Complaint Review: Firestone Complete Auto Care

This place is a total rip off. They will brake your car, and
ask you to pay four (4) times the normal price for the replacement part. They
don't take responsibility for their actions. Absolutely NOT recommended.

Here's the story: I went to Firestone at 7237 W Dempster St in Niles, IL to
install my 4 brand new tires I've got from TireRack.com. The only reason I've
chosen Firestone are their business hours (open till 8PM). I've been told the
procedure will take approximately 1 hour. After about 30 min, I was asked to
take a look on something in the shop area. Apparently there was something
"wrong" with my car. And to my surprise one of the tires wasn't
holding pressure. It was leaking air from the stem. It wasn't just a minor
leak, it was really audible - full blown - leak. The tire would be completely
flat in a matter of couple of minutes. I've own my car since new, for over 5
years now and I never had any problems with tires not holding pressure.
Obviously the technician broke it taking the old tire off, and they were trying
to put the blame on me - one of the mechanics said "I think that plastic
cap was holding the pressure" - ohhh reallly... well, I have a habit of
checking my tire pressure with a gauge once in a while and I take those plastic
caps off, and never heard anything leaking air like that.

They offered me a replacement TPMS unit for... only $137.95
(with tax) ! I was running already late for work (night shift), so I decided to
come back next day in the morning to finish the work, and as a temporary fix
they installed a regular rubber stem. I was really ready to pay that price on
the spot if I had time to wait another 30 min. Well.. I'm glad I didn't.

The TPMS sensor for '07 Rav4 is available NEW online fo
$35.99 + free shipping. That's almost 4 TIMES lower than the price I was quoted
at Firestone. I get the idea they have to meet their quotas and whatever... but
4 TIMES ? Are you kidding me?! So anyway, I went over there again the next day
right after work at 7 AM to talk to them about it. I brought a prints of the
websites with prices with me as a proof. I've been told by the employee that
this is "impossible" and "not true". He admitted that it is
a common problem with those sensors, and when I asked why somebody didn't warn
me this situation is possible he said (quoted) "well, then nobody would
come to us" d**n right buddy! Nobody should come to you, when you don't
take the responsibility for the work you do. I work in the aviation business,
and when a customer gives me his multi-million dollar airplane under my care
I'm responsible for everything that happens to it under my watch. If I'm trying
to tow it with the brakes on and nose gear collapses - guess what - It's my
fault. I touch the static wick and it breaks... yepp you've got it - my fault.
So... please remember, you are not in the 5th grade anymore. You are taking my
personal property under your care. And the second you put your tool on my car
and twist it... and something breaks... IT'S YOUR FAULT ! I'm expecting you to
be professional in your actions. You should know what you are doing. If you
knew there's a good chance that the sensor might break because of your
actions... you should of let me know before you even touch my car.

I was ready to go 50/50 with that ridicules price, but I was
told that this is impossible. So guess what... I've got a BRAND NEW unit for
$36 and my local Toyota
dealer is going to put in for me for $20. And you can be sure I'll never come
back, and advise all my friend to stay away from your "business" as
far as they can.