Halfords Autocentres Reviews

Name: Halfords Autocentres
Rating: 1.86

1.9 Rating 828 Reviews

21 %

of reviewers recommend Halfords Autocentres

Company Reviews

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Metrics

1.9

Based on 828 reviews

Shipping & Delivery
Delivery Methods	Own Driver, Courier
Average Delivery Time	Next Day
On-time Delivery	Greater than 9%
Accurate And Undamaged Orders	Greater than 64%
Customer Service
Communication Channels	Telephone, Email, Live Chat
Queries Resolved In	Under An Hour
Customer Service	2.1 out of 5
Returns & Refunds
Refunds Process	Difficult

Phone:

0800 037 0800

Location:

Halfords Autocentres Ltd. 7/9 Richmond Road, Olton Wharf Olton,
Solihull

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Halfords Autocentres 1 star review on 23rd April 2025

Ardrie Kleyn

Halfords Autocentres 1 star review on 26th July 2024

Andrew

Halfords Autocentres 1 star review on 29th June 2024

Mrs Helen Dehkordy

Anonymous

Anonymous // 01/01/2019

Filter: Rated 1 None 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Stars Helpful

“Rubbish customer service although work is to a reasonable standard they do not take care of customer's car's and will never admit to fault, customer service's never respond to e-mails and are utterly incompetent, all in all a horrible experience.”

Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

“Took my car to Halfords in Newhaven for its MOT test simply because it was conveniently close to another location I was visiting. Big mistake! It had recently been fully serviced by my local independent garage that I have used, and trusted for years, for servicing and repairs. I was confident that the vehicle would pass the test without any problems. However when I returned to pick up the vehicle I was informed that it had failed on several points, including items that had recently been replaced by my local garage. More alarming was that I was permitted to drive the car away without it being brought to my attention that one of the apparent defects passed off as a minor problem by the receptionist and which I could fix myself, had in fact been recorded by the mot tester as a dangerous (do not drive) defect on the fail notice. Having driven half a mile down the road from Halfords it became very apparent that something on the underside of the car was impacting on the road at every pothole, and occasionally rubbing on the front wheel. On stopping the vehicle to ascertain the cause of the problem and then reading the fail notice, in particular that the car should not be driven until this fault was rectified, I immediately returned to Halfords to remonstrate with them for allowing the car out of the workshop with this defect, listed by the tester as dangerous! They agreed to fix the offending underside inspection panel in place using a plastic cable tie until my local garage could fix it with the proper fixing clip. They didn't charge for doing this which made me puzzle about why they didn't do this simple remedial action in the first place, rather than risking me driving a vehicle the tester deemed to be dangerous! The car is now in the hands of my local garage to fix properly the inspection panel and perform the MOT test - They were not able to find any faults with the previous items that they had recently replaced and which had been identified as fail items by the MOT tester at Halfords. Furthermore, they suggested that the damage to the underside inspection panel could very plausibly have been caused as the car was being driven onto the ramps at Halfords, since the car was not delivered to Halfords in that condition.”

Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

“I took my car to Perry Barr for a service and to check a rubbing noise coming from the front wheels. When I picked the car up I was given a list of work they said needed doing, but could not hear the noise from the wheels because they thought one of the tyres was rubbing (could that have been the noise). The dirty wheel locking nut had just been thrown onto the front seat and there was grease under the door handles. They had also disconnected the dash cam. I contacted customer services and was told they were sorry and I could have a free MOT in the future, (don't want it). I was told that Halfords have a "prerogative" to disconnect a dash cam if they wish. A prerogative gives one person a right over another and has to be granted. They have no such right. If permission is not asked for, the default position is it has not been granted. The dash cam would have shown me if the car had been road tested. They are just looking to make money for work that does not cause too much of a challenge. The email I received was no reply so that was the end of that. Case number 07948552.”

Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

“Whatever you do, don't take your car to Halfords Autocentre in Charlton to have them look at your brakes. I needed front brake pads replacing they convinced me I needed pads + discs on front and rear. Can't believe I was foolish enough to believe them or that I paid approx £400 more than a local indy garage. Total rip off. They won't honour their Price Promise because they have given me a Brakes4Life policy which I don't want as I will never be taking my car to a Halfords centre again. Plus that policy ties you in to having work done by them and you have to pay for all parts and labour not covered by the Brakes4Life policy.”

Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

“2nd bad experience with Halfords Autocentre in 2 months. Car 'failed' MOT on 3 'Major' points. Halfords advising i was looking at £250-£350 to replace the parts in order for my car to pass. I guess paying for a cheap MOT they then find faults which aren't really there. I took it to another place to be tested again to be sure and it PASSED first time. They did not even mention any of the 'major' points Halfords had told me. Complete money grabbers. Avoid !!!!”

Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

“Booked in my Car as a rattling noise started up when I started the car. Halfords advised they could fix the problem and replaced a 'pipe' costing me £150. I left the garage and the noise started up again. I took it back to Halfords who told me they did not have access to look inside the engine to find the still rattling noise. So I took to another garage and found the rattling noise was that it needed a new timing chain fitted. Pretty standard to replace at most mechanics!! So I am unsure what I actually paid Halfords Autocentre to replace for £150. Money grabbers!!!”

Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

“DO NOT SIGN UP FOR SERVICE PLAN!!! OR BRAKES FOR LIFE (fix once and every excuse to avoid replacing them again)!! NOT WORTH IT! Service plan, Its not right to arrange a 3 year contract and make demands to pay up the difference on 1st mot and not re-adjust the plan to accomodate that extra cost. but harlfords will continue to take money off you after 2nd or 3rd year upto very end leaving you out of pocket by double the amount you paid to make up difference. Your then stuck with the usual customer service people pushing you between departments looking to get the excess payment you are forced to make back. SO AGAIN THIS IS NOT WORTH IT THE HASSLE OR INCONVENIENCE! 2nd Brakes for life, sounds like a good deal at face value, but im stuck with brakes that are making contact with discs causing horrendous vibrations and noise when you drive. I explained to the them at autocentre that the brakes need looked at, but they insist the brakes are like new. I got a second and third opinions and they say they need replaced. So be very wary about agreeing to pay theyre inflated price for cheap discs and pads.”

Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

“They are a total scam, i paid for a major service after being talked into it by their staff as I wanted everything done. Out of a listed 76 point check they claim to do i believe they changed the oil, oil filter and air filter and they even messed that up. Currently trying to get my money back. The customer service is atrocious and they left the vehicle in a dangerous condition in my opinion. DO NOT EVER CONSIDER USING HALFORDS AUTOCENTRE OR LET THEM ANYWHERE NEAR YOUR CAR.”

Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

“Terrible experience at halfords auto center in Leeds. Took my car in to have the AC recharged, got messed about with it resulting in multiple trips, then discovered someone had stolen items out of my car including taking all the pound coins out of my parking money!! Went in to complain, against my better judgment let them fit a new AC filter as an apology, months later there’s still white dust coming out of the vents, assuming they did this intentionally to punish me for complaining about the theft. Also discovered they glued the wheel caps on so I can’t put air in. Take my advice, don’t ever go here, regardless of how basic the task, they don’t even deserve the one star.”

Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

“Everything and anything, never ever go to halfrauds, completely messed my car up through incorrect battery fitment, they had accepted liability and I was told to go to main dealer for quote for pcm and they accepted, further down the line I was informed by main dealer that more damage was accrued to the engine resulting in an engine failure which was a lot more expensive obviously and now even after 7 months I am Still without car because they have changed their mind and are now disputing liability. Surely with all these complaints on this site alone people should seriously think about going elsewhere. Sorry I cannot put more exact details on here as it looks like we are going down the legal channels to rectify this calamitous event with such an awful,don't care once we have your money company.”

Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

“SCAMMERS My car was booked in to have tyres fitted in August 2018, when it had four Dunlop Bluresponse tyres fitted. I returned to collect my car - James at reception met me with some “bad news” he stated that the cambelt and the coolant pump on my car had been inspected by Halfords Autocentre staff and that these parts required to be replaced as soon as possible. He further stated that the Air Conditioning and Coolant had also been inspected by Halfords Autocentre staff – the Air Conditioning required a service and the Coolant needed to be changed. I asked him to confirm that these items had been inspected and found to be defective; James repeated that the items had been inspected and the work definitely required to be done. James gave me my Invoice, enclosed in a “YOUR CAR” folder. Stated in my Invoice - “Below is a brief DESCRIPTION OF ITEMS INSPECTED. It is your right and may be beneficial to discuss the report with a member of staff.” The “ITEMS INSPECTED” read: - RENEW THE TIMING BELT KIT, RENEW THE COOLANT PUMP, COOLANT CHANGE, AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE R134A – these were all marked as condition AMBER – amber being defined by Halfords Autocentre as “We’re a little concerned. If you don’t FIX THIS PART STRAIGHTAWAY, you’ll need to keep an eye on it.” I was lied to and misled by James verbally in person and in writing by Halfords Autocentre. A matter of weeks ago my car’s cambelt, coolant pump, auxiliary belt and coolant were all renewed at a Volkswagen Specialist Service Centre – I have the invoice. And on 09 August 2018 my car’s air conditioning was serviced and re-gassed at ATS Euromaster – I have the invoice. I consider that Halfords Dundee Autocentre staff have blatantly attempted to dupe me. And regard this matter with the utmost seriousness. In response the Halfords Customer Service Team had James (of Dundee Halfords Autocentre) telephone me! My complaint involved James and therefore Halfords Customer Service Team response to my complaint is wholly inappropriate. The practices at Halfords Autocentre Dundee are nothing short of a scam. I will be making Trading Standards aware of the full details.”

Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

“Not to be trusted. Went to Edinburgh Gyle for a simple tyre change and came away with over £800 worth of damage. Fabricated a web of lies to cover up malpractice .”

Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

“Halfords autocentre at Coventry failed may car's MOT because "front suspension arm pin or brush excessively worn", with an immediate repair advice and suggested an immediate replacement of both wishbone arms for 340 quids. I took the car to another garage, passed the MOT, and the explanation was that arm pin or brush worn but do not result in excessive movement. I took the car to Halford's garage, and told them the discrepancy, the assistant manager showed me the movement of the component, did not accept that they have been too stringent to fail my car. Then I went back to the garage who passed MOT, and I was informed that a bit of movement was allowed for car to cope turning etc, which is designed like that. He said that my car has no problem to drive till the next service and the next thereafter. In conclusion, Halfords failed MOT of my car which should not fail.”

Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

“Awful. Several times over. I went to Halfords a couple of years back to get my air con fixed. I went in 3 times, paid a lot of money 3 times and it still doesn't work and never did. I got fed up of going back. Booked it in for an MOT and it is supposed to be today. The MOT has run out - and they are telling me its not booked in for 3 weeks. The man repeated back to me that it was booked in today so I know I am not wrong. But of course I have no proof. Disgusting and I am very fed up. He wasn't even polite or apologetic - just hard and rude and couldn't care less. I am very fed up and now stuck rurally without a car.”

Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

“I have booked for major service for my BMW 5 series.i have booked for early morning 8.30 and went the garage on time.poor customer service.he told me that he can't fix it today and leave the car with him he will let me know when its ready.no apologise,very rude customers service agent.never gone use again”

Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

“Terrible service. Car booked in for tracking online with a 8:30am time slot. Upon arrival I am told it could be 2+hours as the ramp was double booked with MOT's!!!!!! Why did I get up on my day off and be at the centre for 8:10am. Was told I could come back later in the day, no good to me as I have other things to do which is why I booked the 8:30am slot 😡. Asked for a refund which the employee behind the counter said ok, After waiting for a few minutes and not much happening I asked again for the refund he said he would sort it with head office. After waiting for more time I asked again for the refund and he said head office would sort it so I took the lead and asked "when" his reply Monday. So yet again I find myself walking out of an autocentre saying never again. No tracking done and no refund.”

Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

“My issue with Halfords started in January. I had an abs warning light and intermittent break light which was quickly diagnosed as being a faulty abs pump. Halfords also found a bad oil level sensor and the brake fluid needed replacing. They informed me these jobs would take 4 days so I agreed to have all the work which came to a total of £1129. After 4 days I called to check on my car, I was informed the part hadn’t arrived. From then on, I rang every couple of days to check on my car and was given excuses every time about why my car wasn’t finished. 3 WEEKS later, I took a taxi to collect my car because I was fed up of waiting and had spent A LOT of money on transport to and from work every day. I was informed that work had been done but they were waiting for another part, hence why all the warning lights were still on. Not only this, I now had no power steering and my windscreen wipers didn’t work! Took the car back the following week for the ‘part to be fitted’ but I picked it up later that day and they told me that they hadn’t had time to take it in. ( this actually happened twice) At this point it was getting ridiculous but I wasn’t EVER rude to anybody at Halfords, which I now regret since I feel this is the reason I was taken for such a mug. I then took the car back again and they fitted the ‘part’ and fixed the power steering, however the abs light was STILL on and the windscreen wipers still didn’t work. As my M.o.T was due while my car was there I spent another £30 putting it through and it failed on the abs which I thought was ridiculously cheeky of them! All in all this went on for 5 MONTHS (January to April) with no actual solution. (Ended up selling the car for parts so lost out on a ridiculous amount of money) there are far more issues I experienced including rude and very patronising customer service from the head office, who informed me they will not be taking my case further as they fitted a ‘free’ part for me which should have cost £200. I spent about £200 A WEEK for 5 MONTHS on borrowing and renting cars to get me to and from work whilst my car was sitting in Halfords. During this time I even travelled to a different branch and despite them being slightly more helpful, there was still no solution to my issue. I fee as though I have been completely scammed out of *probably in excess of* £3000. I wasn’t even offered a discount. I would advise against going to this company because all they seem to care about is how many people they can get in and out of the garage per day, it seemed to me they hadn’t a clue what they were talking about and took advantage of my little knowledge about cars.”

Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

“Firstly had to wait for a week as they needed to order the part. Took my car in as arranged, they had it all day and then rang me to say they ordered the wrong part. Waited another week, took it in and again they had it all day. Got it back and almost immediately the same warning light appeared on my dashboard that had led to me taking it in to them In the first place appeared. After I paid £230 for the pleasure It’s going back again tomorrow. I will never take my car to Halfords ever again.”

Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

“Booked online and payment made then the day was changed, not all items on full service carried out, don't use this company.”

Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

“There online booking availability has no relation to the slots they actually have at the garage. I was told they could not do mine for another week (after I had paid)!”

Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

Halfords Autocentres is rated 1.9 based on 828 reviews