ComplaintsforMeineke Discount Mufflers & Brakes

• Initial Complaint

  07/21/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I paid Meineke to fix my car and they did not fix it. On 1/13/22 I took my car into Meineke and told them the engine light was on and the car was "missing" and "sputtering". They told me it needed $1800 in repairs which I authorized. They said they fixed the car and I paid for them on invoice ***** (copy attached). On my way home from the shop, the check engine light came back on, and the car started missing and sputtering again. The next morning, I returned to the shop and Rich said he would look at the car again. He drove me to work and kept the car for the day. At the end of the day Rich brought the car back to me and said he could not find anything wrong with it. When I got in the car, the check engine light immediately came on and the car was still missing and sputtering. I returned to the shop again. Rich said he had all 3 of his mechanics working on it and they determined it needed a vacuum valve. He said the car was safe to drive until he could get the part in. It took about a week for the part to come in. I dropped the car off for the additional repair, see Meineke invoice 50379 attached. Rich said the vehicle was purring and running great. On my way home, the check engine came on again and the car was still missing and sputtering. Once again, I returned to Meineke, Rich said he had his senior mechanic look at it this time and provided me with an estimated for $6000 for more repairs, see Meineke estimate 075561 attached. They now wanted to replace all of the catalytic converters, knock sensors, oil pan and gasket, an a vvt solenoid. I told Rich I wanted a credit for the 1st repair as it did not fix the problem. He said he would credit the labor only on the 2nd estimate and quoted me an additional $1500.00, see revised estimate 075561. I took the car to my old mechanic and he fixed the issue for only $400 - copy attached. I want my $1800 I paid to Meineke to be refunded to me.

  Business response

  08/29/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 13, 2022/08/22) */ Mr. ******* did bring his 2002 Toyota Avalon in for service on Jan 13, 2022. His request was for us to perform an oil change maintenance service along with a 23 point courtesy inspection. He also requested that we scan his onboard computer to determine the reason his "check engine" light was on. This included identifying the fault codes and researching their meaning. We found that there were numerous codes indicating problems in different areas. We also found that there were deferred maintenance items that could be contributing to the fault codes. These items included spark plugs, air filter, egr solenoid, and valve cover gasket leaking. As with common business practices, we recommended performing the deferred maintenance items first to see how much that would effect the on board computer fault codes. The customer approved those services and the items were replaced according to the exact charges he incurred. The onboard computer then still indicated malfunction with the 02 sensors and the air to fuel ratio sensor, and these items were replaced as well. It's important to note these items can wear overtime and can be degraded if maintenance is deferred such as the sparks plugs etc. As far as I understand it, these items were replaced exactly as indicated on the invoice included. It's important to note that the "check engine" light is a universal feature that will illuminate for many various reasons. The fact that the light returned after these services does not indicate that anything was performed incorrectly. It also does not indicate that the initial fault codes and replacement of the sensors was not needed. It only indicates that further investigation is needed as the re is another issue still to be resolved. Considering the fact that the vehicle has over 168,000 miles and it has not been maintained fully, It is not unreasonable for there to be other issues to resolved. The logical next step would be to perform further diagnostic testing and would require additional labor charges. My understanding is that Mr. ******* decided not to continue investigating the remaining issues. In summary, Mr. ******* received all the parts and services exactly as he was charged for. The majority of the service was necessary due to deferred maintenance. The r sensor related items were needed due Aug 22 2022 9:58am 3 to his onboard computer communication. His request for a refund due to these services not fixing his issue is not warranted. He received exactly what he was charged for. Sincerely, Bryan T*****

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