Consumer Reports Customer Service Issues

I have been a longtime user of Consumer Reports for my new car purchases. Previously, there was a fee for access to their valuable information. During my recent visit to "cr.org/buyacar" seeking details on a Toyota Camry, I was redirected to "truecar.com". TrueCar manages the dealer network and their website. The prices on TrueCar seemed higher than expected, but I negotiated a discount of approximately 30% on my purchase. I learned that Consumer Reports receives compensation from TrueCar for every vehicle sold through their partnership, which contradicts my understanding of the organization's values. This arrangement feels like a conflict of interest. I hope to see a response to this issue addressed in a future Consumer Reports publication.

I recently bought a stylo3 phone from Straight Talk and accidentally dropped it, resulting in a cracked screen. I had purchased a 2-year insurance policy and sent the phone back to Straight Talk, which they received on the 16th of last month. According to their policy, I should have received a new phone within 3 to 5 working days. However, it has been over a month, and I still haven't received the replacement phone. I have spoken to approximately 30 different representatives about this issue, and despite being promised a new phone, I was later informed I would be receiving a refurbished phone. I am currently staying at a homeless veteran shelter and battling cancer, so the ongoing stress is taking a toll on my health. I have struggled to receive consistent information from the company and have not been able to speak to the same person twice. The managers have refused to connect me with a floor supervisor. I am considering filing a complaint with the company and the BBB due to the lack of resolution.

I recently received a small square letter in the mail with some requested information like phone numbers, a birthday, and the best time to contact me. The address details include last name, first name, spouse's name, street address, city, and zip code. There is a barcode with a unique number and a reference code at the bottom. The letter asks me to fill out the same card and send it back. It was sent from an address without a name at PO Box [redacted], Indianapolis, IN [redacted]. Before I proceed, I would like more information.

I tried renewing my subscription online 4-5 times yesterday before my renewal deadline of 22 Nov 18, but faced constant issues. I struggled to find your phone number and realized it was a holiday when I finally found it and you were closed, which is understandable. Unfortunately, I couldn't find the phone number to call back today. I stumbled upon this contact avenue now. I wanted to avail of your buy one, get one free for $20 which was the initial offer. Since my renewal deadline passed, could I still receive a discount on renewing and get a free subscription? The system cited a lack of matching details like name and address when I tried to renew online, which was frustrating. How can this be simplified? Thank you.

I attempted to utilize Consumer Reports as a member to make a new TV purchase. However, I found that their ratings do not address two crucial issues for me. I rely on over-the-air TV, so the tuner's ability to receive stations and the availability of an electronic programming guide are significant to me. I believe most TVs have decent reception, but I would appreciate seeing specific testing results. Living in a fringe area, good reception is essential for me, and the lack thereof would undermine the validity of most evaluation criteria. When watching TV, I frequently switch channels to see what's on. Without an electronic programming guide (EPG), I'm left waiting for commercials to end to check the program schedule. Some TVs have EPG features, while others do not or only display limited information. The handling of EPG varies significantly among different models. For these reasons, I feel that the current ratings are insufficient. Given the TVs at hand, conducting testing on these features, especially EPG, should be feasible and beneficial for consumers.

I had a disappointing experience with [redacted] Tires Company due to false advertising. I ordered four new tires at $[redacted].25 each, totaling $[redacted]. After four days, they informed me that they didn't have the tires in stock, even though it initially showed 24 available. To my surprise, the tires are now listed at $[redacted].60 each. When I called to address the issue, the Supervisor was extremely rude and unhelpful, abruptly ending the call without offering any solutions. Upon my follow-up call, they claimed it was a warehouse mistake, showing 24 in stock when there were actually none available. I'm frustrated as I've already paid for the tires and am yet to receive them.

I have been experiencing issues with my [redacted] CRV EX all-wheel drive since October [redacted]. There have been ongoing radio problems, particularly with my iPod compatibility. Despite my phone, a Samsung J3 Prime on T-Mobile, not being on their compatibility list, it seems outdated (last updated in [redacted]). Other [redacted] models have been updated for [redacted], but not mine. Honda of America claims my phone is not compatible because it was never tested, but their listed compatible phones are outdated and not functional. I have tried reaching out to Honda without success. I believe they should stop insisting on using these specific phones and solve the infotainment system issues. Thank you, C. Baitman

I have been trying for approximately two months to obtain a letter from Consumer Reports regarding a $[redacted].00 donation made in [redacted]. Despite speaking with three different representatives who confirmed seeing my donation, none have followed through on sending me the letter as promised. After expressing my need for the receipt for tax purposes in response to an email survey, Cindy from [redacted] called on 4/2/19 to say she would email me the receipt, but I missed her call. When I called back and spoke with Cristian, I requested the receipt be sent by mail as I don't own a printer. Despite his assurance that Cindy would call me back, I have not received any email or call. I find the lack of receipt provision highly frustrating and unprecedented compared to my other donation experiences. Even though Adrian mentioned a 10-14 day processing time on 3/9/19, I have yet to receive the receipt as of 4/4/19. I also left a message on the Consumer Reports line without receiving a response. This delay in sending a receipt, required by federal law for donations over $[redacted].00, has been causing me significant distress.

I bought a Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model number [redacted]0 three years ago. The ice maker stopped working two weeks back. Sears sent an A and S service technician who found a faulty thermostat in the ice maker, requiring a replacement for $[redacted]. While installing the new ice maker, the technician discovered potential wiring issues at the bottom of the door due to wear and tear over time. After fixing some frayed wires, the new ice maker stopped working. Technical support suggested I might need a new door for $[redacted] due to a possible design flaw. The technicians and the service manager acknowledged it was unfair and believed Sears should cover the cost. Customer service disagreed, stating it was my responsibility for not getting a warranty. Despite escalating the issue and receiving a case number #[redacted], I am dissatisfied with the resolution proposed by Sears. Walter Kitk

I bought an LG Electric Range in March [redacted], and it's part of the LG Electric Range Recall due to a serial number and model match. Recently, while preheating the oven, it unexpectedly "exploded," causing smoke and a quarter-sized hole in the oven floor. After contacting the LG Electric Range Recall number, a repairman inspected the damage and consulted with LG technicians. We were assigned a case number and directed to call customer service for further assistance. Despite explaining the model's recall status and good condition, we were informed today that, due to the range's age, they won't cover any repairs or replacements. We never received a recall notice and only found out due to the store's advice. The lack of support from LG is disappointing and leaves us concerned about our safety. Is there any way to hold them accountable for this defective product that we've maintained well?

I am currently experiencing issues with my electric company. They have marked me as a no contact customer due to our frequent calls requesting clarification about the billing cycle. Upon receiving my latest bill and noticing recurring late fees, I contacted them for an explanation. Unfortunately, the representative I spoke with was unhelpful and hostile, and I was not able to escalate the issue to a manager easily. Despite paying the bill promptly after receiving it, they continue to claim it is late. This discrepancy in billing and communication has been frustrating, especially since all my other bills are paid on time. I suspect something suspicious is happening with Elmhurst Mutual Power and Light Company and believe they should be investigated. The lack of transparency and customer service is concerning, and as a consumer, I expect better from a utility company.

I came across an article discussing Honda's extended warranty on SUVs and Civics but believe it should be a recall. I faced similar issues with my [redacted] Accord due to oil consumption, and despite not receiving any notice, I sensed a problem with the engine. Two years ago, the problems started, and the oil light kept coming on. After a consumption test, the oil light issue persisted. Now, four months past the extended warranty, I am struggling with Honda's offer of $[redacted] while my local dealer, Herb Chambers, claims they received $[redacted] to cover the costs. Recently, my engine light came on, and the dealer quoted $[redacted] to fix it, which I had to pay out of pocket. Despite reaching out to corporate, I did not receive a response. I eventually had my mechanic fix the issue for $[redacted], incurring additional costs for a rental car. This situation goes beyond just an extended warranty problem; it is a major issue that Honda should address. Thank you, Mariann Butler.

I was in a car accident on 10/1/18. The road conditions were dry with clear, sunny weather. Despite taking precautions, a large pickup truck hit me with massive force, causing severe damage to my SUV. The impact spun my vehicle, and I was briefly knocked out. The other driver seemed to be speeding and was distracted, leading to the collision. Unfortunately, the authorities placed the blame on me, citing me for failure to yield. My insurance company, Farm Bureau, was unhelpful and rude when I challenged the accident report. They have been deducting payments from my bank account without considering my situation. I suffered serious injuries, while the other driver was unharmed. The ordeal has left me in deep depression due to false accusations. Despite my safe driving record and training, I haven't been able to clear my name.

I keep receiving Netspend cards that I never requested. I don't want them. The instructions said to activate, but I didn't call. I tried contacting them to stop sending the cards, but the system asked for personal information, which I didn't provide. Trying to prevent these cards from potentially affecting my credit, I attempted to stop them without success. I now have three of these unwanted cards with my name and address. I am concerned about how they obtained my information. I am apprehensive about the activation process requiring either the card number or my Social Security number as it seems suspicious.

I began developing networks with a Trackphone from Walmart, enhancing its performance. Walmart expanded with over [redacted] stores. I dedicated significant time and effort to this project, working [redacted] hours over three years. Regrettably, my device was stolen, and now someone is impersonating me. Initially, I needed facial and retinal scans for network creation, but I was deceived and gained nothing. Those who stole my device are misusing virus reports for theft and selling anti-virus reports to disrupt businesses, leading to catastrophic incidents like vehicles, aircraft, banks, and critical medical equipment malfunctioning. Despite reporting to the US government, no action was taken, revealing possible involvement in illicit activities. Through debugging websites, I discovered unsettling information about public figures and government corruption. These discoveries, including financial crimes and human rights abuses, suggest a deep-rooted conspiracy. My online identity was compromised, and the ramifications are unknown. The alarming events of environmental damage, human exploitation, and global crises point to a disturbing reality that demands attention.

I am seeking assistance in reaching William Wallace, the CR manager of safety policy, to discuss an issue with my [redacted] Suburban. He was quoted in a Keith Barry article dated 9-11-19. Recently, GM removed the haptic warning function through a software update. The owner's manual outlines the lane departure feature where the car signals drifts with beeps or seat vibrations. This is a safety feature I value and miss. Despite contacting customer service and writing to Mary T Barra, CEO of GM, I have not received a satisfactory response. I feel disappointed that GM has removed this crucial safety feature without explanation. I would appreciate guidance on how to address this issue effectively. Thank you, JB Askew

Hello, I am Jacqueline Willis. I have a concern regarding the energy company called Xoom. They offer customers a promotional rate that requires selecting a different rate once it ends. However, upon calling back to choose a rate, I was informed that I was still on the promotion. Subsequently, I received a unexpectedly high bill every month. When I contacted them about this, one representative mentioned fixing the bill due to incorrect charges, but later, another representative claimed they had selected a rate for me since I did not call back, even though I did. This inconsistency leads me to believe they may be misleading customers.This issue needs to be looked into because it is unjust to deceive consumers in this manner.

Subject: Difficulty Cancelling Auto Renewal I recently attempted to cancel my auto renewal subscription by calling the provided number, however, I encountered issues. The automated survey that I was forced to complete was not only bothersome but also malfunctioned, cutting me off before completion. I wish to terminate the auto renewal and may consider continuing with electronic copies only if the pricing is reasonable. I found the calling experience frustrating and would appreciate it if the company focuses more on user-friendly pricing and services rather than marketing research. Please cancel the automatic billing to avoid any undesired charges. If I face an automatic renewal, I will dispute the payment with my bank. To streamline the process, kindly provide an option for electronic subscriptions without unnecessary inconvenience. Thank you, K.M. Manhattan, Kansas [redacted]

I subscribed to CR magazine recently. Yesterday, I received a damaged plastic package that was supposed to contain gift booklets. The package seemed to have been opened either during shipping or deliberately tampered with as one end was completely open and the booklets were missing or slipped out during transit. The overall packaging looked like it had been roughly handled.

Crafts for Christmas kits with snowman globes from part number "HL[redacted]" by Brother Sister Design Studio in Oklahoma City, OK [redacted], available on www.hobbylobby.com, are fun ideas for children. However, there is a concerning chemical smell once opened, which I found quite overpowering and potentially hazardous. I had to ventilate my house and dispose of the items due to the strong odor. I recommend conducting tests for hazardous gases and following hazmat regulations if needed. If results indicate a problem, please remove these kits from shelves for safety reasons. Thank you.