“Recently took the car into Vauxhall Sighthill for a recall regarding the timing chain and add blue system. I have owned the car for over 2 years now and never had any problems with engine management lights whatsoever!. They had the car for around 3 hours and returned it to me, saying that's it all done!
Well, about 10 minutes into the journey home, the engine failure sign came on I telephoned them and reported this. They replied that there had been a few issues in the past with this, that there might be a need for adjustments to the software, and asked if I could bring it back in, which I did at greater time and expense to myself, as I live around 40 miles away.
They had it for a further 2 hours and concluded that it had nothing to do with the so-called update, and there must have been an underlying issue there all along, even though it had been on a diagnostic machine in the past, which showed NO faults whatsoever! THEY came to the conclusion that it must have been a coincidence that it happened 10 minutes after they had been pottering around with their so-called upgrade. The chances of this are very slim to none, but Vauxhall will stand by that excuse because they have no other reasonable one to offer. They asked if I would like to pay them to further investigate the problem, which in their opinion could be the DPF or a sensor Which would have thrown up an engine management light long before now if that were the case, Which I obviously declined they clearly caused, this problem but won't or refuse to take ownership I refused to let them go near it looks to me like a hard upsell in my opinion. I am now having this matter checked by competent, unbiased mechanics to get their professional evaluation of this debacle.”
“I sincerely appreciate Mrs. Zamora Lisette for her dependable support. She resolved my withdrawal issue promptly and ensured the entire process was smooth and stress-free.”
“Broken promises and poor aftercare - never will I visit an Arnold Clark branch again
I purchased a CUPRA Born from Arnold Clark Winsford in November 2025 on a PCP agreement, and unfortunately the experience after signing the paperwork has been extremely disappointing.
At the point of sale, I was assured that my EV charger installation would be completed within two weeks of delivery. In reality, it took approximately two months. During that time, I was left without a proper home charging solution and had to repeatedly use rapid charging stations, incurring over £235 in additional charging costs.
I was also told that any shortfall in installation costs would be £199. The actual additional charge was £337. This was not what had been explained at the time of purchase.
Communication throughout the process was poor. I had to repeatedly chase updates myself and even suggest that they provide a temporary 3-pin charging solution while waiting for installation. Promises were made by senior management, including reimbursement of rapid charging costs, but these have not been honoured.
What has disappointed me most is not just the initial problems, but how the complaint has been handled. There has been little acknowledgement of the inconvenience caused or the financial impact on my family, and no meaningful attempt to put things right.
Buying a car, particularly on finance, should come with confidence in the dealership’s aftersales support. Unfortunately, that has not been my experience here.
I would strongly advise prospective customers to ensure all promises are confirmed in writing and to carefully consider the level of aftersales support they may receive.”
“Purchased a used car one week ago but it developed a fault of suddenly losing power. Took it back and wanted to unwind the sale and purchase a new version of the same car. Unhelpful, is being very kind, dit was like talking to a robot, although We would probably get more sense, cooperation and satisfaction out of a robot. Disgusted with their non service. Their so called Product consultants are all smiles at the sale but when it comes to problems they suddenly morph into the old dodgy used car salesman . Had to cancel the new car from Arnold Clark because Arnold Clark would not comply with normal good customer service. 1* is too many.”
“⭐ 1 Star – Avoid at All Costs
I’ve never experienced anything as shocking as my recent purchase from Arnold Clark. The car I bought turned out to be clocked by over 80,000 miles. That alone is outrageous, but it didn’t stop there. The vehicle had multiple faults from day one:
No internal lights
Suspension issues
Bald tyres
Fake service history
Fake MOTs
When I raised these issues, they initially offered me £500 compensation, only to withdraw the offer when I refused to spend that money on another Arnold Clark vehicle. That says everything about their priorities.
Customer service was absolutely useless. They showed zero interest in resolving the situation, so I hope they don’t bother replying with the usual “please contact customer services” line, because I already tried — and they didn’t care.
This has been a terrible experience from start to finish. In my opinion, the whole operation feels like a complete scam. I would highly recommend avoiding Arnold Clark if you value your money, your safety, or basic honesty.”
“I purchased a car online from Arnold Clark in July last year, and unfortunately this has been one of the most stressful and disappointing experiences I have ever had with a car dealership.
From the outset, the vehicle had multiple faults, including:
A cracked windscreen
A broken motor on the left wing mirror
Faulty speakers
Faulty steering, which pulls from side to side while driving
Despite numerous inspections carried out by Arnold Clark, I was repeatedly told that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle, aside from the windscreen crack, which they did eventually acknowledge.
Following advice from the sales manager, Jack, at the Preston branch, I arranged for an independent inspection to be carried out by Kia. This inspection identified all of the faults I had raised from the beginning, and several parts were repaired or replaced under warranty. This confirms that my concerns were valid and should have been taken seriously much earlier.
Due to the ongoing issues, I submitted a vehicle rejection complaint with my finance company, Volkswagen Financial Services. Six months later, this is still unresolved. I am appalled to discover that Volkswagen Financial Services have now closed my complaint without my consent and without issuing a final response email, which is completely unacceptable.
I contacted Volkswagen Financial Services again today, as I am fully aware of my consumer rights and want my finance agreement properly reviewed. I was advised that Ray had closed my complaint, despite the fact that he spoke to my partner in December and stated he would call me back the following week — a call which never happened. I was also told today that there are no notes on the system from the December call, despite us having call logs to the relevant number and being advised that calls are recorded.
During today’s call, I was initially told that Ray was not in the office, only for this to later be contradicted when the advisor admitted that he was. The call then ended abruptly when the phone was put down on me. This level of conduct is shocking.
I have since emailed Volkswagen Financial Services stating:
“You closed my complaint without my consent and without issuing a final response.
This breaches FCA DISP rules.
Please provide your Final Response letter immediately so I can refer the matter to the Financial Ombudsman Service.”
What makes this situation even worse is that not once have Arnold Clark Customer Services contacted me directly. I have received no calls, no emails, and no meaningful follow-up at any stage. I have been left entirely to chase both the dealership and the finance company myself.
I have a 10-year-old daughter, and I am still being forced to drive a vehicle with dangerous steering issues. The car pulls me from side to side on the road, which is extremely unsafe. I find it utterly disgusting that safety concerns involving a child have been treated with such disregard.
I have had to use multiple days of annual leave, as well as cover fuel and mileage costs, just to attend inspections and chase an issue that should never have been dismissed in the first place. Communication throughout this entire process has been virtually non-existent.
I have never had an issue with Arnold Clark before, which makes this experience even more disappointing. I am appalled by the conduct of both Arnold Clark and Volkswagen Financial Services, and this experience has completely put me off ever using their services again.
Consumer Rights Position:
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, vehicles must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described. A vehicle with ongoing steering faults clearly fails to meet these standards. As the car was purchased on finance, Volkswagen Financial Services are equally liable under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. Closing a complaint without issuing a final response breaches FCA DISP rules and leaves me no option but to escalate this matter to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
I would strongly advise others to think very carefully before entering into any agreement with Arnold Clark or Volkswagen Financial Services.”
“Terrible service from Arnold Clark who also don't like dealing with complaints. From the day I picked up my car i had issues which should of got picked up on their comprehensive pre delivery inspection like they advertised, for the whole 60 day warranty i was chasing them up and going back and forth taking days off and wasting my time, I received emails regarding my issues now nothing not even a phone call or good will gesture, take you money and run that's Arnold Clark so before you buy from them read the reviews and think about the aftercare they don't provide especially dealing with complaints.”
“Bought a brand new car from this dealership. Less than a month of ownership and there is an issue with it that is making it unsafe to drive and unfit for use. As you can see the car has done less than 800 miles.
On Monday Arnold Clark central 60 day warranty team booked it in with this dealership, confirming to me the dealership would collect the car and provide me with a courtesy car for the duration it was away. They told me the dealership would be in touch to confirm, when I hadn’t heard from them I called them back Tuesday to then receive this email:
Dear …….
I have spoken to my manager and he confirmed that, as this car is new and still under manufacturer's warranty, Citroen would have to organise and cover the recovery of the vehicle. They would also be able to organise a replacement vehicle for you. Our courtesy cars are not available for long term hire and never guaranteed.
He also mentioned that there is a Citroen recovery button on your vehicle, which, if pressed, will send out the recovery team to your location. It is located in the roof next to the rear view mirror (but not the SOS button) - if this helps.
I am very sorry for this inconvenience and I understand your frustration completely. Unfortunately, this is the process to follow and for the manufacturer to organise. I would suggest getting in touch with the Citroen customer care team on 0800 093 9393 to see if they can help you with this.
Absolutely diabolical they are taking no accountability whatsoever to help me in any way after selling me the car and I am now left with an unsafe car!
This dealership are obviously only interested in income and now customer service.”
“I bought my ds3 crossback from arnold clark Birtley Site. Within 3 months it failed to start most days, cut out completely mid drive on busy roads, terrifying 😳 the sent an AA van to tow it back to them and even he coukdnt start it. They called me next day to collect saying it was repaired, new battery. I told them no way is this fault a battery, but im a woman so wouldn't listen. Took it home, next day none starter again, AA back out and towed back to them. Insisted on a refund, to be told the mechanic can't find any faults therefore its fine and refused refund??? Despite 3 reports from 3 AA mechanics stating car is in need of repair and dangerous to drive. Now dealing with head office complaints dept. Im not giving up getting my money back. Will never use them again.”
“Bought a Mazda cx30 from the Nottingham AC in August .On the way home the fault light came on . Took it back to AC who said it needed to go to a dealership in Mansfield. They had to order the part so I had to take it back several weeks later, leave the car overnight and pick it up the next day.All inconvenience to us. AC also said they would order a set of mats from Mazda and they would take 2 to 3 weeks to arrive. After several phone calls to AC and them saying they would get the salesperson to ring us back , no one ever did. Even called in to AC but still no joy.
We are now in January and I’m guessing we shall never see the mats.
Sales person was very good at his job and we were taken in by his sale pitch but will not be going back to AC to buy a car.”
“Beware Beware Beware Beware Beware
After some nice person scraped my wheel are trim on my OMODA 5
I went into my local Arnold Clark branch
In Newcastle Uopn Tyne
They were very helpful in looking at my car for part required ‘
That’s were it all ended
Very poor level of service from here
Ordered required part at the beginning of sept , told if in uk would be 2 weeks
If was from OMODA China would be end of month that’s September !!!!!
Got phone call end of September saying
Should be here Soon !!!!
Waited till end of October still no part !!!!
Visited AC told it should be here soon
Another phone call still not here
We are now in October still no Part
Visited AC Same excuse !!!
AC Said they would ring me in. Few days
Guess what happened Yeah no phone call !!!!
We are now in December visited AC told
Same old story !!!!
This brings me to today 29 Th Dec
Guess what again no part
This is nearly 4 months
Asked for a refund answer no !!!!
Still no further forward
Will be sending e mail to The CEO
The Story continues !!!
Will keep you updated”
“Had the misfortune to buy my mum a car from their dealership in Stoke in September. Promised the earth and sales rep Luke Taylor delivered nothing. There was damage (deep scratches) to the drivers window and the rear passenger window which was reported and it took 3 months, the car being returned for assessment and the threat of further action before action took place. Even then on bringing the car back to the dealership for the 2nd time and having to leave it for a day (having been refused a courtesy car) only one window was fixed as they had ordered the wrong glass for one window. Eventually the 2nd window was fixed the following day but at my mum's home as there was no chance she would be returning to the dealership for a 3rd time. At no point was any form of compensation or a gesture of goodwill for stress caused offered to my mother. A car purchase should provide happiness, sadly all this caused was anxiety. Mr Taylor was the stereotypical car sales rep, get the sale and then couldn't care less.”
“My daughter went ro get a car as she past her driving yest first time she saw on with a big drive me away today sign on it. Paod deposit went home sorted insurance just the car. Go to get the car, sorry you cant get it theres somethong wrong with the dashboard bulb that took 2 weeks sending for parts fitting the part, called a week later, theyve fpund am issie with the front passenger seat, need to fix that, cant drive it away today either, went in to see them today, now theres a problem with the boot. Friday they said, if its not done by friday ill go somewhere else, this has been a ridiculous experience for a kid trying to buy her first car. After passing the test first time aswell. But this carry on has been absolutely pathetic, maybe make sure the cars actually working and ready to actually be driven away today, instead of just slapping it on there knowing full well that that car will not be getting drove anywhere by anybody "today". Hope your first car buying experience was easier for you and not as difficult for as you guys made it.”
“Would I buy from Arnold clark again and the simple answer is a definite no. From the day I picked up the car there have been issues which should of been sorted prior to delivery and after emailing on the first day of collection and taking the vehicle in to a local dealership I'm still waiting for these issues to get sored, and just now the vehicle needs to go back in because of warning lights meaning another booking and more time wasted, the vehicle went in to Chertsey for a small part a week after they saw the vehicle I received a message saying that they had ordered the part after 7 days of seeing the vehicle, they saw leave it with us and we will get back to you and they never do, I put in a complaint on Thursday and still nothing.”
“Bought a car from arnold clark liverpool in February 2025 after doing 1100 miles the car broke down
We have spoken to all management at clarks with no joy one did say we will collect the car and repair it
£70 to tow the car in and £170 an hour labour charges that's with out fitting the faulty part then he said we can set up a payment plan to fix the car to payed by monthly payment
The car cost £400 a month
Buyer beware check and double check before you buy
Cars still broken”
“Arnold Clark Dundee Balfield Rd branch have not provided a professional response to a breakdown and battery issue in a car i purchased under 4 months ago. I have called around 10 times to the branch in 5 days, and despite being advised that I would get a call from the service manager, the sales manager and then the branch manager no one has called me back. I did get a call from the servicing department to advise that I could contact the 60 day warranty team in Glasgow which appears to have complicated things further. The Dundee sales department then refused to pay for the diagnostic checks and I was informed that any repairs over 60 days and under 6 months should go to the service department. I already knew that, however I got a call from the service department on the morning after the breakdown stating that they could do nothing else despite this being subject to the 2015 act.
Since then I have called Arnold Clark Dundee branch at Balfield Rd every day, more than once and I have had to raise a complaint through the finance company and customer services. The branch manager eventually emailed me last night with completely wrong information and when I sent two emails back and called twice last night he didn't respond with a callback. I also called to ask to speak to the service manager and or branch manager today and neither are available. I have been promised a callback around 7 times since 16.45 on Friday, now Wednesday, and if I hadn't taken independent action to get my car fixed I would have no car for days.
I ended up getting the AA breakdown policy with at home option as my current breakdown cover doesn't have that and it cost me around 70 pounds on top of my current insurance policy. The mechanic got it started again and said it was a low battery. I have been having problems with the battery since I bought the car, having to charge it up outside the house at times when the warning light came on. I should have returned it at the time within the 60 day period. The AA mechanic suggested that a 24 hour charge would be required and to arrange this with the garage. I have fed this back to customer services however yesterday however I then got an email from the branch manager asking how much the new battery was, despite never having stated that I got a battery replacement.
It is bad enough being ignored, but then being asked the wrong information is doubly insulting, and just goes to show the lack of interest in my complaint. I am not asking for anything other than my rights under the legislation for a pre existing fault to he addressed and repaired. I should not have broken down in a car which is under four months old and which cost me around 15000 on finance. The car should be roadworthy and safe to drive my children in, and this is the thing that I find the most upsetting. It is just lucky that I noticed the warning lights and that it broke down outside the house and not on a busy or 60 road. I had a number of repairs on the last car I purchased from Arnold Clark however I put this down to it being an older car and that it was just the car itself. This car is only 4 years old and only went through the MOT at purchase. I am very upset at the fact that Arnold Clark think they can ignore customers and breach the consumer rights of the public. I have raised this with the Ombudsman however there seems to be a 6 month waiting list so it seems that I will need to resolve the battery issue with my own garage.
My advice would be to go to a different dealer. They are all friendly and helpful at the point of purchase but if you have a genuine issue with the vehicle they will ignore you. Given the price of cars and the need for a car to be safe and reliable personally I wouldn't trust them as they have shown a distinct lack of regard for the customer. The other reviews on here just highlight that.”
“I purchased a car with Arnold Clark in Glasgow in November last year. It then had to be taken back to Arnold Clark and they apparently fixed coil packs etc. it now has this fault Engine management Gamma 1.0
Status :P030000 -
Random/multiple cylinders. Error Message: Misfire detected.
Historical fault. Status :P030100 -
Cylinder 1. Error Message :
Misfire detected. Historical fault.
Fitted coil and followed member to the garage for repair as member has warranty on the vehicle.
Engine Oil Level Ok. Coolant which I can confirm that a garage has said these repairs haven’t been done! And my car has been doing the same thing it was when first purchased. I am anting them to get back to me.”
“Booked my car in for a diagnostics check as the mild hybrid 48v system stopped working all together, hadn't worked for over a month, at first they said they couldn't find anything wrong with the car except a breather pipe for the petrol emissions which they wanted £580 to change, i asked them to drive the car round their building which they did, yes we can see the fault now, but after having the car for two days they had no idea what was wrong, this wasn't a intermittent fault, the hybrid side of things didn't work at all, but they didn't know what was
wrong or how to fix it, i asked if i should just collect the car, the answer was yes, i was charged £356 for two diagnostic checks, so beware anyone with a mild hybrid fault going to this main dealer”
