What clients say about Norm's Auto Body & Repair in Walker (MN)
I booked an appointment in early December for Friday, January 2nd. I guess over the holidays, they made the decision to only be open Monday through Thursday starting the first of this year.
Well, I showed up about a quarter to eight on Friday, January 2nd to discover a sign on the door announcing they are no longer open on Fridays.
When I booked the appointment, I gave my name and phone number.
I did not receive any notification that they would not be honoring my appointment.
Bad form and very disappointing.
Obviously, I have taken my business elsewhere…
Brought my vehicle in for an oil change before work (was planning on getting a ride and picking it up after work). They called me on my lunch break to let me know a truck dropping off tires had backed into my vehicle. They had to replace the bumper which kept my vehicle at the shop 2-3 extra days. I live in Walker by myself with no extra vehicle to drive so it was quite an inconvenience considering I have a commute to work. They fixed it for free but I still had to pay full price for the oil change. Would not recommend unless you want to have additional unintended work done. Highly disappointed.
Disappointed with the Service and Follow-Up - vacationers beware!
I typically avoid leaving negative reviews, especially for small, family-run businesses. However, after reading some of the other reviews and reflecting on my own experience with Norm’s Auto Body, I felt compelled to share my story—particularly for those visiting or passing through Walker, MN, who may need vehicle repairs.
When I first contacted Norm’s, they were friendly and accommodating, offering to take a look at my vehicle right away. I was told confidently, “No problem — we can have this turned around in a few days.” Unfortunately, the repair (a water pump replacement) was completed three days later than promised due to “unforeseen issues" and part availability.
I trusted that the work had been done properly and that quality parts were used. However, about 45 minutes outside of Walker, I noticed issues with the air conditioning — specifically, a sensor that hadn’t been replaced. When I called Norm’s, I was told, “Nothing we worked on would have caused this.” But once I reached Minneapolis, a mechanic confirmed it was indeed related to the work done at Norm’s.
To their credit, Norm’s initially offered to split the cost of the Minneapolis repair, which I appreciated, though it didn’t fully resolve the situation. Then, about 55 days later, I discovered coolant leaking again. A local mechanic confirmed the water pump used in the original replacement was bad and needed to be replaced — again.
When I contacted Norm’s to discuss the issue, I was met with a dismissive response from Mike: “You’re from out of town, not sure what you want me to do. I’m washing my hands of this. Best of luck to you.” Then he hung up.
What’s most frustrating is that their workmanship receipt clearly states a 90-day warranty on parts and labor — a promise that apparently doesn’t apply if you’re not a local customer.
If you're in need of vehicle repairs while in the Walker, MN area, I’d recommend looking elsewhere. It’s disappointing to have this kind of experience, especially with a family-run business that initially seemed so welcoming.
Both Chris in the body shop and Mike in the repair shop are easy to work with and helpful. They provided timely and reasonable service each time I have been there, so I will keep going back!
We have used Norm's Auto Body numerous times. Vehicle repairs, maintenance and new tires on multiple cars. They have always been fantastic to deal with. Chris is great at what he does!!!
Was on vacation from out of town-stopped in with a dragging splash shield (another shop broke the clips) They got me right in and back on the road. Very helpful and professional. Thank you!
If I could rate ZERO/NEGATIVE stars I would but this app won't allow that! One of the WORST PLACES to take your vehicle. The service is absolutely trash!!! VERY POOR communication, THE WORST customer service and AWFUL tactics in place at this chop shop. If you want to be MISTREATED, DISRESPECTED, MISHANDLED, INCONVENIENCED, TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF, AND DEAL WITH LYING CORRUPT STAFF then this is the chop shop for you. They bid a job to replace an idle pulley. Original bid was for serval hours maybe five(ridiculous), told me to "bring it in Monday we'll get it done". After they got my vehicle they held it hostage for nearly a month!!! They kept "finding" other things to fix that DID NOT need fixing. They added part after part, hour after hour EXTRA on top of the original bid and when they finally jacked up the bill enough to their liking they said the vehicle was ready. Only they wouldn't release my vehicle to me, which was completely PAID for because some petty manager Mike and some equally petty receptionist took it upon themselves to hold my vehicle over the weekend because they didn't appreciate hearing my frustration and irritatation about how they mishandled my simple repair. No professionalism at all, just petty people exercising their ill will and hatefulness on others because it is the only time they can. They called me with 17 MINUTES before closing on Friday to tell me my vehicle was ready and after I got a ride and got to their chop shop before they had left they would not release my vehicle and did it with a smile and taunting just because they believed they could. Very unprofessional, VERY entitled and EXTREMELY PETTY! I WILL NEVER MAKE THE MISTAKE OF TAKING ANYTHING TO NORM'S AGAIN.
Mr. Tire in Brainerd is superior in EVERYWAY. Mr. Tire has great service, better pricing, great communication, fair estimates that they stick to, fast and on time service, free inspection/estimates, they are respectful, professional and they treat you like a valued customer. They won't lie to you or about you, they don't act like they are better than you and they don't take advantage of you by jacking up your bill. They do everything the way it should be done at a legitimate business.
My rating Is to what this place was! However a big Thank you Mike! Thanks for better communication between us! I appreciate it and the effort put forth so far! It's nice to feel like a customer again and not a inconvenience!
We hit a deer while visiting Walker and came to Norm's to assess the damage.
Free of charge, he took his time to inspect it.
Norm's seems like an honest and knowledgeable shop.
Norm's did a great job, our daughter lives out of town and was being told so many things were wrong with her car - we brought it back to her hometown and to our hometown place, Norm's. Used them for years. They went over the car 100% - fixed what needed fixing and confirmed the rest was good and they were trying to scam her. Thank you for fitting us in and fixing it up!!!!
Had a flat tire, 3 hours north of home. Norms offered to help me out after another shop said they couldn’t fit me in. They patched up the tire within an hour and had me back on the road so we could enjoy the rest of our time in Walker. Thank you!
I was in desperate need of an alignment, at least, after missing a deer but landing in a ditch. I'm driving from Colorado so I needed to make sure it was only the alignment and nothing else. They got me in the same day and my truck was done within a couple hours. I was able to make it home with no issues. THANK YOU!
In & out within 1 hour. Problem address and fixed properly. Receptionist prompt and service manager Cris was available for my concerns and added questions about continued care.
Chris at Norm's Auto Body was very friendly, personable and helpful. We were 7 hours from home on vacation at Leech Lake, when I hit a deer causing a lot of damage to the front of my pickup. Stopped at Norm's to see if they could help me pull out the bumper so it would no longer rub on the tire and I could get the pickup home safely. Chris had one of the techs pull out the bumper and they made sure the pickup was safe to drive. I highly recommend people use this location it they are in need of anything auto body related, wether it is something small or big. The professionalism and customer service here definitely exceeded my expectations!
Can't say enough about how helpful they were. We broke down on a Friday afternoon a long way from home. They stayed late to diagnose the problem and gave us a loaner to use over the weekend. Despite being booked solid, they squeezed us in on Monday and got us back on the road. Repair was effective and affordable. Awesome example of Midwestern hospitality and service. Thanks so very much for taking care of a family in need.
Went for new battery and oil change. Prices are fair, service was fantastic and friendly. Thanks guys!! It's great to have a good honest place to get your vehicle serviced in Walker MN.
Norm's knowledgeable and experienced technicians always do the best work on my SUV. I am extremely confident in their diagnoses and repair. Ken takes vey good care of me and my Highlander. I highly recommend Norm's Auto for your automotive repairs. Norm's is the best value around.
Kelly Jackson
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