I had the unfortunate experience of dealing with DNA Automotive after my car was broken into and disabled over Thanksgiving weekend. What should have been a straightforward repair turned into a costly, frustrating ordeal due to their incompetence, poor communication, and questionable practices.
First, I had my car towed to DNA because they were the only shop open and could secure my car indoors. AAA tested my battery at the tow and confirmed it was new and fully charged. However, DNA insisted my battery was dead and could not hold a charge and replaced it, in my opinion unnecessarily, ignoring my concerns.
At the onset, DNA advised me to file a claim with my insurance company, which I did immediately. They assured me they could handle the repairs and key reprogramming. Despite this, I had to chase them for updates every step of the way. Days passed with no clear timeline, leaving me paying out-of-pocket for a rental car longer than necessary.
After having my car for 4 days, I was informed they installed the wrong window--a coupe window instead of one for my convertible. This left my car exposed to the elements. They then presented me with two expensive options: a $500+ salvaged window or a $1,100 dealer window. I called Safelite and got a quote of $600 with a discount for a new window. When I mentioned this, DNA had no reasonable explanation for their inflated pricing.
To add insult to injury, they demanded I pay in full before picking up my car, despite my insurance claim being active and the wrong window installed in my car. Their excuse? They started work before receiving the claim, essentially forcing me to front the money and deal with insurance reimbursement myself. This reeks of a deliberate tactic to avoid dealing with insurance companies directly.
After paying in full and retrieving my car to avoid additional rental costs, I discovered missing panel parts on the passenger door where they installed the wrong window. DNA passed the blame onto a third-party installer and told me to address it with them when the new window gets installed. My relationship is with DNA, not any 3rd party. DNA had my payment in full for 14 days, before the window was installed with the correct one, but of course not after my having to follow up with them several times. Another example of their disregard and poor customer service.
This entire experience has been a disservice. DNA Automotive's lack of professionalism, poor communication, and questionable ethics have cost me significant time, money, and patience. I wouldn't trust them with a bicycle, let alone a car. Save yourself the headache--go elsewhere.
FOLLOW UP TO MY INITIAL REVIEW...EXTENDED WARNING
After leaving my initial review detailing the issues with DNA Auto, I regret to say that the situation worsened. Following a 10-day wait for the correct passenger window, the window was finally installed. However, just three days later, the replacement window spontaneously shattered while my car was parked in our employee parking lot--witnessed by multiple people.
I immediately called DNA Auto, only to experience their familiar lack of urgency and accountability. As before, they promised to "get in touch with the installer." After waiting eight hours with no follow-up, I had to call them back. Hector, my primary point of contact, informed me they had spoken to the installer and that I would now need to purchase a dealer window. At no point did they acknowledge that the window they installed might have been faulty, nor did they offer an apology for the massive inconvenience.
When I asked how we could resolve this issue, Hector's response was shocking: because I had left a negative Yelp review, they were "not inclined to help me" unless I removed it. This blatant attempt to strong-arm me into retracting my review crossed the line from unprofessional to unethical. I refused and reminded them that I would escalate the matter to my insurance company. Hector smugly informed me that since I had paid out of pocket, my insurance company wasn't involved--essentially dismissing my concerns.
I called my insurance company anyway, as DNA Auto is on their "preferred vendor list." To my relief, they took my complaint seriously, contacting DNA Auto directly and filing a formal report to investigate their practices. Shortly after this, DNA Auto issued a refund to my credit card--without any communication, explanation, or apology. I only discovered the refund five days later while checking my account.
This entire ordeal has been a nightmare, revealing DNA Auto's utter disregard for customer satisfaction and ethical business practices. Their actions--delayed responses, refusal to take responsibility, and retaliatory behavior--should serve as a serious warning to anyone considering their services.
Bottom line: DNA Auto cannot be trusted. Proceed at your own risk. read more