Griffith Motor Company — Local services in Neosho

Trying to pressure me into paying for services I never agreed to and that were NEVER mentioned to me prior to doing. I had to argue with them that the entire vehicle exam was NOT warranted and that even if so, it should have been approved by me first. It was for a $60 charge just to look the Acadia over. I finally suggested that they cut it in half and I would pay that just to be done with their dishonest practices. I paid $30 for things I was never asked about and never agreed to. Here is the full details. To put into perspective, a quick history of why I went here for service: Had a small evap leak check engine light come on but drove for a while as it was and did some basic troubleshooting myself. I didn't have money to take to a shop, so kept driving for a while. Eventually, the check engine light went off. A few weeks after, I found in MY GMC app where there was now a warranty for the evap system and one part in particular with a valve not closing at times. There was also a recall on an airbag. It was at this point where contact with Griffith was established through scheduling an online appointment. A little while later on the same day, a gentleman called me to confirm the appointment and get more details. I explained briefly what I stated above and to confirm the reason for my appointment was first and foremost the issues with the evap system and then for the airbag recall (this would have to be scheduled later and not addressed in this upcoming appointment). Today, I took the Acadia in for a 9 AM appointment. I waited for 2 and a half hours before hearing anything from them and then it was to tell me they were done. I'm told of several things they found with the Acadia they felt needed addressed. I was shown some transmission fluid that was needing to be changed ( can can concur it was, but that was not part of my appointment) and there were supposedly metal pieces in the fluid. If they were there, I did not see them. Possible, but I cannot confirm it. So they were recommending I change the transmission (a $6,000+ cost for them to do). Then I was told of an oil leak on the rear of the vehicle and all parts needed to be disassembled to fix would make that repair over $3,000. Since the Acadia is worth MAYBE $12,000 I laughed at the cost and immediately declined any service and stated I would address those on my own. I was then informed my bill came to $60. I was not expecting to pay anything since it clearly stated on the warranty initiated by GM that there would be no charge to the customer. I stated this and was advised that the charges were for the full vehicle check I argued that this was not what I came in for, did not agree to, and in fact was NEVER told it was happening. It was then told to me that due to the symptoms I stated I was having while driving that's why it was done. I pointed out to the gentleman, the warranty also stated the exact same symptoms I did and so that should be covered by the warranty. The manager then gets involved and is trying to argue that I should have talked to someone on the phone rather than using THEIR online portal to schedule to which I replied I did talk to someone after using the portal and not once was I ever informed of any potential charges nor even asked if I wanted any further examination. Suffice to say, since I had already been there for nearly 3 hours, I suggested that if they would only charge me $30 I would pay and be on my way. Not once did they try to make things right on their own. The entire time I was careful to be understood that I was not trying to be a pain nor confrontational, but that it was not acceptable to go charging me just because they could. What should have happened, since the check engine light was off and history of the evap cleared from history after 40 engine cycles, I should have been informed and told they could not do warranty due to this instead of...

*Update!!!

The GM from this company just called me and told me to “come get my damn vehicle and get it the hell off their property”. He was so infuriated by my online review that he is now refusing to fix our vehicle!

After being verbally accosted I reached out to speak with a member of management above the GM. I spoke with the owner’s daughter Jenny Griffith. I must say that the abhorrent behavior by the GM pales in comparison to the conversation I had with her. She actually states in our conversation that she doesn’t care about a defective vehicle that they sold! I can honestly say that I have never witnessed a more integrity deficient operation then that of the Griffith team.

Their stance is that my review was a threat. Her response below which states that I didn’t contact them in regards to my complaint in an outright lie. I have called every week for the past 8. My complaint and update is to show that Griffith is perfectly fine with the GM verbally accosting me with profanities and refusing to repair my vehicle.

Nothing was given to us for free. We paid thousands on top of the 60k vehicle for the extended warranty service. This purchase was only one of 4 vehicles I have purchased from this dealership.

My example of other deceitful business practices may have nothing to do with this particular case however it is quite relevant to anyone reading an honest review who may be searching for a reputable dealer. Griffith’s is anything but reputable.

Original complaint:

We have had a very disappointing experience with our service experience here. Our Yukon Denali needs an instrument cluster replacement and has been sitting in their service center now for nearly 8 weeks waiting on the part from GMC. Meanwhile they’ve provided us with a Chevy impala as a loaner which does not accommodate the duties required for our self employment. We have had to make 2 car payments now on a vehicle that we cannot use and we cannot operate our business effectively with the loaner they’ve provided.

We are confused and frustrated that Griffith added thousands of dollars to our auto loan for the extended warranty if/when we need to utilize that service it doesn’t meet our needs. A Chevy Impala is not the trade/loaner equivalent to a Yukon Denali. I find it hard to believe this large of a dealership cannot come up with a reasonable equivalent. I don’t particularly like using the review system to coerce a company to do right by their clients but we’ve been unable to persuade management into taking any action now for several weeks. I am more then happy to remove this negative feedback if they will make this...

August 28, 2025. I would no longer recommend Griffith Motors in Neosho MO. for repairs to a vehicle. I took my 1982 El Camino into them in April 2019 for a complete going over for repairs that might be needed… from packing wheel bearings etc. to tuning the engine etc. and having them install a new A/C. To make a long story short they have not ever had the A/C working properly for any length of time.

I’ve made eight trips to Griffith Motors each one costing me something for repairs or replacement of the A/C since the original replacement of the air conditioner on May 14th 2019, the last one being May 12th 2025, where they again replaced the air conditioner and charged me…and it’s still not working properly.

On June 2nd 2025 I personally hand delivered copies of the works done and information concerning my frustrations to the Owner Mr. Jerry Griffith, President Ms. Jenny Spiva, and General Manager Mr. James Craig so each would have a duplicate copy.

On Tuesday June 17nd 2025 I did get a call from general manager James Craig and he expressed his concern that I had been in this many times etc. He told me he would check into the situation and call me back no later than Wednesday June 18th 2025. He has never called.

I’ve called back at various times to talk to the owner, the president, or the general manager who I can never make contact with by phone but leave messages asking them to call me back.

I’ve heard nothing from anyone with Griffith Motors since June 17th 2025…

Lawrence Frencken date of this customer review is...