Garmin
reviews and complaints

I gotta say, I'm not too impressed with Garmin Express. I've given it a go about a dozen times now, and it just never seems to work for me. I mean, seriously, whoever gave this thing five stars must have been either drunk or just plain stupid. I don't know what they were thinking.

I've tried everything I can think of to get it to work, but no matter what I do, it just won't cooperate. I've tried restarting my computer, uninstalling and reinstalling the software, and even yelling at it a little bit (hey, it works for some things, right?). But nothing seems to do the trick.

Honestly, I'm not even sure what this thing is supposed to do. I think it's supposed to help me update my Garmin device or something, but I'm not really sure. All I know is that it's supposed to be easy to use, and it's definitely not.

Maybe I'm just not tech-savvy enough for this kind of thing. Or maybe Garmin Express is just a big ol' piece of junk. Either way, I'm pretty disappointed. I was really hoping this would be the solution to all my Garmin-related problems, but it looks like I'll have to keep searching.

Garmin Express is a great tool for anyone who wants to update their Garmin GPS device. I recently used newexpressupdates.com to update my Garmin GPS, and I was very impressed with the service. The website is easy to navigate, and the instructions are clear and concise. The customer support team is also very helpful and friendly.

One thing I really like about Garmin Express is that it is very user-friendly. Even if you are not very tech-savvy, you can still use this tool to update your GPS device. The process is very straightforward, and the website provides step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process.

Another great thing about Garmin Express is that it is very reliable. I have used this tool several times to update my GPS device, and I have never had any issues. The updates are always successful, and my GPS device works perfectly after each update.

Overall, I would highly recommend Garmin Express to anyone who wants to update their GPS device. It is a great tool that is easy to use and very reliable. If you need any help with Garmin Express or updating your GPS device, I would definitely recommend checking out newexpressupdates.com. Their customer support team is top-notch, and they will help you every step of the way.

Garmin Express is a software that is supposed to help you download maps for your GPS device. However, my experience with it was not great. I recently purchased a new map, but when I tried to download it, the software didn't work. It kept telling me that my user-ID was not recognised, even though it had worked in the past. I tried changing my password and upgrading to the latest version, but that didn't help either.

After struggling with it for a while, I decided to uninstall and reinstall the software. Finally, it recognised my user-ID and I was able to download the map. However, this was a frustrating experience, and I wouldn't recommend using Garmin Express if you can avoid it.

If you need to download maps for your GPS device, I would recommend buying a micro-SD card instead. It may take a few days for delivery, but it will save you a lot of agony and frustration in the long run. Overall, I was disappointed with my experience with Garmin Express and would not use it again.

I purchased a Viofit 4 for my granddaughter on October 4th 2022 thru the website. She was excited about opening it on Christmas morning, however it turns out the family of her significant other had also bought her the same one. Thinking no big deal I will just return the one that i purchased until I checked on the site and discovered that there is a 30 day return policy. My question is how can you have a policy like that at the holiday season when you even encourage buying early to be sure there is one available. I would thing the better Customer Service would be to have the 30 policy effective after the Holiday. My Granddaughter nor anyone else wants or needs two of the same item. Please reconsider the return policy.

15 miles north of turn off for Rocky Mount I was told I95 was closed and i was to go north to Raleigh and beyond. I left the interstate to consider my option to avoid an almost 100 mile extra detour.

Called my daughter who checked Google Maps and sail I95 was open all the way to SC. Got back on I95 and was then told I95 was closed at Wade NC. Of course when I got there I had no problems proceeding on I95.

Two months ago I was sent on a two hour tangent and it took two hours more to get back to my route. That was in rural Indiana.

I lived to tell the stories.

I had a G8 golf GPS that wouldn't charge. The unit was just out of warranty they offered to send me another one for $100. I sent them the money received another unit. Worked for roughly 6 months and had the same issue of not charging. Called again and they wanted me to send them another $100 to get another unit. I refuse and after a long conversation they sent me another unit for free. That unit after a short period of time also didn't charge. Called again and they were going to send me another unit. I refused because it was obvious to me, they had issues with the charging of the G8. After a lot of back and forth we settled on getting 50% off of any golf GPS. I agreed to purchase an Approach G 80. Three months out of warranty the glass separated from the bottom of the unit. Phoned customer service and the best they can do is send me another unit for another $140. I just can't see send them more money for products that obviously don't last very long. I will have to try and reglue the glass back to the case.

I received this unit on Sept 9, 2022, after opening the box, I saw the mount, I was so used to using my 785 LMT-S WITH THE MAGNET MOUNT, I have used Garmin ball mounts before, after 2 or 3 mouths the ball would not hold the unit up, the ball was wore out. Can't believe you all went back to the ball mount, with all the problems you had with these in the past. AT THIS TIME I AM NOT REAL HAPPY WITH THIS OTR710 UNIT, Where the camera located and the tilt of my windshield the camera won't center up won't tilt down far enough, I wished I had never took the advice from the man in support, talk me into buying and to trade my 2 year old 785 LMT-S with a bad battery that would not stay charged up, Sept 12 2022 I will be calling you, I want my money back and my 2 year old 785 LMT-S battery replaced and send the unit back to me. BALL MOUNT TOTALLY SUCKS

Why did Garmin take away the curvy road choice on the XT. While traveling thru Europe the gps would only direct to major roads instead of side roads. It also took you thu major towns and sometimes on the highway even though i had Highways, Toll Roads, Carpool lanes, Unpaved roads ticked on in Avoidances. The map also indicated gas stations, eating places where there was not any. Had problems finding hotels on the gps when they were on goggle maps. The maps was updated in 2022. The gps was also slow in recalculating.

TRUST THAT GARMIN COULD NOT FIX PAIRING ISSUES. I've been communicating with Garmin for more than a month. They did literally a lot to pair my Forerunner 945 to Iphone 12. Until now, they could not solve the basic pairing issue. What is so disappointing is that I first tried a 20USD sports watch to get to feel if I really need a 700USD sports watch. The 20USD watch worked well with pairing and some of the basic features that is helpful; thus, I felt the need to upgrade to FR945. I'm close to begging for Garmin to finally fix pairing issues. If only I could refund, with all the tedious communication difficulties and an unsolved basic issue, I'll never look back at Garmin again!

Hello,

I have a Forerunner 35. I have a new band I'd like to put on but the screws are impossible to remove. My first watch I purchased from insurance I bought at the time, I explained I couldn't get the band off, they said to send it in and replaced it, not resolving my issue. I recently wanted to try and change the band out again but the screws will not come off. I contacted Garmin via chat and said to send it in again. I sent it in hoping they would just send back (requested it) without the band on so I could put the new one on but it came with a new watch and band on. Once again, I tried to remove the screws and they will not come off with the tool provided. It will not grip to get the screws off, it just spins around. I have contacted Garmin customer service via phone and chats and they come up with tips like use a rubber band, take it to a jeweler or try something to grip it. It you have to do then that tells me there is a problem, the tool provided doesn't work. I love this watch but Garmin makes different color bands so why not include the tool that actually works to make it easy on the consumer.

I do not need another replacement watch, this one is fine, just want to change out my band without being so frustrated at the process.

Very frustrated consumer.

I have contacted Garmin customer service three times concerning Unit ID; [protected] S/N: 2H8120111 Garmin Nuvi GPS Device. "Map data is not available." Garmin Express site will not recognize the device, and I receive a "servers are unavailable" advisory. All three representatives I have spoken to have looked into the issue, promised to provide assistance through upper level technicians. Promised to contact me with a solution, but none have. Their only solution is to send me an offer for a slightly reduced price on a new unit.
The unit functioned perfectly prior to the attempted update.

I ordered a Garmin fenix 5 watch from Garmin website and I received a Handkerchief in the parcel. I ordered this from the advertisement on Instagram which took me to a website names garminlove.club and there what I placed the order. I have some screen shots which I am going to share. I will appreciate if you can help me here. Thank you you can reach me on sanap.[protected]@gmail.com

i bought this device in June 2018 in Scotland, Immediately i realised that this device was not operated properly and lack response, i sent it to service centre in Kuala Lumpur once i came back to Malaysia. the service centre sent to regional service in Taiwan for rectified the problem, i have my device back two months later and i kept it aside for my next trip to europe.
i travel to Poland this June 2019 and i reaslised that this device still having the same problem, not operate well and lack respond, it will hang and i have to restart or re-key in the location, but overall not operate properly.
i hope garmin can replace me a new same model unit as it proof that i had bought a defect unit from the beginning.
thank you

I purchased the watch online, when I received it I plugged it into the charger and it worked fine for about 1 hour. After an hour I could not get it to turn back on. After plugging it in for over 24 hours, there was still no response. I contacted the customer service and it took about 3 days for them to reply, the only thing I got told was to download software to detect the problem. I did this however the software could not recognise the device was even connected to my computer. I then purchased a new charger and I still got no response at all. I sent another email to customer service updating them on the issue and I did not get a reply.

I visited a garmin website. I thought it was authentic. Everything was on sale. The website is: https://www.garminlove.club/

I bought a garmin descent mk1. I was sending emails to the support team yet they were not responding. I was asking if they were selling authentic garmin watches. They were not responding. Suddenly, I received an auto reply email with Chinese characters. I arrived at a safe conclusion that I was scammed.

Kindly help me.

I purchaed a lifetime update for my garmin sat nav. Tried to do an update today to be told that my account has been deleted and I need to pay another £89.99 or buy a new device! Both customer services reps rude and unhelpful. Garmin claim that if you do not update the unit every 3 months the lifetime update ends! I thought I understood the term lifetime. I am still alive and the t&c when I bought the lifetime update said nothing about updating every 3 months. This is real underhand dealing by Garmin - beware if you are going to buy a liftime update

In October 2017 I purchased a Garmin Forerunner 30. Because it is classified as swim safe, I originally bought it to coach swimming with and do some recreational running. I also did two triathlons with it and it functioned well. In June 2018 I started running seriously and the watch played a huge part in my training as it provided better communication between my coach and myself. It also helped us to plan for future races and be able to set goals and manage targets.
I primarily used the watch for running and occasional swimming and being swim safe is one of its prime features. 13 Months after purchase it stopped working and has been declared as having water damage. I am so disappointed as this is my fifth Garmin device in six years. I've had 3 Forerunner 60's of which all casings broke. I had a Forerunner 70 which was water damaged when rinsed to clean. And now my Forerunner 30 is also broken.
As a student I am not in the financial position to replace a watch every year and would really like to see that this watch is replaced free of charge.

Please help as this is a huge drawback on my training.

Dear Sirs

I have been battling with Garmin South Africa to obtain an upgrade on my Garmin 520 (which has become defective), to a Garmin 1030 with extra batter pack, as per the below correspondence thread, however, to no avail.

They have failed to supply me with Garmin International's contact details, so that I can take the matter further, although requested. I am now resorting to Garmin International's anonymous complaints line, trusting that you may be of assistance.

Kind regards,
Marius van Staden

From: Marius van Staden
Sent: Thursday, 22 November 2018 09:05
To: 'Pretorius, Jacques'
Subject: RE: GDA Repair Quotation: Job Ref. 61866

Dear Jacques

Thank you for your e-mail.

I asked that my e-mail be forwarded to Garmin International. Garmin SA undertook to do so.

Kindly do so, that I can directly communicate with Garmin International.

Kind regards,

Marius van Staden
Director
PER : SAVAGE JOOSTE & ADAMS INC
141 Boshoff Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria
Docex 58
Pretoria
Tel : [protected]
Fax: [protected]
E-mail : [protected]@savage.co.za

We Are Moving:
Our new address from 26th November 2018 will be:
King's Gate
5, 10th Street, (corner of Brooklyn Road & Justice Mahomed Street)
Menlo Park,
Pretoria,
0081
Our telephone number, fax number, docex and postal address will remain the same.

Note:
The information in this e-mail is confidential and is intended solely for the addressee. If you have received this e-mail in error, you are hereby notified that any review, copying or distribution is strictly prohibited. Please inform the sender immediately and destroy the original. Savage Jooste and Adams Inc accepts no liability of whatever nature for any loss, liability, damage or expense resulting directly or indirectly from access to this message and any files or links that are attached hereto. This e-mail is opened strictly at your own risk.

From: Pretorius, Jacques [mailto:Jacques.[protected]@garmin.com]
Sent: Thursday, 22 November 2018 07:31
To: Marius van Staden
Subject: RE: GDA Repair Quotation: Job Ref. 61866

Hi Marius

Garmin does unfortunately not run any trade in or upgrade programs.

The service part replacement unit offered is a fixed repair rate for a replacement unit.
The unit offered is quoted on a like for like model.
As the edge 520 is still a service part that is available the current replacement model for the edge 520 on our out of warranty replacement offered will be the Edge 520 again.

Please bear in mind that the unit offered is a means to a replacement of a unserviceable product received.
The unit offered is in line with Garmin international out of warranty Fixed repair rates offered.

Should you wish to acquire an Edge 1030 one will need to be purchased at retail level.
Garmin would not be able to offer a trade in and pay in towards any other models than quoted.

Jacques Pretorius
Product Support Administrator

Garmin Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd | http://www.garmin.co.za
Phone: +[protected]
The Mall Offices, Office 802 - 8th floor, 11 Cradock Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email and any attachments are for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and contain information that may be Garmin confidential and/or Garmin legally privileged. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender by reply email and delete the message. Any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of this communication (including attachments) by someone other than the intended recipient is prohibited. Thank you.

From: Marius van Staden
Sent: Wednesday, 21 November 2018 11:02 AM
To: Pretorius, Jacques
Subject: FW: GDA Repair Quotation: Job Ref. 61866

Dear Josh

I refer to the attached quotation and our discussion just now.

I confirm my request that the unit not be repaired, but that I instead be quoted on an upgrade in respect of a Garmin 1030 with extra battery pack. I confirm your having informed me that Garmin International does not have an upgrade policy.

I confirm having requested you for the e-mail details of Garmin International, that I can directly request them for an upgrade. You undertook to forward my e-mail to Garmin International.

I have owned the Garmin 520 sent in for repairs, for approximately five years now. I believe the unit has come to the end of its functional and useful life. I wish to replace it with another Garmin product, the Garmin 1030. I believe that recognition should be given for the fact that I have owned a Garmin product for a lengthy period of time, and that although the Garmin product has packed up, I nonetheless wish to remain a Garmin customer. However, the price differential of the Garmin 1030 is approximately two and a half times more than what I paid for the Garmin 520. I don't believe that the price differential is justified, hence my request for an upgrade.

If it is not possible to provide for a cost effective upgrade, I shall have to consider other manufacturers. However, I trust it won't be necessary to do so and look forward to hearing from Garmin International.

Kind regards,

Marius van Staden
Director
PER : SAVAGE JOOSTE & ADAMS INC
141 Boshoff Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria
Docex 58
Pretoria
Tel : [protected]
Fax: [protected]
E-mail : [protected]@savage.co.za

We Are Moving:
Our new address from 26th November 2018 will be:
King's Gate
5, 10th Street, (corner of Brooklyn Road & Justice Mahomed Street)
Menlo Park,
Pretoria,
0081
Our telephone number, fax number, docex and postal address will remain the same.

Note:
The information in this e-mail is confidential and is intended solely for the addressee. If you have received this e-mail in error, you are hereby notified that any review, copying or distribution is strictly prohibited. Please inform the sender immediately and destroy the original. Savage Jooste and Adams Inc accepts no liability of whatever nature for any loss, liability, damage or expense resulting directly or indirectly from access to this message and any files or links that are attached hereto. This e-mail is opened strictly at your own risk.

-----Original Message-----
From: [protected]@garmin.co.za [mailto:[protected]@garmin.co.za]
Sent: Wednesday, 21 November 2018 10:24
To: Marius van Staden
Subject: GDA Repair Quotation: Job Ref. 61866

Please find attached quotation for repair of Edge 520 - Heart Rate Monitor Bundle with Serial Number 43V023926.

Fault Description : Faulty display pix, lines, back -

Technical Report: Reported fault
display is blank

Display failure
unit is unrepairable

please see attached fixed repair rate quotation attached for a replacement device

Additional Remarks: Please note: A Service Part replacement refers to a device which could be a new device or a factory overhauled device in non-retail packaging which complies with Garmin International's Quality standards.

Please ensure that your payment reflects your Garmin Service Call number :61866

Please contact 0861 GARMIN (427646) for queries.

Quotations must be accepted in writing within 30 days.

Repairs not collected within 6 months will be sold to defray expenses.

________________________________

I have paid in full for the product. RMA number 8692939. Tracking number 1Z5760X66809994445
The delivery was scheduled on Friday 4th May. Today 11may, I still do not have the product
I am complaining and I am seeking compensation. I am very let down about this poor customer service
and unreliable service.

Amavi Tcheco
161 Glyndon road
London SE18 7NZ
United Kingdom

I contacted Garmin about the problems I was having with the recent purchase of my Vector 3 pedals. I used the New Zealand site and the customer service message.

I did not get a reply for 2 weeks. Then all it said was to get a faster response phone them. I did that and tried this twice and was on hold for over 15 mins each time. I contacted the Face Book site and they said to get the shop to sort this out. I did just that and the shop sent back my Vector 3 pedals. It has been over 2 weeks with no reply. I have contact the shop (Mount Eden Cycles) in Auckland and they said that they have continually tried to contact Garmin and have had no answer.

Hi,

I do not have specific issue to report but I am just not satisfied anymore with Garmin products.

Those last 12 years I had multiple Garmin devices (Zumo, Navigator ...) used for Motorbiking. I have been satisfied for many years but I have to say that I am now seriously fed up with:
- maps update that is a real nightmare
- Basecamp that is the worst route designer tool I ever used
- everything is getting more and more complex and requiring many tools with overlapped functionalities (Garmin Express, Map Install, ...)

In consequence, I am more and more looking at alternatives (map tools on smartphone) with all their advantages:
- easy application updates
- easy navigation tools
- online maps (michelin, google) always up-to-date

It is a pity that a company like Garmin is not able to provide loyal customers with satisfactory products.

Best regards,

Dear Sir
I am from Malaysia.
I bought a Garmin Vivosmart 3 at the Taiwan airport last month. Serial no is [protected].
A month later the battery doesn't last long. It died after 4 hours of use. 3 weeks ago I sent the watch to Garmin office in Kuala Lumpur (Aero Technologies M Sdn Bhd, service report no is SW181063). They told me to send back to where I bought it for exchange as there are no record of my purchase. It will be ridiculous to go to Taiwan just to get the watch exchanged. I showed them my receipt of purchase as well.
Please kindly advise.

Ng koon poh