Reviewed : 12/12/2023
Comment : I visited AAMCO in San Marcos, CA, to address a grinding sound from my right wheel and noticeable pulling to the right. After my vehicle sat in their lot for four days, Ed, the mechanic, diagnosed it as a transfer case issue. Subsequently, a three-week period transpired during which AAMCO charged my credit card $3500. It is pertinent to note that Ed assured me during this period that charges would not be applied until the issue was resolved.
Upon retrieving my Jeep, I observed that the noise, grinding, and pulling persisted immediately. Upon my return, Ed asserted that adjustments were required, necessitating additional time at the shop. Despite these efforts, the issue endured. Seeking a second opinion, I consulted other nearby mechanics who opined a likely fault in the transfer case, thereby conflicting with Ed's diagnosis.
Experiencing a lack of response and noting negative online reviews portraying Ed as a scam artist, I afforded him an opportunity to rectify the situation. However, my attempts at communication were disregarded. A third-party mechanic suggested that a faulty transfer case was improbable, given the regular use of my Jeep.
While AAMCO underscores its expertise in transmissions and complete car care, the resolution of the issue remained elusive, with a deliberate elongation of the timeline affecting my capacity to initiate a chargeback on my credit card. Repeated assurances to bring the Jeep in for further examination proved futile, as the root problem persisted. This has raised concerns about the ethical conduct of AAMCO and Ed.
In light of these circumstances, I have contacted the corporate franchise, filed a police report, and communicated with entities such as the Better Business Bureau and consumer affairs. Additionally, I am considering pursuing legal avenues such as small claims court and engaging the Bureau of Investigation for Auto Mechanics. Insights from neighbors and business owners in the vicinity have further illuminated concerns about AAMCO's business practices.
I caution potential clients against engaging with AAMCO, as they have failed to fulfill their commitments. The initial issue with the grinding noise and pulling remains unresolved. Despite my efforts to retrieve the invoice detailing incomplete repairs, Ed has not responded. Given the financial aspect of this situation, involving a $3500 charge for unnecessary repairs and the unauthorized charging of my credit cards, there is a strong inclination to consider Ed's actions as potentially falling within the realm of fraud.
To address these concerns, I am reaching out to the Bureau of Auto Mechanics to request a thorough investigation. My overarching objective is to safeguard others from encountering similar predicaments, particularly during the holiday season, and to hold AAMCO accountable for what appears to be an unacceptable business practice. It is my firm resolve not to allow individuals such as Ed to evade accountability for what seems to be a potentially fraudulent course of action.