Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/02/2025

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  BBB transcribed from typed letter received via US Mail:

  May 27, 2025

  Better Business Bureau of ***********************************************************************************

  RE: Formal Complaint - Unlawful Retention and Retitling Attempt by Hughes Automotive

  Vehicle: 2014 ******* ******

  VIN: *****************

   To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this formal complaint against Hughes Automotive, located at ***************************************** (EIN: **********), for violations of legal and ethical business practices involving my 2014 ******* ******. The actions taken by this repair facility are unlawful and have caused personal and financial harm.

  As the legal owner of the referenced vehicle, I, ********* ******, respectfully request the Better Business Bureau investigate the following violations and document this complaint publicly to warn other consumers.

  Violations and Legal Breaches:

  1. **No Authorization for Repairs**: At no time did I approve or authorize any repairs, violating ORC *******, which allows liens only when consented repairs are completed.

  2. **No Repairs Performed**: The vehicle was never repaired. No labor, materials, or services were rendered that would entitle the business to a lien or ownership interest.

  3. **No Disclosure of Fees**: There was no written or verbal disclosure of storage fees, which is a direct violation of ORC ******* under the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act (CSPA).

  4. **Violation of Response Time**: A certified notice dated May 6, 2025, was issued by Hughes Automotive, but I responded within the 15-day period required by ORC ********. Despite this, the vehicle continues to be unlawfully held.

  5. **Attempted Fraudulent Title Transfer**: Any affidavit filed to the ************************ claiming entitlement to the vehicle based on fabricated or unperformed work would constitute fraud and possibly false swearing under Ohio law.

  These actions suggest deceptive practices, potential consumer fraud, and a breach of ethical conduct.

  I am requesting the following:

  - An investigation into Hughes Automotive's business practices.

  - A formal public record of this complaint with the Better Business Bureau.

  - Mediation assistance in recovering my vehicle and related damages.

  - Assistance in referring this matter to the appropriate enforcement bodies, including the Ohio Attorney General.

  I am prepared to submit documentation, communications, and supporting evidence. This mechanic's office has caused distress, loss of use of my vehicle, and potential financial harm. I believe it is in the public's interest that these actions be investigated and addressed.

  Sincerely,

  ********* ******

  ***************

  ***************************

  Phone: ************

  Email: ********************

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/10/2025

  The consumer's vehicle was towed to our facility on August 5, 2024. A few days after delivery of the vehicle, I spoke to Lafeef and he was given a verbal estimate of repairs. He said that he would let me know. I called him back to ask what his intensions were, he said he wanted to get it fixed but not yet. I spoke with him again; he was still not ready to make a repair. After that, he stopped taking my phone calls. After nine months of no direction from ****** or Kartayyia, I considered the vehicle abandoned. I proceeded to initiate the Ohio Unclaimed Vehicle Affidavit process as listed on the Franklin County Clerk of Courts website and section ******** of the Ohio Revised Code. Yes, he did call within the 15-day window stated in the certified letter requirements, but did not claim the vehicle by paying the outstanding storage fees of $4,522 for the 266 days that vehicle has been left unclaimed at my facility. Our storage fees are clearly posted at the facility and do not exceed the daily storage maximum by vehicle weight listed on the *********************************** website. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/23/2022

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Hughes automotive claims a new rebuilt engine last year of September once time I received the car back the car was making a lot of noise after having it for three months he fixed it again it took a couple days he never told me what the problem was eight or nine months later My timing belt goes out and I paid him $2500 out of pocket and he exhausted my warranty when it was active. I've had two diagnostic from two auto shops they stated it was in fact my timing belt. **** claims he took a look and it's not my timing belt just because he doesn't want to be responsible for replacing the timing belt after i paid him to put the new engine in. When i called to ask a question about my vehicle he's rude and uptight. This not a good way to treat a customer. I keep asking for receipts and still haven't received any.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 12/16/2022

  
  ****** ******* <t*******@hotmail.com>
  Attachments
  Thu, Dec 15, 6:23 PM (20 hours ago)
  to me
  
  Claim #18455380
  
   
  
  Hughes Automotive does not have ****** ****** in our system  . Hughes automotive repaired 2018 hyundia Tuscon for ****** ***** in July of 2021 at that time G.W.C (ext warranty) authorized us to install a used engine in this vehicle that was the last time we have seen it. It is clearly out of the warranty period and does not even have a timing belt. The car was brought back to us 11/17/22 customer refused diagnostic charges and towed the car.
  
  Please see attached docs.
  
  Thanks ****** *******
  
  Sent from Mail for Windows

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/06/2023

  The only receipt that was given to me.

  Hughes automotive are not holding themselves accountable. I never refused to pay the diagnostic fee and its very distasteful **** is putting this facade on. He was very rude to me and another gentleman which i do believe he recorded **** reaction he stated he didn't want to work on the vehicle in the first place which is very rude. He stated i was being combative because i asked him if you put a new timing belt into my vehicle and returned the vehicle to me in September how did my timing belt go out less than a year. My vehicle has not been in working condition since august of 2022. They keep mentioning the Warranty when i spoke with **** informed him i was aware it was out of warranty. The fact of this matter is the performed terrible work on my vehicle he states he have receipts for buying a new timing chain but couldn't provide those documents to me at all.
  
  I also stated that the vehicle was in my mothers name whom passed away. My mother passed away after the vehicle was down and they still proceeded to act as if my mother was alive  and charge my mothers warranty contract.  Its no way they got paid 8000 for this job and my car is broke down within a year they have to make sense of this. Also **** told me to tow my vehicle off the lot because he didn't want to work on it anymore i didn't choose to have my vehicle towed.