I am writing to file a formal complaint against Quick Auto Service, located at 305 NW Newton Dr,…read moreBurleson, Texas 76028, for deceptive business practices and suspected vehicle tampering in violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
Summary of Complaint:
I brought my 2016 Ford F150 to Quick Auto Service after the check engine light activated and the vehicle began losing power. What followed was a pattern of deceptive practices, unauthorized repairs, poor communication, and what I believe was intentional sabotage of my vehicle to generate unnecessary repair work.
Detailed Account of Deceptive Practices:
On the initial visit, I showed diagnostic codes from O'Reilly Auto Parts to Alex (shop representative), who suggested the catalytic converters might need replacement at approximately $2,800. He requested to perform a thorough diagnostic to confirm. I left the vehicle near closing time (6pm) with the understanding he would assess it the next morning and call me shortly afterward.
Day 2 - Poor Communication and Unauthorized Work:
At approximately 10am, I called for an update and was told they were still running tests with a promised callback by lunchtime. After receiving no call by 2pm, I followed up again and was told they were still working with a callback promised within a few hours. After waiting multiple additional hours without contact, I went to the shop in person for an update.
Alex informed me he was still working on diagnosis but had already replaced the throttle body without my authorization or prior notification. When I questioned why I wasn't informed before this repair, he claimed "that was part of the deep diagnostic." I reluctantly agreed to let him complete the diagnosis, and he promised to call before closing at 6pm.
At approximately 7:20pm, Alex called stating he wanted to run more tests and would call the next morning with final assessment.
Day 3 - Continued Delays and Additional Charges:
After hearing nothing the following morning, I called for an update and was told Alex was unavailable. I informed the receptionist I would pay for work completed thus far and pick up my vehicle.
Upon arrival, Alex showed me a video confirming the catalytic converters were fine (contradicting his original assessment) but claimed I needed two turbos at approximately $1,000 each, well below the dealership price. He stated he test-drove the vehicle and it was drivable but lacked power above 50mph.
Discovery of Sabotage and Negligence:
I obtained a second opinion, which indicated only the passenger side turbo might need replacement. I purchased an OEM turbo from the dealership for $1,500. When my mechanic prepared to install it, he discovered the throttle body hose was never connected following Quick Auto's replacement--this alone explained 90% of the vehicle's performance issues.
Upon further inspection, my mechanic found the downstream O2 sensor had been partially unscrewed and the adjoining cables had been removed from their mounting brackets. After properly connecting the throttle body hose, reinstalling the O2 sensor, and securing the cables, the vehicle ran perfectly with both turbos registering normal operation.
Evidence of Deceptive Practices:
The pattern of conduct suggests intentional vehicle tampering:
1. Unauthorized replacement of throttle body without customer consent
2. Failure to properly connect the throttle body hose after replacement
3. Tampering with O2 sensor and related cables
4. Misdiagnosis designed to generate $2,000+ in unnecessary turbo replacements
5. Deliberate poor communication to delay customer oversight
6. Test-driving vehicle with disconnected throttle body, creating dangerous conditions
Attempted Resolution:
When I contacted Alex about these findings and requested a refund, he refused and claimed I should have returned to Quick Auto for repairs. He offered only a possible refund of the $98 diagnostic fee, which he had originally stated would be waived if I allowed Quick Auto to perform the work.
Financial Impact:
I was charged $579.74 for work that included unauthorized repairs and what I believe was intentional sabotage to generate additional business. I subsequently incurred $1,500 for an unnecessary turbo replacement that would not have been needed had Quick Auto properly connected the throttle body and not tampered with the O2 sensor. However, I was able to return the turbo to the dealership for a full refund.
Total refund requested: $579.74 paid to Quick Auto
