American Engine Installations we are going to small claims court in Tennessee. Company conspiracy to defraud 2351 West Northwest Hwy. #1302 Dallas Texas
On March 27, 2006 my husband Patrick called American Engine Installers based in Dallas, TX and was quoted $2234.71 to have a re-manufactured V6/231/3.8 longblock engine installed in our 1990 Buick LeSabre. Estimated time to complete the job was 10 days to two weeks. My husband paid an $800 deposit and had the car towed to the local shop at 450 Edenwold Road Madison, TN 37115. (phone 321-6111). Today is August 14th, 2006 and our 1990 Buick LeSabre is still at American Engine Installers in Madison.
On April 10th my husband went to the Madison location to see how the work was progressing. He found the car in the exact location the tow truck driver had delivered the car. While sitting on the hood of the vehicle, from his cell phone he called the manager, Shawn Guerrero and was told that the car was inside the shop and that the engine had been pulled out.
This was the first alert that there was a serious problem as the car was still out on the lot and had been delivered without the engine in place. The parts of the engine were in the trunk and the block was the only thing in place. My husband spoke with David Ranger, the regional manager based in Little Rock and was told that the job would be completed right away. That was in mid-April. He tried on at least three occasions to reach someone at the home office in Dallas and his calls were not returned.
Mr. Guerrero told my husband over the phone about various extra parts that were needed. My husband questioned him on several of the parts (example a new battery when the car had a brand new battery in place) and then Mr. Guererro told my husband that mark-up on the parts is where the company "really" makes their money and that he would allow my husband to buy the additional parts needed to avoid the mark-ups. They agreed on a list of parts that was needed and my husband spent roughly $600 on additional parts and took the parts to the shop in Madison.
On June 6, 2006 my husband paid the balance and took delivery of the vehicle. On June 11th the car broke down. On June 23rd we paid $135 to have the car towed back to the shop in Madison. On June 26th I spoke with Mike Marek, director of Field operations on June 26th, relayed what was happening and he promised to get answers and call me the next day. On the evening of June 26th, after my conversation with Mr. Marek, Mr. Geurerro contacted my husband and said that the manufacturer had torked the rocker arms too tightly and that the push rods were bent.
Further, on June 26th Mr. Guererro assured my husband that they would order a new engine and have it here "asap". Mr. Marek never re-contacted me although I left several messages.
Today is July 24, 2006 and our 1990 Buick LeSabre is still at American Engine Installers in Madison.
On July 21st, I called the Dallas office and Carla in Mr. Hartnack's office laid the phone down and went and got Mr. Marek to the phone for me. I re-told my story and Mr. Marek commented that he had been busy and out of the office and that's why I had not heard from him since June 26th. I gave him my husband's cell phone number and he called my husband to find out what Mr. Guerrero had said was going on. He assured my husband he would speak with Mr. Geurerro and get right back to him.
July 24th I called the home office and was told that Mr. Marek is in the field at the Baton Rouge office. I went on line and called the Baton Rouge phone number and was routed back to Dallas where the man told me that Mr. Marek does not deal with customer issues when in the field and asked if there is anyone else who I would like to speak with. I said no. I called local directory service for Baton Rouge and left a message with "Tommy" to have Mr. Marek call when he arrives.
I have not heard back from Mr. Marek as of August 14th.
This is a rough sketch of our story. Meanwhile we filed a small claims suit and a complaint with the TN Dept of consumer affairs. We are interested in direct contact with anyone who is willing to supply sworn statement for our 9/12/2006 court date or who has had a court experience or arbitration or media coverage.
Janet and Pat
nashville, Tennessee
U.S.A.
9 Updates & Rebuttals
Engine Soltuions
Irving,Texas,
U.S.A.
Engine Solutions Response
#10REBUTTAL Owner of company
Fri, June 05, 2009
American Engine Installations (AEI) went out of business October 31, 2008 being unable to survive the economic downturn. AEI has always made its best efforts to provide quality products and services to its customers in a timely manner. Sometimes this was not possible due to supplier issues (AEI utilized over a dozen engine suppliers,) shipping issues, staffing problems, unpredictable workflow, parts availability, or unrealistic customer expectations. With all that said, AEI was not perfect and had its challenges. The engine replacement market is probably the most difficult to insure customer satisfaction within the automotive industry. With there being so many unknowns and variables most general repair shops avoid this line of work. Still, the vast majority of the company's clients were pleased and satisfied with the products and services provided by AEI.
Ripoffreport.com reports as of May 12th, 2009, of nineteen complaints, 3 are duplicates; leaving 16 complaints over a 6-year period, five of those were filed after the company went out of business; or to put it another way, less than three complaints per year. In truth, there were many additional complaints filed with various city BBB's, and with various State Attorney General offices; although, many of these represent the same complaint filed with both agencies.
In total, during the reporting period there may have been about 350 complaints of one kind or another. AEI operated about 45 shops, mostly franchises and about 15 owned by the company. It must also be remembered that not all customer complaints are reasonable, realistic or accurate and that it is not possible to satisfy every issue to everyone's liking. AEI sold or installed about 7,000 engines per year, and during the reporting period about 42,000 engines were sold or installed. Resulting in a complaint percentage of less than 1%; not an unreasonable percentage given the industry and scope of work. Reported complaints were addressed by the company, and a reasonable effort was made to resolve the issue at hand.
Both the Colorado and Texas Attorney General's offices have taken action against AEI. Both cases have been settled; AEI was not convicted of anything and admitted to no wrongdoing. AEI had been a member of the BBB for about ten years, and had always been in good standing (to be so, a company must be reasonable in addressing customer complaints and/or issues.) AEI was dropped by the BBB pending the Attorney General's actions, which were not resolved, before AEI terminated operations.
All AEI warranties have become void as a result of AEI's bankruptcy and closure. A proposal had been made to the Texas Attorney General for the continued support of AEI warranties for the balance of their outstanding terms. This proposal was denied by the Attorney General's office, leaving AEI customers with worthless warranty paperwork. As part of AEI's settlement with the Texas Attorney General, a penalty was paid to the state. These funds were to be made available to AEI customers presenting valid claims against the company. Should you have a claim, some restitution may be available to you through the Texas Attorney General's Dallas office.
Tomeka
Nashville,Tennessee,
U.S.A.
how did arbitration go
#10Consumer Comment
Tue, December 26, 2006
i was just curious on what happened with your case, i just want to know what i should expect...i'm still waiting on my arbitration date.
Tomeka
Nashville,Tennessee,
U.S.A.
how did arbitration go
#10Consumer Comment
Tue, December 26, 2006
i was just curious on what happened with your case, i just want to know what i should expect...i'm still waiting on my arbitration date.
Tomeka
Nashville,Tennessee,
U.S.A.
how did arbitration go
#10Consumer Comment
Tue, December 26, 2006
i was just curious on what happened with your case, i just want to know what i should expect...i'm still waiting on my arbitration date.
Tomeka
Nashville,Tennessee,
U.S.A.
how did arbitration go
#10Consumer Comment
Tue, December 26, 2006
i was just curious on what happened with your case, i just want to know what i should expect...i'm still waiting on my arbitration date.
Janet
Nashville,Tennessee,
U.S.A.
Court Date Pending 10/31
#10Author of original report
Fri, September 29, 2006
Two developments: The TN Dept of Consumer Affairs received a response to our complaint from marcy Vehon in the AEI Legal Dept telling them that our complaint has been filed in Davidson County Court. (true). Ms. Vehon also reports that Pat Johnson is no longer with the company. ? ?
Meanwhile, our warrent was served on 8/31. We were contacted by Cameron Worley Fordham P.C. asking to continue court case to 10/31. We agreed. Court date 10/31
Marc
Makaha,Hawaii,
U.S.A.
Something is wrong with the story.
#10Consumer Comment
Thu, September 28, 2006
The bent push rods were not a serious issue, needing an engine replacement. They simply needed to replace the bent rods with new ones and button it back up correctly, would have taken a couple of hours at the most. I'm curious as why the shop would tell you that. Sounds like they were bluffing for some reason.
Tomeka
Nashville,Tennessee,
U.S.A.
How did court go
#10Consumer Suggestion
Thu, September 28, 2006
I noticed you stated that you were going to court on 9/12/2006, I just wanted to know if you received any of your money back. I am going through the same thing with them myself, the same AEI in Madison, TN.
Janet
nashville,Tennessee,
U.S.A.
Pls note
#10Author of original report
Sat, August 19, 2006
Pls note that a couple of the dates are out of sequence from "cutting and pasting" my report. We picked the car up August 17th. We file the court case August 15th. Sorry for confusion.