On September 22, 2014 I went to Sears Auto Center in Glen Allen, VA (store 7511) for the FIRST time (also the LAST) just to get an oil change. A week and a half later my car started experiencing some issues so I took it to my dealership to be checked out, that is when they discovered my radiator cap was off and I was told that whomever dealt with it last either didn’t put it back on or didn’t secure it. I knew exactly whom that last entity was, Sears. I went back to Sears immediately after leaving my dealership and spoke with the manager Mac about the situation who Immediately apologized for the inconvenience. I also showed hmim the paperwork stating that due to the loss of coolant and it causing my engine to overheat that there may be engine damage. He said that they DO check the radiator fluids as a “courtesy service” and that he would make it right by reimbursing me what I had paid my dealership and that he would speak with the mechanic to make sure that nothing like this happened again and that he hoped I would consider coming back to them. A week later I was experiencing similar issues and decided to take it back to my dealership, I didn’t trust Sears to handle anything, they then let me know that my water pump was busted and there was indeed engine damage. I paid my $200 deductible to have my warranty cover the water pump but the engine damage was Sears’ liability to have to cover. I called Sears and again spoke with Mac who informed me that due to the extent of the repairs he had to file a claim with the insurance company Sedgwick to cover the repair costs and that they would also reimburse me my deductible. For weeks I dealt with an incompetent insurance company that did nothing to rectify the situation. They ultimately denied the claim DESPITE the fact that Mac/Sears took responsibility in the beginning KNOWING they had something to do with it. I even have a document typed by Mac stating that they had left the radiator cap off and he reimbursed my fees. So I couldn’t understand how the insurance company could deny a claim if the client admitted responsibility. I spoke with Mac in reference to the decision and they tried to pass the blame by saying my dealership did not run proper tests and now it is their fault. Unfortunately for Sears I have documentation from Mac stating they left off the radiator cap, I also have witnesses of my dealership that can attest to the fact that the causation expert that was sent to evaluate the damage did not follow up with anyone at the dealership, he did not ask questions, no true investigation was done by him or the claims adjuster. I also was told by a CURRENT employee/mechanic who works for Sears Auto Center that they are “taught how to rig cars so that they will have more issues and the customers Have to bring them back for more repairs.” This is very vital Especially in terms of having them subpoenaed to court if I take the lawsuit route which is PRECISELY where we are headed. I now have a blown head gasket and may need an entirely new motor thanks to their negligence and they are trying to turn the cheek and not do anything to correct their mistakes. I have not owned my car for even a YEAR and it was ruined by a careless mistake.
Aleasesa Bouton
Sears Tire and Auto Center Florida Mall 