Dealer left off oil filler cap

[gewf631]

Hate to resurrect an old thread, but I almost picked up my '03 after taking it in for service, 12 days ago!

Dealership: Pauly Honda in Libertyville, IL

List of 'typical' problems (loose vents, trans recall, SRS re-program, etc). Even though they said it'd be ready the next day, wasn't really expecting-it, so wasn't surprised when I got there and they offered a rental.

In all the time they had my Pilot, they NEVER called me with any updates (remember, it's been 12-days, or today was the 8th business day). Today, I received my first call, stating that all repairs were complete, and that I could pick it up.

When I got there, I popped the hood, and found an empty cookie bag by the radiator (the vending-machine type of bag) - strike 1.
Then, I opened the hatch (spoiler repair), and one of the grommets was missing - strike 2.
After a lot of complaining, I went to drive-off, and the SRS light stayed lit - strike 3.

In addition, the service advisor said that the vehicle had been test-driven several times (we felt the 3rd row roof seatbelt fell down too many times), but mileage out was the same as mileage in. And, with the SRS light, got to believe he was lying (and he wasn't even in sales).

So, had to get back in the rental, and leave our Pilot for at least another day!

I'm sending the Service Manager and Parts Manager this same message, and will follow-up with Honda Customer Service tomorrow.

If anyone has any other suggestions, as to how to raise the volume (so to speak), I'd love to hear from you.

Needless to say, I can't recommend this dealership for service.

[tim.s]

Originally posted by gewf631
...In addition, the service advisor said that the vehicle had been test-driven several times (we felt the 3rd row roof seatbelt fell down too many times), but mileage out was the same as mileage in...

I think the "storage" pockets in the ceiling were changed slightly at the end of 03 or for the 04's. There is a noticable click when the connector is plugged into the ceiling.

I had both pockets replaced a month ago (told them I wanted the newer pockets before a window gets broken). the rear one has stayed in place, but the front one falls out occasitionally. (one is better than two). I guess I get the front one replaced again in a year or so.

My point is, you probably need to ask for replacements. Either that or let the tech drive your car around until they "witness" one falling out.

[gewf631]

My point is, you probably need to ask for replacements.

In part of my complaining, the service advisor agreed to order a replacement for the rear (our center one has only fallen once, so I'm not going to mess with it).

A follow-up...
I thought I'd be efficient, and copy my post in an e-mail to the dealer. I used the addresses found on the Honda-Link site, for both the service manager and the parts manager. Those both came-back as undeliverable.

[hondaman2]

I have seen that before and oil would be all over the place, oil would also have been burned on the valves,been sludgy and could very soon cause your valves to tick. Your belts could be crap too since they could of got soaked by the oil. I hope your oil pressure light never came on cause then its too late. 5 qt oil engine running on 1 qt of oil is very bad news.


but you think thats bad, I worked on a car last month that was having trani trouble. come to find out it had a trani replced from the recall and the dealer left vice grips on the cooler line. the trans fluid was not circulating good enough and it burned up a new trani. We got the dealer to replace it for free but they made a fuss because the drivetrain warranty was up. I argued that it was up on the engine yes, but not the trans. If I am not mistaken the trans is part of the drivetrain also. Then they said they would do honor the warrenty but would charge for labor. We called the Bureu for Automtive repair and the BBB and the corporate office and got everything straightened out. Needless to say the customer was pleased to have us as an advocate in his corner.

[gewf631]

Pauly Honda in Libertyville, IL

18 miles (and a low fuel light) on the vehicle - I've heard of test drives, but ...

Dirt (greasy hand marks) all over the trim around the driver's seat, as well as the fuel-door trim.

Driver's mat also has grease stains.

The only good thing is that my complaint to Honda North America resulted in a coupon for the 30K service (or so the cust-service guy sez). But, it's only a coupon - when I questioned why they couldn't just authorized the service, while the Pilot was at the dealership. and the guy said there's some legal reason why they can't.

Lip service.

[hondaman2]

Im sorry you had to go thru that. Thats one of the reasons I left Honda in the first place. I know you were anxious to get the pilot back and leave but I hope next time you look the car over before accepting it and driving off. The dealership is responsible for the car while its in their care. Includes cleaning up the mess on the interior and the exterior from grease stains and dirt and finger prints. You should always inspect the car before driving off too because they can chip or scratch the paint. Sometimes they will even try and cover it up with dirt or even touch up paint. They are human and make mistakes but they went to school to be considered the professionals and make a dealer salary.

Ive seen it all and believe me the only way to cover your a$$ to to inspect it. I you dont like the way it looks and them to detail it for you. You can always complain all your way to the top(coorpaorate).
The dealership makes money on customer satisfaction. So if you are not satisfied talk to one of the managers until your concious is clear. You paid a lot of money for the car you deserve your money's worth and then some.

If I were you I would take the coupon to another dealership. And he is lying his a$$ off about legal stuff. Always get it in writing.

again I am sorry this happened to you. Good luck next time.