DETROIT – A Detroit auto shop is facing a wave of customer complaints after vehicles were left sitting unfixed for months. Motown Automotive Supercenter, located on Greenfield in Detroit, is now under investigation by the Michigan Secretary of State’s office, officials confirmed.
After an initial report aired, Local 4 received additional complaints via email from viewers who said they experienced the same problems: cars were dropped off for repairs, locked behind shop gates, and never fixed.
Customers say they’ve been given the runaround
Customers have come and gone from the shop looking for answers, but they’ve found locked doors and no one inside.
So far, about a dozen people have complained directly to Local 4, all with the same issue.
Their vehicles have been sitting unfixed for months.
“Don’t ever bring your car here, anybody,” said a customer identified as Brandon, who experienced problems with repairs at the shop.
One customer, Joe Doss, said his van has been at the shop since February with little to show for it.
“I’ve been dealing with them since February and still ain’t got really nothing done. They’re just now fixing this car,” Doss said.
Cars towed away — still not running
While some vehicles remain at the shop, a few frustrated owners were finally able to retrieve their cars, but not without help.
With assistance from the Secretary of State’s office, several owners recovered their vehicles.
The cars, however, still didn’t run and had to be towed away at the owners’ expense.
When customers were finally able to inspect their vehicles, they were taken aback by the condition.
“I’m not going to lie, I’m mad. Look at all of the rat stuff in here,” Red said upon inspecting his van.
Brandon described even more damage upon getting his car back.
“It doesn’t start. Items are missing. Dents and scratches on it. Property stolen out of it,” he said.
Owner blames lack of mechanics, management issues
After multiple phone calls and attempts to speak with someone in person at the shop, Local 4 reached the business owner, Kamel, who confirmed that some vehicles had been released.
“I released the gold van, I released the Durango, and I released a Grand Cherokee,” he said.
When asked why the cars were not fixed, Kamel cited a shortage of mechanics.
He also said the shop has been experiencing management issues, though he declined to identify anyone specifically.
Kamel said customers who still want repairs done can bring their vehicles to another location he owns.
“If they still want me to fix it for them, they’re bringing it to my other location so I can take care of it, and the ones that want their cars back, we’re giving it back to them,” Kamel said.
A list of names of people who submitted complaints was provided to Kamel. He said he would be in touch with them.
The Michigan Secretary of State’s office confirmed it is actively investigating the shop.