AutoNation Ford Panama City Reviews
AutoNation Panama City has garnered a flurry of negative reviews recently, painting a troubling picture of customer dissatisfaction. From unresolved maintenance issues on newly purchased vehicles to unmet promises of reimbursement for repairs, customers have expressed frustration with the dealership's lack of accountability and subpar service standards. These experiences underscore the need for improved customer care and transparency within the automotive industry.
Begging For A Review Change
The reviewer took their 2009 Mercury Milan to AutoNation Ford for an open recall related to a significant safety hazard with the brakes going to the floor, but despite leaving the car at the dealership for over a week, nothing was done to address the issue. Numerous attempts to contact the dealership went unanswered, prompting the reviewer to leave a 1-star review. After being contacted by a Customer Relations Manager, the dealership offered new brake pads and a rental car if the reviewer retook the survey with a higher rating, which they reluctantly did, settling for a neutral 3-star rating. However, Ford's General Manager revoked the offer because the reviewer didn't immediately trust them and wouldn't commit to a positive review until the service was completed satisfactorily. When the reviewer brought the car back in for service, Ford refused to address the recall, leading the reviewer to conclude that Ford prioritizes its online reputation over actual customer care, ultimately deciding not to purchase another vehicle from them in the future.
Always Behind On Deadlines
The reviewer scheduled an appointment for their vehicle on November 21, expecting a 3-5 day timeframe for the initial inspection. However, it wasn't until November 30 that the dealership began looking at the vehicle. Despite being informed that two issues were fixed and the car was ready on December 1, the problem with the sink screen persisted even after an alleged reset and update, for which they were charged $274. Despite having all warranties from AutoNation (AN), the issue wasn't resolved. They returned the car on December 4, were told to wait 1-2 days, but received no updates despite daily calls to their service provider. On December 8, after going to the dealership in person, they finally got their car back, only to be informed that the provider was just about to look at it. Frustrated with the lack of service and communication, the reviewer wouldn't recommend AutoNation to anyone and planned to ask for a refund, anticipating it might be ignored as well.
Can't Even Do An Oil Change
The reviewer dropped off their wife's car at 8 am for a scheduled oil change at 8:30 am, which should have been a straightforward procedure. However, the dealership/service center didn't complete the oil change until 10:30 am, causing significant delays. Frustrated by this experience and deeming the dealership poorly managed, the reviewer strongly advises against going there for any reason. They switched to Fort Walton for servicing and found it to be a much better experience. The reviewer also points out other 1-star reviews, indicating a pattern of poor service at this location that has persisted for a long time, attributing it to a lack of care from both ownership and Ford.
Different Prices For Same Car
Despite their previous positive experiences with Ford cars like Explorers and Edges, this dealership's handling of their vehicle has left a lasting negative impression. They had to wait 30 days just to get an appointment and then endured another two months without a loaner car while their vehicle was being serviced. Communication was limited to text messages, and only one person could provide any assistance or information regarding their vehicle. Frustrated by the lack of progress, the reviewer had to escalate the issue to a Ford executive to see any action, though they praised the executive's efforts in resolving the matter to some extent. They also attempted to trade in their vehicle but were offered significantly below fair market trade value, despite the vehicle being covered under factory warranty. The dealership later made a trade-in offer for the actual fair market value but tied it to purchasing a new version of the same problematic model. Upon receiving their vehicle back, the reviewer noticed damage to the door panel, which the dealership denied responsibility for and offered to replace only if the reviewer wrote a positive review first. Refusing to be extorted or lie about their experience, the reviewer is shocked by the dysfunction and lack of professionalism at the dealership, advising others to take their vehicles elsewhere and expressing disbelief at how such a place can remain in business.
Engine Light Back On, Lack Of Attention To Detail
I recently gave AutoNation Ford a 1-star rating due to a frustrating experience with my 2022 Bronco Sport. The vehicle had a warning light indicating an issue with the evaporative emission system, prompting me to schedule an appointment. However, even setting up the appointment was a challenge. The dealership kept my car for two days, supposedly replaced a part, and assured me it was fixed. Yet, the very next morning, the same warning light appeared for the same issue. Upon calling again, I was informed that they couldn't see me for another 45 days, despite claiming to have already addressed the problem. When my husband expressed his dissatisfaction with driving around for over a month with a warning light on, they promised the owner would call to discuss the matter. However, no such call ever came. This lack of care and accountability toward customers is unacceptable. I strongly advise others to avoid this dealership, consider switching from Ford, and find a more reliable and customer-focused dealership elsewhere.
Maintenance Doesn't Mean Anything
I recently purchased a Ram 2500 from AutoNation Ford Panama City and had an extremely disappointing experience. The dealership held the truck for over a month for supposed "maintenance," but when I received it, the condition was appalling. The truck had two dead batteries, an extremely off alignment, outdated and cupping tires, and a slew of other minor maintenance issues within the first week of ownership. Despite the dealership promising to reimburse me for the repairs I had to incur due to their negligence during the month-long "maintenance" period, they failed to follow through on their commitment. Upon visiting their shop, I found it to be disorganized and chaotic, far below professional standards. This purchase was the most money I've ever spent on a vehicle, and it's been the most disappointing purchase experience I've ever had. AutoNation Ford Panama City ensured that every step of the way, I was left dissatisfied and regretful, showcasing a lack of care for customer satisfaction and a disregard for quality service.