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Steve Nguyen
Aug 15, 2026
I came to the store on August 15, 2026, at around 6:25 PM and asked a staff member named John to help me choose engine oil and an oil filter for my vehicle.
From the beginning, I felt that John was giving me an attitude. He asked for my vehicle model so he could enter it into the computer, and although he eventually told me what type of oil and oil filter I needed, he did not tell me which brands were available or recommended.
I then asked whether there was a discount if I purchased both the oil and oil filter. He paused for several seconds. I asked again about the deal, and he said it depended on which brand I chose. I asked him to show me the available deals, but again, he paused for several seconds.
At that point, I asked him, “Is everything okay? You look tired and sleepy.”
His response was that he was trying to understand what I was saying because of my accent.
That comment was extremely disappointing and uncomfortable. I understand that I have an accent, but I have lived and communicated in the U.S. for years, and my English is more than understandable for everyday communication. If he genuinely had difficulty understanding me, I would have appreciated him simply asking me to repeat myself or explaining what he needed. Instead, his comment made me feel like my accent, and ultimately my background, was being treated as a problem.
What made the experience even more disappointing is that I had previously visited this same AutoZone to purchase oil and an oil filter for another vehicle. The employee who helped me that time was friendly, patient, and genuinely helpful. He showed me the different deals and even recommended the right type of oil for my high-mileage vehicle. That was the kind of customer service I expected when I came back.
I don’t know what I did wrong this time. I only came in to buy oil and an oil filter and ask a few simple questions. I should not have to feel uncomfortable or unwelcome because I speak with an accent.
I ultimately walked away without purchasing anything. Unfortunately, after this experience, I will not be returning to this AutoZone.
I hope management takes this feedback seriously. Customers come from all kinds of backgrounds and speak with different accents. We all deserve to be treated with the same patience, professionalism, and respect.