Complaint Review: Meineke Car Care Center #359 - Aurora Colorado

On 01/05/2012 I took my car to this business for a new serpentine belt. I also asked that they check my car over for anything else that may be in need of repair (Big Mistake).

Approximately two hours later I received a call from Kevin stating that I needed: spark plug wires, alternator belt, power steering belt, radiator, radiator cap, w/automatic trans add, 4-wheel alignment, front struts gasmatic, for the total of $1126.74 for parts and labor.

I agreed to the repairs. (Big Mistake #2)

On 01/08/2012, after driving the car for approx. 50 miles, my car broke down at I-225 and Alameda.  I called AAA and they dispatched the Aurora Fire Dept.  My car was then towed back to the shop.

After two more days, Kevin informed me that the "O" ring at the bottom of the radiator had failed and he would replace it.  Now, keep in mind, this was part of the NEW radiator that he had installed. So, apparently, he installed a defective "O" ring. I brought this to his attention that I was concerned that a mechanic would not be able to detect a defective "O" ring BEFORE installing it. He became very defensive and stated he needed a magnifying glass to find the cut in the "O" ring.

Because the car had overheated so badly, the head gasket had to be replaced and the cylinder had to be sent to a machine shop to check for pressure.

On 01/14/2012, I once again picked up my car and Kevin informed me that everything was running great and not only did he fix the problem but he replaced the timing belt.  My first thought was "Oh no", and I never authorized him to replace the timing belt, which I know, has to be installed by a SKILLED mechanic.

As I drove home that evening, I noticed the car wasn't running correctly or smoothly. The RPM's were getting very high before the car would shift, then when it did shift at around 55 mph it would lose power and could not gain any speed.

As I live about 35 miles from this shop, and I work 40 hours per week, I was unable to take the car back to him until the following weekend.  About halfway there, my car started overheating, AGAIN, and I called my daughter to tell her to call Meineke and let them know I am on my way if I could make it there. After arriving at the shop Kevin stated that my car was not overheating and that "it is only a 4-cylinder, and an old car, and it is the best it's 'gonna get' ".  They basically called me a liar.  Apparently, they think that I have nothing better to do with my time than to constantly take my car back to them to repair their faulty work.

I immediately took my car around the corner to one of their competitors and gave them permission to take everything apart and check the timing belt.  They found that the timing belt was installed incorrectly causing the engine to run incorrectly thus causing the continued overheating.  Once they installed a new timing belt (to the tune of $873.48) that problem was corrected and now the car is running correctly as far as that is concerned.  Now, I am noticing I am having issues with the steering wheel belt that Kevin also installed.  No need to take it back to him, though, as he OBVIOUSLY does not guarantee his work, no matter what the paperwork says.  I am considering small claims court.  I have until 01/05/2013 to decide.

I filed a complaint with the BBB and the Meineke would not respond to my rebuttal.  Kevin (or Scott) also made several false statements in his response to my original complaint.  This business, as I checked today, has had 5 complaints filed against them since 2010 and has an F rating with the BBB.

I would highly recommend that anyone considering taking their vehicle to this business, reconsider. If I were you,  I wouldn't even allow them to open the hood, it will become your worst nightmare!