1 /5 J: My 2016 Ford Escape was leaking coolant into cylinder 1.
We took it to Canavans Auto Repair on March 26, 2024.
I called the owner James Canavan on April 10 for an update. James said they couldnt find where the leak was coming from but was continuing to look for it.
I called May 22 for an update. James said they couldnt find the leak and they were going to buy a special scope camera.
I called on May 24 for an update. James says they cant find where the leak is coming from with the scope.
At this point me and James mutually agree to leave the car with James, at his shop, while he researches for a remedy.
Six and a half months ago buy with no updates from James.
December 6th, Friday. We called James to discuss taking the vehicle home since a fix was not materializing. James tells me that just three days earlier he put Bars leak block seal in the radiator, idled it for 30 min. then drove the car 98 miles. Said it no longer had head gasket issues and passed the block test.
We did not give consent to this, nor did he communicate to us he was doing this at the time.
We went to pick up the car that day, Dec. 6.
The check engine light was gone and everything seemed to be functioning properly with the engine.
Paid him $1524
We noticed a dent in the middle of our rear hatch door that wasnt there prior to bringing the the car in. The car was in excellent condition with very low miles and no physical discrepancies.
A very unique dent, not one that I imagine a vehicle would make. The dent is the size of the end of a slot screwdriver but pushed in over an inch deep into the metal, almost piecing the metal in an upward direction. Never seen a dent like it.
When we pointed this out to James, he acknowledged he did not notice the damage when we brought it in but did notice it prior to us picking up the car. James said he would contact his insurance.
I called James Canavan on March 7 for an update on the insurance, No answer.
I left a detailed message. No return call.
On March 17, I went down to the shop and spoke with James.
Mr. Canavan tells me that because there are six other businesses in his proximity he cant be sure the damage was caused by him. James said he contacted his insurance, Travelers Ins. and they said the same thing.
Regress back to the engine repair. The head gasket failed three days later, leaving us stranded.
***Update***
April 8, 2025
I called Jamess insurance company, Traveler Ins. today and spoke with Sylvia. Sylvia had no record of a claim being filed or any notes from James to his insurance regarding the damage to my car. Said she went back 1 year and sees no communication from James Canavan with them.
