Very disappointing service experience…read more
I brought my vehicle to Ford for two recalls, a seat belt sensor issue, a panel warning light, a tire-pressure sensor issue, and an oil change that was quoted at $79.
The experience was disappointing from the beginning. I scheduled a 7:00 AM pickup, then called several times to change it to 10:30 AM. Each time, I was told the appointment had been changed. Despite that, the driver arrived at 8:30 AM and apologized for being late for the 7:00 AM pickup.
My service manager throughout this experience was Phil Myers. I was told the vehicle would hopefully be ready by Friday afternoon. I explained that my wife is ill and that I urgently needed the vehicle, and Phil said he understood. When I called Friday, only the oil change had been completed and parts still needed to be ordered. The repair estimates were also substantially higher than the online price ranges I had researched. I have used Big Star Ford in the past, so I ultimately authorized the work.
By Monday, the sensors and oil change had been completed, but the two recalls had not. I was then told the recall work would require approximately three additional days. Rather than keeping the vehicle and completing the recalls, the dealership returned it to me. I now have to make another appointment and bring the vehicle back again to have the recalls completed.
The final prices were also higher than the estimates. For example, the $79 oil change ended up costing $149. The total bill was $1,328 for repairing 3 sensors and an oil change.
There was also an issue with the wheel locks. I had never needed the key and did not realize the vehicle had locking lug nuts. I was initially told they might not be able to remove the wheel without the key. They eventually removed it, but when I asked that the locking lug nuts be replaced with standard lug nuts, that was not done.
I was told the vehicle would be returned by valet Tuesday morning. I tried reaching Phil at 10:00 AM and again at noon, leaving messages both times. I ultimately contacted the dealership switchboard and reached another employee. The vehicle was finally returned around 2:00 PM. Phil never contacted me regarding the delay.
Throughout the process, Phil was consistently difficult to reach. On the occasions when I was able to speak with him, I found his tone dismissive and condescending, which made an already frustrating situation more difficult.
I also requested a call from the General Manager. His secretary took my information and said he would return my call, but I never heard from him.
The issue isn't simply the cost. The overall communication, turnaround time, follow-through, and customer service were disappointing. I understand that repairs can take time and that unexpected issues can arise, but I expected better communication and would have preferred that the dealership complete the recalls rather than return the vehicle unfinished and require me to schedule another appointment.
In summary, a few simple, very expensive repairs were made over a period of 5 days, but the recalls remain outstanding and the overall experience was extremely poor. Based on this experience, I would never use this service department again.