Henkel Chrysler Jeep Dodge

Reviews 3

JA

Jami Dunn

BUYER BEWARE!!! Unless you have $32,000 to just throw away, do NOT do business with Henkel Automotive OR Chrysler! On July 30th 2016, I purchased a 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport from Henkel Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Battle Creek. It was my dream car and I worked very hard to be able to purchase it. I experienced many issues during my first 46 days of ownership including the following: the Security Indicator light comes on while I am driving, the roof leaks, and on seven occasions I have attempted to start the Jeep and it doesn’t even turn over. I first took the Jeep in to be serviced on 09/14/16. Since then, my Jeep has been in the shop a total of 8 times. After further research, I discovered that my Jeep was actually a Lemon buy-back from Chrysler which was never once disclosed to me during the sales process. I went to pick my Jeep up two days ago (12/13/16) and 10 miles down the road the security light came back on. I returned the Jeep immediately and am yet again in a loaner vehicle instead of my own. It has been out of my use and in service for a total of 50 of the 138 days I’ve had it, and counting. When I purchased the vehicle there were 16,500 miles on it, today there are 22,100. The drive one way to Henkel from where I live is 55 miles. The time and fuel alone have been a big expense to me. The service department has put hundreds of miles on my vehicle trying to ensure that the light doesn’t come back on. After Henkel’s service department attempted to fix the problem five times, I contacted Dan Henkel, the owner. I was told I purchased my Jeep from a reputable dealer and they would attempt to make this right. He asked me to bring my Jeep in for one more attempt at repairs and if unable to do so we would discuss trading it in, them buying it back and possibly selling at an auction. The GM at the dealership (Jeff Spanninga) told me I needed to open a case with Chrysler to see if they would buy it back. I did so and also contacted an attorney for guidance. Because I contacted an attorney, Chrysler canceled my case. I informed the dealership of this. I was then told to contact National Center for Dispute Settlement and start a case with an Arbitration Board. Long story short, they denied having Chrysler buy my Jeep back stating, “We have reached a unanimous conclusion because although the vehicle was subject to repairs due to a manufacturer defect, they do not rise to the level of substantially impair the use, value or safety of this vehicle.” Since the start of my troubles, I have dealt directly with Jeff Spanninga – GM, Dan Henkel- Owner, Aaron Hinten - Service Manager, and Wally Fox- salesman. After Chrysler denied the buy-back of my Jeep, I contacted Dan Henkel on Friday 12/9/16. The receptionist always informs me that Dan “only accepts messages”. I didn’t hear back from Dan on Friday so I called again on 12/12, 12/13, and again on 12/14/16. Dan finally called me back last night with no resolution. Dan indicated to me that “Chrysler has a lot more money to buy things back than he does, so he is pushing them to buy it back.” What that tells me is that he hasn’t followed up on my case at all or he would have known that Chrysler refused. I asked him for a direct number or an email so I can stay in touch with him without having to wait days at a time for a response and also because my attorney suggested I do so, and Dan got very defensive and responded saying, “this is sounding very legal. How about this, just give me your attorney’s information so I can give it to my attorney and those two can talk.” Dan also told me to just, “keep driving your loaner and we’ll eventually come up with a solution you agree with.” I have avoided taking this issue to the public end of things for 3 months now, but after the absolute nightmare that I’ve had to deal with, I feel that it is my responsibility to not only hold Henkel accountable, but also to warn consumers about the risk they’re taking by doing business with their dealer group.

TR

TRACY CARTER

I own a 2015 Dodge Journey that I bought from another dealership. I was informed during an oil change that it was leaking Transmission fluid. As it is under warranty I had to take it to a Dodge dealer. When I contacted Henkel I was given an appointment almost a month out. I called after about a week and told them I also had a safety recall on my brakes and would like that fixed while my vehicle was in the shop. They said only if we have the parts. Well, it seems to me they could have gotten my VIN in advance and ordered the part if needed but ok. So the day arrived to bring in my car. The man working in the service garage was very rude. He was upset that I did not pull up to the garage and honk. He then informed me that it would be an 80 dollar charge to even look at my vehicle and if I didnt like it I could take it back to the service department where I bought it. I explained that it should be under warranty. He said well it has a lot of miles on it so it may not be covered by warranty. I wasnt happy but I left the car. They called me about an hour or so later and told me it was covered under warranty but they could change the transmission filter while they were in there for ONLY the price of the filter. I agreed. I also asked that they change the air filter. He agreed and said it would only cost me the price of that filter as well. So 5pm rolls around and I come in to pick up my car. They have it parked out back in the snow and refuse to pull it around for me (I thought this was the "service" department) I pay my bill and go on my way. When I got home I realized they charged me 5 dollars labor! It was only 5 dollars, but it was my 5 dollars. The staff was rude and they snuck in charges, I will NEVER go back!!!

MA

Max Sheker

STAY AWAY!!!! To call them scam artist would be a compliment. I drove two and a half hours to come in and check out a pick up truck. Quickly fell for all the crap the salesman was giving me because I liked the truck soo much (completely my fault). After no negotiating and a quick 10 minute test drive I was ready to make this deal final. I drove up there in my own car so they agreed to deliver it for $50 in a couple of days on top of the $12,000 check I just wrote. Long story short after not even driving it for 3 weeks and less than 300 miles the transmission completely blew out. Considering how generous and friendly they seemed when I was in there I gave them a call to see if there was anything they can do for me, they kept taking my name and number saying they were gonna call me back in the next couple of hours this went on for about 4 days. Finally I had enough and asked to speak with a manager or the owner because I needed an answer. The manager told me he would be able to get it done for me for between $4,000-$6,000 (that was absolutely ridiculous) I eventually got a hold of the owner and he told me that it is not his problem I bought the truck and I have had it for 3 weeks. Clearly this dealership just wants your money and could care less if the car blows up once you leave their lot. I will never ever buy another car from anything with the name HENKEL on it. This is not a trust worthy dealership absolutely the worst experience I have ever had. I SUGGEST YOU GRAB YOUR CHECKBOOK AND RUN THE OTHER WAY!