We had an extremely concerning experience with this AAMCO location…read more
We brought our vehicle in because of steering problems. After a general inspection, they recommended seven different repairs, the largest being removal and replacement of the center link. We discussed the written estimate with them by phone and specifically authorized the center-link replacement. When we picked up the vehicle, we paid for the work in cash.
On the drive home, the steering problem was still present. After looking underneath the vehicle, I discovered that the center link appeared old and had not been replaced. However, the sway-bar link pins did appear new.
I immediately called the shop and was told that the manager, Omar, would return my call. After receiving no response for two days, I called again. Omar insisted that the sway-bar link pins and center link were the same part and told me that I did not know what I was talking about. When I questioned his explanation and knowledge of the parts, he became very upset and said he would no longer speak with me because the vehicle belonged to my wife.
Because I wanted to be certain, I contacted a Ford dealership, another AAMCO location, and several independent mechanics. Every mechanic confirmed that the center link and sway-bar link pins are completely different components and should not be confused with one another.
Omar refused to issue a refund. When I mentioned that I hoped we would not have to pursue the matter in small-claims court and asked to speak with his district manager, he responded, "See you in court," and hung up on me.
Most concerning, another mechanic later evaluated the vehicle and determined that the steering problem was caused by an entirely different component--not the center link. I also asked this mechanic to evaluate several of the other repairs AAMCO had recommended, and I was told that those items did not require the repairs AAMCO had proposed.
Based on our experience, we paid for an authorized repair that does not appear to have been performed, received a different repair instead, and were given inaccurate information when we questioned it. The original steering issue also remained unresolved, creating a serious safety concern. I strongly recommend getting a second opinion and carefully verifying all work before paying this location. We will not return.
Edit in response to the comments
To clarify, I was not "helping a friend." The vehicle belongs to my wife, and I was directly involved in bringing it to your shop, discussing the estimate, authorizing the repair, paying for it, and addressing the problem afterward.
The amount of the repair is irrelevant. Our concern is that we authorized and paid for the removal and replacement of the center link, but the center link appeared unchanged while the sway-bar link pins appeared to have been replaced. When I questioned Omar, he repeatedly insisted that the sway-bar link pins and center link were the same part. A Ford dealership, another AAMCO location, and multiple independent mechanics subsequently confirmed that they are completely different parts.
Omar became upset when I questioned his explanation and then refused to continue speaking with me because the vehicle was in my wife's name. When I requested a refund and asked for his district manager's contact information, he did not attempt to resolve the issue or arrange a professional inspection of the vehicle.
Characterizing this as an "emotional review" and minimizing the concern because it was "a $290 job" does not address the central issue: Which part was authorized, which part was actually replaced, and why was I told that two distinctly different components were the same?
If the center link was replaced, please provide the part number, purchase invoice, technician's repair notes, and any documentation showing that the center link was removed and replaced. Having unidentified parts "in hand" does not establish that they came from our vehicle. We are willing to rely on documentation and an independent inspection.
This is not about "angst" over $290. It is about being charged for a specific repair, receiving conflicting information about what work was performed, and having the original steering problem remain unresolved. Those are legitimate service and safety concerns, regardless of the dollar amount.
