Service Center at Smart Honda Des Moines

A year without my vehicle, waiting on a part that this service center broke in the first place! they "fixed" my car in October, several things, costing thousands, including the wheel bearings, and literally the second I picked it up from them , I noticed a really bad sound whenever I turned , that definitely wasn't there when I dropped it off, ( also they needed to jump start me to even get my car going , something I had never had a problem with before,) a month later when i asked them about the new sound when turning, they said it was the steering knuckles that had failed and that it was no longer safe to drive until I get new ones . They also said that they needed to replace the wheel bearings again, even though they had just replaced them 5 weeks prior. (I brought it in Nov 15th because it wouldn't start, needing a battery) A front left steering knuckle for a 2015 Honda Civic EXL Sedan with 17 inch wheels is apparently impossible to find anywhere. I've been waiting on a new part from Honda since Nov 15th. To replace a part that this Honda service center broke in the first place. At first I was told it could be a few weeks or a few months and they refused to give me a loaner vehicle. I was told at one point it would be March 15th but that fell through. After many many calls and emails with Honda of America I was given a part ship date. Originally it was supposed to ship from the factory to the service center on July 5th. Then it became September 5th and now it's Oct 31st. I drive for a living. Our back up vehicle, that's supposed to live in the garage other then the 2 days a year we go camping should really no longer be driven. No headlights. No AC. Not highway capable and a top speed of 20mph on a flat Road and a top speed of 5mph if I'm lucky when I'm going uphill. This is what I'm driving around in every day. This service center literally never answers the phone , never returns phone calls . The absolute worst service imaginable. No, more so. Worse than the worst service imaginable.

Aug 08, 2024 · Mark Fernkopf (Blue)

Josh S. in the service department turned an awkward experience for my teenage daughter into a great one. Thanks for your kindness and understanding! It didn't go unnoticed and will not be forgotten!

Jan 02, 2024 · Crystal Peace

Mixed bag - Things I like: 1) Oil changes here cost $10-20 less than most garages I've talked to. My understanding is they do all full synthetic work so they can source the materials more efficiently than a standard garage where these is sort of a premium/boutique offering. 2) Shuttle rides and car washes 3) Personality of the the team 4) I like their online system, I get a txt with repairs that I consider and detailed information explaining it. This is better than trying to make a decision with the advisor over the phone and let's me easily call around. Things I don't like: 1) While I can save $20 on oil changes, inevitably the advisor will suggest additional work. I'll call around after receiving these quotes and generally other shops can do the same tasks for 50% less or hundreds of dollars (brakes, tires, spark plugs, fluid changes, etc.). Further, the shops will look at what Smart Honda suggests and then look at my car and say "you shouldn't be doing this yet... you have at least 15,000 miles left on (whatever)" . I don't think Smart Honda is being dishonest, but they sort of just follow the standard maintenance schedule regardless of actual condition resulting in premature expense. I think going forward I'm just going to make a personal policy that I won't let Smart Honda do anything on my vehicle except oil changes. This is an inconvenience but over the course of these major maintenance items I will save thousands of dollars. 2) The advisor model often seems to lead to my waiting. There will be 4 advisors at their desk but mine is either on the phone, not at his desk, or with another client so I have to wait. I get they want the relationship and all that but I'd rather just get out of there quickly. 3) The 3% credit card fee is not market. I know they have costs when the client chooses credit over debit but they should eat that like everyone else. The dissatisfaction the policy creates is not worth whatever it is they are saving.

Sep 08, 2023 · Ross Kelderman

Josh S. is fantastic. So helpful, so knowledgeable and such an absolute pleasure to deal with on issues big and small. I will buy additional Hondas, not just because they are great vehicles, but also because of the kind of customer service Josh S and Smart Honda provide.

Feb 06, 2024 · Dor Rer

Service advisor Missy Halfert is AMAZING!!!! I have had a rattling noise coming from my dash ever since I bought my 2020 Honda Civic EX 2 years ago. Missy has worked with me for over a year to try and resolve this EXTREMELY annoying noise! She NEVER gave up on helping me resolve this issue. Together we worked with an AWESOME technician Erick to isolate and eliminate the noise. The first time I came in, it sounded like it was coming from the A-Pillar cover. They added foam and it we thought it fixed the issue. A few days later it came back. I called Missy and she was very accommodating and concerned about finding the noise. Erick test drove it with me and it sounded like it was coming from the visor cover over the instrument cluster. It was replaced under warranty. The next week the noise comes back! I called Missy and set up a time to test drive with Erick. Again, she is accommodating and concerned about the noise. Erick determines it is coming from the driver side vent on the left side of the instrument cluster. They ordered an entire dash including vent under warranty! It was a big job! They took great care with my Civic and got it replaced in 2 days! They also gave me a loaner!!! The noise is FINALLY gone! I am beyond excited! For the first time in over 2 years I can truly enjoy driving my first ever brand new car! It is a testament to the dedication Smart Honda and their employees give to make their customers happy! I will forever be grateful to them! They have earned a lifetime customer!!!

Nov 02, 2022 · Brian Klinkner