Meineke Car Care Center
reviews and complaints

I went to Meinekee On july 2012 and they said i need to get new brakes and roaders so they said they replaced them and i payed them for the service. 3 month later i needed new brakes and roaders again but this time i went to a different car dealer and they said that meinekee never replaced my roaders and brakes i was driving metal on metal they put my 9 year old son in danger and me. They cheated me out of money, and i will sue them if i don't get my money back.

I took my 2010 Nissan Altima for a routine oil change and tire rotation. a week later my car would not start. I realized that the technician replaced my OEM battery with a old or defective battery. Of course when i confronted the counter/mananger he denied and was no way to prove it. Even though I hadn't open the hood since I took it there...
I demanded that they replace my battery with a new one and he said no...So beware of those crooked tech at Meineke on pat booker rd.
H 12/08/12

HORRIBLE experience. My husband dropped my car off there for a simple oil change. When he came back to pick it up, they had completed the oil change and parked the car back in the parking lot for pickup. Turns out, technician left my car windows DOWN and it had been POURING for about 45 minutes. Yep, my car was soaked!

My husband informed the manager who then sent the technician out with two dirty rags that he thought would somehow magically soak up all the water. The technician not only failed at getting any water out of my soaked back seat and floor board. He also SMUDGED OIL ON THE INSIDE OF MY CAR door and the fabric on the backseat.

My husband was already in a hurry and very frustrated so he just had to leave. I called the store back later and spoke to the manager, he basically made me feel worse and said to bring my car back RIGHT NOW so they could clean it. I was already late for my trip out of state so I could not abide by his demanding timeline.

I sent a complaint via the Meineke website and a woman named CONCHITA (Hi Conchita!) from corporate called and left a weird voicemail on my husbands phone. I have tried calling Conchita back at her corporate number of [protected] but she does not care to return my voicemails.

HORRIBLE experience, horrible company from corporate to manager to worker. I will NEVER go to another Meineke ever again.

SAVE YOURSELF THE TROUBLE!

Since 2006 I have managed and worked intermittently as a technician for Meineke, store #728 in Frederick, Md. In my opinion I have been dismissed from that shop because I would not let unethical, unsafe and uneducated repairs continue and I repeatedly pointed them out to the owner and current manager. On a daily basis I have witnessed them selling rotors, brake pads and calipers that my 20 years’ of experience suggest do not need to be replaced. Commonly, brake pads with as much as 7/32 of an inch left on the pads are replaced. Depending on a person’s driving habits, it is common knowledge in the industry that pads with as little as 4/32 of an inch could last up to a year, yet, I have seen this shop tell customers they need to replace their pads. Regarding replacing rotors, I have seen them recommend replacing rotors that in my opinion don’t need to be replaced. I suggest if you’re ever sold a rotor, make sure you ask for the old part and let the mechanic know you plan to take the rotor to a safety inspector to be sure they are necessary. Typically, rotors aren’t necessary to replace just because your pads need to be replaced. I believe that because the shop isn’t making as much money doing honest brake jobs, they are selling parts that aren’t necessary.

I have also witnessed the owner and manager do what I believe to be illegal safety inspections. They give safety certificates to people without looking at the car and put the cash in their pockets rather than putting the money through the shop. They have been putting unsafe cars that don't meet minimum safety requirements on the road to drive next to you or your children.
In my opinion because the store owner is so limited in his mechanical knowledge, many repairs go misdiagnosed costing the customer more money or worse, jeopardizing their safety and those on the road with them. I have personally witnessed mistakes, such as leaving steering couplers loose, which is a mistake that could kill someone, happen.

If you need an inexpensive exhaust repair I would completely recommend them. But, any exhaust part that needs to be replaced should be compared to another shop like your local tire store etc. No doubt there will be no savings for the customer going through Meinke. It’s also important to note that they increase the cost of any part they buy for the customer by as much as 300%.

After I began to speak out about the extensive misconduct of the mechanics and manager and owner of the shop, the work environment became hostile and I was eventually ousted on bad terms. I felt I had to report them to the local state trooper and hopefully they will never be able to do a safety inspection again. Also, be aware that the Better Business Bureau gives them a D minus rating as of August 2012, on a scale of A thru F. To see that information go to www.bbb.org.

I wonder if corporate gets paid for bogus inspections or all the work done under the table?

They charged me 700 bucks to change a timing belt and seal the valve cover and it took them three days to do it because the valve cover leaked oil twice after they said it was done. Unfortunately, there was no need to even touch the valve cover on my car when changing the timing belt, but they did and they could NOT get it to seal oil properly.

I was on the road and had to pay a hundred bucks a night for three nights while they fiddle-farted with the valve cover trying to get it to seal oil, an elementary mechanical problem if ever there was one. Twice they told me it was fixed and I tested it for ten minutes and it leaked terribly again! Ridiculous.

So, a few days and five hundred miles later it was leaking from a different place and I had to do it myself, took me six hours to remove all their sealant from the gasket and sealing faces and re-seal it carefully like they should've taken the time to do. Don't gamble with The Black Hole of Car Care unless you like gambling with your CASH because these guys are really incompetent mechanics.

I have spent about a year in dealing with Meineke’s incompetence. I finally had my case arbitrated by the BBB of Kansas City and won. This vehicle was brought in originally for an oil change and possible leak. After two visits, the second one being a “comeback”, Meineke still failed to change the engine oil and filter. Meineke “allegedly” found numerous leaks in the power steering system, including the power steering pump, hoses and the rack and pinion. The “alleged” replaced rack and pinion leaked and had a torn boot among many other concerns. Meineke utilizes a “shade-tree” mechanic approach to diagnose concerns in order to maximize customer repairs, resulting in fraudulent price-gouging of parts and labor. Meineke fabricates phantom parts and labor cost in order to justify their invoices. Meineke did offer to make repairs under warranty, but the facts are that this vehicle has been back to Meineke twice at a cost of over $3, 260 and continues to leak even more each time returned. I had absolutely no confidence that Meineke’s “mechanic” could perform repairs a third time. This complaint was based on Meineke’s (1) failure to perform basic diagnostic procedures and basic repairs (2) price-gouging of parts and labor (3) incompetence over safety and (4) their lack of principle and integrity towards the customer. Instead of going into details here, check out my videos on YouTube, just search for “meineke rip-off” and leave a comment. Let’s stand up against incompetence and being ripped-off. Thank you.

I was sold a moped from meineke mufflers in salem .ma. with in one months time it would keep stoping on me. on my way to and from work. they said it was my fault for not riding it enough.and I replyd.How can I ride it when it keeps breaking down.they replyd that they did not want to discuss it. with in the last eight months it has broken down numerus times. I want to resolve this with out making it acivil matter.can some one help me please.

This place is a nightmare! Last year in March 2010 we took our truck to do brake job there. They did the job poorly and we had to take it back so shaking it was! Months later I was coming Rt 38 E Hainesport, NJ and my brakes just didn't work anymore...Thank God I didn't get in any accident. Since we had brakes done there we took it to Meineke in Lumberton, NJ. They kept my truck forever and ever time we asked about it has a different story! They "fixed" the brakes and I got it back. It was terrible…the truck shakes like a blender and the ABS light was always on. We took back to them and the manager said the router was bad so they changed it and, of course charged for…We, after other long 5 days, got the truck back and the ABS light was still on and the truck was still shaking! We took someplace else and asked for our money back at Meineke. In the other place they found out that Meineke put the WRONG router in the truck…Are they incompetent or what? Long story short, we lost a lot money in that place because they just give us back the router money not service and anything else. I DON’T RECOMMEND THAT NIGHTMARE FOR NO ONE!

I knew my car needed new brakes, I just didn't know if front ones or rear or both. So I took my car to Meineke on Thunderbird Rd in Phoenix, customer service from the beginning wasn't friendly, and it took almost 2 hrs for them to give my estimate. I am a girl and those places think that just because you are a girl or woman, you don't know anything about cars. They gave me an estimate of over $ 550, 00 saying I needed all 4 brakes pads and rotors replaced. So I decided to get a second opinion and I took my car to couple other places and later I found out I only needed rear pads, which only costed me $160, 00. Don't let those guys rip you off, get your car checked somewhere else before you do business with them! They lie big time! Never again Meineke!

I visited the Meineke location listed above on April 8 2011 in need of a new muffler. I was quoted a price and the work was completed. This work totaled $135.00. At the time of the repair there was no mention of anything that needed attention in addition to the muffler. 11 days later, April; 19 2011 I noticed a loud noise coming from my exhaust, 2 days, after that April 21 2011 my "Check Engine" light illuminated. On April 23rd 2011 I took my car to my regular mechanic, Dekalb Tire 801 S. Atlanta St
Roswell, GA 30075, to see what the problem was. When he put my car on a lift, he pointed out an 8+ inch long crack in the pipe connecting the muffler to the resonator pipe. This was a surprise to me. There was also fresh patching material surrounding the crack. It was stated to me that the Meineke "technician" who replaced my muffler patched the exhaust pipe as well. This was able to be determined because the material was fresh. I was told that the back pressure caused by this situation is what caused my oxygen sensor to fail, and my "check engine" light to illuminate. I tried to return to the Meineke location, but they had closed early "for Easter".

I then took my car to a competitor, Midas in Sandy Springs, I was told that the muffler that was on the car had to be replaced in order to replace the cracked pipe. I therefore had to purchase a new muffler in order to be in compliance with state emmissions standards. In addition to the new muffler, I needed to pay $114 for a new oxygen sensor, which I have been told failed due to the previous faulty repair, in order to be in compliance with state emmission standards. On Monday, April 25th 2011 I returned to the Meineke location in question and spoke with the owner/franchisee. He informed me that he would not be refunding my money. I attempted to contact Meineke's customer service department and the issue has not been resolved. These clowns are the biggest joke. If you beleive this is a customer service dept. I have a bridge that I can sell you as well.

The total harm done to the consumer in this matter is:

$135.00
+$114.00 $249

In March 2011, I went to Meineke to have them do a brake inspection because I had a Ford Taurus that had been sitting idle for 18 mos. and wanted them to replace the brake fluid and check for rust. About 4 hours after getting started, I was called and told I needed new front brake pads(which was true), but also needed new front rotors, and "oh...by the way, you need a new master cylinder, sir..." Total bill will be $575.00. I had put BRAND NEW rotors on just before I put the car up in storage, so that was a lie, and I took the car home, disassembled the master cylinder myself, changed the fluid, and never needed to replace ANYTHING. I had brought my car to them as a convenience to myself because I am really busy, but I ended up doing it all myself for about $35.00. The car runs great, brakes are perfect, NO THANKS to Meineke. DO NOT GO THERE! Calhoun Highway, Easley, SC.

I took my car for a oil change 02/24/11 at 7652 West Lake Mead Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89128.
Next morning lots of oil on my garage floor under my car. I took back my car to them and said that they need to diagnose my steering wheel at a cost. Luckily, I decided not to and
I took my car to other mechanic and find out that the caused of oil dripping was that the tray under my engine was full of oil which was due to the change oil they done. It cost me $70.00 just for that oil dripping check.
I think this might be intentional otherwise it is incompetence on the part of Meineke mechanic.
But one thing for sure is that I will never bring my car back to Meineke for service.
Beware dealing with Meineke.

On 20 December 2010 I took my car in to have the Oxygen Sensors, a Serpatine Belt and an oil change. While they were examining the car leakage surrounding a hose was pointed out and I had the hoses replaced. I was given a price of approxamately $500 to make these repairs. I was called later and told the Coolant housing also needed to be replaced which would boost up my price to approximately $700 dollars. This actually came to over $1, 000. I gave the go ahead. When I picked up the car I questioned whether or not they had done the oil change. They had not. A mechanic in the shop quickly changed the oil while I waited. My car was at the shop all day. I picked up the car just before closing and did not make it home before the car overheated and shut down. I waited on the side of the road for a few minutes and drove the car the rest of the way home. I live less than 2 miles from the shop. I called the shop when I arrived home informing Pete Montoya the car was not right, it overheated before I got home. I was told to bring it back which I did the following business day. I could not drive the car during this time due to the danger of it overheating. My car has been back to their shop five times as of Saturday 20 December 2010. They do something to the car to get me away from their premises only to have it overheat again. This week the car was towed to them twice, yes in the same week. The also towed it to the shop after I called the corporate office. The next to the last visit I was told the radiator and heater hose were bad I had them both replaced. Another $662.00. Mind you this was after the manager told me he had replaced my hoses. He also told me he replaced the thermostat. I don't believe the original thermostat was bad as it had been replaced the previous summer. Omar Mei, the assistant manager told me this heater hose was on the opposite side of the car so it was not replaced. I picked up the car at closing and made it less than a mile from the shop before it ran hot again. I called their corporate office the next day and explained my situation. By this time I'm out $1800 for repairs and $200 for towing. My car is now sitting in my driveway--I can't drive it. I believe Meineke damaged my engine and will not make good on it. All I want is my car running like it should. It actually ran better before I took it to them a mistake I won't repeat. When I spoke to the corporate office I was told the owner would call me he hasn't. I get no further than the Manager Pete Montoya. At this point I want Meineke to tow my car to Coulter Cadillac and repaired correctly. I want a rental car while my car is being evaluated and repaired. I want my money returned and for Meineke to pay for the necessary repairs to my car. I left threer messages at Meineke's Customer Relations. To date they have not caled me back. Update: My car is now at the dealer. I again paid to have it towed. The diagnosis being a blown head gasket, the cost estimate $4500. This could have been avoided had they told me they didn't know what caused the overheating initially and I would have gone else where. How can you do what amounts to maintence to a car and hand it back overheating. I am more than pissed!

The both rear coil springs on my 2002 Ford Escort SE were broken. I ordered the parts myself.
I made appointment and took it for replacing the parts to Meineke Car Care Center @ Boston Post road, Milford, Connecticut and they told me 180.00 + $22.00 for tax and shop parts. Once they took the car inside the repair shop for replacement after signing for the repair cost, the manager came in and told me that it will cost additional 90.00 + tax as it will take 3 hours instead of 2 hours.
Having done my homework about the repair cost and the amout of time it takes to repair on the internet, I had serious doubt about the integrity of the Meineke shop manager at Milford, Connecticut repair shop.
I knew this scam very well and told them to bring the car down and out of the repair shop. ( It reminded me of the medical scams by heart surgeons performing bypass surgery in California. Once the patient’s ribcage is open, they tell the relatives that the patient requires triple bypass instead of double bypass, bumping the cost by another $50, 000.00)

I took it to another shop and they did it in less then 2 hours and it cost me less then $180 with tax.
Please avoid Meineke if you can or atleast do your homework about the repairs on internet and watch the YouTube videos about your repair if available.
I cannot imagine how many people must be getting robbed in this manner by Mieneke each day.

Atleast, my car will never be at Meineke car care again for as long as I own it.