Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Sonic Automotive's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

close

Find a Location

Sonic Automotive has 5 locations, listed below.

*This company may be headquartered in or have additional locations in another country. Please click on the country abbreviation in the search box below to change to a different country location.

BBB accredited

Near

Country

USUnited States

Please enter a valid location.

Filter

• 

  Sonic Automotive

  1000 Tom Williams Way Irondale, AL 35210-3451

• 

  Sonic Automotive

  3001 Tom Williams Way Irondale, AL 35210-3446

• 

  Sonic Automotive

  1001 Tom Williams Way Irondale, AL 35210-3450

• 

  Sonic Automotive

  1314 Grants Mill Way Birmingham, AL 35210-3643

• 

  Sonic Automotive

  3000 Tom Williams Way Irondale, AL 35210-3447

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:02/14/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore 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.

  I went to BMW of Birmingham in November 2024 to purchase the car. After finally deciding to purchase the car, the financing agent placed the incorrect amount on the financing paper work, and only corrected after i point out that was not the price posted on their website. Most importantly there were two issues with the vehicle i was aware of at the time of purchase. The tailgate lift had malfunction and the park sensor would not engage at all time. I was reassured by the manager and financing agent the care was under manufacturer warranty and both would be covered. However, they could not take the care to ******** as it would have to be an individual owner. As a result of that information, i purchased the care and subsequently took the care to ********. The dealer did in fact replace the lift gate that was malfunctioning. However, the park sensor not enabling was not covered as the fault was due to an extenal factor, a stick substance waste on the console. The service manager communicated he already knew what was the issue, as the car was brought in recently and diagnosed (prior to my purchase date). The cost to fix was almost $*******. I contacted *** multiple time and spoke with the representative ****** on multiple times who ensured me a manager would call to rectify. A manager never called and i was out of ******* on a car I had not owned for more than 2 weeks. I am requesting the dealership to reimbursement the cost of repair as this was an issue reported at the time of purchase, which false information was provided on a care with a known diagnosed issue the dealer was aware of. I would not recommend anyone use this dealership. I understand this occurs frequently.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/14/2025

  BMW OF BIRMINGHAM. The salesman was *** ******* and I was assisted by ******. I can not remember the other names but the secretary name was ****** I believe. The number listed is **************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/05/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore 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.

  I ****** ****** purchased a brand new 2023Range Rover Evoque the engine failed at 3000 miles I cant get any assistance with replacement of the car because this was my only transportation as of now I dont have a way to work or anywhere Thank you in advance for your help

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/30/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore 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.

  I put my problem in the wrong place. It is shown below

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/30/2024

  I have been trying to get in touch with Audi Birmingham to get back money from my warranty that I paid $2900 for. I bought my A5 **** from them in Mar 2022 and I purchased extended warranty. I have traded my car at ****************************************** owes me a refund for unused warranty. Problem is I have called 4 times and left messages and they do not return my call. I didnt know what else to do so I need help to get it back. If they would call me I could give them paperwork to take care of my refund and then problem would be solved. Thank you

  *************************;

  Business Response

  Date: 09/10/2024

  ******, your refund is in process.  The typical time frame is 90 days for the cancellation and refund to process.  Please feel free to call me at ************ if you have any questions.  Thank you, ***********************, General Manager

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/10/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/22/2024

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore 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.

  We purchased a 2024 RX350, VIN ***************** on 2/27/2024.We were promised the 2nd key fob by May of 2024. I called in June and was told we should have it the 1st part of July. As of July 22, 2024 we have not received any notification that the key fob is available via the **** or the Lexus app. We believe we were lied to and would have not purchased the vehicle if the delay was going to be this long.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/24/2024

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore 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.

  This letter is to inform you of the treatment received from a man who calls himself a manager at the Lexus of Birmingham on January 3, ****. Whose name was *****. I had an appointment to get an oil change, four tires, to have my back-up sensor checked. And to get a courtesy wash of my vehicle. Usually when they change the oil or rotate my tires, they leave grease marks all on the tires and on the car. The last few times they did work on my vehicle there was grease and dirt on the inside of my car on my mat on the drivers side I still have grease embedded in my mat because they did not get the grease out very well. I was told they would do a courtesy wash today like the past three to four times because of the grease which comes from their hands and their shoes when handling my vehicle. They didnt put anything on the mats to protect them from the soil from their shoes and hands, while handling my vehicle. I think they have forgotten there are people that want to take care of their vehicles, no matter what age of the vehicle. I am one of those people. Upon completion of work done on my vehicle I was told by the ***************** Manager *********************** that they would not be available to wash my vehicle. I asked her why not. They had washed it many times before. She stated that they didnt want to take the chance of scratches on the vehicle. She stated that they told her they had cleaned the interior. Which was not the case at all. She didnt think enough of her obligation as a Service Advisor or her service to me or my vehicle. She did not even know for sure if they had cleaned the interior of my car. I asked her and she I guess they. Which they did not, I feel as a service manager she should have made sure that my vehicle was taken care of. ***** was grease on the exterior and the interior of my vehicle once I received it back. In my opinion I receive very poor customer service on January 3, ****. The man ***** was a disgrace to his profession. He took over the conversation between the Service Advisor ****** who was assisting me. He kept interrupting the conversation between ****** and myself. I was speaking to her about the situation with my vehicle. Then he ***** said we are not going to wash your vehicle. He spoke to me in a unprofessional rude manner. He spoke out loud in front of customers that was listening. Also, his other coworkers. Not only did he speak out against me in front of other customers in the establishment, but he did also it in a loud and unprofessional way. And more than once. He did it at least three or four times. He was bullying me. I told him that I was not speaking to him, but to the Service Advisor that was in charge of my vehicle. He said he did not care because he could hear what I was saying to her, so he was going to answer me, because I was speaking of him. He should have not been in the conversation between the service manager, and myself, because she was the one speaking with me. He in my opinion was trying to make sure everyone knew he had some authority. But he was doing it in a wrong and unprofessional way. He embarrassed the whole dealership in my opinion, by speaking out to me a customer, in that tone of voice, especially when he was not being spoken to. I was her client not his. It is my opinion that if I was a first-time customer and saw another customer being treated that way by a manager I would never come back to that establishment. He did not respect himself or his place of business. What he did was uncalled for, and unprofessional. Not good customer service at all on any level. The way he conducted himself in front of his coworkers and other customers should not be tolerate. At this point, I am requesting that they clean my car up or give me a refund back for in the way which they left my vehicle and did care about it. I had to before I left the parking lot clean my car myself because of the grease they left. I am not going to tolerate that kind of service or behavior. I will take it somewhere else where my business is appreciated. The service and treatment today proved to me that he ***** and the dealership do not appreciate my business or care anything about me as a customer. And if the truth be told by *************************** about the situation today and how things went down he ***** someone who said he was a manager needs to apologize for his behavior. I dont feel like I deserve that kind of treatment by anyone, especially since I am paying them my money. If this is the way you will continue to treat customers like myself then I will not be back. I just ask you to take care of the situation that has already happened. Of course, I will tell my family and friends. As a matter of fact, I already have. They could not believe that happen. As a matter of fact, about a little over a year ago ***** came to my office to get me to make sure I gave him a good review on a survey to the dealership. I did my best to make sure he was rewarded for doing a good job for the customer. People in my office remember him coming, but he doesnt deserve a good report from me in the way he handle the situation today. He was very rude. He tired intimidate me. But he ***** did not succeed. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter. ************************ Also, a copy of this letter went to: *********************** Lexus Of Birmingham -************************************************************************************. *****

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/12/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore 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.

  Purchased a car with a warranty that allowed me to cancel with a partial reimbursement. I submitted a request to cancel this warranty (via an official form) back in October to the finance manager. Since then I have sent ********************************************************************************************************************** mid-December. This was after calling multiple times and finally reaching him by spoofing my phone number.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/20/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore 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.

  I purchased a Yukon Denali on September 23, 2023 from BMW of Birmingham. The auto was transferred from a Sonic Automotive dealership in *******, ** to *********** at BMW of Birmingham for my purchase. I was not aware until driving the vehicle that there was a lot of vibration in the tires. I took it to a local dealership to see what the problem was and they said the tires are cupping and need to be replaced. I called BMW of Birmingham about the problem and replacing the tires, because I should not have to pay over $1000 for a vehicle I just paid $43,000 for. After going back and forth for a couple of weeks, they said they would pay for installation, balance and alignment and I could pay their cost of the tires. I finally got information on my cost of a minium of $1000 depending on the tires selected and that is not acceptable. I have purchased several cars from this dealership and is not satisfied with the offer. I should not have to replace tires on a vehicle I just purchased and not driving on a daily basis. This has nothing to do with the service I received from my saleman, ******************. I asked for the manager, ****, to give me a call and I still have not received a call from him. I purchased this vehicle for traveling and cannot travel because of the tires and delay of getting issued resolved.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/26/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore 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.

  In March 2022, I had to tow my 2011 *** 528i to BMW of Birmingham because of a battery issue. Late March 2022, I got my car back. This is when my car started to have issues with shutting off once a month. So I took my car to a mechanic, ******* World Garage, who specializes in foreign cars. The mechanic stated the wires in my fuel pump were twisted. So I spent around $800 for ******* to fix this issue. However, my car continued to stop every month. The last time it stopped was Memorial Day weekend23 in **************.When my car stopped in **********, an ex-*** mechanic had to come to a parking lot where the car stopped to look at my car. He ran a diagnosis to find that the fuel pump caused the issue. I had the car towed to my familys house for $67. I had to rent a car for a week for $900 until I could go to the *** dealership in ********** on Memorial Day to buy a part for the fuel pump, which was $600, the same as the fuel pump BMW of Birmingham (1 16-11-7-434-205 Supply Module: ******) used. After we told Century of ********** the issue, they stated that BMW of Birmingham needs to refund all expenses of my car including the rental car.After the mechanic fixed my car with the new fuel pump, there were no further issues. I went to BMW of Birmingham for a refund, and they told me they could not refund **** am trying to finish school so they could have refunded me most of my money spent due to their lack of expertise in dealing with the fuel pump which their mechanic twisted the wires up when assembling back together from the recall. The car never had any fuel related issues from 2011 until they tried to perform the recall in 2022 with an improper *** mechanic.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/05/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore 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.

  I sent my car in for service in January for a dead battery. They told me the car's computer thinks it is an SVU (it is a sedan) and they would need to order a part. They stated it would be ready by February 28th. we followed up at the beginning of March and asked if we could just come pick up the car and take it somewhere else. They stated it was in pieces and we cannot get it. That was the last communication we have had with the service department. It is now April 4th and they will not answer calls, emails, or texts. When I call I get to put on very long holds and then hung up on. They have had my car for almost 4 months and will not communicate in any way with me about the status.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/29/2022

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore 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.

  I purchased a used vehicle from Sonic used car. I had the car for a week the check engine light illuminated, freon leak in the ** and now a oil leak appear present. These items were not informed to me as being present upon this purchase.