Mark Dodge - Mobile, AL

Visit Geno's Garage for Truck accessories.

The most recent reports are at the top of the list; the oldest are at the bottom.

Sales=Poor, Service=Don't Know, Parts=Don't Know, bought there=Yes, scv_there=Yes, Buy_DaimlerChrysler_again=No,
My truck was leaking power steering fluid. I took it in on a Friday and just as every time I have taken it in for service the part is not included in the 100,000 mile/7 year "bumper to bumper" warranty upgrade I was strongly advised to purchase at the time that I bought my Vehicle.
Service people extremely rude and unprofessional on the phone when I returned a message they had left.
When I went to pick up and pay for my vehicle the lady at the counter was on the phone arguing with what I assume was her husband while I stood waiting for six full minutes
I strongly urge unsatisfied customers to contact chrysler financial.
Submitted by: Matt Harkins
Number of dealership visits=<4, Last visit date=1/23/2007, Date report submitted: Jan 23 18:50:04 EST 2007

Sales=Excellent, Service=Poor, Parts=Don't Know, bought there=Yes, scv_there=Yes, Buy_DaimlerChrysler_again=Yes,
Took to dealership(Mark Dodge in Mobile Alabama) original service person who assured this would be resolved and was common problem, was fired and new person didn't contact for 2 weeks. He said mechanic reported sludge and catastrophic engine failure requiring replacement. When questioned how this diagnosis was derived when the oil on stick was clean and the pressure was normal at the time we went out to vehicle, as well as idled smooth as a kitten. Service manager had no answer. When he said fan had to be replaced on air conditioner as this was also reported as only working on high, questioned about why it would need to be replaced since it was a regulator outside of the fan that regulates speed, he had no answer for this and said not necessary to pay for visit as it was misdiagnosis. Since that time , 1 year later the engine has slung a rod, which I feel is directly related to the multiple complaints I am seeing regarding this problem on the internet
Am requesting legal advice concerning this engine defect and the number of incidences it has been seen and Chrysler will not deal with it or rectify the damage.
Submitted by: Submitted by: Mark Walters             markdeanwalters5[a]cs.com
Number of dealership visits=3, Last visit date=6-8months ago, Date report submitted: Jul 26 20:31:15 EDT 2006

Sales=Don't Know, Service=Poor, Parts=Fair, scv_there=Yes, Buy_DaimlerChrysler_again=Yes,
My door lock remote quit working. I went in thinking a 5 star dealer was a safe bet. I was told my remote was broken and purchased a new one. The parts guy tried to program it and couldn't. Said I should have service do it. I scheduled an appointment, knowing the remote would not program. I explained to the service advisor the problem and the remote would not program. After 2 1/2 hours, he told me they couldn't get it to program (surprise) Charged me 2 hours labor (80.00) and wouldn't even talk about my warranty or anything else. Today I went to another dealer, found the problem in about 30 minutes, it is under warranty, and parts are ordered. No charge for the diagnostics. Mark Dodge is either is staffed with incompetents, con men or both. DO NOT GO THERE FOR SERVICE!!!!
Submitted by: Submitted by: Mike Justice             mikeljustice[a]sbcglobal.net
Number of dealership visits=1, Last visit date=10/28/05, Date report submitted: Oct 31 18:16:18 EST 2005

Sales=Excellent, Service=Poor, Parts=Don't Know, bought there=Yes, scv_there=Yes, Buy_DaimlerChrysler_again=Yes,
Everything with Mark dodge was good until it came to a warranty problem with my brakes. Driving down the one day both front calipers locked up . They picked up my truck and said they replaced the calipers. The problem was fixed. Two weeks later, same thing both front calipers lock up. Worse this time to where I may have burned up my clutch trying to get it out of the road. They picked it up again. This time, after taking a sample of my brake fluid, said that I had contaminated the break system some how. The test came back to show a petroleum product was in the system. What they didn't understand was they were the only ones to EVER service my truck. After several arguments they still refused to take responsibility for the problem. They said the reason the brakes locked up was the rubber seats in the calipers had swollen from the contamination. Well I picked up my truck today and found the brakes were no longer locked up. Imagine that. They don't know what their doing or care when it comes to the service department. Contaminated system was never the problem. But I know what was. After they the law suit I'll share it with you. I have other people who highly condemn Mark dodge for their service department. They will also be in court with me. So if your ever in Mobile Alabama don't let them touch your dodge or any vehicle.
I just hope many people see this and stay clear of Mark Dodge. They find ways around high dollar warranty work.
Submitted by: Darren Corlett       corlett24[a]bellsouth.net
Number of dealership visits=8, Last visit date=Aug. 8 2004, Date report submitted: Aug 6 20:14:26 EDT 2004
Sales=Excellent, Service=Poor, Parts=Don't Know, bought there=Yes, scv_there=Yes, Buy_DaimlerChrysler_again=Yes,
I was going down the road and brakes locked up. Brought it to Mark Dodge to have it fixed. They said both front calipers locked up:HMMMMMMMMM. They replaced both. 7 weeks later same thing on the same road. This time it was worse. The truck wouldn't hardly move. I had to get out of the road so I gassed on it riding the clutch. Now possible clutch damage. Had it towed back to Mark Dodge. They said it was something I put in the brake fluid. I've never taken the top off the brake reservoir. They're going to have the brake fluid tested for contamination. If its contaminated they did it since they are the only ones who have ever serviced the truck. That brings up another question. Why just the front brakes (twice) and not the back. They are also a disc brake. It sounds like they are trying to pass the buck. A very large one. They have been nice in a (pass the buck kind of way). No cheap shots. I just want my truck fixed at their expense.
Number of dealership visits=NA, Last visit date=July 3, 04, Date report submitted: Jul 6 20:59:14 EDT 2004

Sales=Good, Service=Avoid, bought there=Yes, scv_there=Yes, Buy_DaimlerChrysler_again=Yes,
My wife and I bought a new 2001 Caravan from MARK DODGE shortly after their changeover from having been Classic Dodge. (My wife had to have another Caravan; and wouldn't even use her employee discount at a Ford store for a Windstar.) Our Sales experience seemed fine at the time, but we were sold an off-brand (not-Dodge or Chrysler) service contract. We were told at the time that they only sold this "1st Automotive" thing when I asked specifically for an OEM service contract. Thanks to that, we've been locked in to use these idiots for repair work.
First problem was with one of the Service Writers during a routine maintenance visit. A total, blithering idiot, condescending, like you're his customer instead of the reverse. Dumped him, but only one other choice. The second guy will listen to you, but then doesn't take care of all problems. He is better than the first clown, though, so we use him. The Service Manager seems like a "reasonable" fellow, but he'll be of little or no help in the end.
While still within warranty coverage, noises developed in the steering system and in the steering column inside the van. The Service Dept. could not duplicate the problem on any of 4 or more trips to the shop for them to look for, not find, and not fix it. Eventually, my wife called DODGE CORP. to complain. Amazingly, on the very next visit (a day or so later) both problems were found and corrected. That while under warranty. No rental car was ever provided despite service contract coverage and specific requests from us. Major inconvenience because of multiple trips, time without the van, etc. - not to mention having to deal with these lunatics.
Two weeks ago, the driver's side a/c is no longer cold, but passenger side (and rear) is cold as ever. We reluctantly take it to them (because we can barely stand to talk with any of them in Service) and they identify a broken blend door and leaking evaporator. Have to order parts. 5 days!!! No rental car!!! Repairs covered by the service contract!!! When the parts arrive, we take the van back to them and they make the repairs. I'm told by the Service Writer that our portion of the bill is $90.00 (even though the service contract deductible is $50). But when I get to the cashier to pick up the van, I'm asked for $1200+++!!! Obviously, I need to see someone else! They didn't have the sense to show the service contract's amount separately, so the cashier didn't know any better than to ask me for the whole amount at first. This is evidence of incompetence not only in the Service department, but also in the office!
I go in and talk with the Service Manager, explaining to him that their "shop supplies and disposal fees" (which are no where to be seen when you sign a repair order) are part of the repair job and my only cost should be the deductible. And freon is recycled, not disposed of anyway. Before it was over, he and I read through the fine print of the service contract, and I find out that the "wonderful" sales folks who had sold us the car LIED to us at the time because the shop supplies weren't covered like we'd been told. The "reasonable" Service Manager agreed to split that $40.00 with me at that point.
Less than a week later, the driver's side a/c isn't cold anymore. We take it back to them, and guess what!... Yes! It's a new problem!!! This time it's a leaking condenser!!! And we get to pay them another deductible!!! And more "shop supplies and disposal fees"!!! And they bill the service contract another $800++!!! And we STILL aren't given or offered a rental car!!!! Aren't these the most wonderful folks ever????
When I picked up the van, I talked with the Service Manager again. If a proper check had been made the first time, I wouldn't be asked to pay anything more, because the leaking condenser would have been found and included in the first repair ticket. So I gave him a chance to do the right thing and waive the deductible and "shop supplies and disposal fees" but his response was, "All we can do is repair things when they're broken. If something else happens later, it's another repair." So I go to the cashier, and she'd holding a ticket for $842+/-... once again no one's bothered to have things right before I arrive. My part, even according to them, is only supposed to be $74!!! After this ticket, too, was refigured, I paid them so I could at least give the van back to my wife.
On MY test drive, things aren't right... or at least not like it had been before the a/c started having problems. So I turn around to ask another question or two. Before I get back to the dealership, my wife rings my cell phone and finds out that I've given them more money. She hits the roof, too, and by the time I get my continuing concerns addressed, she's been on the phone with the Sales Manager. He and I talk and he asks that we give him until the next day to speak with the General Manager about things. The Sales Manager is a decent guy who's actually trying to solve a customer complaint. I sort of feel sorry for him personally... he has pretty lousy support from Service.
All day goes by and no one calls us. Finally, my wife calls them and has the misfortune to get the General Sales Manager. He's not the one we're supposed to hear from, but he's the one who talks to her. He not only tells her that we're not getting our money back, but has the GALL to tell her that we didn't buy the van from MARK DODGE, that we bought it from CLASSIC DODGE before the changeover. WHAT AN ABSOLUTE IDIOT!!!! MARK DODGE sold us the van, videotaped our closing with their F&I guy (the one who lied to us about the service contract), and gave us our paperwork - which happens to be on MARK DODGE stationery!!! I guarantee you that it was MARK DODGE, because it was seeing Mark Boniol on television, the new MARK name on the storefront, and hearing that these were new, good folks who were going to make things right, that gave me a chance to open my mind about going back to the place where the idiots at CLASSIC DODGE had been. IF THEY HADN'T CHANGED HANDS, I'D HAVE NEVER BEEN THERE.
When I heard from my wife, and realizing that I wasn't dreaming (the nightmare was real and it was continuing), I called the store myself. Because the Sales Manager we talked with had been so reasonable, I made sure I talked with him. He tells me that he's talked with the General Manager by phone (the GM hadn't been in the store that day), but that the GM hadn't been able to look at the paperwork. Not long after we're on the phone, he says that the Gen Sales Mgr (the clown who said we hadn't bought from them) had stuck his head in the door and told him to tell me that "somehow or another, you'll get your money back tomorrow." We finished our conversation and hung up.
Finally, two days after picking up the van and paying the second deductible & etc. that shouldn't have been paid in the first place, the Sales Manager has just now informed me that he's gotten a refund approved and the check will be cut either this afternoon or in the morning.
We're still locked in to using their Service Department (because of the off-brand service contract) so our misery may not yet be over. But understand that it's the Service Department we despise... the vehicle itself is great (except for a broken driver's arm rest that they want between $150 and $800+ to fix).
The Sales Manager, Scott Daigle, is a good man who has done his best to resolve a problem created by their "lousy customer service" Service Department.
Number of dealership visits=8 or more, Last visit date=10/8/2003, Date report submitted: Oct 9 16:06:39 EDT 2003

Sales=Fair, Service=Avoid, bought there=Yes, scv_there=Yes,
I took my Dodge Caravan 2001 into Mark Dodge service dept on 9/12/03. I have extended warranty on my van as was told that my air conditioner problem was covered. No cold air was coming out of the vents on the drivers side. They said it was repaired and within 2 weeks again no cold air. I returned not expecting to have to again pay the co-pay on the extended warranty but a cost was charged. I also had to wait for a week for them to repair the first time because of waiting for parts. I live in Mobile AL and even in Sept/Oct its rather warm. Their service dept has no sense of customer service. I have spoken with not only their service mgr, but Sales mgr and instead of the Gm returning my call he passed it on to someone else. Mark Dodge is one of the last places I would go to buy or have anything serviced. Poor Customer Service!
Number of dealership visits=5, Last visit date=10/7/03, Date report submitted: Oct 8 20:07:52 EDT 2003

Sales=Excellent, Service=Excellent, bought there=Yes, scv_there=Yes,
These guys are incredible! I've been doing business with Mark Dodge since they opened 2 years ago. They've really put things together quite well. I would recommend this dealership to anyone who is looking for a great deal without any strings attached. I've also serviced 2 vehicles with them and have had absolutely no problems at all. I couldn't be any happier with my experience!
Richard O'Reilly
Number of dealership visits=3, Last visit date=2/25/03, Date report submitted: 05 Mar 2003 21:05

Sales=Don't Know, Service=Avoid, bought there=No, scv_there=yes,
I have had my Durango serviced there several times and wondered about the cost involved. I went in on a Wednesday with transmission problems and was told that their transmission department was very busy and it would be a couple of days before they could get to it. On Friday they tried to sell me a new transmission for $5,000. I told them again that I was going to sell the vehicle in about 20,000 and didn't want to spend that kind of money on it. After two weeks the vehicle is still not ready. It has been "The parts have been ordered" or "The wrong parts were delivered". I expect a Dodge dealer in a city the size of Mobile to be able to fix any problem on a Dodge vehicle within a week. Two and a half or three weeks is totally unacceptable to me.
Number of dealership visits=Several, Last visit date=1-29-03, Date report submitted: 29 Jan 2003 11:12

Sales=Fair, Service=Avoid, bought there=yes, scv_there=yes,
I last took my vehicle in because it was not blowing hot air with the heater was turned on. They replaced the radiator, water pump and thermostat, even though I had just returned from a 2000 mile trip with no problems except the lack of heat. This bill totaled over $1200.00 and when I picked the Durango up, I still had no heat and I also had transmission fluid leaking. Unfortunately, I did not find this out until I got home and transmission fluid had puddled on the carport and the transmission was without fluid. Now they tell me, just bring it back in and they will look at it. I'm telling them, that they need to come and pick it up. This is the most unprofessional service department I have ever seen, and replacing the entire cooling system was just a rip-off of the highest magnitude. When it was classic dodge it was bad, but it is worst than ever now.
Paul Coeyman       pcoeyman@atlanticmarine.com
Number of dealership visits=Too many, Last visit date=1/27/03, Date report submitted: 28 Jan 2003 15:01

Sales=Don't Know, Service=Avoid,
If you want to pay $500 for an oil change, go ahead. Twice we had work done here, both times the bill was ridiculously high for almost no work. The service department charged $250.00 + for the 30,000 mile service which states that it includes an oil change etc and then adds charges for the oil, filter and disposal plus other parts and so called included services. Both times the actual repair work we brought the car in for was not done and when brought back to find out why, it was a "NEW" problem requiring another payment.
Date report submitted: 25 Jul 2002

Sales=Don't Know, Service=Don't Know,
I went to the parts department to see about getting a differential case(the part that the ring gear bolts to)they wanted $600 or $900 for a limited slip. I don't know if all dealers charge that much or not but it seems high to me even if it is a dealer. I found one at a local drivetrain shop for $95 +tax. Other than the price they were helpful and friendly.

Dealership Rating:
	Good sales department, good service
	Fair sales, fair service
	Conflicting or not enough information
	Poor Service or Poor Sales Department
	Avoid like the plague!!
	No Experience / Don't Know

This page was edited on: March 28, 2007