Gabriela Bonilla
map-marker Honolulu, Hawaii

Rip Off and Bad Experience - If you send me to Toyota dealer please give me my money back

My Toyota Corolla 2003 has been diagnosed with a broken starter on February 4, 2014. I was at Firestone Dillingham, Honolulu, Hawaii when my car did not start at all. The car service charged me per their invoice a full diagnostic of the car, an hour of labor and an outrageous price for a remanufactured starter, supplies and tax.

The invoice is as following:

Parts $220.05, Labor including full diagnostic $196.84, Supplies $11.81, all $434.32.

I took the car home on February 4, 2014 and while I was driving my car stated stalling. I called the Firestone Dillingham the next day and I explain what is happening with my car. They told me to bring it back so they can take a look at it. The staff called me on February 5, 2014 mentioning that they acknowledged the stalling, they thought might be a calibration program but after they clean up the battery cable ends and throttle body the car was presenting the same symptoms. The service manager advises me to go to Toyota. I took the car home; the car is drivable but is stalling while you press the breaks. I called Jessica Lau on Feb 6, 2014 explaining that I paid a full diagnostic service for my car and if they can work it out with me. She said that they are not so professionals (meaning that they only do minor services for the cars and I added, yes for a very high price) in Firestone Dillingham and she will send me to Firestone Pearl ridge where the mechanics have a longer experience. I took the car to Firestone Pearl ridge to Luis (who is the manager in charge) who explained to me that if the problem of the car is not related to the starter problem (which was the initial problem); I have to pay again a full diagnostic. I mentioned to him that my first diagnostic was paid in full $109.87 and I showed him the invoice. Dillingham Firestone charged me for a full diagnostic of $109.87 and not $25 as they supposed to charge me for a starter. In fact the battery check supposed to be free because they advertise that. I was overcharged on a full diagnostic, now Pearl Ridge Firestone wants me to pay another full Diagnostic?

I already paid for a Remanufactured Starter Cold Region Style the amount of $220.05 when the internet and the prices around are showing that a remanufactured starter cost is $111.95 (see attached) and a brand new starter is $178.00. Firestone Manager, Mr. Luis mentioned that there is a law that they allow the service companies to mark up the parts on top of retail price. It looks like the mark up is 100% to me, according to my math.

The initial price charged by Firestone for the starter was $344.50 but I complained for the rip off price and they offered a customer satisfaction discount of $124.44 including tax.

Firestone charged me 100% mark up on a starter price, a full diagnostic for my starter $109.87 included in $434.32 invoice and now a day after I have to pay another full diagnostic at Firestone Pearl Ridge because my car is stalling.

I want to know why am I paying a full mark up on the part when in the invoice is not mentioned the brand of the starter as (Denso Starter (that is a very important task in the invoice), why was I charged a full diagnostic of $109.87 when I suppose to pay $25 plus tax and now that my car is stalling I still have to go to Toyota for a full diagnostic when Firestone is for very long time in this business and have professionals staff members. This is an old car, Toyota 2003 and should not be a problem of being complicated or sophisticated. I called Jessica Lau to request a reimbursement for the diagnostic overcharge but she did not return my phone call yet.

I want to be reimbursed for the outrageous markup of the spare part ($220.05 - 111.95*130%) = 75.52 plus the overcharge diagnostic which supposed to be (109.87-$27.22 (starter diagnostic) = 82.65, total $158.17 and that does not include my time off from work that I took to solve this problem when the car is not completely fixed.

Now I will take this money and spend it at Toyota for a new diagnostic.

Attached are the invoice for starter $434.32, the detail explanation of my stalling complain and an example of prices for the remanufactured Denso starter that Firestone said they installed.

Thank you

Gabriela Bonilla

808-398-****

View full review
Loss:
$200
Featured
Illona Wxj

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Manchester, Connecticut

Went to fix one thing, and left with a lot more

Firestone Complete Auto Care - Went to fix one thing, and left with a lot more
Firestone Complete Auto Care - Went to fix one thing, and left with a lot more - Image 2
Firestone Complete Auto Care - Went to fix one thing, and left with a lot more - Image 3
Firestone Complete Auto Care - Went to fix one thing, and left with a lot more - Image 4
Firestone Complete Auto Care - Went to fix one thing, and left with a lot more - Image 5
Firestone Complete Auto Care - Went to fix one thing, and left with a lot more - Image 6

First thing if your ever end up taking your car there, make sure u take it to another place to double check their work.

Took the car to replace the clutch and they started recommending replacing old seals and routine things, and then it got worse, couldn't drive the car for more than few days till I couldn't drive it more than two blocks,

They charged more than $3000

Double charged me for parts, put in labor for things that they messed up.

Damaged thing during installation and tried to hide it.

Took the car to another garage tires international, and I showed them the long receipt from firestone, they took pictures and pointed out that there are some factory seals that weren't even changed and I was charged for it.

Took the receipts and the picture to another head mechanic in another garage and explained to me that it a common mistake that inexperienced mechanics falls for, which made the second receipt which was for $1518.45 is work they're trying to fix their own mistakes with my money!!

View full review
Loss:
$3069
11 comments
Guest

This is why I do everything myself. Have a bunch of old fords and saved thousands over the years.

Those labor prices are insane. And mechanics are real crooks if they see someone who don't know.

Rare to see a 4.6L engine leak from valve cover seals( I don't see a head gasket). There are L and R gaskets. I have one from 95 and still dry.

Who knows though.

At that mileage the rear end could be leaking. That bill is very dishonest though.

The clutch though I would probably bring in cause you have to drop the trans.

Vianka Rpf

I would be interested in why you needed a head gasket replaced with a clutch replacement. That's on two totally different sides of the engine. One on top, the other on the bottom back.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Vianka Rpf

The clutch was starting to go off, and the head gasket they said it was cracked and they can replace it, but what i dont get, is why is in the receipt, its saying a set so thats two, why was I charged for two?

Is there a way to post pictures here, the se,o.d garage that i took my car to, took picture, of the things they found.

Btw fhey left one of the screws on the headgasket wiithout its rubber washer thing, the piece of rubber that you put it befor u tighten the bolt.. i mean getting paided that much and still lazy enough to leave something out, even if it was that small.

Guest

Are you an ***? Dont ever go to these fast lube places they are bs.

u need to find a independent shop that deals with your car model, or become a diy'er as i have done. I just did a timing belt on a dual cam volvo interference engine with waterpump,tensioners, and idler pulleys, I did the whole pcv job.

this is a 1994 volvo 850 turbo btw. I wouldnt be able to own it if i couldnt fix it myself.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-746297

Well that work was done on an 04 mustang gt, and i was taking summer classes there i had to find a place that can fix it, and i had to pick a place that when i drive back to kansas, i can a branch of them here if i needed to.

And good for you, you can do some work on your own car. None of what you said was helpful.

Guest

Hello,

My name is Tom and I am from the Firestone Complete Auto Care Corporate Office. I have read through your concerns and would like to see if I can be of assistance.

Please message me at social@***.com so that we can get management involved to look at your air conditioning.

Please include the invoice number from one of your A/C services in your message and your comments posted here. I also would like to advise that your warranty is also valid at any of our corporate owned locations if the Homestead location has been unable to do so yet.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-746079

No thank yoh, that was the last time i will ever step a foot in a firestone store.

And btw i just noticed since you mentioned it, my ac never worked the same after taking it there, my heater was working fine ever since i got it, and i never had to use to since the summer but when it get cold it was doing it job properly, now it feels like something is wrong with it. And its taking a lot longer for it to heat it even when its o. Max

Guest

Contact your state office of the attorney general & file a complaint, which you can probably do online. I would also see the area prosecutor. You might also involve a local TV station trouble shooter.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-746036

Thank you, thats what i'm doin right now

Vianka Rpf
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-746189

I sincerely wish you luck. Sometimes you have to put your trust out there and it gets walked on.

I learned my lesson about Firestone.

Not to the bill as you though. Close, but not there.

I'll never step foot inside their store again.

View more comments (10)
Anonymous
map-marker Sc, Texas

Lie One Lie Two Lie Three...Your Out!!! Goodbye Firestone

Called in advance by care repair professional on my behalf about Rear Wheel Bearing and got price and time by the book. On arrival when discussed they priced it as a full assembly when it is a compression fit..cheaper. The manager over and he said he would have to see when they get in there...(wait they year tells you the part.!!) They said two hour job when done. However they would tell me what they find before they begin being complete assembly vs bearing. I went to lunch came back and they told me that they could not continue and had a broken spindle when trying to install bearing. WAIT..they were suppose to contact me and tell me what they found my phone never rang...as in. what type for pricing. They showed me a broken part..and could not find it. I am stranded for two days. They had my phone number for contacting me at a lunch..yet continued to do the job regardless. This job escalates from 500 to unknown and two days loss. I will never used these criminal lying mutha ******* AGAIN. I WILL BURN THEIR NAME WITH EVERY CONTACT I MEET AND EVERY INTERNET ALERT I CAN FIND!!
View full review
Loss:
$800
Anonymous
map-marker Hilo, Hawaii

Too much wait time, not enough counter help

Had a 9:00 appointment but took my car in before I started work which was at 7:30. Only one worker at the counter, who was helping someone and five or more of us in line. Finally got helped at 8:00 when another worker came in. I service my car there for the reason of my tires being bought from there and paid for a lifetime rotation. On top on that, every time I call, no one answers the phone. I have to keep calling to finally get in. Now it is 12:45 and they still haven't called to say it's done. I tried calling but again the phone just rings and rings. Very bad service.
View full review
1 comment
Bridgestone

Hello,

My name is Tom and I am from the Firestone Complete Auto Care Corporate Office. I have read through your review and apologize for the inconvenience this must have caused.

I will be happy to pass along your concerns to the district in your area so that hopefully any staffing issues can be addressed. Please feel free to message me at social@bfrc.com with your review posted here and any additional details you may have for further assistance.

Anonymous
map-marker Englewood, Colorado

Firestone Complete Auto Care - Oil Change Review from Englewood, Colorado

I took my vehicles in a few months back for the $9.99 Spring check up deal that they had going. Not only did they try BS me into spending thousands on false repairs, but they also loosened my oil pans on BOTH vehicles so that they would leak. They then tried to tell me that my engine seals needed to be replaced and that it would cost around $2000 per vehicle. Instead, I just had to replace the oil pan gaskets myself which was a little difficult because they stripped the *** out of the oil drain plugs. I will never step foot inside another Firestone. They are crooks.
View full review
Anonymous

Poor Customer Customer Service

I went to a local Firestone on May 24, 2014 and pre-paid on my Firestone card for two tires. I explained to the gentleman that the tires were for another vehicle I owned and my husband would bring the car back between May 25,2014 and May 26, 2014 to have the 2 tires put on the car. I was told that was no problem and my order was paid in full and ready to go. My husband took the car in for services on May 26,2014. We found out the order was cancelled and this delayed more time. I called and spoke with a rude, unprofessional manager. I begin to question why was the order cancelled without my permission and he begin to state he tried to call me and my phone was disconnected which was not true. He made a statement that he was not sure how " you people" handle situations but he didn't handle things this way. I am not sure if he meant African-American people or what he meant however, he hung the phone on me and my spouse . I strongly suggest if you are an African America DO NOT go to Firestone on Cherry Rd. in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The store # is 10707. "We people" are not the people they would like to serve. Not only did I waste my time which is valuable but my husband wasted his time as well. That was the entire point of pre-ordering and paying for the product !
View full review
Loss:
$163
1 comment
Bridgestone

Hello,

My name is Tom and I am from the Firestone Complete Auto Care Corporate Offices. I have read through your review of our Rock Hill locations and would like to apologize for any unproffesional you and your husband experienced.

I would like to make sure that this is addressed further by upper management as we want to make sure you are happy with your experience. Please message me at social@bfrc.com with your review posted here and the invoice number from service or the phone number on your account so that a formal case can be set.

Anonymous
map-marker Hazard, Kentucky

Winterforce Tires Review

I have winterforce tires with 43,000 miles but 2/3 of tread still there but splits app 6 inches long on inside of tire. My daughters car so could gave been catastrophic so I am very angry at firestone.
View full review
Anonymous
map-marker Catonsville, Maryland

Never bothered to do the work

I had a set appointment at your N. Rolling Rd. catonsville Md. shop. for a simple tire and balance installation. I told them at the time it was very important that the time they set the service would be complete. Tracie, the service manag. assured me. i came back two hrs later and they had not even taken my car in their bay. This was so blatant an unprofessional manner of service. The service managers attitude was this is not a big deal. It was a waste of well of 1/2 the day for me for no apparent reason. Dr.Terrance Thrasher
View full review
Loss:
$625
1 comment
Bridgestone

Terrance,

My name is Tom and I am with the Firestone Complete Auto Care Corporate Office. As a customer that has made an appointment we strive to have your vehicle brought in and serviced at the agreed upon time.

I understand the inconvenience auto service can cause and I want to apologize about the extended wait you endured. Communication is key with our customer's, if a store can't accommodate your vehicle at the specified appointment time it should be made clear beforehand. What I would like to do is forward your concerns to management in your area who can contact you and better address the issue with our on-time guarantee. If you could please email me at social@bfrc.com with the invoice number or contact number on the account used I can inform management to get in touch with you.

Please include your post here in the email as well. If you do not wish to be contacted by management I can still create a formal case and forward your concerns to district management so that they can address this with the store.

Anonymous
map-marker Gaston, South Carolina

Firestone Complete Auto Care Oil Change Review

I have work done my truck when in for repair cost me 477 dollars they didn't put the windshield back until my truck I noticed it when l change my oil you guys was the last ones work on my truck I would like it replaced because it was on my truck
View full review
Anonymous
map-marker South San Francisco, California

Engine had to be replaced after work done 4 times by Firestone

Actual letter I sent to Firestone Customer Care To whom it may concern: I’m writing this letter to show my concern about an incident that occurred and ending up a bigger problem with the replacement of my engine. Not placing blame on Firestone but concerned that measures were not taken that might have saved me time and money in the replacement of an engine.

I’ll try to explain all the details as they happened and the outcome of all the dates and services performed. It got to the point that I didn’t feel that the mechanics know what was going on and therefore delaying the preventive measures needed to avoid the engine replacement. First let me say that I have been a loyal customer with Firestone and had many services done to my satisfaction as promised by Firestone and that reflected on my surveys. However this last incident has made me question wither I want to continue doing business with Firestone.

The Store “Firestone Complete Auto Care Wylie My Name “BLAH BLAH BLAH” Vehicle: 2000 Ford F150 Pickup I rarely drive the truck because my wife and I carpool and I only drive it maybe once every couple of weeks and only around town. June 27, 2013 Brought my truck in for a coolant leak, was leaking the day before and I was unable to locate the leak, it just started to leak when I noticed the coolant on the concrete driveway, I topped off the radiator with water and drove it to Firestone as I have many times before, it’s only 3.5 miles away. Dropped off the truck and waited for the phone call to let me know the outcome. The technician called me to inform me that none of the hoses were leaking BUT the Lower Intake Manifold was, this would require replacing the Intake Manifold and other parts, like thermostat, hoses and clamps and of course coolant.

Picked up the vehicle on 6/28/13 and paid $1,739.36 Mileage 142,384 August 8, 2013 Dash engine light on, drive to Firestone and they ran a computer engine analysis and determined one of the injector connectors was not making good contact, due to previous service done on Intake manifold, correction made and NO CHARGE. Mileage 142,384 August 27, 2013 tried to start truck that morning and heard a loud noise like metal hitting metal then it wouldn’t start, had to have it towed back to Firestone. They ran more engine analysis and determined that it was OK, it started right up and ran fine (In their own words). Drove the truck home.

Cost $112.91 (65.00 towing) Mileage 142,409 Sept. 19, 2013 Engine light again, truck made loud noise again and I could smell coolant, drive it back to Firestone, they ran an engine analysis again and determined that it was misfiring and needed to replace the Ignition coil, they also replaced a cracked belt and license plate light. They said that the smell was coming from the engine where the Intake manifold was replaced and that it was not leaking and was probably coated on the engine and just needed to be burned off as I drive it. Cost was $415.88 Mileage not recorded.

Oct. 15, 2013 Loud noise again and this time it was making a continuing noise like a ticking noise and very loud. At first I thought it was the starter and didn’t want to drive it so I had it towed back to Firestone. Firestone ran another engine analysis and determined that I had either a blown head gasket or bent push rod or bearings.

They figured that one or more cylinders were full of coolant causing a hydolock and causing the cracked head or bent push rod, at that point they recommended a entire motor replacement. Cost $138.89 (75.00 towing) Mileage showing 999,999 (Not sure why they did this) It was at this point I started calling around to other mechanics around the area and talking to several people and they all agreed that it sounded like a cracked block and that it was cheaper just to replace the entire engine. I called around and found that Christian Brothers Automotive would do the work at a reasonable price, cheaper than Firestone. After I told them the story and showed them all the collected paperwork from Firestone they did a full system check and found that two cylinders were full of coolant and a cracked head gasket and head and a bent push rod and possibly a warped Cam.

Either way, the engine had to be replaced. Oct.16, 2013 Truck towed to Christian Brothers and work started on October 17, and completed on the 21st. and in their honest option this could have been avoided if they had listened to the customer about the loud noise, this is a sign that something was amiss and the smell coming out of the tailpipe was defiantly coolant, also the oil pan was full of coolant, however the Intake manifold appeared NOT to be leaking and that Firestone should have done more to investigate where the smell was coming from and should have ran a compression check on the cylinders and on the coolant system. Total cost $4, 973.97 Mileage 142785 Firestones cost for the engine replacement would have been $7,125.17, that’s a big difference in cost and now I’m wondering how many times I paid too much.

Mileage difference between the first time I took it in June until now is only 401 miles, as you see I don’t drive it very much and Firestone had it several times and never determined what the root cause was causing it to fail in a way that required the motor being replaced. I’m VERY UNHAPPY about this. Christian Brothers also determined that the battery needed to be replaced and that since this was a Interstate Battery and had warranty still left on it, they suggested that it be replaced. Since I bought the battery at Firestone back in Aug.

2009, I took it back on the Oct. 21, 2013 and they replaced it at a collected rate of 85%.

Total cost $120.19 Mileage 999,999 (again, not sure why they don’t record mileage) Christian Brothers Automotive was caring and understanding of my situation and I WILL continue to do business with them in the future, when I pay my account off with Firestone, I WILL cancel my card with them. I thought Firestone cared about people but I guess it’s just a word and really has no meaning.

View full review
Loss:
$7381
2 comments
Guest

if your intake was leaking of course it would cause hydrolock because ford, being genius, ran the coolant passages through the intake. now, firestone did the job asked, and all was well.

i can't say that they are entirely to blame. when you walk in and ask them to look at something, they do just that, its not their call to say this or that, its their job to do what you brought it for. now, even if the leaking intake let some coolant in, the drives to there and back would have already done the motor in. coolant on the rod bearings and cam bearings would have ruined it down the road.

the motor wasn't hydrolocked, it had coolant in the chambers yes but obviously it wasn't an extreme enough amount to not let it start after sitting for presumably an hour. all in all, i would not place the blame on firestone, i would chalk it up to not checking simple things such as checking the exhaust fumes for coolant, not asking them specifically to do a compression test, etc.

Bridgestone

Hello,

My name is Tom and I am with the Firestone Complete Auto Care Corporate Office. I have read through your concerns with the Wylie location and want to apologize for the inconvenience this has caused you.

From your review I can tell that this has been an on-going issue and a cause of concern for you. I have located your case file and see that it is in the hands of district management for resolution right now. Please feel free to message me at social@bfrc.com for an update on your case or if you have any further questions or concerns.

I will be happy to help in any way I can.

View more comments (1)
Anonymous
map-marker Fort Collins, Colorado

High cost, very bad service, no responsibility

My car has 3 problems: sometime it hard to start in the early morning, break light and engine light randomly appear. I had come to Firestone in Fort Collins to fix these. The technician guy showed me many parts need to be replaced with the amount cost more than $1,000 (Valve cover, sparks, ignition and fuel vapor storage canister) including more than $450 of labor cost. Because of expensive, I asked him for the most important things I have to do replace to solve my problems. He suggested that I can exclude Fuel vapor storage canister at this time. I agreed with him to replace the other things with $500 with expectation that my problems would be solved. Before living, the technician guy firm that he guarantee for my problems. However, after 5 days, every problems went back. I had been back and asked and had an explanation that my car has 2 problems and they did fix one (hard to start - as they said) that why engine light still show up. They also suggest that I need to replace Fuel vapor storage canister with $637. It does not make sense that I came there with expectation that all my problems could be solved and now they explain that they had did one of them (even though my car sometime still hard to start). It means that they replaced some stuffs without meaningful. May be they do not need to be replaced. Never comeback again. I will never suggest my friends come there also. Keep far away from Firestone.
View full review
Loss:
$500
1 comment
Bridgestone

Hello,

My name is Tom and I am from the Firestone Complete Auto Care Corporate Offices. I apologize for the inconvenience this must have caused as I realize you were under the assumption all of these issues would be fixed.

However, per your message there were additional repair recommendations that you opted not to have performed.

For this reason, the technician should not have told you all of the problems would be fixed as we would not have recommended the services if they were not going to help. Please feel free to message me at social@bfrc.com with your review posted here and the invoice number from service as I would be happy to get your concerns to management for help.

Journi Mnk

Firestone put a bad part in my car & caused my head gasket and head cycliner to crack!

On January 1st my car overheated for the first time, I freaked and brought it to the closest shop that happened to be firestone complete auto care on union hills phx, az. I allowed my car to cool down then drove it to there shop. I dropped off my car and had a friend pick me up. They finally call me on January 2nd and said my engine block test came back perfect but they noticed a big crack in my cooling housing and that they whole unit needed to be replaced. The gentlemen quoted me 540.58 for the cooling housing,radiator cap and both thermostats I told him do whatever it takes to make my car not overheat. I picked my car up that night, I didnt do alot of driving the next few days then on 6th i was driving home from work and just got off the highway and sure enough my car started to overheat!!!! I freaked out and pulled over and allowed my car to cool and called firestone and told them my car overheated agian what the heck? the guy on the phone goes oh it must be your head gasket!I told him i would bring it by in the morning because i was very close to home. I drop off my on the 7th. They call a few hours later and tell me yup its the head gasket because it failed the block test, then he says or it could be something more but he wouldnt be able to tell unless he took apart the engine. I went to go pick up my car and the guy quoted me 1600.00 to fix the head gasket i drove home which was not even 2 miles up the street. I called back later to set up a time to drop off my car so they could fix it then the guy tells me out my tech doesnt feel comfortable doing the repair. which made me mad because he was the one who quoted me? So i found an auto shop a little farther away i have it towed to there shop they finally look into the engine the head gasket was bad then they noticed my head cylinder was completely cracked:( AND THE COOLING HOUSING PART WAS LEAKING! which is funny because thats what i paid firestone to replace . The Tech said it looked like a newer part but it was leaking off the side pretty bad. I asked to keep the part as proof that they put a bad part in my vehicle! FIRESTONE tested my head gasket before the repair and it was perfect! Then they "fixed" my car and putting a leaking cooling housing in my car caused my car to overheat again and thats what blew my head gasket and head cylinder this would have never happened if they put a good part in my car! I now have to replace the cooling housing once more and basically the whole engine. I called firestone today and the service manager offered me a refund for my service the 540.58 thats great and all but they should also be responsible for the 3500.00 its going to cost me to fix there *** up and for me being car less. Im a single mother this whole experience has been terrible!
View full review
Loss:
$4200
1 comment
Bridgestone

Hello,

My name is Tom and I am from the Firestone Complete Auto Care Corporate Offices. I have read through your concerns and would like to see if I can help.

If you believe any type of damage was caused by our service we will need to get our store claims department involved to investigate.

Please message me at social@bfrc.com with your review posted here and the invoice number from the related cooling system service. I apologize for the inconvenience and hope to have this matter investigated and resolved as soon as possible.

Anonymous
map-marker Huntington Beach, California

Disappointment on service and appointment

I call in 3 time to make an appointment with firestone and still have to wait for 3 more cars before mine. What kind of service is this. The clerk guy didn't book my appointment on the 2nd call, when i arrived he said i had no appointment with them. "What"...if i have to wait for 3 day for my car to be in service than firestone empolyee is not doing their job. Firestone is such a big corp, why does it lack on services. Time is money, If firestone does not respect my time than why do i or other peoples put time for this kind of service.
View full review
1 comment
Guest

i had a very bad service experiance to make it short was in and out for service 4 times in 5 weeks started with breaks and a tenshion pully they were in such a rush they didnt check their work witch lead to more severe problems in a nut shell they told me they had loosened up debris in my moter and now need a rebuild my moter due to the debris pluging my oil ports. my truck has 122000 miles. very dis satisfied and still have a 1300 bill and had to get a new truck because i dont have 5 k cash to get it fixed and was told sorry we dont do that type of work here

Jaymin Wjx
map-marker Charlotte, North Carolina

Charged for unneeded parts

Not happy with many issues during my visit at the Concord Mills, Concord store. Prior the last visits, your sales staff tried to run-up the bill by telling my Jeep need many more things other than an oil change. This trip(s) I simple ask for a coolant flush, pressure test and, if needed, a thermostat replacement. I was told that was the thermostat was most of the problem and the flush removed some blockage from the system. They ran the engine for 30 min. and everything was fixed. I had to take my Frontier back the next day for the same thing. Most or the time several tech telling about air bubbles trapped in the coolant system during causing the new spike in temp. Later, they say the radiator was clogged (blocked) and I needed a new radiator (?). Then, they say I needed new radiator caps (?) My suspicion is the caps and thermostat all along. I refer to invoices 087294 and 087337. I still have the problem of the truck running high norm during driving and not when idling - part of the initial problem. Before, the antifreeze would run out while mid normal temps. Why didn't the radiator problem show in the pressure test or flush? Somewhere I feel wronged. I am now having other techs investigate in situation. The radiator doesn't look new among other questions. If wrongfully charged for unnecessary items, a refund of a least half in not all will be expected.
View full review
Loss:
$900
Vianka Rpf

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Chicago, Illinois

Overcharged and under serviced

Updated by user Nov 08, 2013

Edit: To be fair, I need to inform that an $80 tow was added to my bill so complete cost of just repair is $350.

Original review Nov 08, 2013
I just got my truck back from the Firestone at 17001 Torrence Ave. Lansing, IL and found out why the price of my repair was much higher than even other Firestone stores around them. I was charged 4x's over standard price on parts.
I had the left front brake hose blow on my 2000 Chevy Silverado 1500 Z71 4x4. I had it towed to the above site on Wednesday night. I was ASSURED it would be done by Thursday night. Nope. Nor did I get a call the next day about it. I finally called at 11:30AM on Thursday to find out what was going on. Even though I had talked to them 3 TIMES the night before about the work to be done and gave them my info, as well as them having it from the tow, it was claimed they had no idea about the truck, who owned it, or what needed done. They had though, pulled it in and had looked at the brake lines. (So did they know about it or not?) I told them on Wednesday that I NEEDED my truck by Thursday night and I was ASSURED. Well, it would not be done on Thursday. It was FINALLY done at 2PM on FRIDAY. I get the bill and I'm surprised by the cost. $473 for replacement of both hoses. I understood why so outrageous once I saw the breakdown. I was being charged 1010% over cost for the parts! I understand profits are on parts, but this is ridiculous! I could have picked up the part at an auto store for $7 but was charged $80! What really got me mad was when I said I understand why the bill is so high with the part price, it was then tried to be reasoned with because "It is a hose that has fittings, on both ends!". In other words, I got the typical "you're a female and you know nothing' routine.
Even the HIGHEST auto parts store had the hoses for $25/each. At this price, the profit is over 3x or 300%!
So now my car is done an extra day later, costing me an extra car rental day and my intellect is being insulted.
100% profit on part, I can accept but this was quite high. They did 'appease' me by giving me $30 off the parts. That was nice but I still paid over 1000% for the part.
I also paid for a 'brake fluid flush' at $70 while my receipt says 'brake fluid replacement'.
For reference, The Firestone in Midlothian, IL estimated $206 for complete both front brake hose replacement. The store in Homewood IL estimated $229, and in Tinley Park, IL $272.
In all fairness, after I balked at the price, they gave me $15 off each part so final was now $430.
I especially love how they gave me a sheet with 'recommended' repairs needed. They said I need new rotors on my front brakes. Just $300 even though I had just done all of my brakes, including 4 new rotors and calipers. They also recommended '2' new tires. Just another $307. They didn't say which 2 and all 4 tires have only 20,000 miles on them.
When I picked up my truck, they did offer a Firestone credit card application....
A year before, I paid $320 for all new HARD lines for the rear brakes. Recent political policies closed their doors.
Needless to say I will NEVER return to Firestone.
View full review
6 comments
Guest

firestone LOVES to rip people off. I brought my car in while wearing a suit.

I happen to be very good with cars. They "claimed" my calipers were locking up and I needed brakes, rotors calipers and pads.... My brakes were BRAND new 3 months before. They also "claimed" I needed a timing belt because I had a slight miss.

The miss was caused by a dirty injector. I put in some gumout and it was GONE.

They are just lying cheating bastards that are out to try to get you. NEVER bring your car to a franchise like that

Bridgestone

Hello,

This is Tom again with the Firestone Complete Auto Care Corporate Office. I understand that we can't give you back the time that was taken when the vehicle was not completed by the promised time.

There are always going to be certain things like time and the inconvenience endured that we can't correct. However, if you email us and management feels our service was the cause of an additional day of rental then a reimbursement may be issued, discounts can be given, ect.

We want to do our best to keep you happy with our services and this involves management speaking with this location to make sure this does not happen in the future. However, the first step in this process is the email with the details previously requested.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Bridgestone

I'm still waiting on what details was requested. You stated "...the first step in this process is the email with the details previously requested."

I have reread the previous reply and no where does it state what is 'required'. All it stated was to defend the high prices you demand. I was never contacted directly or given an address to reply to.

Also, I don't need your management to let me know if they 'feel' it was your companies fault, I have evidence that shows it was your fault.

Having the vehicle the night before. No contact from the center until I initiated the next day. Being promised the vehicle that night and then not even get a call for pick up two days later shows who's fault it is.

The time stamps are a good giveaway.

So you say the first step is in providing details, but you have yet to say what is needed.

Nothing new it seems. Two different stories from one Firestone representative. Same as I got from the store front.

I am so sorry I just didn't go ahead and fix the brake hose myself. I have learned my lesson.

Bridgestone

My name is Tom and I am with the Firestone Complete Auto Care Corporate Office. I have read your review and want to apologize that your experience was anything but perfect.

There are many reasons a part may be higher priced at our store then can be found on the internet or parts wholesaler. The increase in price can come from our nationwide warranty on parts valid at any of our 2,200 stores, extended part warranty often above that of outside parts, or due to the high quality O.E.M or comparable parts used. We also offer a Price-Match Guarantee at all of our Tires Plus locations.

If you find a comparable service at a full-service repair shop in your area at a less expensive price we will match it. Since we always want to stay competitive, if you feel that the price you were given was not accurate for the service and would like me to investigate, please feel free to email me at social@bfrc.com.

Vianka Rpf
reply icon Replying to comment of Bridgestone

Good day Tom. I know you mean well but what good would any type of investigation do? So you can speak to this center about their unprofessionalism? Do you honestly believe it will change anything?

If you didn't notice, I was more upset over this center being untruthful about the time of the repair and having my vehicle a full half day without contacting me when I was promised my truck would be done by that night. The price gouging was secondary.

I knew what the problem was is why on Wednesday Nov. 6th, I spoke with multiple Firestone centers to assure my vehicle would be done on Nov. 7th.

As I said in my review, I understand profits are truly made on parts. The 'warranty' claim sounds good, but is standard in company/franchise stores. Manufacturer warranty is really what covers defective parts regardless of price or who makes the purchase. Labor is charged 'by the book' and reimbursed by the manufacturer for a defective part.

I was really offended when they tried to rationalize the part price by claiming it was something 'special' that I just didn't understand. Even the 'mechanic' who brought me to pick up my truck looked incredulous at his comments.

Why I had my truck towed to the Lansing center was they PROMISED my truck would be repaired by Thursday Nov. 7th. I verified it 3 TIMES before I had my truck towed there. I stressed the IMPORTANCE of my truck being done on Thursday. The ONLY call I received from the center was when my truck was done at 2pm on FRIDAY Nov. 8th! I had to initiate all other communications.

They had the information of who owned the truck, the phone number to call and what needed to be done on Wednesday Nov. 5th but yet when I called mid day on Thursday was told they had NO INFORMATION on the truck but did 'look at the problem'. They didn't know who to call for authorization but knew what to look at? Really?

As I said, I was given a couple dollars off when I let them know other Firestone centers in the area gave me a lower repair price estimate but that wasn't the main issue.

I was lied to on the time of repair. This can never be changed. I had to pay an extra day for a rental and lost my 'ride' to pick up my truck.

Irregardless of price, I was made a promise that wasn't kept. This was the reason I gave them my business. I was promised the truck would be done on Thursday Nov. 6th.

I can't just leave my vehicle and hope that it might be done when promised, and then not, as how I was done with my brakes.

I never would have mentioned the price gouging if they had kept their promise on time completion of repair. The excessive part price just added insult to injury.

An extra $100 for a rental I shouldn't of had to pay is what's really upsetting.

No one can make them keep their on time promise and I don't wish to gamble. Nor do I wish to be price gouged.

If you believe you can make amends for the failure of your center, then let me know.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Vianka Rpf

Never take your car or truck to a Firestone Complete Auto Care facility. You will be sorry that you ever walked through the door.

View more comments (5)
  • 1
  • ...
  • 53
  • 54
  • 55
  • 56
  • 57
  • ...
  • 71