James River Ford Service, Ozark MO

This was the worst, most expensive and concerning experience I ever had with any dealer service. 1) Beginning with apparent inability to diagnose a brake system issue. It became evident they were use a trial and error method and charged me for everything they did, whether it resolved the issue or not. I was charged for four new brake calipers (replacement and hardware) which did not resolve the concern before they finally called the Ford Hotline for assistance (to determine the initial problem the car was taken in for was caused by the ABS Module). The alleged new brake calipers are in the attached pictures, which seem extremely dirty for new calipers as evidenced by the caked on brake dust on and in the calipers (including the fact you can see the new hardware was simply installed on top of the brake dust) for having only James River Ford test drives and one 5 mile drive to bring the car home on the brakes. 2) I was also contacted about coil spring seats being degraded. Instead of contacting me before removing the seat, I was told a picture was available for me to look at. I thought I was going to receive a picture of the deteriorating coil seat in the car, but instead received a picture with one seat already removed and torn in half sitting on a desk. I was not contacted BEFORE any work to remove the seat was done (was it torn in two already when in the car, or when it was removed?). 3) I was told on two different occasions (on different days) the car was test driven and ready for pick up only to find the brake pedal went to the floor and there were no brakes and on the second time, spongy brakes (and these passed their test drives?), so had to leave the car for further work each time. After, the second time, they had to call the Ford Hotline again to fix the spongy brake pedal. This time I was charged for a new Master Cylinder, which was operating fine before the car was taken to James River. They had the car for over a month. 4) On the receipt, there is a note that states, "If you are unable to give a five star review, immediately contact Service Manager", so I gave him the courtesy of a call before completing the survey. He said he would to do some research on the calipers and determine what was actually done and get back to me the next day, but as of today, a week and three business days later, I have heard nothing from him.

UPDATE: washed the car, and found evidence that an object was dropped on the headlight during the time the dealer had the car (on the side being worked on) and cracked the lens. Pictures taken the day before taking the car to the dealer and after showing the damaged headlight.

I had my van worked on there, it needed a new transmission. Communication is the worst, the Advisor David did not communicate with us, he went on vacation for a week and didn't tell us when he was supposed to. When they called to tell us the bill and get permission to order parts, they told me my bill was going to be 1100. And I specifically asked is this for everything and got told yes. When I went to pick up my van my bill was 1600. Then when I got my van it had a scratch on it that wasn't there when I dropped off. I got told we are not fixing that. Will not be taking my vehicle here again, I would rather pay the 200 deductible for my warranty somewhere else.

I WOULDN'T RECOMMEND JAMES RIVER FORD SERVICE CENTER IF IT WAS THE LAST PLACE ON EARTH.

As of this writing, it's January 20,2023. This place has had my son's car here since APRIL, 2022 for an engine replacement. He always has to contact them for any update, they NEVER call him. He's heard every excuse: "We had the wrong phone number for you. ", "Your car's up next. ", "We'll get to you by the end of the week. " "We're waiting on parts. " They supposedly fired someone (Amber? Angie? Ashley?) for stringing people along but it really just sounds like that's how they do business. Why not get the car and take it somewhere else, you ask? He'd had it diagnosed at 4 other places around Springfield with everybody telling him something different. Big O charged $1600 for.something. He's so sick of it he asked James River to make an offer for the car. Jonathan (?) counters with them paying off the rest of his loan and absorbing the cost of the new engine = less than Blue Book value and leaving him with nothing. Great deal, huh? He really should contact the Missouri State Attorney General but if there's anybody I'd trust less than these guys, it's a Missouri politician.

Update: February 8,2023. They had a new motor installed. Didn't work right. Another motor is on the way and should be in "by the end of the week"! Unreal.

Beyond disappointed. Horrible work ethic and they're in no hurry to get your vehicle fixed. We have one vehicle. Job was supposed to take 2 days and took a whole week. We couldn't get groceries and husband had to miss a whole week of work. Absolutely ridiculous. Do not go here!

Very impressed with James River Ford Service. They are very professional and friendly. Appointments are easy to make and they are willing to talk with you about the problem over the phone. They worked hard to fix the issues my truck has had.

It is a very pleasant surprise after multiple unpleasant and substandard experiences at Corwin.