ComplaintsforRainbow Muffler & Brake – West 130th

• Initial Complaint

  11/16/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  O2 sensors were removed from the vehicle during repairs and never replaced, the port for the O2 sensors were also removed so no new sensors could be put in. Car ran rough and used increased fuel without the sensors along with a wheel traction sensor was affected when the O2 sensors were removed. I had to pay someone $350 to purchase and install new sensors so the car would run correctly. They had told me I could skip the flex pipe until I got the e-check but since it was within the amount I said I was willing to spend I had the flex pipe changed. I did not know they were going to remove the sensors, when I saw the bill I thought the sensor were just bad not missing.

  Business response

  12/07/2023

  The customer who originally brought the vehicle in on 11/11/23  (see attached photo) was advised to replace their rear muffler assembly (service approved and performed on 11/11/23) as well as their direct fit flex pipe with downstream oxygen sensor. Customer stated he could not afford the direct fit flex and oxygen sensor at that time. In order to save him money, he was given the option to purchase and bring in his own oxygen sensor and do a universal flex pipe with a section that would temporarily eliminate his downstream oxygen sensor until he could return with his own part (service approved and performed on 11/11/23). He was again reminded on exit (and noted on his paperwork) that the oxygen sensor was out and his check engine light would remain illuminated until the final service was performed upon him returning with his own oxygen sensor (there is video available of him being told this at our check-out desk as well). 

  A different man (see attached photo) returned with the same vehicle on 11/13/23 (shop was closed on Sunday 11/12/23). This other man came into the shop and immediately started berating the manager for the lack of an oxygen sensor in the vehicle. The man caused quite a scene saying this was inconveniencing him as he was also working on several other vehicles at the same time. The manager explained that the first man who brought the car in was aware of the situation and that we were awaiting him to bring the oxygen sensor back for installation. As a peacekeeping measure, we took the vehicle back in and reinstalled the o2 port. The man drove the car to get the oxygen sensor, returned shortly thereafter and had the downstream oxygen sensor reinstalled. He was charged nothing and the entire second service was performed as a courtesy.

  We are very confused by this entire complaint. Multiple videos are available to corroborate if needed but file sizes are very large. Thank you.

• Initial Complaint

  07/13/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I took my 2008 **** ******* and because my tires we're going bald they told me I need it almost $2,500 worth of work I paid for it it took two to three weeks for them to get the vehicle and to fix and a week to fix it or a little longer I got the vehicle back it's been about eight months then I realize the tires are going bald again I'm having taking it back to them they said that it's nothing with their and that it needs an alignment a rear alignment I took it in to get a rear alignment and the parts that they put in the lateral control arms are not adjustable so you cannot do alignment on it I went back let them know about the alignment can't be done with the part they put on and they want me to pay for new parts and labor I don't feel that's right it's under a 12 month warranty and the parts they put on are not adjustable for the alignment thank you

  Business response

  07/15/2022

  In August of 2021, Mr. **** brought his **** in for an inspection and stated he was having the following issues: power steering stiff and noisy, rear suspension was swaying and his inner rear tires were going bald. Upon inspection, our technicians found a power steering cooler line to need replacement as well as rear trailing arms, upper lateral arms, toe links and wheel bearings. Several of Mr. ****** parts were special order directly from **** (rear trailing arms and power steering line). He was informed at the time that the dealer was experiencing a back order and that parts would take an additional 2-3 weeks for arrival. At this time, Mr. **** agreed to the recommended services,  paid a deposit for his special order parts and took his vehicle with the understanding that we would call him when the parts arrived and he could return with the vehicle at that time to complete the repairs. When the parts were delivered, Mr. **** was notified and he brought the vehicle back for repairs. After the repairs were made, Mr. **** was told that he still required two new rear tires and a wheel alignment (our facility does not have the necessary equipment to perform these services). Mr. ****** vehicle was completed and paid for on 9/8/2021. (see attached repair order).

  On July 12, 2022, Mr. **** brought the vehicle back to our facility stating that he just returned from the wheel alignment facility and they indicated that his alignment could not be performed due to the type of lateral arm that we had installed the previous summer. We advised Mr. **** that the alignment should have been performed immediately after service the year prior. The vehicle was driven for ten months without proper alignment causing improper wear to the rear tires. The lateral arm installed at the time of service last year was the premium OE replacement part (see attached). The adjustable arm the alignment shop recommended is non-standard. We told Mr. **** that we would be happy to replace the lateral arm we installed with the labor and original parts price covered under our standard warranty as long as Mr. **** would pay the difference in price for the upgraded arms. He declined and left with his vehicle. We are still happy to upgrade his parts to the specialty arms as long as the price difference is paid by Mr. ****. Mr. **** has yet to return phone calls from our corporate manager.

• Initial Complaint

  07/02/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On June 29th I went to rainbow muffler and brakes for a noisy exhaust system. They did not fix the noise problem but they did charge me $1,196 to repair something that was not the noise problem. For that much I feel like I should not have to drive a noisy car. They should have fixed the noise problem which I came in for. Instead they told me they didn't see that noise problem until they did other repairs.

  Business response

  07/06/2021

  I have attached a letter explaining what happened with Mr. ******. Please let me know if you think there is anything else we should do for him.

  He absolutely needed the repairs that we did for him and there are no problems with those repairs. We feel that he should have the manifold gasket repaired

  under warranty by the other facility and his exhaust should be in good shape.

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