Firestone Complete Auto Care review: Alignment

On May 1, 2025, I took my vehicle to Firestone Complete Auto Care in Portage, MI (Invoice #185412) for an inspection and alignment. Firestone’s notes state:

“FEELS LIKE A BOAT WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, LOOSE IN THE REAR END. PROB JUST NEEEDS ALIGNED. STANDARD WHEEL ALIGNMENT.”

I paid $111.70 for this service. I explained that my vehicle was pulling under acceleration and deceleration, and shaking from a stop. Firestone staff concluded it “probably just needed an alignment” and performed a standard alignment.

After leaving, the vehicle continued to behave unsafely. On October 8, 2025, another repair facility inspected it and found the tie rod nut had been left only hand-tight. Their technician immediately warned me of the danger and advised me not to drive further until it was corrected. This is a severe safety hazard that could have caused a serious accident.

Resolution Requested:

Full refund of the $111.70 paid for the alignment.

Reimbursement for costs I will incur to have the vehicle properly inspected and repaired by a different shop.

A written explanation of how such a safety failure occurred and what steps Firestone is taking to prevent it from happening again.

This matter involves gross negligence and a significant risk to life and safety. I request a response within 14 days. If not resolved, I will escalate my complaint to the Better Business Bureau and the Michigan Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.