[X]
Write ReviewJump to 
30
Helpful
Votes
Votes
Wal-Mart Complaint - Refused to be accountable - Tire Center
Tire Center - Complaint
WILES BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA -- I have been a good customer of Walmart, since I moved into the Wilkes Barre area. April 13, 2011: I bought new tires and had them installed on my 1998 Volvo at the Walmart Wilkes Barre Supercenter. There were no other cars being serviced at the time. I left my car in front of the service bay and handed the key to the serviceman at the counter. When I returned to pick up my car, I was told the key was stuck in the ignition lock and couldn't be removed. I tried everything I could think of to get the key out but it was absolutely stuck. The servicemen (2) trying to figure out what they'd done and to get the key out said "this is beyond their skill level and training". I was told to get a written estimate from a Volvo dealer for the repairs. The problem for me was not only having my key stuck in the ignition; that in turn caused the car security to disable the locking system, because the key was still in the car. I had a car that couldn't be locked with the key in the ignition. It was an invitation to being stolen by anyone. I couldn't use the car unless I was prepared to leave it completely unprotected and ready to drive.
When I tried to reach any of the managers I was told I should contact two days later, no one would speak to me (telephoned all day and was left on hold). When I finally got to speak to someone, the final word was the Assistant Manager would telephone me. I never received a call from that manager. I went online and wrote an email to Walmart, which I believe was sent to the Wilkes Barre store customer service department. I got a telephone call that day from "Frank" who listened to the story and said he would file a claim for me. I was contacted by Claims Management (CMI, a wholey owned company of Walmart to handle claims) representative who asked many questions and said he would get back to me.
When CMI finally called me back a week later, "Joe" denied responsibility and required that I get the Volvo dealer to write a finding that Walmart had been negligent and caused the damage to the ignition cylinder where the key was stuck and not just ordinary wear and age. I asked if Joe had taken his car in for service and was returned a car that was disabled and unable for use that he would think it was the car's fault for being worn and old? He denied the claim.
I think Walmart refused to be accountable for the acts of its employees. There is no other conclusion to the facts, unless you believe it was the car's fault.
When I tried to reach any of the managers I was told I should contact two days later, no one would speak to me (telephoned all day and was left on hold). When I finally got to speak to someone, the final word was the Assistant Manager would telephone me. I never received a call from that manager. I went online and wrote an email to Walmart, which I believe was sent to the Wilkes Barre store customer service department. I got a telephone call that day from "Frank" who listened to the story and said he would file a claim for me. I was contacted by Claims Management (CMI, a wholey owned company of Walmart to handle claims) representative who asked many questions and said he would get back to me.
When CMI finally called me back a week later, "Joe" denied responsibility and required that I get the Volvo dealer to write a finding that Walmart had been negligent and caused the damage to the ignition cylinder where the key was stuck and not just ordinary wear and age. I asked if Joe had taken his car in for service and was returned a car that was disabled and unable for use that he would think it was the car's fault for being worn and old? He denied the claim.
I think Walmart refused to be accountable for the acts of its employees. There is no other conclusion to the facts, unless you believe it was the car's fault.
Comments:
Posted by MDSasquatch on 2011-04-22:
Let the judge sort it out - SMALL CLAIMS
Posted by yoke on 2011-04-22:
This is typical Walmart behavior. Never take responsibility when they are wrong.
Posted by Stuart G. Lowenstein III on 2011-04-22:
That sucks man. Did the Volvo dealer determine the key cylinder broke due to negligence? Can you appeal the claim?
Good luck and good review!
Good luck and good review!
Posted by Lsalvador on 2011-04-22:
The key might have gotten stuck without it being the employees fault but since it was in their possession they should pay for the removal/repair.
As cars get older moving parts like ignitions do weird things.
good luck to the OP.
As cars get older moving parts like ignitions do weird things.
good luck to the OP.
Posted by justcuz on 2011-04-22:
Great review - I agree with yoke, typical Walmart reaction. An ethical company would have proactively contacted Volvo on your behalf to try to resolve it, and if they were still unable to remove the key, proactively paid someone who did have that skill level and training to have it done for you.
Good luck getting this resolved and I wouldn't hesitate to take them to small claims if you need to.
Good luck getting this resolved and I wouldn't hesitate to take them to small claims if you need to.
Posted by trmn8r on 2011-04-22:
I hate to suggest this, but the most common problem with a 1998 Volvo (I have one) key not being able to be removed is the transmission interlock. The button on the shifter becomes "sticky", and doesn't release when you put it in Park. You can turn the key almost to Off, but not all the way. You press in on the front bottom of the button to unstick it.
It is possible that they damaged the interlock or the linkage to the ignition by forcing it, I guess.
It is possible that they damaged the interlock or the linkage to the ignition by forcing it, I guess.
Posted by bluediamond98 on 2011-04-22:
They were working on the tires. I cannot think of what they would have done with the key other than insert it. It is an older car and things go wrong with them at any time. It may have been the next time YOU put the key in the ignition that the ignition sucked it in. If they were working on the ignition and broke it, that's one thing but I can't really see pinning this one on them.
BTW - my dad had a pet peeve about keys. Your car key should be on a lightweight ring with one or two other keys on it. If you have a bowling ball on your keychain and 50 other keys, remove them. It isn't good for the ignition.
BTW - my dad had a pet peeve about keys. Your car key should be on a lightweight ring with one or two other keys on it. If you have a bowling ball on your keychain and 50 other keys, remove them. It isn't good for the ignition.
Posted by Nicole29 on 2011-04-22:
MD has the right idea! And it does sound like a typical Walmart reaction, as others already pointed out.
Posted by MRM on 2011-04-22:
Trm, mine does that as well on my 1988 Jeep Cherokee. I have to push the shift lever all the way to remove the key.
Posted by MRM on 2011-04-22:
Blue, your right on point about too many keys hanging from the ignition. Ive read that somewhere.
Posted by trmn8r on 2011-04-22:
MRM - it isn't just pushing the lever all the way to Park. The deceptive part is the button also has to be "up". Most people wouldn't check this.
The plastics on the '98-00 Volvos were cheapened relative to earlier models. This manifests itself throughout the car. Everything from how the dash mounts to the firewall (mount points can fracture) to the finish on buttons to things like the shift button/knob interface. It is frustrating - I had a '95 that was great, and I also have an '05 which is great.
The plastics on the '98-00 Volvos were cheapened relative to earlier models. This manifests itself throughout the car. Everything from how the dash mounts to the firewall (mount points can fracture) to the finish on buttons to things like the shift button/knob interface. It is frustrating - I had a '95 that was great, and I also have an '05 which is great.
Posted by yoke on 2011-04-22:
Walmart is responsible for what happened. I've watched enough Judge Judy to know that, lol. The vehicle was in their possession when the problem happened. They will have to prove that they knew of the problem when they accepted the car in order to prove they did nothing wrong. When the OP dropped the car off they handed walmart the keys, which means the ignition worked fine then. It was when walmart attempted to get the key out it did not work. Who is to say the walmart employee did not do something wrong.
Sad thing is walmart is lawyered up and will win if it is brought to Small Claims Court
Sad thing is walmart is lawyered up and will win if it is brought to Small Claims Court
Posted by madconsumer on 2011-04-22:
great review.
very helpful.
very helpful.
Posted by Ytropious on 2011-04-22:
You will have to prove that Walmart was actually negligent, and not just in the wrong place at the wrong time when the part decided to fail. Trust me OP, I've been there. My car broke down the next time I drove it after an oil change. My engine was toast and at that point there was no way to prove that the company was negligent. I just let it go.
Posted by redmx3racer on 2011-04-23:
Sounds to me like a coincidence. 13 years of use can weaken components. They were not working on your ignition-they just started the car to drive it in the shop. It would be one thing if they messed up something they were working on-scratched your rims, broke a wheel stud etc.
Posted by ChuhBaca on 2011-04-26:
I say get the estimate and the determination that Wal-Mart caused the problem. Take that to Wal-Mart and let them know that if they don't make it right, that you're going to contact the media. I doubt such a large company would "lawyer up" for small claims, but the thing about a story in the news; it can't be "un" communicated. If you can get the media to do run anything, it will be very powerful.
If not, then small claims court. Lawyers aren't mechanics and a written statement is a strong case.
If not, then small claims court. Lawyers aren't mechanics and a written statement is a strong case.
Posted by ript on 2011-04-26:
When you bought the tires and had them mounted they had you sign paperwork. Is there anything in the print somewhere that says they are not held responsible for anything that may occur as a result of their service?
Posted by trmn8r on 2011-04-26:
That's an interesting point ript. I'd also reiterate that when the OP suggested it could be the car's fault, it may be. My 1998 Volvo (same as the OP) has a button on the shift handle down on the tunnel that sticks. When it does, you can't turn the key all the way to off or remove it. The first time it happened, I assumed something was wrong in the column.
I am hoping the OP returns and updates us on the situation.
I am hoping the OP returns and updates us on the situation.
Posted by myexperiences on 2011-04-29:
People need to remember that someone is always trying to get over on big companies like Walmart on a regular basis.
That being said, per this individual's own statement, Walmart asked that he get something in writing from Volvo stating this problem was due to Walmart's negligence and not just age and wear. SO, GET IT!???
If Volvo said it was Walmart's fault AND THEN Walmart denied claim, you have a complaint. If you can't be bothered, how does anyone, including yourself, know it's Walmart's fault??? It's a 13yo car. Volvo could look at the lock cylinder and say to you 'wow, surprised that didn't happen long ago, look at how all these pins are worn down.'
So basically, Walmart said get us an expert opinion, you didn't, and you expect them to blindly pay you.
That being said, per this individual's own statement, Walmart asked that he get something in writing from Volvo stating this problem was due to Walmart's negligence and not just age and wear. SO, GET IT!???
If Volvo said it was Walmart's fault AND THEN Walmart denied claim, you have a complaint. If you can't be bothered, how does anyone, including yourself, know it's Walmart's fault??? It's a 13yo car. Volvo could look at the lock cylinder and say to you 'wow, surprised that didn't happen long ago, look at how all these pins are worn down.'
So basically, Walmart said get us an expert opinion, you didn't, and you expect them to blindly pay you.
Posted by Siscokid on 2011-04-29:
Look I am a technician and people are always trying to stick it to the techs when they know good and well they have been having this problem for some time, I find it quite convenient that the key stuck this one and only time to point it would not come out, this OP knew they had a problem in the past and just wants someone else to pay for normal repairs...You cannot expect a tech to rebuild your entire vehicle when things happen while at there shop, I can't tell you how many times I have been accused of sabotaging someones veh, I have had customers swear since I replaced the window motor that now there seat doesn't work right even though it was just a worn out seat that was not touched by me or anyone else except to set in. I was once accused of causing a customers water pump to start leaking after installing brakes on the vehicle, thats what people that don't want to pay for there own repairs yell all the time.
Posted by love them bassets on 2011-05-02:
How old is your car and your saying Wal-Mart did it. At this age, you could slam your door and your window could fall off the track. Anyway, Wal-Mart is for make-up, prescriptions, flowers, etc., but to take your car to Wal-Mart for any kind of automobile work makes me think of the saying: "You only get what you pay for"!! Are you sure the tires are on correctly? What kind of car mechanic works at Wal-Mart? Sorry, but it's true. If he/she were really good, don't you think they would be working for a car dealership or a better class automobile repair business, but Wal-Mart to get your car repaired, even for tires, is asking for trouble. I love Wal-Mart. I shop there every chance I get, but not for work on my car. With driving at speeds at sometimes 65 MPH, you want to be sure your tires are going to stay on. Get the paperwork from the dealership that Wal-Mart did something to cause the key to stick and then you won't have a problem. In my past experiences with Wal-Mart, they require paperwork, but they will follow through on the complaint and will do the right thing. I have found them to be honest and consumer oriented. Get the paperwork and move on from there.
Posted by roy on 2011-06-01:
yea they changed my tires dented two cracked one and said it was my fault that i must have hit apot hole , wht a joke they are im sueing them and they wont let me review the tape of the moter bay !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by SAM on 2011-07-17:
Volvo has a reputation for ignition key problems. It is not likely WalMarts actions that led to this problem. They did not choose to purchase a car with these known problems.
Note: All comments are reviewed by a moderator before being published. Please be sure to read our guidelines before commenting.
Company Reps: Post your company response!
Recently Discussed:
- Credit Card Fraud! - No idea - wasn't provided the information!
- WalMart meat taste bad funny consistency - WalMart "Fresh" Beef sirloin
- Bought a Used black EPson ink cartridge from Walmart
- Danskin Now Running Shoes Fall Apart After A Few Months Of Wear - Danskin Now Running Shoes
- Employee Attitude Bad And Rubbing On Customers - Poor Service