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Business Profile

New Car Dealers

Don Mealey Chevrolet

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

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Complaints

Customer Complaints Summary

  • 9 total complaints in the last 3 years.
  • 6 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

If you've experienced an issue

Submit a Complaint

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.

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Complaint status

Complaint type

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:07/01/2025

    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 scheduled service for my car for 7/1/25 14:30. I was not notified at that time that *** ***** Chevrolet would be charging a 3% service fee on credit card transactions.Based on my expectations, I sought approval for time off of work, drove over 38 miles round trip, paid highway tolls and arrived without having stopped for cash.I was then informed they would be charging a fee and, according to Fixed Operations Manager **** ********, my only recourse was to pay the fee, reschedule and return with cash (which would require more driving, tolls and time off work), or go somewhere else for service.I believe all of these options violate the intent of of the notification rule.Note: I am not seeking to recover a few pennies of a misapplied service fee. I am, instead, looking to make sure the dealership is educated and that they don't do this to other ************ fact, assuming this issue is not unique to this particular dealership and is instead a larger issue across multiple Chevrolet dealerships, then I think there should be a class-action law suit to make sure everyone that has already been unfairly overcharged receives timely refunds.

    Business Response

    Date: 07/02/2025

    I would like to clarify a recent interaction with Mr. ******** regarding our credit card charges. When he arrived for his complimentary maintenance service, he noted the posted signs detailing credit card fees. Upon his inquiry, I explained that these charges are in compliance with state regulations. I also offered him the option of paying with cash, and suggested that our driver could transport him to an ATM if needed to make any other purchases since his service was free 
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:12/21/2024

    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.
    Had to have my truck towed to a different dealership to get work done because Don ******************** quoted me $4,400 dollars to replace a transmission cooler pipe harness that wasnt even broke the line just popped out. I towed it due to knowing they were most likely lying to me because this has happened another time before and tried to get me for $2,500 saying my water pump was bad and it was just a $30 hose.

    Business Response

    Date: 12/23/2024

    We inspected the customer vehicle and found the cooler lines leaking and provide a quote to replace the cooler lines. Customer declined repairs and pick up his vehicle. We did not charge him for the inspection. we I can not refund something that we did not charge for. 

    Customer Answer

    Date: 12/23/2024

     
    Complaint: 22719338

    I am rejecting this response because:

    They said my whole line assembly was broken and needed to be replaced. But when I brought it to a different dealer all they said was the line popped out and it was a simple fix. This is the second time they misquoted and diagnosed my truck incorrectly. If I would have done business with them, I wouldve been out almost $7,000. Being that this is the second time happening, Im concerned how many other customers are being ripped off like myself. Thankfully I took it somewhere else and was able to get it fixed by fair and honest business people.

    Sincerely,

    ******* ******

    Business Response

    Date: 01/08/2025

    Please provide repair invoice so we can review for any more consideration 

    Business Response

    Date: 01/20/2025

     We priced out the repair that allows ** to warranty that repair nationwide at ** dealer for 2years unlimited miles. ** would not support or warranty repairs if we cut hose and install another hose. We have repair guides lines we have to follow in order for ** to back us and the customer.  We proved quote to meet those guidelines, and that quote would be in line with any other ** dealer. We proved a free inspection and quote, and it is clear that the cooler lines were indeed leaking. We did not lie on what repairs were needed. If we missed diagnose or charged customer for something that was not correct, we would be more than happy to refund. We proved a free service and gave a free estimate. To look at this for anymore consideration please provide detail repair invoice.  
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:12/12/2024

    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.
    My dad is an elderly man of 74 years old, he does not speak English or have a steady job, he does not have a retirement pension either. He has no home, and delivers food to pay for his health insurance. I support my mom and dad financially since they live with me ( his daughter). He went to the Don Mealey Chevrolet in Clermont to ask for a car since his car had some problems, the dealer took advantage of him. He was with my mom who does not speak nor read English. The dealer convinced them to check if they could be approved, they only mentioned to check with their bank which is *********** and then the dealer ran his credit 7 times, got a rate very high, did not explain the financials or insurance of the car. The sales representative did not speak Spanish. They told my day to sign here and here. They did not provide the car papers until yesterday and when my dad talked to the insurance company his insurance went up and now has a higher deductible. The dealer said it was his responsibility when he took the car out of the dealer but again none of this was explained to them. My dad attempted to return the car yesterday ( less than 24 hours after we purchase) and they refused it. The dealer entered a wrong email address just to move up with the purchase, my mom told them that was not the email and they said is ok. This is clearly an abuse and advantage of elder people.

    Business Response

    Date: 12/12/2024

    To whom it may concern,

    This complaint is clearly is not written by the actual purchaser that our company dealt with in good faith, therefore I have reservations on sharing the details based on a third party who was not present during the agreement and transaction. Regardless, let it be clear that the salesperson handling this transaction does speak spanish. Additionally, in situations where sales associates have limited or no spanish speaking ability we have other staff members translate for both sales and service.

    Respectfully,

    **** ******

     

     

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:10/29/2024

    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.
    This has been going on for way too long. Let me start by saying the Service Manager **** is by far the worst person I have ever had to deal with. My wife had to deal with him 1st and she has basically cried every time she had to deal with him. There was a part that they screwed up and didn't fix. So they said they would order the part and promised to fix it under warranty because it was their s**** up. She called for 2 years and they kept saying they would call her back, Never did. I got involved and **** belittled me and told me they were doing me a favor. He said GM doesn't have the part and wouldn't call them to see when it was in, So i had to call. Even though ** is now involved this **** still hasn't called to fix it. I have been told by ***** that the part is in but she needs approval from **** to warranty the repair. that was 2 weeks ago. There was also a rattling in my vehicle that is still there and he said "they cant duplicate" i offered to show him and he said we cant do that. Top to bottom in your service department is the worst in the business. you lost out on at least 2 Vehicle sales from me and friends. I bought my wife a new Tahoe from ******** and my ***** bought a trail blazer from someone else. I am a tech in the area that runs 7-8 calls a day 6 days a week and i tell every customer about **** and my experience. It is my goal to have your business go down so far you have no choice but to let him go. I want my car fixed and need to be there when they do it to make sure **** doesn't destroy my vehicle. I will never work with him again. there is more but i am running out of room to write.

    Business Response

    Date: 10/30/2024

    To whom it may concern

    I have reviewed the compliant written by **** **** concerning Don Mealey Chevrolet and our service manager **** ******** additionally; I have attached three service records. The first service record dated March 17, 2023, documents a customer request to repair a seat and the customer was provided a written repair estimate. The second service record dated June 16, 2023, documents a customer concern describing a knocking noise while driving along with an oil change and the previous seat concern. During the June 16, 2023, visit Ms. **** was disappointed that we could not duplicate the knocking noise or the seat concern therefore she requested to see me the General Manager **** ****** I met with Ms. **** and test drove her car personally with her and **** ******** in the car. During this test drive Ms. **** agreed that we could not duplicate the knocking noise and indicated that the noise mostly occurred on the dirt road that she lives on. Upon further investigation putting the vehicle in the shop and lifting it off the ground **** ******** and myself suggested that the knocking noise could be coming from the front struts/shocks. Although we did not successfully duplicate the noise, we felt confident in our diagnosis as struts/shocks which are a maintenance wearable item and under extreme conditions knocking could occur. Additionally, our investigation found a transmission oil leak,which created the third service repair visit dated June 26, 2023. For the third service repair dated June 26, 2023, we schedule an appointment with a loaner car supplied this repair was covered by an extended service warranty purchased by the customer when the car was new. This extended service warranty would have also paid/covered the struts/shocks, but the independent inspector could not duplicate the knocking noise therefore not approving repairs other than the transmission oil leak.

    I am unaware nor did I witness any conflict between ******** **** ********, or myself. Nor can I explain why Ms. **** has not contacted me to express this concern.                    
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:08/25/2024

    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 2022 charger at ***************** Chevrolet in Clermont ********They failed to process my old license plate to DMV.. therefore my license was suspended for 2 years without knowing it.The police pulled me over on Saturday and took my license. This was stressful for my diabetes I am requesting reimbursement for cab fees and free severance to my car all I went through.

    Business Response

    Date: 08/26/2024

    To whom this may concern,

    ************************************* has purchased several vehicles from Don Mealey Chevrolet with the last purchase date of 4/2/23. This sale did not include a trade-in vehicle or a transfer tag, Don Mealey Chevrolet issued ************** a new tag #AV84GF which was valid through July 2024, additionally the Department of Motor Vehicles records indicate this license tag was recently renewed/updated and now valid through July 2025. Any violation concerning the state law or regulations would be sent to the vehicle owner NOT the dealer. Failure to respond or comply with notifications from the State, Department of Motor Vehicles or ***************** would possibly cause the current conflict.

    Respectfully,

    *********************
    General Manager
    Don Mealey Chevrolet

    Customer Answer

    Date: 08/26/2024

     
    Complaint: 22193542

    I am rejecting this response because:

    Sincerely,

    ***********************

    Customer Answer

    Date: 08/26/2024

    The dealership should have told me about my old tag

    Customer Answer

    Date: 08/26/2024

    The dealership should have taken my old license Tag off my car instead of replacing a new one.This is a common practice in this industry 

    Customer Answer

    Date: 08/26/2024

    In general, dealerships will typically obtain new license plates for a car when there is not a trade-in. However, in *******, the seller of a vehicle is responsible for removing the license plates and can transfer them to a new or replacement vehicle. The seller must surrender the plates to a motor vehicle service center if they are moving to another state or cancel insurance on the vehicl

    Typically, when you are purchasing a new vehicle, the dealer will take care of the license plates. If you are trading in a vehicle, they will typically transfer the plates from one car to the other so that we can insure the new vehicle and remove the old one.Jul 29, 2021

    **********************************; ne...
    Buying a 







    ..

    Business Response

    Date: 08/27/2024

    A previously stated ************************************* purchase a 2022 Dodge Charger from Don Mealey Chevrolet 4/2/23, this was a single sale where a new tag was issued #AV84GF. There was no trade-in vehicle or transfer tag as part of this sale, additionally ************** provided proof of insurance and all the **** State and Legal documents associated with this sale were complete at the time of delivery. I am confident that any current **** License Suspensions,or Fines ARE NOT associated with the 2022 Charger purchase dated 4/2/23. The State or DMV does not arbitrarily take action or suspend driver license without proper consumer notification.     
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:08/22/2024

    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 purchased a used truck from this dealership, and they misrepresented the condition of the vehicle. I asked several questions about the condition of the vehicle, and they did not disclose extensive engine damage that was causing chronic overheating and coolant system failure. Within weeks of purchase, before the first payment was made, the truck broke down for the first time while I was out of town. After spending the first $2,500 to replace the radiator, I contacted them to find out more about the history of the vehicle. They sent me their service report showing that the radiator had recently been replaced by their service department. I thought this was suspicious. During the time of sale, the sales person assured me that they were selling a functioning, reliable, safe vehicle that wouldn't break down right away, and if I had issues with it after purchase that they would take care of it. They refused to sell me a warranty and were cagey about me asking for an oil change voucher. I asked for them to cover the cost of the repairs but they refused, indicating there was a bigger problem that caused the radiator to fail. Several weeks later the truck broke down a second time with overheating and smoke. I took it to the repair shop and spent an additional $1500 to replace the thermostat and water pump. About a week later the truck broke down a third time. I had it towed to the same repair shop since they would warranty their own work if it was their fault. They rand the diagnostic and determined that it had a blown head gasket and the entire engine would need to be replaced for approximately $10,000.I purchased the truck for $15,500, and the total amount of repairs paid and still needed equal $14,000. Don ******************** has refused to offer any help, and I'm stuck in a loan with a non-functioning vehicle. I have been defrauded by this dealership who sold me a vehicle with a damaged engine and misrepresented the condition.

    Business Response

    Date: 08/22/2024

    We took vehicle in on trade, performed an inspection and found radiator was leaking, center console latch was broken, left front hub bearing was loose, and antenna was damaged. We performed $3663.63 in repairs prior to customer buying vehicle. I have attached a copy of that repair order. I have also attached a copy of the Carfax which shows vehicle was well maintained and no history of vehicle overheating. Customer purchased vehicle as is, and unfortunately, we are unable to offer an extended warranty on a 2010 vehicle with ******* miles. We were made aware of issues with the radiator after the vehicle was already being repaired and explained to the customer we would have helped if we were given the opportunity to see the vehicle first. This was back in May, a month after buying vehicle. We have not heard from the customer since May and had no ideal she was still having issues with vehicle until this complaint made to BBB. 

    Customer Answer

    Date: 08/22/2024

     
    Complaint: 22177507

    I am rejecting this response because:


    The radiator was leaking because coolant was getting into the cylinder through a blown head gasket. This is why the radiator installed by the dealership failed almost immediately, along with the water pump and thermostat. This was clearly obvious in a diagnostic and inspection that showed misfiring in the cylinder, bubbling in the coolant system and engine, and white smoke caused by exhaust fumes from the engine mixing with the coolant. The coolant system has failed three times since purchase due to the blown head gasket, which should have been obvious to the service department at trade in if the vehicle had been thoroughly inspected and serviced. It should be noted that the power steering fluid and brake fluids were also dirty and below the minimum levels.

    The initial expenses incurred by the dealership service department were insufficient if the root cause of the coolant system failure was not addressed. To fully correct the issue, the head would need to be machined and the gasket replaced, or the entire engine replaced. The replacement of the radiator was merely a temporary band-aid solution - one that would ensure a sale but was likely to fail since the root cause was not addressed. Additionally, not all of the work claimed in the service report attached was completed. The stereo was not factory reset - there were still several custom settings and bluetooth devices paired with the aftermarket stereo. I cleared them myself after purchasing the vehicle. The stereo wires also were not removed. The wires under the hood were cut and wrapped around the alternator, and in the cabin the were cut and stuffed into the dash. They fall out of the dash and touch my feet while I am driving, which could pose a safety issue if they were to become entangled.

    I spent a week calling, texting, and emailing three staff members at *** Mealey over the course of a week, and was ultimately refused help which is in violation of the terms of the loan with the financing bank. The dealership is in non-compliance and under investigation with the bank as they are required to address mechanical issues within 30 days. I did not reach out after the second and third breakdown because assistance was already refused, and I had already begun the process of taking legal action for the fraudulent business transaction.

    The first repair was not possible to bring to *** Mealey as I was not in the Clermont area when the car broke down. Initially, I had only requested $1,500 to cover the cost of radiator replacement. As the failures have continued and expenses have piled on, I am now seeking to have the loan terminated, the truck returned to the Dealership, and am seeking damages in the amount of $8,500 to cover my down payment, repairs, and monthly installments made since purchase. 


    Sincerely,

    ***********************

    Business Response

    Date: 08/28/2024

    Please keep in mind we sold you a 14-year-old vehicle as is. If you would like to send detail receipts and currant mileage on vehicle I will look into further. Based on our inspection and repair history the vehicle showed no signs of overheating or engine concerns.  
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:08/21/2023

    Type:Customer Service Issues
    Status:
    ResolvedMore 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 July 25, 2023 I purchased a new Chevy from Don Mealey for $31,000. I was told they would email all of the paperwork I had signed to complete the transaction. I waited a few days but didn't receive anything. I called and talked to my salesman. He said he would speak to the finance director and get it sent. Several days passed ... nothing. I called 4 more times and requested the paperwork be sent. I emailed the finance director and asked him to send it. We are coming up on a month and nothing. No returned call(s) or paperwork. All i want it to receive the paperwork. I don't believe it is anything difficult. For some reason I feel they are being unprofessional and intentionally not responding to me on purpose. It's a simple resolution ... just email me the paperwork .

    Business Response

    Date: 09/04/2023

    To Whom This May Concern:

    This concern has been resolved the request documents were emailed and we may have forgotten to update the BBB.

    Respectfully,

    Whit G*****

    General Manager

    Don Mealey Checrolet

    Customer Answer

    Date: 09/05/2023

     

    Better Business Bureau:



    I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********* and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.




    Sincerely,



    ***** *******
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:10/09/2022

    Type:Service or Repair Issues
    Status:
    ResolvedMore 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.
    Bought new vehicle, dealer damaged vehicle and admitted to damaging vehicle. After contacting dealership and chevy customer service, dealer will not respond. Have documented all calls and emails.

    Business Response

    Date: 11/18/2022

    Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/10/12) */
    Contact Name and Title: Whit G***** General Manag
    Contact Phone:*************
    Contact Email: *******************
    Mr. ********* purchased his new Silverado 3/31/22 and there several scratches noted. Customer agreed to allow dealer to touch paint rather than have a body shop break the factory paint. After the touch up paint was complete the customer decided that he wanted a body shop to repaint the scratches. On August customer submitted a repair estimate totaling $2125.58. This estimate appears to be excessive so our insurance company has requested a second estimate, photos of scratches attached.


    Consumer Response /* (3000, 7, 2022/10/16) */
    (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
    I feel this response is unsatisfactory to proper repair of my vehicle and here is why; when damage occurred on my truck,I discovered that don mealey chevrolet does not have an on site body shop and uses outside venders. With talking with Whit the day of incident I expressed my concern with using outside vendors to repair my truck,with a msrp of over $80k, and wanted to use a g.m. in house body shop. The response from whit was" you can take your truck anywhere to get repaired and we will take care of it". I have used Sam B****** gmc,( formally danny len gmc) for paint work before and have done great work with attention to customer service. I received an estimate from this dealership and forwarded estimate and contact number of the manager of the body shop so whit could ask any questions about the estimate if desired. I do not set prices and have no control of what body shops charge, but I do know with a truck that is brand new , that I want it done right and have confidence that it will happen at this dealership/body shop.Therefore I think whit should stand behind his statement and let me choose the repair facility as agreed to. Their insurance adjuster is more than welcome to look at and take pictures of my vehicle and work with the body shop at Sam B****** gmc.
    Sincerely
    *** *********


    Business Response /* (4000, 9, 2022/10/26) */
    Please consider this concern closed Don Mealey Chevrolet has agreed to pay the $2125.58 with the understanding that****** ********* signs a complete release.

    Whit G*****


    Consumer Response /* (4200, 11, 2022/11/01) */
    (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
    I do have a tentative agreement with whit. At this piont I am just waiting on counsel to review the release document, so I can move forward with settlement. Once approved I will complete transaction.

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