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Top Garmin Complaints
Browse more than 12 reviews submitted so far
Back on 6/18/19 I called garmin asking for an upgrade to my garmin nuvi 265w and was told that my system would not take it. Your tech by the name of David Kala Emp. # ca4869 sent me to ITSOLUTIONSEXPERTOS. After singing up with them I decided that I wanted a refund, They have yet to return my money after a month. My complaint is that I was maybe set up by David Kala and I suspect that he maybe getting a kick back from them. I am disappointed in garmin and suggest that you question Mr. Kala.
Jerry French
I've just experienced one of my worst examples of customer support. I have four Garmin devices which have been receiving regular updates from as far back as 2013. While Garmin puts lots of folders and files on my hard-drive during these updates, none are ever removed. Given that Garmin is currently using 4907 folders to hold 4163 files (83.2% of the space allotted to program data), I needed to cleanup many of the older map and log files to regain space.
The response I got from the support department was "we don't recommend doing that". There was clearly no understanding of how this structure is laid out and what can safely be deleted. When I asked to speak to someone in the software area who might have a better understanding, I was told that those people cannot be contacted. I asked if a supervisor could help, and after a short pause the supervisor's response was to use the Microsoft add and remove programs function to cleanup the files. That's nothing short of pathetic.
Not only is there no program option that allows me to cleanup older files, there isn't even a brief document describing what files can be safely removed. Nor does anyone care. As a customer, I have nowhere to turn for support. I now have no choice but to try to figure this out myself. Needless to say, I won't be looking for any more Garmin products in the future.
Well I have a couple. First the unit I bought NUVI2555LMT is advertised as lifetime maps. I attempted to update maps and it failed. Customer Support says that I need a software upgrade to update my maps. Okay, firmware updates are are everywhere.
Now the REAL RED FLAG if you will. In order to do this he needs access to my computer. I am VERY suspicious of this. NO BODY should have access you my computer. Unless you're very computer savvy these guys can plant anything into you computer. I learned the hard way a few years ago. Access ain't going to happen!
Okay, so now he wasn's to charge me $110.00 for 5 year update or $120.00 for lifetime update. Isn't this what I got with my original purchase of the unit? When I say that's to much, I'm not going to pay that much. He asks if I'm a senior citizen, I am, so then he quotes me a price of $89.00 for 5 year and $99.99 for lifetime. Again, I tell him that I'm not paying that much. Sooo, he then sets me up with a link to a Garmin web site that installs the software and maps from Garmin for nothing. What's with that????
Too many red flags for me to believe. Be very cautious when dealing with these people.
I have a Garmin GPS. I used it today and received a message on my screen that I need to download the new maps. I paid for a lifetime update and it has always been easy to download the updates. Before today, that it. I called for customer support, and was put on hold until a "technician" could get to me. I believe he flew in from another galaxy and almost learned English. I followed his directions the best I could, after having him repeat them two or three times. His directions didn't work. He then said he would transfer me to a Level 5 technician, but it would cost $59 U.S. I said I would not pay again for downloads that I already paid for. I called back, hoping to get a technician from this planet, one who might help me. He had come from the same other planet but had been here longer because I could almost understand him. Final result: Level 5, $59 U.S., no thanks, and I still don't have my updated maps. Is this a Garmin ploy to force people to buy new devices or pay extra fees for the lifetime updates which were previously purchased?
My father purchased the Garmin Vivoactive HR for me as 21st birthday gift. Having done research on a product that has the ability to satisfy multiple sporting needs (including pool swimming), we decided that the Garmin Vivoactive HR should more than suffice. After one year and three months, however, my Garmin stopped working completely while I was doing swimming training and thus making use of the "pool swim" function, which IRONICALLY resulted in the product receiving water damage. Now, being three months out of the warranty period, Garmin would not refund my product. Instead of assisting me in getting a product that will do a better job than the Garmin Vivoactive HR, Garmin agreed to give me the same product again for a fee of R1860, which I feel is ridiculous.
I feel that this was a fault on Garmin's part as the product claims to be "water resistant" and even has a "pool swim" function, but then still manages to get water damage when performing swimming training. I am very disappointed as this was a 21st birthday gift, and is now nonfunctional after a year and three months.
My family and I all own Garmin products, and have been Garmin enthusiasts up until this point. We are now very doubtful of the brand and its products.
after 1 year it quit working had to up date cost 115 dollars for 5 year plan. this year same shit went to update they want 223 dollar to up date it again garmin will never sell me anything again my gps is in the ditch on us hwy 12 somewere in south Dakota thanh you
technician was extremely rude to me after i refused to buy his help as i cannot afford it. His name is Jay Stonis at 1-888-655-4544 .
Purchased a Garmin Forerunner 35 from Nebraska Furniture Mart - after 1 month had trouble with it charging - spent entire lunch hour for 4 days to get through to someone @ customer service - told me to take it back to NFM - it was past 30 days so they would not exchange it. Spent another week to finally get a hold of a rep that spent well over an hour trying to trouble shoot the problem - told me they would replace it. I have all my receipts from the purchase - original box, documented phone calls and e-mails letters to Garmin - they sent me a REFURBISHED one when I requested a refund or a new one. Cannot get anyone to address the issue. I paid almost $200 for something that lasted less than 1 month and received a "used" one it its place. I have a fit bit one that I have used for 4 years with no issues - NOT IMPRESSED with your customer service or how you handle defective items. My order # is 104046626 I have my orig. ticket # for the issue if you need it
Bought a 2595LMT on HSN. Updated maps about a week ago and now the traffic receiver won't work. was told by Garmin to update traffic software and used a link that was sent to me, but nothing changed. Still no traffic on my Garmin. This feature worked perfectly before I updated the maps and now that it does not, my only solution seems to be that I buy another ( for a 20% discount) or send it back and have it repaired, at my expense. Really?
This kind of service is not acceptable; I want a product that will last through more than one update.
I am insulted that you can't offer any other solution. Maybe it's the cable that has gone bad, although nobody even suggested it. The traffic is built into this model, but not for long, I see. Have to say, this just irritates me and I feel like I have been duped. Not very friendly or interested customer service reps. All they want to do is tell you your options, which are really really crummy. I can't be without the Garmin and their final solution was for me to buy another one and get a refund when they receive the unit for repair. Sorry, but this makes you all look so darn greedy and it makes the product look very very cheap. I am furious. What a ripoff this turned out to be!
2820 Street pilot. Lifetime map updates, went to update my maps and system software update, software loaded and killed my system. endless start up loop that does not allow the maps to load. Called customer service and this is a know issue, software will not update on this unit due to not being supported anymore. Older unit. So, Garmin knows that a map update, on a lifetime map updater, will kill your system and they are OK with the customer complaints.
All they will give you is a 20% discount on a new purchase. Why is it they provide lifetime map updates but an update will kill your system. I am looking to start a class action law suit against Garmin for false advertisement and not standing behind their product.
I recently had to update the maps firmware for two Garmin GPS devices. My largest complaint was how difficult it was to update both of these. There was quite a bit of work needed to hook them up, get them to read the device, and then download and sync the firmware updates. Without doing this regularly, the maps became out of date and really quite useless when driving to new places. I would recommend using another maps based application that stays up to date easier.
It's amazing that I got a Garmin's smart watch from my mother and it helps me a lot to concentrate on my speed during my swimming practice sessions. Out of my curiosity I just logged into Garmin's website and surprised that it is the largest manufacturer which designs, manufactures and markets GPS navigation, communication and sonar products. It has Pilot watches, tracking and mobile applications, activity trackers, map updates for automotive, sports & recreations, marine modules, aviation tools, sensors & boards, action cameras. If you want to track your activities or different locations, get the right support from only Garmin.
I've just experienced one of my worst examples of customer support. I have four Garmin devices which have been receiving regular updates from as far back as 2013. While Garmin puts lots of folders and files on my hard-drive during these updates, none are ever removed. Given that Garmin is currently using 4907 folders to hold 4163 files (83.2% of the space allotted to program data), I needed to cleanup many of the older map and log files to regain space.
The response I got from the support department was "we don't recommend doing that". There was clearly no understanding of how this structure is laid out and what can safely be deleted. When I asked to speak to someone in the software area who might have a better understanding, I was told that those people cannot be contacted. I asked if a supervisor could help, and after a short pause the supervisor's response was to use the Microsoft add and remove programs function to cleanup the files. That's nothing short of pathetic.
Not only is there no program option that allows me to cleanup older files, there isn't even a brief document describing what files can be safely removed. Nor does anyone care. As a customer, I have nowhere to turn for support. I now have no choice but to try to figure this out myself. Needless to say, I won't be looking for any more Garmin products in the future.
Well I have a couple. First the unit I bought NUVI2555LMT is advertised as lifetime maps. I attempted to update maps and it failed. Customer Support says that I need a software upgrade to update my maps. Okay, firmware updates are are everywhere.
Now the REAL RED FLAG if you will. In order to do this he needs access to my computer. I am VERY suspicious of this. NO BODY should have access you my computer. Unless you're very computer savvy these guys can plant anything into you computer. I learned the hard way a few years ago. Access ain't going to happen!
Okay, so now he wasn's to charge me $110.00 for 5 year update or $120.00 for lifetime update. Isn't this what I got with my original purchase of the unit? When I say that's to much, I'm not going to pay that much. He asks if I'm a senior citizen, I am, so then he quotes me a price of $89.00 for 5 year and $99.99 for lifetime. Again, I tell him that I'm not paying that much. Sooo, he then sets me up with a link to a Garmin web site that installs the software and maps from Garmin for nothing. What's with that????
Too many red flags for me to believe. Be very cautious when dealing with these people.
I have a Garmin GPS. I used it today and received a message on my screen that I need to download the new maps. I paid for a lifetime update and it has always been easy to download the updates. Before today, that it. I called for customer support, and was put on hold until a "technician" could get to me. I believe he flew in from another galaxy and almost learned English. I followed his directions the best I could, after having him repeat them two or three times. His directions didn't work. He then said he would transfer me to a Level 5 technician, but it would cost $59 U.S. I said I would not pay again for downloads that I already paid for. I called back, hoping to get a technician from this planet, one who might help me. He had come from the same other planet but had been here longer because I could almost understand him. Final result: Level 5, $59 U.S., no thanks, and I still don't have my updated maps. Is this a Garmin ploy to force people to buy new devices or pay extra fees for the lifetime updates which were previously purchased?
My father purchased the Garmin Vivoactive HR for me as 21st birthday gift. Having done research on a product that has the ability to satisfy multiple sporting needs (including pool swimming), we decided that the Garmin Vivoactive HR should more than suffice. After one year and three months, however, my Garmin stopped working completely while I was doing swimming training and thus making use of the "pool swim" function, which IRONICALLY resulted in the product receiving water damage. Now, being three months out of the warranty period, Garmin would not refund my product. Instead of assisting me in getting a product that will do a better job than the Garmin Vivoactive HR, Garmin agreed to give me the same product again for a fee of R1860, which I feel is ridiculous.
I feel that this was a fault on Garmin's part as the product claims to be "water resistant" and even has a "pool swim" function, but then still manages to get water damage when performing swimming training. I am very disappointed as this was a 21st birthday gift, and is now nonfunctional after a year and three months.
My family and I all own Garmin products, and have been Garmin enthusiasts up until this point. We are now very doubtful of the brand and its products.
after 1 year it quit working had to up date cost 115 dollars for 5 year plan. this year same shit went to update they want 223 dollar to up date it again garmin will never sell me anything again my gps is in the ditch on us hwy 12 somewere in south Dakota thanh you
technician was extremely rude to me after i refused to buy his help as i cannot afford it. His name is Jay Stonis at 1-888-655-4544 .
Purchased a Garmin Forerunner 35 from Nebraska Furniture Mart - after 1 month had trouble with it charging - spent entire lunch hour for 4 days to get through to someone @ customer service - told me to take it back to NFM - it was past 30 days so they would not exchange it. Spent another week to finally get a hold of a rep that spent well over an hour trying to trouble shoot the problem - told me they would replace it. I have all my receipts from the purchase - original box, documented phone calls and e-mails letters to Garmin - they sent me a REFURBISHED one when I requested a refund or a new one. Cannot get anyone to address the issue. I paid almost $200 for something that lasted less than 1 month and received a "used" one it its place. I have a fit bit one that I have used for 4 years with no issues - NOT IMPRESSED with your customer service or how you handle defective items. My order # is 104046626 I have my orig. ticket # for the issue if you need it
Bought a 2595LMT on HSN. Updated maps about a week ago and now the traffic receiver won't work. was told by Garmin to update traffic software and used a link that was sent to me, but nothing changed. Still no traffic on my Garmin. This feature worked perfectly before I updated the maps and now that it does not, my only solution seems to be that I buy another ( for a 20% discount) or send it back and have it repaired, at my expense. Really?
This kind of service is not acceptable; I want a product that will last through more than one update.
I am insulted that you can't offer any other solution. Maybe it's the cable that has gone bad, although nobody even suggested it. The traffic is built into this model, but not for long, I see. Have to say, this just irritates me and I feel like I have been duped. Not very friendly or interested customer service reps. All they want to do is tell you your options, which are really really crummy. I can't be without the Garmin and their final solution was for me to buy another one and get a refund when they receive the unit for repair. Sorry, but this makes you all look so darn greedy and it makes the product look very very cheap. I am furious. What a ripoff this turned out to be!
2820 Street pilot. Lifetime map updates, went to update my maps and system software update, software loaded and killed my system. endless start up loop that does not allow the maps to load. Called customer service and this is a know issue, software will not update on this unit due to not being supported anymore. Older unit. So, Garmin knows that a map update, on a lifetime map updater, will kill your system and they are OK with the customer complaints.
All they will give you is a 20% discount on a new purchase. Why is it they provide lifetime map updates but an update will kill your system. I am looking to start a class action law suit against Garmin for false advertisement and not standing behind their product.
I recently had to update the maps firmware for two Garmin GPS devices. My largest complaint was how difficult it was to update both of these. There was quite a bit of work needed to hook them up, get them to read the device, and then download and sync the firmware updates. Without doing this regularly, the maps became out of date and really quite useless when driving to new places. I would recommend using another maps based application that stays up to date easier.
It's amazing that I got a Garmin's smart watch from my mother and it helps me a lot to concentrate on my speed during my swimming practice sessions. Out of my curiosity I just logged into Garmin's website and surprised that it is the largest manufacturer which designs, manufactures and markets GPS navigation, communication and sonar products. It has Pilot watches, tracking and mobile applications, activity trackers, map updates for automotive, sports & recreations, marine modules, aviation tools, sensors & boards, action cameras. If you want to track your activities or different locations, get the right support from only Garmin.
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