Meineke Car Care Center
Reviews and Complaints

Invoice #31851 Nov.14, 2022 at Meineke car care center#2527 5833 W.Tropicana Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89103. My brake light is on. I want to replace brake light bulb which I did last time cost me only $20.00 dollars. But this time difference manager I was charged $113.97 labor and $19.99 bulb light. Total cost $133.96 is over rate! I would like you look into this issue because this is going hurt your business! I am shocked and very disappointed this happened to me your loyal customer!

Meineke #1288 Stafford

Battery light went on went traveling home on a Saturday afternoon. Stopped at NTB Fredericksburg who did a free diagnosis (about 10 min) to reveal alternator went out. Gave me the printout. Battery appeared to be still good. Stated about 2 1/2 hr. repair but closing soon and won't get to until Tuesday. Advised risky but can get further down road before car goes completely dead.

Wanted to go further down road to get closer to home so wife can pick us up. Couldn't make it to a repair shop so stopped in safe location and had car towed to this Meineke Shop (appeared in USAA app as a repair location). A little frazzled and stressed - so didn't think of having the car towed to my mechanic in Fairfax at the time.

Appointment made with Meineke super easy on phone that night with afterhours service. On Monday morning, I received the first text to authorize $150 'electrical diagnosis' charge. When I called the shop to explain what occurred as well as offer NTB print out as evidence, I was told this a standard charge / service required before they can start any repair. Asked if cost deducted from repairs - answer was no. Did not have choice in matter, so authorized diagnosis.

Informed within 1/2 hr. that alternator and battery required replacement. Full day job. When I stated NTB said it was a 2 1/2 to 3 hr. job, I was testily informed that it would take their mechanic all day at least along with litany of items required to get to alternator. Told them NTB said same and that is why it was a 2 - 3-hour job. Told again it would tie up their mechanic for the WHOLE Day (point was emphasized). Cost quoted at $2,987.00 dollars.

When stated that was a very high price and overestimated repair length based on NTB as well as previous experiences of having alternator replaced on other cars in my past, Rep did not offer to break out costs for labor or parts but wanted to re-emphasize how difficult to get to the alternator by throwing out need to remove power steering pump, remove belts, etc. this is why it his mechanic would be tied up the whole day (discussion occurring 0900 in morning).

Contacted my local mechanic in Fairfax for second opinion. they were stunned by the cost, confirmed NTB statement that the job would be about 2 - 3 hours. They provided an estimate to replace alternator and battery at $1,090.00 after looking up my make/model.

Meineke Shop did not want to speak to my shop (was offended that I even suggested it) nor refute cost/length of repair other than listing again the difficulties to get at the alternator and parts to be removed.

When I said I would have my car towed to my mechanic, they insisted that I pay the $157.00 (guess w/taxes) diagnostic charge before they 'could' release my car to towing company. Had to negotiate them to take payment over phone and not have me travel the 40 miles to pay in person - which they did to receive payment

Lesson learned - should have had the car towed the extra miles to my mechanic shop in Fairfax on Saturday since I limped it to within towing range.

Also, shouldn't have assumed USAA app listing repair shops was vetted like their collision repair shops - my bust on assuming.

I went to the Edmond Oklahoma for an Oil change. It was my son's birthday and and a busy day for me. I waited for an hour and an half which is fine. When they brought out my car 2019 Infiniti, they had my window rolled down which I thought was odd it just came from the stall to the door. However, i rolled up window and pulled out. when, I looked to the left when making a turn I saw a long scratch in my factory window tint! My car is in perfect condition. Then, today 11/2/22, I was driving to work and heard pop sound. The bottom engine cover, that they have to take off to change oil popped off. They did not secure it back! So, now new plastic clips have to be ordered. This should not be my responsibility. I have pictures of everything. I have pictures of it all. Currently, the engine cover located underneath my car is off.

we have been customers of Meineke for a few years and the reason for this complaint is today we called and spoke to someone who identified himself as the new manager of the 6565 e lake mead blvd (89156) location which we have had lots of work done in the past. We wanted to get a oil change and when we asked if we could use our promo balance of 996 points randy I believe he said was his name said no and that he would contact his district manager and call us back and he did just that but the answer was still no now we just wanted to use our points and pay whatever the remaining balance was we were only short (4) points our concern is why could they not allow this for loyal customers like us? and if they can not make allowances once in a while for customers that are repeat money spenders at their stores then what do they think of us? we understand it is business.

My car had work done back in August. The work first was quoted at $700 for a new ignition switch, the housing and everything that goes into it would be brand new. I explained to the manager that I’d take the car elsewhere because that was an absurd amount since I was online looking at how much the parts cost plus the labor for that job. He then said if I didn’t get the work done that I’d have to pay the diagnostic fee since they had already performed the diagnostic (which says I turned down the service on my ticket which would mean they obviously didn’t even do it) he said he was giving me a discount and brought it down to $395. Upon picking up my car I broke down on the way home from overheating only to find out my radiator hose wasn’t even connected anymore (I had the car 3 months and drove 2+ hours everyday leading up to my car going to the shop with no overheating) so I had to get it towed to another shop and get the repairs. When I called Tim to let him know what happened when I left, he said I was stupid and had no idea what I was talking about although on my ticket it showed a 23 point inspection was done which would’ve covered that hose. After speaking to Tim twice and being disrespected, I decided to drive an hour to the location to speak to the owner but Tim had other plans. The manger Tim Robinson called the police on me when I asked to speak to the owner. He first lied and said he was part owner and said I couldn’t speak with the other owner. When he called the cops (which I have on video) it was discovered he’s just the manger, not owner. Before the cops were called he accused me of being on drugs WITH ANOTHER CUSTOMER IN THE SHOP which is beyond disrespectful so that’s when I decided to record. As soon as I started recording this man changed his voice and told me to leave or he’s calling the police so I waited for the police to see if there was anything they could do but they suggested I contact corporate. He then hung up on me when I called afterwards to speak to the owner (which was on the recorded line) I called back after he hung up to remind him he was being recoded and he still refused to be helpful in any way. I reached out to corporate butt corporate keeps saying “all locations are independently owned and any resolutions will be handled there” How can I possibly resolve anything with that location when the manger who always answers the phone is lying about being the owner, hanging up on me, calling the cops, accusing me, and denying me to talk to the owner. The owner should be aware of how his manger is treating people, the lies he’s telling, the work not being done correctly or done at all. Please help me resolve this without resorting to legal action and involving the media since I have video proof and proof that not even corporate is willing to step in and provide me with the owners information or even tell the owner themselves what is going on. It makes all Meineke Car Centers look bad. What’s the point of a corporate office if they aren’t willing to help In any way?

On 9/1/22 I went to Meineke #2367 to try to repair a check engine light that came on. I needed to repair as I needed a smog check done to renew registration. He charged me $170 although sign at the shop said free diagnostics. I asked him about that and he said that was for oil changes only. Then he came about with $1400 worth of work and provided me estimate #36924. He then tried to charge me in advance to do the work and then, the check engine light came on again after the work completed. He lied and told me the $170 would go toward the $1400 of work but then later said only $100 would go. I had to get my registration renewed so I paid $700 on 9/12 and the balance of $624.47 on 9/13 when picking up the car. Smog still would not pass and ultimately the check engine light came on again. So I do not have any confidence the work was done at all, as obviously it was not done correctly. What is worse is that the service advisor Andre Halim never gave me a confirming invoice of the work he had done, after they did it.

I took my pick up in for a clutch repair at your 6th ave shop in tacoma. I took out two seperate loans to pay for the repairs and still had 1000 to pay. My truck has been in your shop for several months due to difficulties with the repair and also due to me being hospitalized twice. The last time was to have my gall bladder removed. I had contacted your shop and let them know what was going on with me and they told me not to worry that my truck was there and when I got out of the hospital it would be there for me. I received a letter today that my truck had been impounded and its going to cost me a thousand dollars to get it out. No one contacted me about this until I got a letter from the towing company. Ive already paid for over half of the repairs and dont feel my truck should have been impounded. Ive always thought well of Meineke and cant believe what you are doing to me. I think you should pay for my trucks towing fees or refund me the money Ive paid to have it repaired. Please help me to resolve this fairly without having to resort to leagal action,

I brought my car to a Meineke shop on Thursday September 29, 2022. I kept asking the Manager for information on the damages on my car. He would not provide paperwork and he had an attitude with from the beginning. He was very agitated with ALMOST everyone. He claimed he sent photos to the adjuster from my insurance company and they are saying they haven't received anything. I don't like how he is calling me agrumentitive when he is the one getting loud and abusive. I'm just trying to get information about what's going on with my car. He is not doing his job. He told me that my case manager was trying to get him to get all of my repairs done by my insurance company knowing that I have co-pays. Something is not right with him and I would like for him to be investigated. His name is says is Adam. I don't even know if he is telling the truth. Please help.

The Meineke in Malden Massachusetts took my car even though it was supposed to be closed but advertised online and on social media that they were taking service so I towed my car there for them to have it for 17 days under warranty to just drive my car around strip it for parts and gave it back damaged. I sued in Malden civil court and won doc# 2050sc000235 now your corporation is refusing a direct order and face civil arrest and jail time come 01/19/2022 if payment isn’t received or initiated

I had my brakes serviced at Meinekie on Nellis in Las Vegas. The damaged the hub and all the oil leaked out. I was too far from the shop to return and when I called, Ramsey, the manager denied the damage but I had pictures so he admitted that they damaged the hub and covered it up. I had to purchase 8 quarts of oil to get home. They knew of the damage and sent me out on the freeway under very dangerous conditions. This was serious damage that could have caused a serious accident, possibly even death.

I contacted the head office and they just returned my letter and would not talk to me. Ramsey received my letter and ignored me. This is serious.

Hello,

I am writing to discuss my recent service at Meineke 951 located at 532 West Boylston St, Worcester, MA. To start, I received multiple services on 8/15/22 including a new exhaust system, a front-end alignment, two new tires, and the replacement of a tire rod. When I left, the alignment was a little off and there was rear wheel noise. Accordingly, I went home and called and was directed to bring the car back the next day.

On my way back to the shop a driver behind me started beeping at me and yelled my tire was about to fall off. When I got to the shop (which was thankfully only a few 100 feet from the driver informing me) I only had 2 or 3 bolts left on my tire. Needless to say, this was a frightening experience as the shop neglected to tighten and replace all the bolts. They fixed the situation. However, there appeared to be little concern about this and the more I thought about it the more concerned I have become. In fact, I was told the bolts on Dodge and Jeep’s are known to be a problem. However, I had been driving this truck for 10 months without incident. They also replaced the bolts with old used ones they had in the shop. In reality, I was actually very lucky I did not get on the highway and only went to get gas and went straight home and back to the shop for a total of a little over 2 miles.

Essentially, I spent 449.50 on the tires, 129.95 on the alignment, and 262.45 on the tire rod. This included 304.95 in labor. I also want to note I spent 582. 29 on the exhaust. All in all, I spent $1484,13. With all of this said, I would like to request a refund on the labor costs for the tires, alignment, and tire rod. I do not think these services were performed at the level of expertise expected to ensure safety. Please note, I am not comfortable going back into this shop to discuss because I feel like they should have offered to make some sort of concession and they did not take seemed phased by what would have been a potentially very bad situation had I gone any further, or at a high speed.

Thank you for your time,

Kristen Lumsden phone: [protected]

Took my car to a local facility in Rochelle Park, NJ, one of the tires was low on air. I requested to inspect the tire --told them maybe it's a nail. Next thing they are telling me that they are doing a multipoint inspection of the car--my car has only 30,000 miles, and just serviced the car through the dealer I purchased the car. I took the car for a flat tire, and they are doing inspection of the whole car. This place is ridiculous. The price for the flat tire way to expensive. I would never go to this facility again and wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

Online I searched for my zipcode in the offers section and downloaded the coupon for the $24.95 conventional oil change. I scheduled the appointment and came in today at 11. I was told they dont have conventional oil but I can pay $49.95 for synthetic blend. They "offered" a $10 off of that. I showed them the coupon, with their address on it and requested they honor the price. I was told they have no control over it and have havent had conventional oil in stock for three months. And the owner has been advised about the out of stock oil and the owner knows about the false advertising. I asked about the price on the board showing $34.95. I was told thats old and she pointed back to the $49.95 price. I expressed this is bait and switch, that this is loterally false advertising, and that I drove out of my way to come here specifically for the $24.95 oil change that is offered and still on their website. I was told again they have no control over it and its corporate. I was heading out the door to go to Jiffy Lube next door and another patron in the waiting room suggested I check groupon for the $25 groupon. I did that. I was then given a receipt and told Id be charged $8.18 for oil disposal. I requested they waive the fee due to the trouble Ive had and their bait and switch. I was then told that its not them, its groupon. Ive been here over 30 minutes past my appointment and they just pulled my car into the bay because of this. I will now be late for work. I requested the owners name and contact information and was told its corporate. I again requested the owner of the location since he is the one benefiting from this bait and switch. I finally got his email. So disappointing that written word is not even honored today. Very dissatisfied with this. They refused to take responsibility, refused to acknowledge wrong doing, refused to honor their written word, are completely unapologetic about false advertising and force the customer to accept the companys price when the location deceived the customers to get them to pay more. What happened to customer always right? What about honoring prices posted? Especially when the location is written on the coupon? What happpened to integrity and honor?

I took my car in for evaluation due to a front end issue on 7/16/22. They indicated the sway bar and struts needed to be replaced in the front and back. I took the car home because they needed to order the parts. I dropped it back off on 7/23/22 and was told it would be done that day. They broke one of the parts and had the car tore apart but had parts coming the following Monday. Monday came and went. Wednesday they said there was still an issue with parts. The following Saturday I picked up the car 7/30/22. When I got in the car the passenger mirror was completely against the car so I exited to straighten it out. There was a chip out of the paint but not bad. My immediate thought was if they were close enough to damage the mirror I better check the rest of the passenger side. I did not see any damage and left. Monday when I got to work I noticed damage to the drivers front bumper and immediately called them as it was not there when I dropped it off. We did not drive the car on Sunday so it could not have occurred anywhere else. I told the gentleman I noticed scratches on my car. He asked when I could bring it in for pictures so he could submit to the "corporate office". Then he said did you say they were on the front bumper - when I never told him where they were! Now they are saying they watched the parking lot camera footage and did not see any issues with the car. The damage needs fixed. I know it was not there previously as I had wrecked the car a few months back and had to have a new bumper, hood, windshield etc. put on the car... I will never go back.

On 7/25/2022 I took my car to the Meineke Car repair shop at 10617 New Halls Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO 63136. My battery was draining whenever I turned on the A/C. They informed me that I needed an alternator. They replaced my alternator for $674.66. When I started my car and turned on the A/C only hot air was blowing. I informed the mechanic that the A/C was blowing hot air. He said that what he did had nothing to do with the A/C. I took my car to a different car shop and was informed that the freon was released and one of the lines was damaged and it could have been damaged when accessing the alternator.

I feel like Meineke is responsible for the damage and should repair the car .

My email address is

[protected]@gmail.com

My name is Bekele Girma

On 7/23/22 @ 11:12 am Call first told them my Ac blowing hot need freon. When arrived he was very fast talker to my they can recharge my car but will take an hour. If it doesn't get cold afterward may have to take it to the dealer. Once he was finish, he drove my car Ac was working blowing out cold air. So, I left a later that day park car for couples of hours went back to drive, My Ac was not working. Started to hear a shhh sound so I called the following Monday spoke to the same guy. Told him about the noise I was hearing after they work on my car. He said Well you need take it to the dealer there nothing they can do, I'm like it was making noise before you're not going to look at it again. He replied again no nothing he can do! I just paid you $ 202.35 for my Ac work half day. I took my car to another shop and my services ports valve cores was not on Ac one laying on top of engine and other one was gone. The guy fixes my Ac without me going to dealer, no leaks and the noise stop and way less than what I paid at Meineke care center. I'm asking for refund they saw a women coming tried to take advantage and left parts off my care on the engine .

The air conditioner stopped working on my 2016 Ford Explorer. On 6/26/22, I took it to Meineke Car Care on Hwy 58 in Chattanooga, TN. I explained that I had personally installed the compressor that was on the car a few months earlier and that it had recently stopped working. I also explained that the compressor was working intermittently prior to fully failing and that I suspected an issue with the wiring harness - it seemed to sometimes work after unplugging and plugging the harness while troubleshooting. I was told that the compressor was bad and was quoted over $900 for repairs. They tried to charge me for refrigerant until I called them out on the fact that the refrigerant could be recycled. The new compressor was installed on 6/30.

On 7/8, just 8 days later, the A/C stopped working completely.

On 7/9, a different Meineke tech discovered determined that the connector was the causing the issue.

I was quoted $240 for the repair. When I mentioned that I believed that the connector was the original issue, I was told that I “did not have proof” that the original compressor was not working and also did not have proof that the connector was an issue at my first visit. When I explained that the symptoms of the issue were the same as at my original visit, I was told that “You should have told us that it was a harness issue”. I stated that the disassembly and reassembly of the compressor had likely inadvertently caused continuity through the defective connector causing the system to work. Again I was told that I had no proof of my claim. When I asked if Meineke would make the situation right and cover the expense to fix the harness, I was told that “that is against company policy” and wasn’t an option. I asked the manager for a corporate phone number and was told that he didn’t know it because he never has to call it. He said “it might be 1-800-Meineke or something” and I could probably find it on the internet. I left and ended up fixing the harness issue myself for $19, saving $221 from what Meineke quoted me.

I filed a complaint with Meineke on 7/10. By the end of that week, they had contacted me by phone to tell me that my claim was denied. I was informed that their process is to forward claims to the franchise location for disposition. In this case, the Store Manager had reviewed the claim and denied it. So, per Meineke’s policy, the exact individual that I was reporting was given authority to deny the claim. It is as if they are untouchable because the franchise says that their hands are tied by the corporate office and the corporate office says that they have nothing to do with the franchise. Meineke does not disclose the full names of the managers or store owners and it is virtually impossible to escalate a complaint through corporate channels. Meineke clearly lacks the checks and balances that keep their people honest and their customer service policies are extremely frustrating. Also, the price that I was quoted was unreasonably high. $90 for a $20 connector makes me question how much I was overcharged on the compressor swap. Not only did they fail to admit that they had made a mistake by swapping out a perfectly good compressor, they then tried to charge me another $240 to fix the actual problem. Meineke failed to determine the true root cause of the issue initially, failed to admit a mistake on their part, failed to make it right, tried to fleece me at every opportunity, and failed to objectively evaluate a legitimate claim.

6.24.22 8:15am

Meineke Mount Holly Huntersville Rd #1979

Had four tires and rims installed. The installation must have been incorrect as it caused damage to the rim. According to the manager the machine is broken which scratched and dented to two of the rims, so they had me take the other two rims and tires to a different location to mount at my cost. The next day one of the tire went flat due to substance that was used to stop from leaking air. Had to have the car towed at my cost. A new tire was ordered, and they mounted a new rim causing further damage to the rim with bigger dents and scratches. I have reached out to them several times, and nothing has been resolved thus far. I have reached out to Meineke customer service and received no additional follow up. I went to the location directly to show the damage they promised to call me I heard nothing back. An alignment was also done but the car still pulls to right.