Garmin complaints

 

Just an observation: I'm new to the Factory, but so far I've noticed a lot of people complaining about Garmin, price,service, & quality. However, they all have them, I'm sorry I don't understand, I'm on my second unit & I think they do a great job & the service that Garmin has given me is great....apparently I'm wrong...By the way, so is this site...Great

Flash1818

Page 1>>

Remember, users don't post

Remember, users don't post messages to tell everyone that they have no problem with their GPSr. They'll post a message only when they encounter a problem.

Point taken

Point taken

Oh, and welcome

Welcome to the site. Chewy is right. About the only thing you see here are the complaints.

--
ɐ‾nsǝɹ Just one click away from the end of the Internet

Good Luck with Garmin

Well, I can tell you, I have nothing but praise for the Customer Service Reps at Garmin. I haven't had to call/email them very often, but, when I do, they are right there to take care of me.

It's not difficult to be brand loyal to a company like Garmin.

Thank you I totally agree,

Thank you I totally agree, last 3 years nothing but help.

Garmin works fine for me

I have had no problems with both my units. My map 76s get dropped and knocked about when I go fishing and is still going strong after 5 years of steady use. I bought the Nuvi 260 for use in my vehicles and it has worked flawlessly since day one. When I come to buy another unit I will certainly look at the Garmin range first.

--
Nuvi2797LMT (2) Nuvi260,Ford Sync3 Navigation. Captain Cook was a Yorkshire man too.

Garmin...

It just depends if you end up with a good unit or not. I had the Nuvi 350/650/750 and never had a problem with them. Consequently I never posted much about them.

However, when I upgraded to the 765T that's when all hell broke loose. Had all kinds of problems with that unit. Returned it to Garmin twice and received 2 refurbished units that both had problems.

Garmin agreed to give me an upgrade to the 885T which I just received a few days ago. So far this unit has restarted by itself once and froze once. I'm going to use it for another week or so and see what happens. It's quite possible this one is a dud as well.

--
Garmin 885T

I am second to that...

chewbacca wrote:

Remember, users don't post messages to tell everyone that they have no problem with their GPSr. They'll post a message only when they encounter a problem.

Mine are just want I need...

I have 3 units and they are all swell - no complaints at all...

--
non-native nutmegger

Garmin complaints

No problems with Nuvi 650 or Garmin serice in general. In fact, I particularly appreciate their offer for lifetime map upgrades for a single fee.

Because...

flash1818 wrote:

Just an observation: I'm new to the Factory, but so far I've noticed a lot of people complaining about Garmin, price,service, & quality. However, they all have them, I'm sorry I don't understand, I'm on my second unit & I think they do a great job & the service that Garmin has given me is great....apparently I'm wrong...By the way, so is this site...Great

Flash1818

...because people usually find the most of problems after a while, and there is no way to get their money back.
I feel, it is very wrong to condemn someone because of writting negative and true experiences with their product.

--
vk

Garmin

Garmin still my favourite when it come to GPS despite many complaints. Even there quite few things I'm not happy with my units.

Me too!

Add me to the happy multiple-unit Garmin owners. Any problems, concerns have been quickly addressed by Garmin support staff.

I am totally amazed at how well the gps's work ... and, as an old database programmer, I can't believe how tight and extensive the programming is. A modern wonder of the world.

I imagine, however, that ol' Bo*D*e will rain on our happy owner parade at any moment.

At time, all the negative posts make me want to quit logging onto the factory.

--
Garmin 205, 260W, 1450LMT, 2460LMT, HEREwego for iPhone ... all still mapping strong.

inadequate testing

cbwatts wrote:

Add me to the happy multiple-unit Garmin owners. Any problems, concerns have been quickly addressed by Garmin support staff.

I am totally amazed at how well the gps's work ... and, as an old database programmer, I can't believe how tight and extensive the programming is. A modern wonder of the world.

I imagine, however, that ol' Bo*D*e will rain on our happy owner parade at any moment.

At time, all the negative posts make me want to quit logging onto the factory.

It is nothing wrong if there is a small glitch in software because of its complexicity, but it is terribly wrong if customer just become hostage because of inadequate quality control and software testing.

--
vk

Say what?

vk>>customer just become hostage because of inadequate quality control and software testing

Say what?

I just got back from a two-month, 5,000 mile RV trip, from Illinois to Colorado, where we followed the Rocky Mountains through Wyoming and Montana, into Canada ... up to Lake Louise and Jasper, then into BC where we met family at Mt Robson ... and back to Illinois. We traveled mainly backroads, with occasional stretches of interstate, through cities with 10 lane interstates, and some big cities with NO interstates (Edmonton).

My Garmin never missed a beat.

I'm sorry if your Garmin doesn't work as well.

Instead of constantly posting broadbased negative comments ... buy another darned model and get on with your life.

Life is a trip ... I, personally, won't hit the road without a Garmin ... in fact, I travel with two(2) Garmins (one hidden away, so that if someone steals my primary unit or I do something stupid like break it ... I'll have a back-up.

Like I've said before ,,, the vast majority of Garmin users are totally happy ... If you aren't' I'm sorry ... but buy some other model and get on the road.

Or, like I've told B*bD** on many occasions ... if you think you know so much about GPS's ... put some of your own money at risk, start your own GPS company and build a better mousetrip.

That's what free enterprise is all about.

There will always be whiners ... but I thank God there are doers ... and Garmin is definitely doing it right in the vast majority of users' minds.

--
Garmin 205, 260W, 1450LMT, 2460LMT, HEREwego for iPhone ... all still mapping strong.

I agree completely

cbwatts wrote:

Add me to the happy multiple-unit Garmin owners. Any problems, concerns have been quickly addressed by Garmin support staff.

I am totally amazed at how well the gps's work ... and, as an old database programmer, I can't believe how tight and extensive the programming is. A modern wonder of the world.

I imagine, however, that ol' Bo*D*e will rain on our happy owner parade at any moment.

At time, all the negative posts make me want to quit logging onto the factory.

I agree completely, have had virtually no problems with any of my three units. Any problem I did have has been fixed quickly with an update.

I had quit posting anything positive about Garmin because a couple of the people on this forum immediately jump on the posting as not being credible because it is coming from what they refer to as a "Garmin Fanboy".

--
Garmin Drive Smart 55 - Samsung Note 10 Smartphone with Google Maps & HERE Apps

Good for you...

cbwatts wrote:

vk>>customer just become hostage because of inadequate quality control and software testing

Say what?

I just got back from a two-month, 5,000 mile RV trip, from Illinois to Colorado, where we followed the Rocky Mountains through Wyoming and Montana, into Canada ... up to Lake Louise and Jasper, then into BC where we met family at Mt Robson ... and back to Illinois. We traveled mainly backroads, with occasional stretches of interstate, through cities with 10 lane interstates, and some big cities with NO interstates (Edmonton).

My Garmin never missed a beat.

I'm sorry if your Garmin doesn't work as well.

Instead of constantly posting broadbased negative comments ... buy another darned model and get on with your life.

Life is a trip ... I, personally, won't hit the road without a Garmin ... in fact, I travel with two(2) Garmins (one hidden away, so that if someone steals my primary unit or I do something stupid like break it ... I'll have a back-up.

Like I've said before ,,, the vast majority of Garmin users are totally happy ... If you aren't' I'm sorry ... but buy some other model and get on the road.

Or, like I've told B*bD** on many occasions ... if you think you know so much about GPS's ... put some of your own money at risk, start your own GPS company and build a better mousetrip.

That's what free enterprise is all about.

There will always be whiners ... but I thank God there are doers ... and Garmin is definitely doing it right in the vast majority of users' minds.

to cbwatts:
good for you and that is, what it should be. But if you will be left 2000 miles from your home, after you spent $600 for GPS and it blacks out, just because of software problem from GARMIN (and that happened to most of 7x5 owners) you might understand what I talk about.

--
vk

interesting

interesting

CB your a horse's A_s

cbwatts wrote:

Add me to the happy multiple-unit Garmin owners. Any problems, concerns have been quickly addressed by Garmin support staff.

I am totally amazed at how well the gps's work ... and, as an old database programmer, I can't believe how tight and extensive the programming is. A modern wonder of the world.

I imagine, however, that ol' Bo*D*e will rain on our happy owner parade at any moment.

At time, all the negative posts make me want to quit logging onto the factory.

Hey don't log, on my account! I am a garmin owner as well. They are as good as most.. not any better,
since they are slaves to the data they receive from the birds..
Firmware is another thing, but I won't rain on poor ol CB's happy owner Parade. rolleyes Garmin does a pretty good job of this on thier own, case in point, send us your brick, we will send a working unit. ???

Now since you like to call me out personally for some reason CB. KMA..

--
Using Android Based GPS.The above post and my sig reflects my own opinions, expressed for the purpose of informing or inspiring, not commanding. Naturally, you are free to reject or embrace whatever you read.

...

This really isn't rocket science. If you've never owned a 7x5 series of Garmin you really can't blame others for complaining.

You can try this test. Call Garmin's customer service hotline at anytime during this week (this is a necessary step in order to get a RMA # if you ever have a faulty unit). Let's see if any of you can talk to a real person within 30 minutes.

Also keep in mind that after nearly an hour of waiting on the line, setting up the return process, you have to pay your own shipping to return your broken GPS. For the next 2 weeks you live without a GPS, and after which you get a refurbished unit in the mail.

Now imagine doing this 3 times in a row. That's what happened to me because each refurbished unit Garmin sent me were broken as well.

--
Garmin 885T

Not true

rjrsw wrote:
cbwatts wrote:

Add me to the happy multiple-unit Garmin owners. Any problems, concerns have been quickly addressed by Garmin support staff.

I am totally amazed at how well the gps's work ... and, as an old database programmer, I can't believe how tight and extensive the programming is. A modern wonder of the world.

I imagine, however, that ol' Bo*D*e will rain on our happy owner parade at any moment.

At time, all the negative posts make me want to quit logging onto the factory.

I agree completely, have had virtually no problems with any of my three units. Any problem I did have has been fixed quickly with an update.

I had quit posting anything positive about Garmin because a couple of the people on this forum immediately jump on the posting as not being credible because it is coming from what they refer to as a "Garmin Fanboy".

No reason to quit posting, just be willing to take criticism, when you do. Not everyone agrees with your ideology or needs too.

--
Using Android Based GPS.The above post and my sig reflects my own opinions, expressed for the purpose of informing or inspiring, not commanding. Naturally, you are free to reject or embrace whatever you read.

Garmin Complaints

To you want to put it in some sort of perspective and if you assume that people mostly post complaints.... than I'd say that Garmin has the fewest amount of complaints compared to other Manufactureres.

You have to search all of the internet to pick out useful comments about Garmin and all the other Mfg and use your own judgement.

Also.... keep in mind that the forum sub-topic you are in right now is called "Garmin", so that is mainly the brand you will see being posted about here good or bad.

If you approach it with a "Lesser of Evils" attitude, than "MY" "Opinion" is that Garmin is the better of the brands out there. and "MY" "OPINION" is that TomTom is #2.

But before I get flamed.... note that I emphasized the words "MY OPINION".

Flash1818 is right

The original poster (Flash1818) started this thread, saying how satisfied he was with his Garmin.

Others chimed in.

I, too, am a satisfied owner of multiple Garmins ... but I opined that it was only a matter of time until the anti-Garmin thread cra*pers would hijack the thread.

I was right. It was only a matter of time. You can almost set your clock by the predictability of their anti-Garmin diatribes. (It's almost always the same two or three posters).

I'm not saying Garmin walks on water. Obviously they have some growing pains ... as does any company in this rapidly growing, rapidly changing gps industry.

Everything I own is subject to breaking, at any minute, from the lead in my pencil to my new rv.

It's not so much that things are subject to breaking that bothers me ... it's how the manufacturer and I deal with the problem.

However, like I said before ... there will always be whiners ... people who would rather complain about a product rather that be part of the fix.

And, if you have been on this website for any length of time ... you know the whiners' names.

I knew they would hijack Flash's thread with their negativity.

And they did.

It's getting old.

I don't log on here to read about of whining.

I log on here to collect, trade and perfect POI's.

--
Garmin 205, 260W, 1450LMT, 2460LMT, HEREwego for iPhone ... all still mapping strong.

Makes me wonder

It all makes me wonder what these whiners would have done several generations ago .... had they purchased a brand new wooden wagon wheel to start their cross country trip.

And, halfway through the wilderness, the darn wagon wheel broke.

Would they have sat in Missouri and complained constantly that their brand new wheel broke?

Probably sat out front of the local dry goods store and complained to everyone who went into the store how bad the manufacturer of their new wheel was ... and how the wagon wheel manufacturer isn't very responsive.

Yup, that's what the whiners would have done.

The true pioneers probably traveled with an extra wheel or two ... or maybe just bought a new one and continued on their trip.

--
Garmin 205, 260W, 1450LMT, 2460LMT, HEREwego for iPhone ... all still mapping strong.

765t

awkuan wrote:

It just depends if you end up with a good unit or not. I had the Nuvi 350/650/750 and never had a problem with them. Consequently I never posted much about them.

However, when I upgraded to the 765T that's when all hell broke loose. Had all kinds of problems with that unit. Returned it to Garmin twice and received 2 refurbished units that both had problems.

Garmin agreed to give me an upgrade to the 885T which I just received a few days ago. So far this unit has restarted by itself once and froze once. I'm going to use it for another week or so and see what happens. It's quite possible this one is a dud as well.

I am planning on upgrading to a 765t soon. I hope I don't have the same trouble that you did. I have the 650 now and never had a day of trouble.

B.B.B.

They would have created the b.b.b.

--
Nuvi 3790LMT, Nuvi 760 Lifetime map, Lifetime NavTraffic, Garmin E-Trex Legend Just because "Everyone" drives badly does not mean you have to.

765T works great!

bsp131 wrote:

I am planning on upgrading to a 765t soon. I hope I don't have the same trouble that you did. I have the 650 now and never had a day of trouble.

I bought a 765T on July 3. Came with firmware v3.60 and the new maps (NT2010.10). Not a lick of trouble, and I'm impressed with all the features it offers. My wife got my old c340, but after a couple of trips with the nuvi, she's talking about how tired her StreetPilot looks...

--
Garmin 765T...Is it about the destination, or is it about the journey?

CB

Perhaps your last post wasn't intended to start a flame war, but from tracking your posts in some other threads I've noticed an association of belligerent attitude with many of your posts.

cbwatts wrote:

The original poster (Flash1818) started this thread, saying how satisfied he was with his Garmin.

Others chimed in.

Flash1818's original post wasn't simply a "I love my Garmin" type of thread, as you seem to suggest.
My summarization of of his post is he loves his Garmin, and also he doesn't understand why users complain about Garmins, as his unit seems to work perfectly.

cbwatts wrote:

I, too, am a satisfied owner of multiple Garmins ... but I opined that it was only a matter of time until the anti-Garmin thread cra*pers would hijack the thread.

I was right. It was only a matter of time. You can almost set your clock by the predictability of their anti-Garmin diatribes. (It's almost always the same two or three posters).

Whoa, whoa, whoa... hold your horses there. Perhaps you're imagining a little too much drama? Nobody is thread-crapping with anti-Garmin diatribes. In fact, everyone who posted is a current Garmin owner, some of whom have broken units.

cbwatts wrote:

I'm not saying Garmin walks on water. Obviously they have some growing pains ... as does any company in this rapidly growing, rapidly changing gps industry.

This has nothing to do with "growing pains" or "rapidly changing industry". Just because Garmin has its struggles doesn't mean users have to be satisfied with their broken $400 gps unit.

cbwatts wrote:

Everything I own is subject to breaking, at any minute, from the lead in my pencil to my new rv.

It's not so much that things are subject to breaking that bothers me ... it's how the manufacturer and I deal with the problem.

Yes, everything breaks. So you're proposing a better way to deal with the broken gps problems, and I'm willing to listen. I was curious about what your solution was so I scrolled up and saw your earlier post. Here you said:

cbwatts wrote:

Instead of constantly posting broadbased negative comments ... buy another darned model and get on with your life.

Life is a trip ... I, personally, won't hit the road without a Garmin ... in fact, I travel with two(2) Garmins (one hidden away, so that if someone steals my primary unit or I do something stupid like break it ... I'll have a back-up.

So your solutions are:
1. Throw away our broken $400 gps, cut our losses and buy a different brand.

2. Buy a second unit as a backup. When the first unit fails... voila, use the 2nd unit!

cbwatts wrote:

However, like I said before ... there will always be whiners ... people who would rather complain about a product rather that be part of the fix.

So what is the fix? I would love to be part of the fix. Are you part of the fix? Can I hand you my broken 765T and can you become part of the fix?

Unless you have a better idea, the best way for users with broken units to become "part of the fix" is to share their experience.

No, throwing away your broken gps unit and buying a new one is not being part of the fix. No, buying a second gps to backup the first one is not being part of the fix.

cbwatts wrote:

And, if you have been on this website for any length of time ... you know the whiners' names.

I knew they would hijack Flash's thread with their negativity.

And they did.

It's getting old.

So you go back to attacking other forum members who're having problems with their units. I checked your history. Been in the forum for over 2 years, that's pretty long right? So tell me, who are the whiner's names?

cbwatts wrote:

I don't log on here to read about of whining.

I log on here to collect, trade and perfect POI's.

I don't know why you log on here, but like I said earlier, a trace of your post history reveals an angry member who likes to pick fights. Stop it.

--
Garmin 885T

complaints

flash1818 wrote:

Just an observation: I'm new to the Factory, but so far I've noticed a lot of people complaining about Garmin, price,service, & quality. However, they all have them, I'm sorry I don't understand, I'm on my second unit & I think they do a great job & the service that Garmin has given me is great....apparently I'm wrong...By the way, so is this site...Great

Flash1818

That is the idea for forums like that to find solutions to problems, if you have any. That's why most of post will be complaints about software and hardware bugs.
Garmin got it's own irritating problems, but if you check other forums for other manufacturers it will be this same. People are looking for help when they have a problem not when everything works fine wink
But if you looking for only good posts about any kind of product you have to check manufacturer website wink Virtually never a negative comment there wink

About My Garmin

I have 3 unit 2 streetpoilts and a nuvi 765T I just got two weeks ago so for it froze up one time but another then that it works fine customer service always been good to me.

Had One Problem...

with my Nuvi 660. The unit would not sync with my phone. Left an email with Garmin and they replied with a "fix". Unfortunatley, it didn't work, I researched the web and found a fix. A few months later, the same problem. Fixed again. Broke again but this time the fix would not take. I gave the 660 to my wife and bought the 780. So far after two months (fingers crossed) no problems. Bottom line is that I'm not very confident with the tech support.

--
Bob: My toys: Nüvi 1390T, Droid X2, Nook Color (rooted), Motorola Xoom, Kindle 2, a Yo-Yo and a Slinky. Gotta have toys.

The only problem

I have had with Garmin is an occasional misspelling of a street name.

--
Not doing anything worth a darn.

You are welcomed to do a

You are welcomed to do a search on my posts both here and at one of the other popular forums. I am very positive overall of Garmin and now (and that's the catch - now) really like my 765T.

But there are legitimate complaints along with complaints that are made just to complain. I can't defend the software update track record. Virtually every new update is an adventure. It took several updates, and the terrific TTS Voice editor from Turboccc to now really like my 765T. I would have had to return it without being able to boost the voice volume using his programs.
And the early software, including software updates made the unit turn off,(Not talking about the last major problem that I do not completely blame Garmin for) and lose features. It took months of updates to get it working correctly. And many of us wish they would not add features to new units while at the same time take away other features.
The saving Grace, and to their credit, Garmin has been swift to address the update problems.

So my point is, yes, I think Garmin makes one of the best overall GPS units including some good features out there. But it is not all joy land.

Freeze up

I have the 885T for about a week now and it freezes up all the time. Garmin today told me to do a total reset and try it tomorrow and see what happens, if it still does it they said they will replace it.

A Griping Sailor

In my 22 years in the US Navy, I had several officers and chiefs tell me, "A griping sailor is a happy sailor." (I'm paraphrasing slightly). If everyone was truly unhappy, they would just quietly stop using their units and switch to another brand.

Also, you can post here if you have a problem and you're hoping for a solution. Chances are very high that you will get a helpful response from this forum.

Have had great service from

Have had great service from Garmin.

Like I posted in another area

more of my problems have been me myself and I.

--
John_nuvi_

Garmin praises

Just chiming in for the users that like the Garmins . . . sorry about users that have had problems and completely understand if your experience has been less than optimal. In my experience they have been fair and ethical in their dealings and that says a lot, whether you agree with their stance or not.

--
dja24 - garmin nuvi 200W, etrex vista, etrex vista Cx

A wooden wheel and a production line item??

cbwatts wrote:

It all makes me wonder what these whiners would have done several generations ago .... had they purchased a brand new wooden wagon wheel to start their cross country trip.

And, halfway through the wilderness, the darn wagon wheel broke.

Would they have sat in Missouri and complained constantly that their brand new wheel broke?

Probably sat out front of the local dry goods store and complained to everyone who went into the store how bad the manufacturer of their new wheel was ... and how the wagon wheel manufacturer isn't very responsive.

Yup, that's what the whiners would have done.

The true pioneers probably traveled with an extra wheel or two ... or maybe just bought a new one and continued on their trip.

Apples and Oranges Dude. Made by a single Black Smith @ 110 lbs, and production line Electronics. That's a ridiculous comparison. But here you go.

Packing Your Wagon

You are pioneer. You are traveling together to get to the Salt Lake Valley. However your funds are limited, and you still need supplies for the trip and for when you arrive in the valley. You have a total of 5 people in your group with $265.00 for supplies. Your wagon can only carry 1,100 lbs. Each member in your group needs to be given 25 lbs. for personal belongings (clothes, coats, . . .). These don't cost you any money but reduce the amount of weight left for supplies. Remember these are supplies that will help you on your journey and start your new life in the valley. You are responsible for both the money and pound for supplies. You can't spend or carry more than is available. GOOD LUCK!

Supplies

wagon
$50.00
------------

flour (1 barrel)
$15.00
100 lbs.

wheat (1 barrel)
$12.00
100 lbs.

sugar (1 barrel)
$19.00
90 lbs.

1 keg salt (seasoning and preservative)
$5.00
90 lbs.

1 water barrel with water
$8.00
95 lbs.

alcohol (medicine)
$5.00
5 lbs.

dried vegetables
$10.00
70 lbs.

yeast
$9.00
60 lbs.

seasonings
$16.00
30 lbs.

dried meat
$22.00
80 lbs.

grain (to eat and feed animals)
$12.00
100 lbs.

potatoes
$8.00
50 lbs.

1 cow (milk)
$25.00
---------------

1 horse
$30.00
---------------

1 ox (need as least 2)
$15.00
---------------

1 extra wheel
$20.00
110 lbs.

1 gun and ammunition
$6.00
10 lbs.

kitchen utensils (cooking, knives)
$5.00
20 lbs.

household tools (broom, pail . . .)
$7.00
20 lbs.

small farming tools (shovel, saw . . . )
$8.00
30 lbs.

nails
$8.00
5 lbs.

house decorations
-----------
60 lbs.

1 lantern and kerosene
$3.00
5 lbs.

bedding (for 1 person- 2 blankets)
$3.00
3 lbs.

seeds
$10.00
85 lbs.

tools to repair wagon
$6.00
20 lbs.

1 extra blanket
$2.00
1 lbs.

material and sewing equipment
$5.00
30 lbs.

soap
$2.00
5 lbs.

books and supplies (schooling)
-----------
50 lbs.

1 guitar
-----------
10 lbs.

wax (candles)
$2.00
8 lbs.

1 bed
$2.00
100 lbs.

I personally think the whiners of several generations ago(as you like to call them, I myself will just call them the Pioneers and very brave trail blazers, you do know the wagon trains had black smiths right?)they were smart enough to know the 110 lbs of a extra wheel would make them appear extremely anal, kinda like you carrying a extra GPS.

If the Blacksmith Made a bad wheel you could deal with him one one one, because he was traveling with you, when your $400. _ 600. dollar device bricks you complain in a forum where you have a voice, and hope they make corrections, However their last few series model lines have had problems with firmware and they have not made corrections to fix the problem from getting out the shipping door.

--
Using Android Based GPS.The above post and my sig reflects my own opinions, expressed for the purpose of informing or inspiring, not commanding. Naturally, you are free to reject or embrace whatever you read.

We've used Garmin for

We've used Garmin for several years now. We have a nuvi 350 and a 60CSx and both work great. I did notice when I plug to many poi's in the 350 it gets a tad cranky but I just stay under the number and all is well. We still use a Magellan 500 hand unit but I wouldn't touch a new version Triton for all the money in China. They are still buggy as all get out.

Complaint about Garmin support and service!

I would like to open my big mouth and badmouth Garmin for the support and service that I have experienced lately.

About a month back (in the evening) I got in touch with Garmin Tech Support (hereafter called "GST") via their web interface informing them that I could not power off my nüvi 680 by holding down the power button. I had to flip the antenna up and press the "Reset" button on the back of the unit.

The very next morning I found an email in my inbox informing me that I needed to ship the GPSr to Garmin and they would repair the unit Free Of Charge and the unit would be shipped back to me without cost, in 7 to 10 business days.

I shipped the GPSr to them a couple of days later (on a Thursday) and I received a refurbished unit the next Tuesday.

Tested the "new" 680 and could not find any faults. The Favorites were gone but otherwise everything worked.

Last week, I contacted GST again informing them that the information on my myGarmin page was not correct was it showed that I am still in possession of the 680 that was returned to them. Gave them the serial # and Unit ID of the replacement unit I was sent. Told them that I needed to download the map to my laptop for a trip.

Yesterday I received an email stating that the records had been corrected and that I could now download a map update. Went to garmin.com and logged on to check the details. There it was, my authorization to download the map.

Expecting that I would only be allowed to download the map (2009NA) that is loaded on the 680, I fired up the Download Manager. Boy, was I surprised when I saw that I was getting the 2010.10C map. Extracted the map to my laptop and am running the update to my 680 now.

I am VERY DISAPPOINTED with the level of support and service that Garmin has shown me and will categorically state that I WILL, when the time comes, be getting another Garmin unit. Have actually sent business their way by getting a 255W for my daughter when she and a girlfriend took a road trip from Virginia to California earlier this month.

PS! If you have had to send your unit in for repairs and have gotten a refurnished unit in return, register the new unit and request a map update authorization. Might just save you some money.

Not everyone . . .

has a positive experience.

I've had 3 occasions over the past 5 years to ship units back for repair and each has been a study in how not to service a client. You can read up on the history of my 276c at epinions if you are at all interested in just how badly they can mess up.

The latest products have been dumbed down to the point where they are almost non-configurable - but even so, they have all sorts of issues.

MOST people have no valid point of reference to base judgement on whether a product is good or not. If it replaces a piece of junk, then it certainly must be great. but if it replaces an amazingly competent and well crafted one it is junk - it is all amatter of perspwctive.

I've owned some of the best navigators ever made and perhaps that spoils me, but the reality is that if you don't know better, almost 'anything' is 'good enough'.

--
Currently have: SP3, GPSMAP 276c, Nuvi 760T, Nuvi 3790LMT, Zumo 660T

Wait... what are you complaining about?

huangj wrote:

The very next morning I found an email in my inbox informing me that I needed to ship the GPSr to Garmin

Garmin responded very quick.

huangj wrote:

and they would repair the unit Free Of Charge and the unit would be shipped back to me without cost, in 7 to 10 business days.

Nuvi 600 series should be out of warranty by now and they still support it at no charge.

huangj wrote:

I shipped the GPSr to them a couple of days later (on a Thursday) and I received a refurbished unit the next Tuesday.

Slow shipping on your part but Garmin shipped it back right away.

huangj wrote:

Boy, was I surprised when I saw that I was getting the 2010.10C map.

You get a newer map (if it's not the latest) at no charge. Others have to shell out at least 70 bucks for it. You're still not happy?

I don't get it.

Too Bad

The only problem with their service is the wait on the phone for a Customer Service Rep. Other then that, they have been great.

If you truly want bad Customer Service, get a Magellan and try talking to India.

--
Nuvi 765T, Nuvi 2350LMT

I think he has a valid complaint.

I think that if you reread huangj's post over a couple more times you will get the jest wink of what he is saying.

Garmin

Garmin is great and I have never had any problems with them.

--
"If winning isn't everything, why do they keep score" Lombardi

Garmin complaints...

I guess you can't really just call out one manufacturer on the table. In all reality every manufacturer has their issues. I do admittedly have a love/hate relationship of Garmin.

I love my Garmin because it does what I need it to do, but I hate the company because they don't support their product, don't have sufficient support, and are very limited on what kind of things you can do with a given model...

Would I give up my Garmin for another company? Maybe, but it would have to work exactly the same as my Nuvi 200, and I have yet to find any others like it... Does not mean that I would not mind having a couple features that other manufacturers have...

Happy Geocaching! smile

--
Living on the road was tough, living off the road is even tougher. To all my fellow drivers, keep the shiny side up, and watch out for the polar bears... Owner of Garmin Nuvi 200 / Tom Tom One 3rd Edition.

Pulling Your Leg -

chewbacca, I could be wrong but think he was pulling our legs. He sounds like a satisfied customer to me.

The only problem i have with

The only problem i have with Garmin is that they use us as final testers.

.

swstange wrote:

I think that if you reread huangj's post over a couple more times you will get the jest wink of what he is saying.

trigon wrote:

chewbacca, I could be wrong but think he was pulling our legs. He sounds like a satisfied customer to me.

Ummm yeah... I guess so.

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