Reviewed : 06/20/2025
Comment : DO NOT TRUST STATION ONE IN HILTON HEAD — Their negligence nearly caused a major accident.
I had my alternator, battery, and serpentine belt replaced at Station One in Hilton Head, and it turned into one of the scariest experiences of my life. A few hours into a long drive home, my serpentine belt shredded on the interstate at 70 mph — smoke started pouring from my hood, my power steering failed, and I was forced to fight to steer across lanes to get off at an exit without hitting anyone.
The root cause? The alternator was installed incorrectly, which caused the belt to shred, a pulley to seize, and the power steering hose to get knocked loose — a dangerous chain reaction that could have ended much worse. I was alone and terrified.
I’m now:
• Facing a much higher repair bill for additional damages their mistake caused.
• Out the cost of Ubers, hotels, gas, and two days of lost work so far, three by the time we pick it up next week.
• Major fear, stress and inconvenience.
Another shop immediately diagnosed the improper alternator installation. When I called Station One, I was talked over, and shown zero empathy. I spoke with William and Stephen, who refused to take responsibility for additional repairs needed as a result of their mistake and passed me off to a warranty company — which won’t even cover the full original job, let alone the extra expenses, or lost wages.
This has been the worst automotive experience I’ve ever had. I’m still in the middle of cleaning up the mess and will be pursuing legal action to try to recover the costs. I’m grateful to the honest mechanic who helped me off the highway and is fixing their damage — they’ll get a glowing review. But Station One? They should be ashamed and embarassed that for an additional few hundred dollars they wouldn’t take care of me and told me to go ahead and try an sue them.
Stay far away. This kind of negligence is dangerous and completely unacceptable.
UPDATE: Station One is now claiming that the issue was due to a defective part. However, the reputable auto shop currently repairing my vehicle has officially documented in writing that the problem was caused by an incorrect installation of the alternator — not a faulty part. In fact, they even discounted their services to help offset the damage and stress caused by Station One’s negligent work and lack of accountability. I’m including a photo of my current invoice which includes what they wrote.
Additionally, legal action is — and always has been — a last resort. I had genuinely hoped that upon learning of the mistake, your team would respond with greater care, integrity, and compassion — qualities that, ironically, come through more in your public reply below than in any of our private interactions.