I've been here twice! Mark represents the Company well! The waiting room leave little to be desired! Try investing in your clients comfort initially! read more

Pep Boys - Poor customer waiting room! - Auto Repair Near Me - Oceanside, California

This location is the worst. I just called in to see if I could get service for a quick tire patch. While I understand we would be there 14 mins before closing, the lady on the phone could not have been more rude about it. I've worked in customer service for a local garage door company and we would always try to help someone out if there was an emergency. I totally get saying no right before closing, I respect that. But the tone of her voice and her attitude was the absolute worst. We were ended up calling the San Marcos Pep Boys location and the guy was super helpful and recommended Autozone for our car. So if you're looking for help don't get it here. Go to the San Marcos location. read more

Completely lacking any ethics. Never go here. Mark told my wife there's no use called PepBoys because they will route all calls back to him. Mark told my wife today that her rear brakes and rotors need replaced. They put all new brakes 1.5 years ago, they had said rotors did not need resurfacing. Front wheel drive compact SUV. Common sense applies. Front brakes do not go out before rear unless they there was improper adjustment/install OR they were never replaced last time at all. read more

I went in for a tire change, showed up with an appointment at 1 and they did not start working on my vehicle until 4 o clock. While sitting there and having my vehicle on the lift they took their time doing all the work. Mainly due to the worker just walking around and being on his phone majority of his time. Definitely do not recommend and will not be back at this location or at any pep boys any time soon. read more

Dropped my car off for an alignment but i did not get a phone call that it was ready so i went before closing and it never got done. read more

We had 10:30 appt and they never got to vehicle to look at even though first person I spoke with apparently lied and said they took it for test drive. Avoid this place! read more

Don't tell me it's gonna be 2 hours when you haven't even started at hour 5! Went in for a regular oil change and had an 11am appointment. I expected some wait and was told two hours. I showed up at 4pm after no call and the car hadn't moved. The staff did not seem to care at all and started making excuses about how many appointments had been made for that day. I just asked for my keys and walked out. Thanks for wasting my day. read more

Highly recommend! This is less about pep boys, more about an AMAZING employee going above and beyond! Long story short, went in for a battery and they didn't have it in stock, one of the employees said the shop next door may have the battery; that shop did. I purchased it from the shop next door, but they wouldn't assist with installing it since it was "too difficult" on my make/model of car. I went back to pep boys and asked if they could help install it but they said they weren't "allowed" to since I didn't buy it through them. However one of the guys there, Big Mike, told to park and wait for him and he would bring his tools out and help me install it on his break (which was coming up soon). He was a rockstar, so appreciated his help. If his helpfulness is any reflection on the service at pep boys, I can't say enough positive things about this shop. Thank you Big Mike! read more

Tammy and Christian were great. They were very communicative and detailed. Appreciate them very much. I will be coming here from now on. Service was amazing. read more

Yesterday, 10/1, my friend and I went here as there was a nail in my passenger rear tire. Based from Google, their hours was til 7pm. We got there at 5:53pm. My friend's husband used to work there actually so she knew the protocols as to where I should park in the service bay area and that my tire just needed to be plugged as it's not in the inside wall of the tire. We parked by the bay, my friend went out and talked to one of the service people and she was immediately told to go inside and talk to them. (There were 2 service people and only 1 car that's being worked on in the bay). We moved my car, parked, went in and my friend talked to 2 other staff members and they were not helpful at all. One of them told us that they can't do it tonight and to just drop it off tomorrow. Then if we drop it off, it'll take 4 hours for them to work on my car. You should change your hours then if you can't accommodate a simple repair. (FYI: I've taken my car in this Pepboys location several times for repairs so just because we are females, it doesn't mean we don't know what we're doing). Well, we left and went to Walmart Auto Service in Sycamore, Vista (in case you didn't know, they have one in the back of their store). Let me tell you, they took care of us, plugged my tire in 45 minutes as they close as 7pm as well. read more

Update: the same day I went to a different Pep Boys who confirmed I did not need new rotors and just gave me new brakes. It's still unclear how my back breaks supposedly went out before my front breaks. I don't think they ever changed out my back last year when I got all done. The response from PepBoys is disingenuous. For three weeks, I've had an open ticket for the area manager Harvey to give me a call and he has not. I wish I could give 0 stars. This morning, I was told by the desk advisor, Mark, that I need new rear brakes and rotors, which surprised me since both front and rear brakes were replaced at this location in March 2023. I came in because a few days ago, I started hearing the brake indicator noise, so I knew it was time to get them checked. At the time of the original service, they didn't resurface the rear rotors because they said they were in great shape. Now, Mark claims they always resurface rotors unless the customer specifically requests otherwise, which I never did nor would I ever know to request. The work was done at the end of the day, and I left just before closing, so at this point, I'm suspecting they may not have done the rear brakes at all to save time. It doesn't make sense that I would need rear brakes before the front brakes, as well as needing new rotors so soon after being told they were in good condition. read more

Terrible customer service. They didn't even look at the car and refused service due to the "condition". All I needed was an oil change and brake flush, they are just lazy and since my front bumper is missing they refused to do any work. And the manager was the rudest person I've met since being in CA. Do NOT expect anything but lazy and rude employees, and don't expect to get what you ALREADY PAID FOR IN ADVANCE. read more

I took my car in on Sunday 8/17 due to my brakes screeching and grinding after they "inspected" my brakes i was told that the hardware wasnt installed on the brakes and there was a little grease build up. I was told that the pads and rotors were fine. The service rep told me they could replace the pads but i thought why if the pads are still good as they told me. All this cost me $148 Well 2 days after I had the exact same issue, so I took car in today 8/23 Saturday to tell them it still is screeching and grinding and also i need to go ahead and do the alignment. I received a call from Mark telling me that I need new pads and they need to turn the rotors and I need new front tires.... and my total was going to be $630.... what??? you just told me a week ago my pads and breaks were fine and now all of a sudden they are warn in the matter of a weekats time. Now keep in mind i only drive about 12 miles a day total to and from work. Once i was told my car was ready i went in to tell them and show them on the paper work that they assured me the pads were good to go. So how did they go to needing being replaced in a week? the first time they didnt say nothing about tires or anything....the women at the service desk said "yes i told you the pads were ok but thats what i was told" no apology no taking ownership for their work. In the long run of complaining I passed on the tires and just did the brakes and alignment. I will not be going back to this location... dishonest! I should have read the reviews... shame on me read more

Didn't even make it inside- the phone interaction was enough to go to other local businesses which are much more friendly, helpful and professional. I called this store asking if they could help me understand my warranty on tires I purchased a couple years ago at one of their other stores. I was immediately greeted by a man with a very standoffish and unhelpful attitude. Every question I had, he said I had to come in and show a physical receipt because he couldn't find any purchase history. I replied that my tire blew out and I was unable to confirm in person because i couldn't drive to the store but could give all necessary info to look up the purchase including receipt details. He flat out refused and replied by telling me to just look at the receipt myself then and told me to look at the tire, which i replied I wasn't able to get the tire at the moment. At this point he pretty much flat out refused to contribute any help, even information, insisting i "just look at the receipt" which is full of abbreviated auto terms I am not familiar with, and said he doesn't even know if they had it in stock (basic 16" Mazda 3 tires. Like the most generic tires ever). It was like trying to convince a rock to roll over. Told him based off of this interaction i think despite any money id save with the warranty im going to look into other businesses to replace my tire, and calmly wished him a nice day, to which he audibly scoffed and said "sure you do that." What a wild, unpleasant and unprofessional encounter, and this was over the phone! I hadn't even been to the store yet. I looked online at the MANY other tire services within 10 minutes of this location offering lower prices and higher customer ratings, called two other places and had much kinder, more professional interactions. The local-owned spots are the way to go if you want a good price, and friendly and professional service. My only regret is I wish I had gotten the name of the employee who was so rude and unhelpful. If you need tires, don't go to these guys, they won't even bother to check their stock for you. read more

I went to them to fix a flat tire caused by a nail, and they made me wait for about two and a half hours. While I was in the waiting area, I could see that they were very incompetent in handling such a simple task. When I got my car back, I realized that they had caused significant damage to my wheel rim. I asked their manager to address the issue, but he responded in a completely irresponsible manner. Now, my wheel rim is permanently damaged. read more

See all

Avoid this place at all costs. End of Nov, took my car in for a check engine light, we had been informed it was the MAF sensor. Mark Smith quoted $460 but never asked if we wanted a diagnostic. Four hours later, they finished and added insurance for the labor and parts. Total ended up being $490. By mid-January, the check engine light was back on. Took it in today after being told it was the same issue again. Explained what we were experiencing. Despite the warranty, Malik H insisted we pay for another diagnostic and hinted the warranty might not cover it. He blamed a dirty throttle body, which they "cleaned" for free but still charged for the diagnostic. When I questioned the unnecessary initial diagnostic, he talked over me and deflected blame. If they didn't bother to properly check the issue the first time, it's absurd to have us pay this time around. They added notes to the paperwork stating that we were adamant of the issue, when it was not the case. Save your time and money--go elsewhere. read more

Took my car in a week ago due to some shaking when braking. Each day I called to check on status they said it would be ready the next day because they were waiting on a new part because the one they ordered didn't fit. Basically the story kept changing and nobody could give me a straight answer about what was actually happening with my car. Now a week later they said they can't actually get the parts because they are too expensive for them to order so they would just put the old struts back on and align the tires. Never heard back from them and now they are closed. I still have no idea what is happening with my car and will need to just go down there in the morning when they open. Poor communication, lack of follow through, and I don't trust the decision making happening for my car. I would not recommend this place. read more

These guys tried to take advantage of my ma, she went in for a check engine light. Was quoted a ridiculous amount of over $1500. Hell nah, got a second opinion and got everything resolved for a mere $200. IF YOU DONT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT CARS, THEY WILL TAKE ADVANTAGE!! read more

Why have an appointment at a specific time when they don't actually get to work on it

My work car has broken down twice in the last two months and I towed it here for fixing. The gentleman at the front, Aurelio, has been so kind and professional each time! Even when I caused the check out to be problematic as they were work related repairs. Car stuff can be stressful but they have made it an easy process. Thanks pep boys! read more

I brought my car here with complains of the sound of heavy plastic dragging under my vehicle. I was told that was the grinding sound of my brakes needing to be replaced. I took it elsewhere and found that there was in fact plastic dragging under my car. They only looked for one specific issue that they thought was causing the sound and failed to find the actual (much less expensive) cause of the sound as a result. read more

DONT TRUST - my good friend could've been out $1600 if she listened to them... when in reality she just needed a new battery stay away

We were having some difficulty starting our car. My husband called this pep boys location and was told to bring it in since they weren't very busy. When I brought the car in they did a diagnostic and determined a new starter was needed and they could repair it today. I told them I would wait since we only have one car and they told me that it would take about 2 or 2 1/2 hours. I walked around the area for 4 hours and when I returned was told they hadn't started but it was "next " and would be 1 1/2 hours more. I took my car home without repairs, called a nice local shop who can repair for 1/3 less in cost and give me a ride home. We have used this pep boys many times in the past but never again! Minus 1 review read more

The Manager, Mark, is a very rude person. He treated me in a very condescending and rude way from the moment I arrived to drop off used oil. When I told him I was used to be treated better at other pep boys locations he got upset and started kicking my stuff and didn't let me leave the used oil. I definitely not recommend using their services. read more

The disaster started in early July when I took my Scion in because of engine trouble. They replaced two ignition coils and I bought four new tires. I was back the next day with the same engine trouble. Turns out they replaced the wrong ignition coils. So, they proceeded to replace the correct ones. I thought I was a happy camper until my engine quit on me on the 78 freeway the very next day. Took the Scion back to Pep Boys ASAP. Mark, the manager, said I needed a new engine and that it would take about 3 weeks. They kept my car for three months with little to no communication. I would call every week for a status report. However, they use caller id and would not answer. So, I would call with an unidentified number and then they would answer. There was excuse after excuse. Apparently, they kept ordering the wrong engine. I couldn't take my car elsewhere because there was no engine in it. When I finally got my car back three months later they told me there was trouble with the A/C unit and that I should drive the car for a few weeks to see if anything else was wrong with it. I immediately told Mark the A/C unit was working perfectly when I took the car into them. No response. They just wanted me to come in right away, pay them, and drive the car away. Drove the car and noticed it had less power and the issue with the A/C unit was actually the climate control dial. It was stuck and you could not turn it. Mark said they would fix it. We took the car in and they kept it for a month. Again, no communication and they never even tried to fix it. They said they needed a part but couldn't find it but would continue to do so. Five months later (in April) I asked them for the part name. Found it within 5 minutes and had it sent to them. This time they kept the car for a little over a week. Told me it would be done within two days. Apparently, they never did anything and Mark admitted they didn't feel comfortable working on it and would look for someone at another Pep Boys shop, I picked up the car and two weeks later have heard nothing from Mark. Not a surprise. Such a disappointing experience. This was our go to place on all our vehicles for the last 20 years. They always went above and beyond until Mark came into the picture. Save yourself time, patience, and money. Take your car elsewhere! read more

"I contacted the manager, Mark, on behalf of my friend who had an issue with the service. While getting their tire fixed, significant damage was done to the wheel. Since my friend doesn't speak English well, I called to explain the situation. Mark rudely responded, 'This happens a lot around here.' Very unprofessional." read more

Rick in service is a straight up guy but the system here is broken. Don't think scheduling online is effective at all, since the software does not communicate with what is actually going on. One service tech, actual store is now closed. This place is another Sears living out it's last dying days. read more

I had a booked an confirmed online appointment at 1pm to install 4 new tires I even was approved for a Pep boys credit card for the purchase. I went to my 1pm appointment 5 days later they said they had no record of my appointment. I show them my email confirmation and my paper work. The tire manger said sure enough you do. But I don't have you in my system and I don't have your tires and I don't have any in stock. I don't know when I will get them in stock. He said I was going to have to call Pep boys and reschedule and fine out when we will get them back in stock. I said really are you serious!, his answer back to me sarcastically was, I'm not manny moe or jack!!. I couldn't believe what he just said to me. This was a big waste of my time and efforts he didn't even care that I had went to all this trouble to booked an appointment and was approved for a Pep boys credit card for the purchase of the tires. I show him all my paper work an he just dismissed it all. It was unbelievable!. I was upset and disgusted the way I was treated. I went right down the street to discount Tire and purchase the same 4 tires, I show discount tire my paper work from Pep boys. They said we will care of you, he give me the same tires for $250.00 dollars less and install them 2 hours later as a walk in and I was on my way. My recommendation to anyone DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE!! THE MANAGEMENT IS WAY BELOW PAR. Discount jump into action and immediately took care of me for a much better price. read more

Quality services, very affordable prices, fantastic and friendly staff. My oil change came with free tire rotation and fluid check up/top off. The service was complete in very timely manner and they send text updates to let you know the status and completion of your service. read more

Mark & Lenna were both Amazing Honest Timely Super Friendly always smiling & Greeting customers as they came pouring in! Will Definitely Recommend to all my Family & Friends. This my #1 Place to get You're Vehicle Serviced Thanks again Lenna & Mark for Great Experience read more

Summary: If you are bothered by upselling at auto shops or need work in a timely manner, this isn't the place for you. I came to this location for a quick auto check for an employer. I've done these a few times and this is by far the worst experience I've ever had. When I came in with an appointment, I was shamed by the worker because they print out the appointments before 5pm the night before and I wasn't on it. There were two of us with a 4pm appointment. The other lady just needed a headlight fixed. Neither of our cars were touched until 5pm. A third customer in the waiting room brought his car for an oil change at 2pm and he still wasn't done at 5. The headlight lady came in after me and was sent out before me. Then she came back while I was still waiting because they replaced the wrong light. The only reason I gave two stars instead of one is because they claimed to have thrown in a new headlight for me. Usually the mechanics at my shops would show me the headlight so I could see what was wrong as I do a lot of those minor replacements myself. However, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt on that one. read more

I dropped my car off at 11Am for them to check my transmission leakage problem. He told me to give them a few hours and they will call me back with the results. It is now 6:40 PM. They are closed now and i see my car just chilling off the ground. I didn't receive a call stating that it would be a overnight job or nothing. I will not be coming back to the this location. Update it's now I just left with my vehicle. My leak is way worse, my check engine light came on, and still I don't have a quote for the parts that are needed. Do not come to this location read more

Made an appointment online to have my front brakes replaced on Thursday 2/22/24. When I got there I mentioned that I already had my own specific parts and just needed the labor done. Then the service writer told me they no longer install customer supplied parts under the new manager. Unbelievable! I've been coming to this Pep Boys since 2008 and they've always done it. Started going to the Vista location when I moved in 2011 until it closed. Then went back to this one. The head service writer Rick always took care of me. I guess he's not there anymore and moved on. Looks like I will too. Their service has steadily declined over the years and always took forever to get things done, unless you had an appointment. The last two times I had work done here, replaced an air flow sensor and front brakes, I had to make an appointment. And it still took over 4 hours just to do the brakes and cost over $200 for the labor! I stopped getting my tires done here and had better luck, and service, at Discount Tire. Now I'll be getting everything else repaired somewhere else as well. Most likely at Midas. I called them since I had my rear brakes replaced there in May of 2023 and they said they'd do it and got my car in right away without an appointment. Best of all, it only took a solid hour and cost $180 out the door. That's the free market at work for you. Lastly, the remodel done at this Pep Boys sucks. They separated the service section from the store. Stupid! read more

Went to pep boys with check engine light. Was told needed fuel pump control module For $1700+. Told them no. I could not afford that I would pick up my car. I went there because it was close and wasn't sure of driving with check engine light. Took it to my mechanic in Escondido and got it fixed for 238. The problem wasn't the fuel pump control module . I would have spent 1700+ and my car still wouldn't have been fixed. read more

AMA-ZINGGG service by TAMMY today!!!! Helps me with unwavering support at closing time. I needed to test a battery and alternator as well as my check engine codes. She was an amazing support and wrote all the codes down for me as well. Super impressed and so grateful that there are still companies who pride themselves on great service. Pep Boys is one of them! And Tammy is the best! Thank you Tammy!!!!! read more

I would give negative stars if I could!!! 2 thumbs down!!!! -One for leaving my oil cap sitting under the hood and not putting it back where it belongs after changing my oil. I get home and there was oil dripping down the front of my car (and I don't mean a little), oil shot out everywhere, all over my engine, all over the inside of the hood, all over my driveway, what a joke. Rookie mistake!! -The 2nd thumbs down is because I took my car in another time after that to have the check engine light looked at. After diagnosing the problem, they told me I was going to have to replace 2 CVT solenoids and it was going to cost me over $1000 to replace them. I denied the work and drove the car to my mechanic friend who has a mechanic shop over an hour away to have him take a look at it. (If my mechanic friend wasn't so far away, I would not have been taking the car to pep boys in the first place), but he found multiple things wrong that had nothing to do with the Solenoids. First off PepBoys missed that the oil level was low in my car because the valve cover gasket was leaking. Low oil can cause the check engine light to come on. Then he found that the oil drain plug was broken. Why wouldnt PepBoys notice any of this ? They just did an oil change on my car not long before the check engine light came on. Once the leaking valve cover gasket was replaced and the broken drain plug was replaced, the check engine light/codes were cleared, and I paid $345 for both parts and labor for this work to fix the problem. Had I ok'd the work that PepBoys said needed to be done, not only would I have paid over $1000, but it would have been to replace something that didn't even cause the problem in the first place. Unbelievable !! I will NOT be going to this PepBoys ever again. read more

They refused to attempt to plug or patch my badly leaking tire, with kids in the car. Oh, how things have changed from a few decades ago. Customer was always right back then. read more

Don't take your vehicle here. I got an oil change here last and for some mysterious reason my oil drain plug is so tight to wear 3 other shops, myself and a mechanic buddy of mine were not able to get the drain plug loose. So now it's stripped and I am gonna be out at least $500 to replace the entire oil pan thanks to this shop. On top of everything when I went in to tell them my situation they were complete A-holes about it basically telling me it's my fault and they had nothing to do with it. read more

Don't bother. Went here for a super quick task: to replace my headlight bulb. I didn't have an appt but didn't think it was that big of a deal to replace a light bulb? The guy behind the desk was not friendly or helpful. After staring at the computer for an awkward minute of silence, he tells me everyone is busy and to come back in 2 hrs. For a light bulb?? I told him no thanks, I'll go somewhere else. Autozone got it done in less than 10 minutes. Lesson learned. read more

I've stopped in a few times for auto parts. But almost everything is more expensive than what you can get from Amazon. Customer service is good, though, and they also allow the collection of used motor oil. read more