The Pep Boys review: engine block cracked

In early June 2010, I took my 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with a 4.0 liter 6 cylinder engine to the above Pep Boys facility to simply have the heater & radiator hoses replaced. I had bought this vehicle new 11.5 years ago, and it only had 87k, milies on it. I am very consistent with getting all of the necessary oil and other fluid changes done at the recommended intervals. I have 3 older vehicles that range in age from 11.5 to 13 years old, plus 2 new GM vehicles purchased in the past yeear . There was no leaking of any cooling fluid occurring when I took the vehicle in for service, just tired old hoses that needed replacing. When I got the vehicle back, it was obviously not put back together correctly as there now was a fluid leak occurring by the new water pump that they also recommended be installed, and which I agreed to. On 3 separate occassions I took the vehicle back to them with no correction of the issue. The fluid in the coolant reservoir never ran out during this period as a very sensitive sensor when plenty of fluid still there even when cold. Just one of those nuisance leaks that messes up the driveway, but does not require topping off, but every 3-4 weeks. As you will recall we had a very warm summer in DE.

Just before the last time I took it back, the thermostat started showing the engine was running at an above normal temperature. When Pep boys looked at, John there stated they finally found the leak issue, a bad clamp, but now suspected that I had a blown head gasket. I then took the vehicle to one of the mechanics I utilize, for more complex matters, and they determined the block was actually cracked in 2 places between the #1 and 2 cylinders. I highly suspect that either the mechanic walked away from the vehicle while replacing the fluid before the thermostat opened and an air vacuum formed causing the block to overheate and after 3 more months, it finally failed. Or the mechanic just poured too cool a fluid into the engine while it was hot. We will never know as no film to document. I wouldn't film my employees either if doing things like this. Could be used against them in a court of law, eh?!

This vehicle never had any engine recalls or service bulletin on it for any issues regarding the cooling system, engine issues that could have led to this premature failure. All the folks I have spoken to say that these engines don't even have head gaskets blow until the 180k to 200k range. The design of the engine goes back when the compny was still Nash in the 1930s. I ended up having to put a used engine in to it with 72k miles on it at the cost of $3, 200.

I asked the Service Manager, Ed Thomas (see other complaint out on this site dated 9/1/10 by another party), to look into the matter. I provided him with a paper photo of the block cracks and also sent it to the email address he provided. He then spoke with someone in the Philly headquarters named Victor who rejected any responsibility on the part of Pep Boys in my engine failing.

If you want your car to limp, I highly recommend the Pep Boys facility on Corcord Pike. If you want your vehicle to run, I suggest you take it to Ponte's Automotive, also on Concord Pike, or Penny Hill Performance on Philadelphia Pike. I will never have any of my vehicles serviced at Pep Boys for even simple items like tires, brakes, oil changes, let alone hoses! I highly recommend that you not take your vehicles there either. I have been going to Pep Boys facilities for over 30 years. No more, not even to pick up polishes, filters and other automotive products.

Stay tuned, as I will be bringing a suit against Pep Boys in the coming weeks in Small Claims court here in DE. I hope they have a great lawyer at Pep Boys to make this entertaining. Keep checking back here for updates on the case. Also, you will see me in the coming weeks with signs out front of their facility to help with the re-education of existing customers, and those that are considering using the services of this pitiful organization that does not stand behind their work. Shame on them! Dave H.