AutoZone Sends Damaged Alternator, Stranding Customer's Paid-for Car for a Week and Enraging Mechanic

A technician vented his frustration on TikTok, criticizing AutoZone after a Hyundai alternator he ordered arrived cracked and damaged—despite the customer having already paid in full and the vehicle sitting idle for days awaiting repairs. In the video, after unwrapping multiple layers of packaging, he revealed the part was "completely split open," sarcastically adding, "Gotta thank AutoZone for this!" Many commenters echoed his criticism, citing declining quality control at AutoZone in recent years, while others suggested the damage might have occurred during shipping. According to AutoZone’s policy, parts damaged in transit can be replaced free of charge, but customers must follow the proper return procedure. This incident follows previous consumer complaints about the company selling parts missing critical components or with incorrect dimensions, leading to vehicle malfunctions and even safety hazards. AutoZone has not yet responded to this latest issue.