Walmart Automotive Center Warnings
Anytime you mix fast, mass service with anything mechanical you are sure to have issues. Walmart Automotive Center is one such example where problems can arise, simply from mechanics being in too big a hurry, or inproperly trained. It's quick and easy to find a Walmart when all you need is an oil change, but it could end up costing you in the long run. Let's look at some of the complaints about the Walmart Automotive Center.
Two Gaskets Don't Make A Right
A recent complaint from earlier this month states that the individual took his car to the local Walmart Automotive Center for a basic oil change. Besides the employees being extremely rude, there was also an issue with the oil change itself. Reportedly when the old oil filter was removed, the mechanic failed to remove the old gasket. When the new oil filter was installed it leaked badly, after only a few days the owner reported losing all oil in his drive way. Obviously running an engine without oil will damage the engine, so the owner went back to the Walmart where the oil change was performed.
The manager of the automotive department agreed to file an insurance claim and get it taken care of. Positive recovery is great, but unfortunately the insurance company doesn't agree and because the owner of the car didn't take it back to Walmart before fixing the issue, they are denying the claim. This Walmart Automotive Center complaint is still in process.
Tire Rotation Confrontation
Earlier this year a complaint came in from a customer in West, Florida that purchased a slightly more expensive tire replacement and rotation package. The package will supposedly cover tire rotations for the life of the tires. When the customer returned back to Walmart to have her tires rotated, she was denied the free rotation she purchased, because Walmart no longer carries that brand tire.
What Oil Cap
At the end of last year a customer from Springfield, MO alleges that she had her oil changed at her Super Walmart Automotive Center. After five days she started smell a strong burning smell, so she dropped by a local dealership. According to reports the oil cap had been left off of the car, which caused oil to spray all over the underside of her hood and over the engine. This caused a major fire hazard and a somewhat pricely fix, considering the extent of the mess.
When the customer brought the issue up with management at the Walmart Automotive Center there seemed to be hope. However, after an initial inspection of her car(at the dealership) by a Walmart employee and further investigation, they claim they have video proof that a cap was put on the car when she left. She was not allowed to see the video and this accusation is still under litigation.
Thoughts
I understand that no one is perfect and just going by the numbers Walmart should have more issues than other mechanics. Consider the sheer amount of people that come through the Walmart automotive center, Murphy dictates that at least a small percentage will have faults. But don't think just because the automotive center wears that all too familiar Walmart title that you will be protected from any issues and that every job will be perfect. You get what you pay for.
Tags: automotive center, maintenance, oil change, tire rotation, Walmart
July 6th, 2009 at 10:28 am
July 6, 2009, I went to my local Walmart, had my oil changed, however, as I was driving home, I heard something under the hood move, and then started to smell oil burning. When I got home (three miles away) I told my son, who looked under the hood, and noticed they did not put the oil cap on. He called and spoke with Tom. Tom said he would try and locate a cap at a local Chevy dealership. Tom called back stating there was not an oil cap in the entire state of georgia for a Chevy Tracker. It will take five days to order. In the future I will go to a reputable dealership to get oil changes or anything else done for that matter.
August 6th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
What a bummer Stephanie, I agree, why chance it and spend just a marginal more on price and make sure it gets done by someone other than kids. Better safe than sorry on such an expensive investment like a car.
September 6th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
sorry to hear that, but i always go to walmart for an oil change coz its cheaper and never had a problem I guess it just depends on which walmart you go. Im from northern california
September 7th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
I have taken my 1999 Malibu to Walmart for oil changes and tire rotations for the last 10 years. NO ONE else has touched my car or went under the hood. I have had a brake caliper bolt stolen, cover for headlight access and intake manifold bolt removed. None of these parts were needed access to my requested services. I just bought a new car and I will NEVER use Walmart for services again.