Reviewed : 04/11/2025
Comment : I initially tried to forget about my experience and just move on, but after getting constant spam emails asking for a review, I figured maybe I should write one—to raise awareness and encourage others to be cautious when dealing with Fitzgerald's Auto Center.
I had recently brought in my older 4Runner with a few known issues: the check engine light bulb was missing, the car had trouble starting, and most concerning—a loud, almost unbearable noise coming from the vehicle. I had already taken it to AutoZone for a free diagnostic and was aware of the engine codes, but the noise was my biggest concern. It was so loud I could barely hear myself talk.
When I arrived, John was welcoming and kind, which put me at ease. He ran a diagnostic and confirmed the engine light issues—nothing new to me. He explained that replacing the bulb and addressing the codes might also resolve the loud noise. I was hopeful, so I agreed to proceed with the repairs. The initial diagnostic and repairs cost around $1,400.
About a week later, I was told the noise hadn’t gone away because it was actually coming from a bad wheel bearing. Rob informed me it would cost an additional $900 to replace. I had already told them my $1,500 budget was my max, but at that point, I felt stuck—I wanted the problem fixed, so I went ahead with the extra charge.
Another week passed, and I finally got my car back… only to find that the exact same noise was still there. Nothing had changed. I was beyond disappointed—frustrated, stressed, and honestly starting to feel like I’d fallen into a money pit.
I looked into the wheel bearing they claimed to have replaced and noticed it was still oily and leaking. I called them to follow up and was told I’d need to wait another week because they were "too busy"—even after I’d just spent over $2,300 with them. I didn’t have a backup car anymore and couldn’t wait that long, so I took it to a trusted local mechanic.
Turns out, the issue wasn’t the wheel bearing at all—it was a bearing inside the differential. Something Fitzgerald’s should have caught from the beginning. Furthermore they had written in their recommendations that the noise was the left wheel bearing and also tires. They're diagnostics on the issue had been extremely off. I felt completely scammed.
After three weeks without my car, thousands of dollars spent, and a problem that still wasn’t resolved by them, I’m left with a terrible impression. As someone who’s new to car ownership, this whole experience has been draining—financially and emotionally.
I’m writing this to warn others: be cautious. Just because a shop has positive reviews doesn’t mean your experience will be the same. Personally, I would like an apology and some kind of compensation for the time, stress, and money I had lost.