Skip to main content

Cookies on BBB.org

We use cookies to give users the best content and online experience. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to allow us to use all cookies. Visit our Privacy Policy to learn more.

Cookie Preferences

Many websites use cookies or similar tools to store information on your browser or device. We use cookies on BBB websites to remember your preferences, improve website performance and enhance user experience, and to recommend content we believe will be most relevant to you. Most cookies collect anonymous information such as how users arrive at and use the website. Some cookies are necessary to allow the website to function properly, but you may choose to not allow other types of cookies below.

Necessary Cookies

What are necessary cookies?
These cookies are necessary for the site to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you that amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not work. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.

Necessary cookies must always be enabled.

Functional Cookies

What are functional cookies?
These cookies enable the site to provide enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies, some or all of these services may not function properly.

Performance Cookies

What are performance cookies?
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance.

Marketing Cookies

What are marketing cookies?
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant content on other sites. They do not store personal information directly, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser or device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.

Find a Location

Dondelinger Ford has 2 locations, listed below.

*This company may be headquartered in or have additional locations in another country. Please click on the country abbreviation in the search box below to change to a different country location.

    Country
    Please enter a valid location.
    • Dondelinger Ford

      1510 S Pokegama Ave Grand Rapids, MN 55744-4238

    • Dondelinger Ford

      PO Box 719 1510 S Pokegama Ave Grand Rapids, MN 55744-0719

    Business ProfileforDondelinger Ford

    New Car Dealers
    Multi Location Business

    At-a-glance

    Customer Reviews

    1/5stars

    Average of 3 Customer Reviews

    Customer Complaints

    5 complaints closed in last 3 years

    3 complaints closed in last 12 months

    Customer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating

    Reasons for BBB Rating

    Related Categories

    Business Details

    This is a multi-location business.

    Find a Location

    Dondelinger Ford has 2 locations, listed below.

    *This company may be headquartered in or have additional locations in another country. Please click on the country abbreviation in the search box below to change to a different country location.

      Country
      Please enter a valid location.
      • Dondelinger Ford

        1510 S Pokegama Ave Grand Rapids, MN 55744-4238

      • Dondelinger Ford

        PO Box 719 1510 S Pokegama Ave Grand Rapids, MN 55744-0719

      Location of This Business
      1510 S Pokegama Ave, Grand Rapids, MN 55744-4238
      BBB File Opened:
      10/10/1996
      Years in Business:
      46
      Business Started:
      7/1/1977
      Business Started Locally:
      7/1/1977
      Alternate Business Name
      • Rapids Ford Lincoln
      • Rapids Ford
      Related Businesses
      Business Management
      • Jeff Hayford, Owner/Manager
      • David Dondelinger, Owner/Manager
      • Max Dondelinger, General Manager
      • Deb Mitzel, Manager
      Contact Information

      Principal

      • Jeff Hayford, Owner/Manager
      • Max Dondelinger, General Manager

      Customer Contact

      • David Dondelinger, Owner/Manager
      • Max Dondelinger, General Manager
      • Deb Mitzel, Manager
      Additional Contact Information

      Fax Numbers

      • (218) 326-8562
        Other Fax

      Phone Numbers

      Industry Tip

      BBB Tip: Buying a new car

      Customer Complaints

      5 Customer Complaints

      Need to file a complaint? BBB is here to help. We'll guide you through the process. How BBB Processes Complaints and Reviews

      File a Complaint

      Most Recent Customer Complaint

      12/14/2023

      Complaint Type:
      Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Brand new purchased off the lot **** Bronco Sport 2023 issues remaining unresolved: cracked water pump-parts ordered twice and still not fixed, washer fluid reservoir/always seems to indicate low level-was told "this may be a sensor issue" and nothing even looked into, "crooked" frame/hangs low on rear drivers side by tire-"just how it was put together"-nothing done about it, oil leak between filter and where it connects to the car states "this is normal"-not normal and nothing done to fix issue, apple car play only works sometimes when plugged in and sometimes it does not-looked into it however no resolution and nothing done about it, seatbelt jams/gets stuck in back seat behind driver-ordering a new buckle, front end noise-result is rotors have "****** like a record"-states this is my fault for driving on dirt roads and is my responsibility to fix-not the warranty-my car is 7 months old at time of issue, back end makes a noise and when asked to describe noise I state it sounds like a whale-supposedly a recall on years previous to 2023 models but fits the previous recall and will be covered under warranty but still not fixed as parts on back order, came without floor mats and are supposed to be in there-supposedly ordered but not here yet. Car is a lemon with ongoing issues that are not being resolved or made right by the dealership. Continue to be mistreated and made to feel like nothing more than a stupid woman and also treated as such by both the man who sold me the vehicle as well as the man working in the service department. Related to their poor service: oil was supposed to be changed and tires rotated. after that appointment sticker was still for previous change and oil life not reset-still remained at 19%/not reset. Also tires rotated unbelievable because car pulled to the left-their solution flip flop tires and car now pulls to the right. Manager of dealership has yet to return my call to discuss. **** points used to pay should be refunded
      Read More

      Customer Reviews

      3 Customer Reviews

      What do you think? Share your review.

      How BBB Processes Complaints and Reviews

      Start a Review

      Most Recent Customer Review

      Cathy J

      1 star

      07/24/2023

      If I could give a 0, I would! Both the service department and sales department are totally dishonest, to say the least! I took my car in to have the air conditioner fixed. First time they said it had too much Freon. (I had put in one small container after checking pressure. ) They took it out and charged $225 . Next time I used it, it didnt work. Took it back and they said it was low! They put some in and changed me again $225. I argued with them about being changed again when they hadnt fixed the problem. The next day it didnt work! I took it back and after 3 1/2 hours they said it needed a sensor and it would cost me just under $1000! I asked how much the sensor cost and he said $169 and wouldnt deduct the $450 I had already paid. I called my son and he said I need to get a new car. I was so upset about the whole thing I foolishly bought one from them that same day. By then I had been there 6 hours. Specifically told the salesman manager I did NOT want the extended warranty. When I questioned what the $2585 for he misled me and rushed me on to sign the paperwork which was many pages. I had to go back the next day to get the paperwork and the vehicle. When I got home I read the papers I had signed and realized I had signed unknowingly the extended warranty! I talked to them about it and he said he would cancel it. Between June 13 and July 24th I talked 5 times to the warranty company and twice to sales . He had me sign the cancellation contract and assured me he sent it in. He hadnt. July 24th I had to cancel with the warranty company by email as the **** dealership obviously was not going to do it! As a result I had to pay for the warranty for the almost two months I had the car. I definitely will not go back to them again!!! They are the most dishonest people Ive ever dealt with!

      Dondelinger Ford Response

      08/09/2023

      I am writing regarding complaint number ****** regarding the ************************************************ May 2023. We understand that the client is frustrated with the experience they had, which is extremely upsetting to us as we strive to make every client happy! When the client first brought in their vehicle to our service department, the technician diagnosed the vehicle stating that the ** system had been overcharged to around 400psi which can cause parts to fail internally. The technician released the pressure and then recharged the ** to standard pressure, with that the ** system started to work. A few weeks later, the client returned with the vehicle, after traveling an additional ***** miles, and the ** system showed over once again and upon further review the compressor clutch cycling switch was identified as damaged and needed to be repaired; this was caused from the ** system being overcharged previously. The client then decided to not fix the vehicle but rather trade in the vehicle and purchase a new vehicle off the lot. The purchased vehicle was signed out with a service contract however upon receiving word from the customer that they were not interested in the service contract, the cancellation paperwork was completed, submitted and the customer will be receiving a full refund for the warranty cancellation. We appreciate the opportunity to service your vehicle and I trust that this information will put this matter to rest, but if you have any additional questions, please contact me directly at ************.

      Local BBB

      BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota

      BBB Reports On

      BBB reports on known marketplace practices.

      BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes.

      BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles.

      When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.

      BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. If you choose to do business with this business, please let the business know that you contacted BBB for a BBB Business Profile.

      As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business.