oil when I got home. Once the Bronco and I were home, I started the engine up and let it idle for around 20 minutes. Then I changed the oil and oil filter. With the correct weight of oil in my engine, I had 10-15 lbs less oil pressure than I had 48 hours previously. I cut the old oil filter open so I could inspect it for metal shavings. It was full of metal shavings and sediment. In all of the oil changes I have performed on the Bronco, I have never had that much sediment. The following Monday, I called Pep Boys customer relations line and once again explained everything that had occurred. They told me that Mark ** would be in contact.

It has now been a week and I have received no response. This following Monday, I am going to have the Bronco towed to an independent shop. The mechanic will remove the oil pan and a few main caps and inspect the condition of the bearings. Through our conversations, the mechanic and I agreed that damage has very likely resulted due to the mistake of Pep Boys. While none of you knows me personally, many people can attest to the extent of my automotive knowledge. I don't believe the store manager realized it either when he told me a couple of blatant lies. Jay ** told me that an engine could be driven all day long with absolutely no oil pressure and damage would not likely result. Jay ** also told me that even if an engine has locked up due to oil starvation, more times than not, it will be fine once oil is added to it. I informed the district manager of Jay **'s statements of fact.

All this time, I make sure that all the gauges are okay. I went to work for the day. After a day's work, I tried to drive the vehicle to PepBoys for them to see if there was a problem with the vehicle. I drove a few miles and noticed that there was steam coming from under the hood when I stopped at a red light. I then opened the hood and noticed that the radiator cap was not completely tightened. I then called up Pep Boys and they gave me their 1-888 towing service. I called in for a tow and after 2 hours of waiting, the tow truck finally arrived. The car was then towed to Pep Boys.

The service guy apologized and told me that there would be no charge for the tow service since the radiator cap was not properly tightened by the technician. They did a flush, refilled everything and the next day I picked up the car. Now, I notice the car has no heat coming out of the vents. So I brought it back to PepBoys and they replaced the radiator plug on the bottom of the radiator. I brought it back home and parked it for a week. After a snow storm, I started the car and let it heat up while I removed the snow from the driveway. Then I pulled the car forward and noticed that there was a puddle of anti-freeze in the snow where the car was running.

I then went to Pep Boys and explained the situation and I told them that I don't trust their service anymore and that I'm going to bring the vehicle to the dealer. The service manager told me that it was a good idea and that it wouldn't hurt to get a second opinion. He even told me that he would pay for the repairs if it was caused by the overheating incident. After the holidays were over and we got a decent day weather wise (not too cold - remember, no heat in car), I finally brought the car to a Chrysler dealership. They tell me that the radiator is leaking on the top. I asked the service manager if this could have been caused by the engine overheating and he told me that since the car is a 1996 with 104,000 miles, it is quite possible.

The service manager, Ricky, told me that it would be another $72.00 for labor and $2.00 for the part since the wheel was a certain design. I had to okay the work, but was not happy about this situation. The part had to be retrieved from another Pep Boys. I asked the service manager Ricky if I could have the other bolts replaced since this one was weak. My thinking was if one is bad, I don't want to pay another $72.00 for this again. The mechanic showed me the extra bolts, but did not replace them. His philosophy was that if it isn't broken, why fix it. I was not amused with this response. On Nov. 20th, I returned to Pep Boys to talk with Ruben **. I explained the situation to him. He stated "if he was there, he would have not charged me." He wanted to talk with the service manager Ricky and the mechanic to get their versions of the event.

I spoke to Ricky and asked him what the policy is if Pep Boys breaks something on a car. He did not know. Ruben ** stated that he will file a complaint and a recovery of $72.00. I went on vacation Nov. 22-29th. I didn't hear anything from Pep Boys when I returned home. On Dec. 7th, I phoned Pep Boys and spoke with George ** because Ruben ** was not available. He researched my claim and stated that it was denied. I later requested a copy of the complaint, but there was no response.