Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Shift Technologies, Inc.'s headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

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  Shift Technologies, Inc.

  2525 16th St Ste 316 San Francisco, CA 94103-4243

• 

  Shift Technologies, Inc.

  202 Littlefield Ave South San Francisco, CA 94080

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/28/2023

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I was on cargurus looking for a specific type of ******** and saw shift have it in their lot. So i placed a deposit to hold the car and I used my own bank to finance the loan. After they recieved the check they called me and said they can't accept it because it was from a credit union and they were required to release the title within 30 days. I then proceed to use another bank chase that they so happen to be partnered with. I called them to send the check back because my credit union is asking for the check back to cancel the loan and they told me they have cashed the check even though there was a stamp on the back that requires them to release a title within 30 days that they can't do. So now I am in a *************** call and 2 hour wait times to connect to a supervisor to have them send a check back to my bank to cancel the loan. Because of their mistake they sent 1 check with no information and another one that cancelled the loan more than a month later making me pay the loan or have a late fee and bad credit report. After fiding out they made this mistake and the disrespectful way they were talking to me after I told them I would use my own bank to finance the car I ultimately cancelled the purchase. I am out two hundred dollars because of their incompetence in loan interest and fees because they cashed a check for a car they never delivered or sold. They sold the car that I was going to purchase during the time they didn't send me a check to cancel the current loan I had. I would recommend you staying clear of this dealership and use a local one or wait for mid 2023 when carvana will go bankrupt and flood the used car market bringing the price down for all used cars dramatically.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/27/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I bought a used car from Shift in Jan 2022. It leaked coolant after the 7 day return period. A mechanic didn't find a leak or pressure problems, but in October noticed the reservoir for coolant was always running dry. Then they found an epoxy type of patch on the engine block. I tried to get Shift to talk to me about this issue and they ignored me, and finally said "since I bought it over a year ago there was nothing they could do". I hadn't had it yet a year, so I sent them a demand letter to buy the car back from me, since I was looking at having a car that might need the engine replaced. I sent the letter certified, they never picked it up. So I emailed the demand letter and they ignored that. I now have a car that I can't sell in good conscience, and that will probably cost me $5K to replace an engine, and frankly I don't think its worth it given the age of the car. I believe they sold the car to me with the cracked, glued engine. And that is bad and deceptive business practice. Then they stonewall the customer if they try and complain..

  Business Response

  Date: 02/07/2023

  Hello ***,

   

  Here at Shift, we welcome all feedback. We appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with us. 

   

  Every vehicle in our inventory has passed a safety inspection. These inspections are required to meet national standards for safety. This is not just for the buyer, but also for the benefit of all those involved with the vehicle. Making certain that the purchased vehicle is right for our customers is a must, and we are pleased to do anything we can to aid in this goal. At the time of inspection, no failures were indicated that would have warranted a repair. 

   

  We believe that every customer should have the ability to choose the vehicle that best suits their needs, thats why we offer a variety of vehicles. We classify our vehicles as either a certified vehicle or a value vehicle. A Shift Value Vehicle is one that *** have been previously loved a little extra than our Shift Certified vehicles, but still passes our safety inspection. Shift Value Vehicles are sold as-is, whereas a Shift Certified Vehicle comes with a 30-day/1,000-mile Limited Powertrain warranty. In order to ensure our customers are able to enjoy their vehicles for years to come, we offer the option to add on a third party vehicle protection plan.

   

  Upon review of your account, we are able to confirm that this vehicle purchased is a value vehicle and has far surpassed the 7-day/200-mile return period. Due to the time lapse, Shift will not be providing any repairs. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/08/2023

   
  Complaint: 18941116
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  You haven't even looked at my individual case, or looked at the car physically. I have been writing letters and sending emails, no direct response from the company.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************

  Business Response

  Date: 02/13/2023

  Hello ***,
  
  
  Thank you for this feedback. All requests are denied due to the vehicle being purchased as is and far exceeding the 7-day/200-mile return period. 
  
  
  A team member will be reaching out to you regarding the rejection. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/27/2023

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I used Shift services to purchase a used car in October 2022. I put down a $4000 deposit and was told there was a 7 day/200 mile return window. In that time, I took the 2016 ****** Forester to ********* to get an inspection. I was told there was some minor issues with the control arms of the car so I contacted Shift customer service and asked if the warranty I purchased with Shift would cover this. I was told I would have to submit the diagnostic report and their team would have to look into it and in the mean time, the 7 day/200 mile return window would be frozen. After about a month, I finally heard back and they said that the warranty would not cover it but that I could take it back to the mechanic, have them take photos, send the photos back and the team can re-determine but that the return window hold would still be on pause. I decided to go through with the process. Life hit and I did not have enough time or energy to carry through so I started the process of returning the vehicle. I started the process Nov 29 and returned the vehicle Dec 6. I signed all the paperwork and the worker helping me told me to expect my refund ($4000) in 3-5 business days (that would be around Dec 10). Dec 21 rolls around and no refund so I wait the 35 min on hold to talk to a representative. They say they will call me back in 2 hours they have to find the person who was working on my case. The next day, I receive an email from them apologizing for the delay, that there was an error with my vehicle being marked on site and the return inspection being delayed and that I will get my refund that evening. Dec 29 I reach out via email again asking for an update as I have yet to get my $4000 refund. The next day I get an email saying I will get my refund in 3-5 business days. It is now January 11 and I have not yet received my refund. I once again sent them an email which I have yet to receive a response to. I started the process of moving for a job and this is greatly impacting me.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/24/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  SHIFT sold me a car with known, severe issues. SHIFT claimed a 150 point inspection was conducted on my car (where all these issues would have been found), I was promised the mechanic's report detailing this 150 pt inspection, however, they have yet to provide it to me, despite numerous requests. I have email documentation, however, stating they were aware of the issues on the car and were fixing them before the car was shipped to me. Upon delivery of the car, it was immediately taken to a local mechanic who confirmed that none of the said "fixes" were ever completed on the car. I submitted the work order to SHIFT, who in return refused to accept the mechanic's order because it wasn't "printed on paper" (and instead a handwritten order on the shop's diagnostic paperwork). I then retrieved a printed order from the shop and submitted it to SHIFT, and they returned with more hoops for me to jump through, all the while ignoring responsibility for the dangers the vehicle they sold me posed. This process took over a month, because SHIFT took extended periods of time to respond to my emails. SHIFT offered a return of my car, which I immediately accepted, and then I did not hear a response from them for weeks - when I finally heard back from them after numerous attempts to make contact and complete the return of the car, they claimed I'd now had the car in my possession for too long and they would no longer accept a return. The only reason I still had the car was because of their untimely responses to my continual requests for help. SHIFT's solution was a "good faith" offer of $750, the same they had tried to get me to accept earlier in the process, however, it was lacking the $250 promised to me for the blown out tire in the rear. When I notified them, and asked for the transfer to be completed, they ignored my request. To date, over 30 emails have been sent to SHIFT attempting to find a resolution. At current date, SHIFT is still ignoring my attempts at contact.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/23/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Purchased a vehicle from Shift Technologies **** right after Christmas 2022. Also purchased an aftermarket service contract from them. Noticed 2 problems immediately. 1. Warning light displayed on dash Cruise Control Malfunction2. Main battery weak, losing power Called Shift and reported the problems. They instructed me on procedures/steps to file the claim. I followed all steps, checked with them to make sure it was submitted correctly. They assured me it was. Car dropped off on January 2nd and in the repair shop for two weeks torn apart. After a week, they said 2-3 more days for approval. On Friday (5th day) called them in the morning, said I need my car by the weekend, they assured me they would have an answer in 1 hour. Called Shift early afternoon, no response. Desperate for use of the car, authorized the shop to complete repairs, which they did and I paid $2126.49 on January 12th and I drove my car over the weekend.On Monday I found an email in a folder from Shift denying the claim stating that the Claim was processed incorrectly. Should have been a warranty claim.I called warranty company and they stated that since the repairs have been done, there is no way to file a new claim.Called Shift, explained my problem to a very understanding rep. *** submitted my receipt to management for reimbursement consideration. *** said give them 2-3 days. 8 days later after calling, they denied the claim saying I paid the claim before they had a chance to approve it. They offered me $250 for the diagnosis, which they stated they did approve.This is a legitimate repair involving safety issues, that should have been discovered on pre-delivery. They rushed the car out to me so as to record a sale in Dec. 2022. **************** is terrible. Every time you call, you talk to a different person, they have to read the notes in your file and basically start anew.My opinion is they deny everything, legitimate or not and offer a low payout unless you keep pressing them.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/31/2023

  Hello *******,

   

  We appreciate you taking the time to share this feedback with us. We are currently growing and expanding, and this type of feedback is essential to us. Buying a used car should an easy, simple, and safe process. Our teams hold vehicle quality as a top priority. We apologize if your experience with us was less than exceptional. 

   

  Upon further review of your account, we are able to confirm that the concerns presented are not covered under Shift's Limited Powertrain Warranty. The components that are covered are listed on the contract signed at time of purchase. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/01/2023

   
  Complaint: 18886493
  
  I am rejecting this response because: Shift keeps telling me that I processed the claim incorrectly when I followed their directions from a team member to the letter. A 2nd team member said I should have submitted the claim under the extended service contract and not the 30 day limited power train warranty. How was I supposed to know that I was processing the claim incorrectly. They sold me a vehicle with 2 very noticeable problems that displayed warning lights on the dash. These issues should have been taken care of before they ever shipped the car to me. No one at their company seems to understand what I'm complaining about. I can now see it's not a limited powertrain warranty covered issue but they are the ones who directed me to process it that way. I'm not satisfied and I'm prepared to take this to court where an impartial judge will listen to my story.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

  Business Response

  Date: 02/08/2023

  Hello *******,
  
  
  Thank you for this information. As stated previously, the concerns are not listed components under Shift's Limited Powertrain Warranty. Furthermore, the repairs were completed prior to receiving approval from our reconditioning team; this alone would have voided any warranty coverage. 
  
  
  We appreciate you taking the time to bring your experience to our attention. Shift holds a high standard for each of our customers experience, and we deeply apologize if this expectation was not met.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/20/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On January 9, after weeks of back and forth, I sold my 2014 ****** Prius to Swift Technologies. The car was inspected on-site, and I was told verbatim by the pickup employee that the car had passed inspection. Per our purchase contract (attached) ***** had 3 business days to inspect the car in detail after pick up, and 3-5 business days to issue payment. Upon not receiving payment, I contacted Shift several times during the week of January 17, and was told each time that they were having issues with their payment system but would work to resolve as quickly as possible.On January 20, I received an email saying my vehicle had not passed inspection, and noting damage that did not exist before the car was handed over, nor was called out during the initial pickup inspection. Shift has in effect violated the purchase agreement I signed on January 4th prior to the pickup of my vehicle.I am seeking assistance from the BBB on resolving payment with this company so I can move on with my life.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/20/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  1/18/2023 in the morning I called them I want to purchase a 2019 hondapassport A man texted me and ask my driver license ,I sent to him He email me the car's link and carfax report ,I confirmed a want to buy. He email me the shift OTD price and I confirmed the price is ok. I emailed him and asked him what is the next . At afternoon he called me, we made an appt on 1/19/2023 at 85 **************,******,**,91766 to pickup the car. 1/29/2023. at 3:30pm he called me, I was busy at that time, so he text me the car can not hold for me .they sold to another one and asked me to call him back. I called him for 20mins and no body answer. so I called another number. samething .They probably realized they were wrong and blocked my number. I change another number to make a call and someone answers. I texted him ask him give me a reasonable explanation. after 40 mins waiting ,he called me ,Without any apology, I kept denying that I didn't make any appointments with **** have used the services of shift company many times, and I am still very satisfied with the previous services. Not sure how this company has become such a rogue lately. If you don't keep your promises, if you make a mistake, you only know to deny it. I ask shift to give me a clear apology.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/19/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I picked up a car I bought from Shift on December 10, 2022. They had told me that a full maintenance was done and that the oil was changed and full. About 4 weeks into driving the car, the check engine light when on. I called them and the person I spoke to was extremely rude and condescending and speaking down to me as if a parent scolds a child. I took it to my mechanic who has been working to see what the problem is. He checked the oil and saw that it was completely empty. Not a drop of oil left. I had only driven it for ***** miles. He didn't check for the actual issue because that means I have to pay extra for that. Something that Shift should be responsible for. I called them again, hoping I spoke to someone less rude. This person was less rude, but still condescending and kept bringing up the 7 day policy they have. Obviously, this problem occurred less than a month later after I had started driving it and their maintenance should have noticed any issues. She kept lecturing me and how cars work, and when I was using language that obviously showed that I knew about how cars work, she changed her tone to be more rude. I think they have techniques into trying to lie to customers (especially women because they assume we have no brain space to have knowledge about cars) and when they see that it's not working, gaslighting is used to try to pin the problem on the customer. I wish I researched this place before falling for their tricks when the car was being sold to me. I can see that they have HORRIBLE reviews everywhere. I will be telling everyone I know who's looking to buy a car to avoid this place like the plague. They take your money and take zero responsibility unto themselves.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/07/2023

  Hello *******,

   

  Firstly, we appreciate you taking the time to bring these concerns to our attention. We understand that buying a vehicle is an exciting time, and Shift believes that every customer should be able to purchase high quality for a fair price.

   

  At Shift, we want to ensure every customer receives a great, safe vehicle. Taking steps to ensure that every customer receives this is something we love to do. Making a well-informed decision that is best for you is how we love to help.

  
  
  Every vehicle in our inventory has passed a safety inspection. These inspections are required to meet national standards for safety. This is not just for the buyer, but also for the benefit of all those involved with the vehicle. Additionally, if a customer is dissatisfied with the vehicle that they purchased they *** return it within our 7-day/200-mile return policy window. Making certain that the purchased vehicle is right for that customer is a must, and we are pleased to do anything we can to aid in this goal.
  
  
  We believe that every customer should have the ability to choose the vehicle that best suits their needs, thats why we offer a variety of vehicles. We classify our vehicles as either a certified vehicle or a value vehicle. A Shift Value Vehicle is one that *** have been previously loved a little extra than our Shift Certified vehicles, but still passes our safety inspection. Shift Value Vehicles are sold as-is, whereas a Shift Certified Vehicle comes with a 30-day/1,000-mile Limited Powertrain warranty.

   

  Upon review of your account, we can confirm that the vehicle purchased is a Shift Value Vehicle. These vehicles are not equipped with our Limited Powertrain Warranty (30-day/1,000-mile)

  Here at Shift, we aim to ensure our customers can enjoy their vehicles for years after purchase; we offer Vehicle Protection Plans to add onto your purchase. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/07/2023

   
  Complaint: 18841378
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  

  It is and automated message sent to everyone who's complained about them for their faulty inspections. They ignored the customer service I complained about and I never received the email about their inspection process so there's no proof they even did it. Why would they not email that information? Because it probably doesn't exist.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

  Business Response

  Date: 02/13/2023

  Hello *******,
  
  
  We appreciate this feedback. Upon review of your account, we are able to confirm that an email containing inspection documents was sent to the email on file on January 19, 2023. If this did not appear in your primary inbox, please check the spam folder. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/15/2023

   
  Complaint: 18841378
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  

  I did not receive an email and I just checked again (including the spam folder) and there is nothing there at that date. I have received all of your emails in the past and nothing got sent to me regarding inspection. If you're being honest about it, it would not hurt you to send one again. Although you never did in the first place. 

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/18/2023

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Shift took my vehicle a black 2015 Lexus GS 350 in exchange to purchase the sale of the vehicle on Wednesday, January 11, 2023. Shift promised to complete the sale of the vehicle within a 3 day inspection period. I've even received an email congratulating me for selling the vehicle but I've not been contacted by the money as to when I will receive the promised funds. I've tried to reach out every day since Friday, January January 13, 2023 by email and/or phone call but no one has been responsive to my phone calls since taking possession of my vehicle.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/23/2023

  Hello *****,

   

  Thank you for bringing this concern to our attention.

   

  Selling a vehicle should be a seamless, stress-free experience. Here at Shift, our team keep this mindset as a top priority. We stand by our payment timeline. Once the vehicle passes our inspection, a link is sent to the customer's email to connect banking information for a quick, hassle-free payment. If there is a delay in receiving banking information, there can be a delay in payment. 

   

  Upon review of your account, unfortunately there was a delay in receiving banking details for payment. We are able to confirm that the payment has been sent. If you have not received the funds, please follow up with your banking institution to check processing times.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/12/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Shift agreed to pick up our car from our home to inspect and then purchase. We were asked to sign and send our car title in the mail. They did not show up for the first appointment and canceled it without any notification. We have been unable to contact ANYONE via email, phone , voicemails, left messages for weeks. They are in possession of our signed title and we are unable to move forward in any direction. When we speak to SHIFT on the phone we are transferred about 5 times to different teams before being disconnected or hung up on or told theyll call you back within 48 hours! Which they never do.We are returning customers to shift (we have previously sold a car to them years ago) but we will NEVER use or recommend this company again. THIS IS A SCAM COMPANY AND SHOULD GO OUT OF BUSINESS.