AAMCO Transmissions & Total Car Care - Danville, Kentucky

Coulter M

Update below

The worst experience I have ever had with any business in my entire life. They will lie and blame everything else but themselves to avoid even the remote chance of responsibility.

Rusty (The franchise owner) owns the AAMCO in Danville and Richmond, so I would avoid both and deeply consider all the other bad reviews that these two locations share.

The abridged version of the issue is, after removing my transmission for a second time to fix a leak caused by improper installation the first time, they neglected to install 1 of 3 bolts that hold the Torque Strut Bracket to the transmission. This missing bolt put strain on the mount which allowed it to break in half 213 miles after the second install.

Despite having photos of the bolt present just before taking it in for them to fix the leak and having photos of the bolt missing after they “completed” maintenance, they still refuse responsibility.

Rusty has made unfounded claims that "I don’t even have any proof that that’s your vehicle with the bolts missing", "I don’t believe the bolt was left out and regardless that bolt did not cause catastrophic failure to that. That thing hit something"...etc. They have been unable to provide me with any evidence of their claims. I guess his reasoning, is that engineers just put extra bolts on parts for the hell of it and that I should hold up my car registration in front of the camera when taking photos to “prove” it’s my vehicle.

This part breaking also caused considerable collateral damage. From what I’ve found so far, the Driver Mount Bracket (Cracked), Passenger CV Axle (CV joint exploded), Radiator (Internally leaking, hit by the engine when it torqued), and the missing bolt. I’ll have to pay approximately an additional $800 in parts and towing alone, not including finding another mechanic.

After 3 WEEKS of back and forth with Rusty, and Jim, and filing a complaint with corporate, they still refuse responsibility, despite photographic evidence. Corporate is only looking out for the best interest of the business and despite detailed photos and explanations, continues to refer to incorrect information and cannot look at blatant photographic evidence.

During the first week they had the vehicle, Jim “inspected” the vehicle in the parking lot and during a phone call said that the Driver Mount Bracket was cracked, and the Passenger CV Axle was damaged. It wasn’t until I drove over to look at it myself that I found the Torque Strut Bracket cracked in half, I had to inform Jim since he was completely unaware. I also expressed that this was a warranty issue and Jim flat-out refused despite not having completed an actual full inspection.

To get ahead of the response. Rusty said, “We are willing to help you out and do it for the parts cost if you would like, if not I understand”. But, considering my experience that’s an easy no.

Attached photos show before and after, and damage. Blue rubber band shows where the bolt should be located on the damaged part

Reply/update:
By “made you aware of this issue with the ProMaster vans”, Rusty is referring to TSB 2302219, which refences the “Left Transmission Mount Bracket Fasteners” and has noting to do with the Torque mount where they neglected to replace the bolt. Rusty and the “nationally accredited tech dept” have been informed of this information SEVERAL times via text and email.
Another breakdown:
I’m currently stranded in a Chicago hotel because the “Rebuilt Transmission” broke yet again and according to the mechanic shop I had it brought too, a large amount of debris is sitting in the bottom of the transmission pan and will require a complete replacement.
So, to clarify, I have driven 2,805 since the transmission was first rebuilt by AAMCO and 605 miles since they last had to remove the transmission to fix a leak.
Including the damage, they caused by not installing a bolt properly, this awful experience with AAMCO has now cost me close to $10,000 and months of my time.

*removed prior text to have enough room for the update, screenshot attached of removed information*

Rachel Leigh

Fixed an issue that's been undiagnosed for 3 years. Other mechanics advised us to dump our jeep before it got worse. Turned out to be a "simple issue" that they fixed no charge.

Brittany Bethea

Got my knock sensor fixed here a month ago, and my cars been making weird noises and overheating since! Been coming here for years but I’ll never go back! 826 dollars and a waste of time! Sure miss Jim

Katie

These guys are always transparent and understanding on behalf of my concerns. Highly recommended. Fast, skillful, and helpful!!!

Myra

Another mechanic told us that the transmission was going out on our car. Took to AAMCO and the gentleman said our transmission was working fine, but recommended we change the spark plugs. My husband replaced them tonight and the car is working flawlessly. They were honest and straightforward, I would definitely recommend them to anyone. We really thought our car was toast and it ended up only being about a $40 repair. So happy with the way it all turned out! Thank you AAMCO!

Dustin

Was having trouble with my Jeep shifting took my vehicle in and they diagnosed the problem within minutes been there a couple times always treated my friend's great and it extremely well with women and not screwing them over with issues on their cars and helping walk them through it like decent human beings. I literally drove through two counties to get to them because of the respect and passion they put into their customers and making things right and diagnosing vehicles properly and saving people thousands of dollars. I respect the group of guys that are up there as do every one of my friends my grandmother and anybody else that has been up there with them they are extremely trustworthy and some of the most down-to-earth people you will ever meet.

Emily

Dunno about y'alls, but my experience was great - I actually sought Jim out in Nicholasville and was saddened he wasn't there - it was my dumb/good luck to find him in Danville. I would trust him with any axle, transmission, or thing I need rolling! He didn't know he beat other estimates and he didn't know I was seeking him til after the job was done - he knew the mechanics of it well and I am pleased with service!

Nathan Black

Took my daughters VW beetle to this place to have transmission rebuilt. Jim called said it was ready so I got there and went to drive it and the glove box handle was broken off laying in the floor with grease smudged on the glove box. Jim told me he didn’t know how that happened but he would take care of it. I have been patient with this Danville location and with Jim the owner for almost a year and still have not gotten a glove box for her car yet. Not one phone call or anything from them. I use to call about once a month to check and kept getting the run around about how he ordered one but wrong color. He says he has one coming but never has he called and said come and get it. Anyone that doesn’t do what they say they will do I don’t trust them anymore and would not take anything back to him! After submitting a review that is above what I’m writing now Jim got in touch with me and explained what’s going on with the glove box so if he holds truth to his word I will come back and give a better review.