Seeking advice on how to handle service done by dealership

Hello,

Id like to ask for some advice on how to handle a situation where the dealership performed a complete power steering (PS) service on my truck.

I was recently changing the oil on my truck, and I noticed the PS rack boot was affixed by a zip tie. The metal clamp-thing was dangling next to it. Thinking through what I was seeing I couldn't believe a Dodge dealership would do something like this. Pic and video (if it works) attached.

Is this normal? I paid top dealership dollar to have my complete PS system redone, including pump. Total spent on the service was around $4k. Other than me, the dealership is the only one who has ever worked on the truck. Since i have had the dealership replace the PS system I refuse to touch it.

How would you handle this situation? Thank you

Link to video (hope it works): https://imgur.com/phMcAsL

Take it back and ask them to put the correct clamp on the boot. Then maybe give any future business to a different shop. Not sure what else you're looking for out of this.

mikeru said:

Take it back and ask them to put the correct clamp on the boot. Then maybe give any future business to a different shop. Not sure what else you're looking for out of this.

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This. Or buy the clamp and do it yourself and still not give any future business to the dealer.

mikeru said:

Take it back and ask them to put the correct clamp on the boot. Then maybe give any future business to a different shop. Not sure what else you're looking for out of this.

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Good question


If it were me, and someone showed my business did some ****** ass work, I would be embarrassed and ashamed.

Ive spent ~$7k total at this dealership over the past few years. I guess Im looking for some ******* loyalty and culpability from a supposedly reputable business, but in this day and age I realize that may be too much of an ask.

DarthHemi said:

Good question


If it were me, and someone showed my business did some ****** ass work, I would be embarrassed and ashamed.

Ive spent ~$7k total at this dealership over the past few years. I guess Im looking for some ******* loyalty and culpability from a supposedly reputable business, but in this day and age I realize that may be too much of an ask.

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A dealership is only as good as the worst tech working there. Chances are that's who worked on your truck. I agree that "service" seems to not be a concern for dealerships, or even car makers for that matter. Having said that, what exactly are you wanting from them to make up for what you found? Free oil change, cash, discount coupons? Any of those might be appropriate, but you're the one who needs to decide what you want out of it. Keep your expectations low and try not to go in with an attitude, demanding they make things right. Calmly explain the situation to them, and why you're not satisfied with the work that was performed. They may just surprise you.

Until you go sit down with the Dealer Principal, or at least the General Manager you really have no idea if they respect their customers and will stand behind their work. If you have spent 7 grand there I would think the other work has to have been satisfactory.

I have a great dealership that I have been dealing with for a few years. We both worked hard at developing a relationship and we work to maintain it. I know the names of a good many of the staff, not just the manager and service writers. They aren't perfect but they always make it right and they care. Relationships are a two way street.

Go in and have a calm conversation, ask them for their thoughts and what they can do to help on this situation and to ensure quality work going forward.

Dean2 said:

Until you go sit down with the Dealer Principal, or at least the General Manager you really have no idea if they respect their customers and will stand behind their work. If you have spent 7 grand there I would think the other work has to have been satisfactory.

I have a great dealership that I have been dealing with for a few years. We both worked hard at developing a relationship and we work to maintain it. I know the names of a good many of the staff, not just the manager and service writers. They aren't perfect but they always make it right and they care. Relationships are a two way street.

Go in and have a calm conversation, ask them for their thoughts and what they can do to help on this situation and to ensure quality work going forward.

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I think this summized my issue.

I have never nickel and dimed them. I payed their rates because I expected great service. My frustration is that should I choose to use their service again, how can I trust the workmanship?

DarthHemi said:

I think this summized my issue.

I have never nickel and dimed them. I payed their rates because I expected great service. My frustration is that should I choose to use their service again, how can I trust the workmanship?

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Glad you aren't my customer. Years long good relationship and one clamp not attached DESTROYS your trust completely. If that is how you feel and you don't want to deal with the issues man to man, then I suggest you go find another place to deal.

Dean2 said:

Glad you aren't my customer. Years long good relationship and one clamp not attached DESTROYS your trust completely. If that is how you feel and you don't want to deal with the issues man to man, then I suggest you go find another place to deal.

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I never said any of those things. And yes, you would want me as your customer. I went to a message board to seek advice instead of stomping in the service center making outlandish demands. I didn't go to twitter or Google reviews and drive action through negative reviews. Instead, I am here objectively trying to understand what reasonable expectations are.