Ravenel Ford

I would strongly caution anyone considering Ravenel Ford Service Center. I brought my vehicle to Ravenel Ford for a rack and pinion repair and ultimately paid nearly $3,600 for the work. What should have been a straight forward repair turned into a THREE WEEK + ordeal, with repeated delays, difficulty getting answers, and a vehicle that was returned to me with an additional mechanical problem that did not exist when I brought it in. I had actually had my vehicle serviced just one week prior to bringing it to Ravenel Ford. At that time, I already knew I had the rack and pinion issue, but everything else on the vehicle, including the cooling fan motor, was inspected and came back as being in working order. During the time my vehicle was in their possession, the cooling fan motor/assembly was damaged. The cooling fan was not an issue prior to Ravenel Ford performing the rack and pinion work. After their repair, however, I was suddenly told that the cooling fan needed to be replaced and that I would be responsible for another $800 to fix it. What is particularly frustrating is that Ravenel Ford refuses to take any responsibility for the new failure. When questioned about how the fan could have been damaged while the vehicle was in their shop, the explanation was essentially that "only a hammer" could break it. That does not explain how a component that was functioning when the vehicle arrived became defective while the vehicle was in their possession and undergoing extensive front-end/steering work. A rack and pinion replacement requires a technician to work in the front end area around the steering rack, subframe, steering components, and other closely positioned components. During this type of repair, components may need to be removed, repositioned, supported, or maneuvered to gain access. Physical interference, tool contact, impact, improper clearance, or mishandling can damage surrounding components. At the very least, when a previously functioning component fails immediately following major work in the same general area, I believe the repair facility should properly investigate and explain what happened rather than simply hand the customer an $800 bill. Instead, Ravenel Ford has effectively told me that the problem is mine even though the vehicle was in their shop for over three weeks and the cooling fan was not a preexisting problem. The communication throughout this experience has also been extremely frustrating. Phone calls have gone unanswered, getting information has been difficult, and I have felt like I have had to continually chase the service department for answers. I paid nearly $3,600 expecting my vehicle to be properly repaired. Instead, I was left with a new problem that I know occurred while my vehicle was being serviced, and Ravenel Ford expects me to pay another $800 to correct it. The issue isn't simply the cost. It's the lack of accountability and the refusal to adequately explain how a component that was working when I brought my vehicle in ended up needing replacement while it was in their care. I would expect a dealership's service department to stand behind its work and take responsibility when a new mechanical problem appears immediately following extensive repairs. Unfortunately, that has not been my experience with Ravenel Ford.

I would strongly caution anyone considering Ravenel Ford Service Center. I brought my vehicle to Ravenel Ford for a rack and pinion repair and ultimately paid nearly $3,600 for the work. What should have been a straight forward repair turned into a THREE WEEK + ordeal, with repeated delays, difficulty getting answers, and a vehicle that was returned to me with an additional mechanical problem that did not exist when I brought it in. I had actually had my vehicle serviced just one week prior to bringing it to Ravenel Ford. At that time, I already knew I had the rack and pinion issue, but everything else on the vehicle, including the cooling fan motor, was inspected and came back as being in working order. During the time my vehicle was in their possession, the cooling fan motor/assembly was damaged. The cooling fan was not an issue prior to Ravenel Ford performing the rack and pinion work. After their repair, however, I was suddenly told that the cooling fan needed to be replaced and that I would be responsible for another $800 to fix it. What is particularly frustrating is that Ravenel Ford refuses to take any responsibility for the new failure. When questioned about how the fan could have been damaged while the vehicle was in their shop, the explanation was essentially that "only a hammer" could break it. That does not explain how a component that was functioning when the vehicle arrived became defective while the vehicle was in their possession and undergoing extensive front-end/steering work. A rack and pinion replacement requires a technician to work in the front end area around the steering rack, subframe, steering components, and other closely positioned components. During this type of repair, components may need to be removed, repositioned, supported, or maneuvered to gain access. Physical interference, tool contact, impact, improper clearance, or mishandling can damage surrounding components. At the very least, when a previously functioning component fails immediately following major work in the same general area, I believe the repair facility should properly investigate and explain what happened rather than simply hand the customer an $800 bill. Instead, Ravenel Ford has effectively told me that the problem is mine even though the vehicle was in their shop for over three weeks and the cooling fan was not a preexisting problem. The communication throughout this experience has also been extremely frustrating. Phone calls have gone unanswered, getting information has been difficult, and I have felt like I have had to continually chase the service department for answers. I paid nearly $3,600 expecting my vehicle to be properly repaired. Instead, I was left with a new problem that I know occurred while my vehicle was being serviced, and Ravenel Ford expects me to pay another $800 to correct it. The issue isn't simply the cost. It's the lack of accountability and the refusal to adequately explain how a component that was working when I brought my vehicle in ended up needing replacement while it was in their care. I would expect a dealership's service department to stand behind its work and take responsibility when a new mechanical problem appears immediately following extensive repairs. Unfortunately, that has not been my experience with Ravenel Ford.

My son lives in the area and had quit using Ford dealers for his car due to a previous egregious experience. Someone recommended Ravenel because of "high reviews and reputation." He had service performed and a resulting problem (ironically like his previous experience of parts not being reattached) and called a service advisor who said sorry. No other offer of resolution or amends. Son asked for a manager to call. Was told a manager would call but didn't. He was ignored. Bad service is excusable if there is an effort to recover. Ignoring a customer's request adds insult to injury. Have reached out to the owners, general manager, service manager, vp of operations and been ignored by all. Wouldn't recommend these guys. If you have a problem, you won't be able to get a response. They seem to not care.

A Case Study in Customer Service Failure (Ravenel Ford Inc., Are You Listening?) We all want good service. As customers—and especially as business owners—we know that how a company responds when something goes wrong says everything about who they are. Unfortunately, my son just experienced a textbook example of how not to do it. And there’s a lesson here for anyone in business. My son, a Captain in the United States Marine Corps, took his Mustang to Ravenel Ford Inc. (Ford Motor Company) in South Carolina for a routine A/C coolant recharge. It was a not inexpensive $450 service. When he got the car back, he soon discovered that the tech had failed to reattach the unit caps. A simple, preventable mistake—but one that speaks volumes. Lesson #1: Quality control isn’t optional. Every service—especially the simple ones—needs a final check. A quick visual inspection could’ve avoided this entirely. It’s not just about completing the work. It’s about doing it right. So, my son did what any reasonable person would do. He called the dealership, explained the issue professionally, and was told, simply, “Sorry.” No offer to make it right. No goodwill gesture. Nothing. When he asked to speak to a manager, he was told someone would call him. No one ever did. Lesson #2: Don’t make promises you don’t intend to keep. Saying “someone will call you” is meaningless unless someone actually does. It’s better to say, “Let me connect you directly,” or “I’ll call you myself by end of day.” Empty promises don’t just disappoint customers—they destroy trust. After his courteous follow-up was ignored, I got involved. I posted a review on Yelp and sent the dealership a private message, giving them a heads-up and a fair chance to resolve it quietly. The response? Silence. Lesson #3: Ignoring a customer complaint is like pouring gas on a fire. In today’s world, a customer with a legitimate complaint doesn’t need a megaphone. Social media is the megaphone. A prompt, respectful response can defuse frustration—even build loyalty. But ignoring the problem doesn’t make it go away. It just makes it worse. Ravenel Ford, you’ve wasted my son’s time and now mine. This isn’t about $450 or a couple of missing caps—it’s about the total breakdown of service, responsibility, and basic respect. To my readers and fellow leaders: please don’t let this be said of your business. Check your work. Keep your word. And never ignore a customer who’s trying to help you get better. It’s not just smart business—it’s the right thing to do.

We traded in our 2006 for a 2020 Ford F-150 on the lot. Excellent Sales staff, including our Salesperson Austin. Quick experience, hassle free, and we would definitely recommend Ravenel Ford for your next purchase. We will buy here again!

I purchased 2017 Ford Explorer. The sales staff was excellent. The vehicle needed some repairs which they did. I would buy another vehicle from them and although they are no local, am willing to drive there for repairs because of their excellent service. They are a small, no pressure dealership......what a breath of fresh air.

Deb (Service Manager) first wanted me to pay for a tire covered under the tire plan. Told her we traded the vehicle and no longer needed it. She said “You can’t do that!!”. She then said that “Well we’ll eat the cost!”. I said it seemed she didn’t understand what I was trying to say. There was an audible “HUFF” then she HUNG UP ON ME!!! Let that sink in!!

Deb wanted me to pay for a tire even though I had the tire plan. When I told her we don’t need the new tire because we had just traded the vehicle she said “You can’t do that!”. I again said we traded the vehicle and don’t need the tire anymore. She said “Well we’ll just eat the cost!”. I told her I didn’t think she was understanding what I was saying. I thought I was being clear. There was an audible HUFF and she HUNG UP ON ME!!!!!!! Let that sink in!!!

Had a great experience with my purchase today. Excellent customer service. Will recommend this dealership to others. Well worth the drive from Summerville. Would purchase here again.

"Excellent Experience!!" - It was an excellent experience purchasing a car from Ravenel Ford!! I would absolutely recommend them to friends and family. Tommy Holston was not pushy and never made us feel like we needed to purchase one specific truck. He was willing to help us find the best truck that fit our needs. He was also very knowledgeable about the vehicles that they were selling. We never experienced any situations where he needed to go and ask "the boss" for a price of the deal. The prices on their website are accurate and they only try to get you a lower price if possible. Overall it was such a relief to work with a dealership that cared about the customers and wanted to ensure that the customers were getting the vehicle that was best for them.