Does Firestone hire felons?

Firestone hires some people with records, but it's one of the stricter auto chains. It's corporate-owned by Bridgestone and runs state and national background checks; multiple employees report felonies are a significant barrier, with older non-theft records having the best chance.

What disqualifies you from working at Firestone?

Theft-related convictions are the hardest to overcome because technicians and advisors handle cash and customer vehicles. Recent and violent felonies also draw heavy scrutiny. Older, minor, non-theft records are the most likely to be considered.

Does Firestone drug test?

Yes. Employment at Firestone is contingent on completing any required drug screening in addition to the background check.

Does Firestone Complete Auto Care Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-07-12

Rarely

Firestone is corporate-owned by Bridgestone and runs thorough state and national background checks. Multiple current and former hiring managers report felonies are a de facto barrier here regardless of age or type of offense, though older, non-theft, non-violent records are occasionally considered case-by-case in fair-chance states, which the law requires.

Firestone Complete Auto Care is one of the tougher auto-service chains for people with felony records, but it is not an automatic no. Unlike its franchise-based competitors, Firestone is corporate-owned — it's operated by Bridgestone Retail Operations, which runs more than 2,200 company-owned stores and employs over 22,000 people across brands like Firestone, Tires Plus, and Wheel Works. Every job offer is contingent on passing a background check that includes both state and national criminal searches, plus a drug screen. Multiple current and former employees, including hiring managers, report that felony convictions are a serious obstacle, with some saying they could not get applicants with records hired regardless of how old the offense was. That said, Firestone is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and in states with fair-chance (ban-the-box) laws it must weigh records individually rather than reject automatically. Applicants with older, non-theft, non-violent records and clear evidence of rehabilitation have the best chance. Franchise-based shops like Jiffy Lube or independent garages are often more accessible.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
Tire / Maintenance Technician (entry)	Difficult	Yes — state + national check	Entry-level. Tires, oil, basic maintenance. Best chance for older or minor non-theft records.
Automotive Technician / Mechanic	Case-by-case	Yes — state + national check	Skilled ASE-track repair role. Experience helps, but felonies are still reviewed closely.
Sales / Service Advisor	Difficult	Yes — state + national check	Handles cash and sales. Theft-related records rarely clear for this role.
Store Manager	Rarely	Yes — comprehensive check	Runs the store; controls cash, deposits, and keys. Strong scrutiny of any record.

Firestone Hiring Practices

Firestone Complete Auto Care is corporate-owned, not franchised — it's part of Bridgestone Retail Operations, which runs more than 2,200 company stores nationwide. That centralized structure means one HR policy applies everywhere, and it is stricter than the franchise-run competition. Every offer is contingent on a background check covering both state and national criminal records plus a drug screen. Multiple employees and former hiring managers report on Indeed and Glassdoor that felonies are a significant barrier, with some saying they were unable to get qualified applicants hired because of records, even decades-old ones. At the same time, Firestone is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and in the growing number of states and cities with fair-chance (ban-the-box) laws, it is legally required to consider convictions individually — weighing the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and its relevance to the job — rather than applying an automatic ban.

Tips for Improving Your Chances at Firestone

Be realistic: Firestone is harder than franchise oil-change shops, so treat it as one application among several rather than your only plan. Your best shot is the entry-level tire and maintenance technician role, especially if your record is older, non-theft, and non-violent. Lead with automotive skills and any ASE certifications — Firestone covers ASE certification costs and values technical ability. Be honest up front; the state and national check is thorough, and an undisclosed conviction that surfaces later is worse than one you explained. If you're in a fair-chance state, know that the employer must give individualized consideration and, in many places, cannot ask about records until later in the process. Keep documentation of rehabilitation — certificates, references, and a clean recent history — ready to share. In the meantime, apply at franchise competitors and independent garages, which are frequently more open.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Apply for the entry-level tire and maintenance technician role — your best shot if hired at all.
2.Lead with automotive skills and any ASE certifications; Firestone values and pays for them.
3.Be honest up front — the background check covers both state and national records.
4.Older, non-theft, non-violent records have the best chance of clearing.
5.In fair-chance states, the employer must consider your record individually, not reject automatically.
6.Apply at franchise shops (Jiffy Lube, Midas) and independent garages too — they're often more accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Firestone hire felons?: Firestone hires some people with records, but it's one of the stricter auto chains. It's corporate-owned by Bridgestone and runs state and national background checks; multiple employees report felonies are a significant barrier, with older non-theft records having the best chance.
Does Firestone do background checks?: Yes. Every job offer at Firestone is contingent on passing a background check that includes both state and national criminal searches, plus a drug screen.
What disqualifies you from working at Firestone?: Theft-related convictions are the hardest to overcome because technicians and advisors handle cash and customer vehicles. Recent and violent felonies also draw heavy scrutiny. Older, minor, non-theft records are the most likely to be considered.
Does Firestone drug test?: Yes. Employment at Firestone is contingent on completing any required drug screening in addition to the background check.
Is Firestone a franchise?: No. Firestone Complete Auto Care is corporate-owned by Bridgestone Retail Operations, which runs more than 2,200 company stores. Hiring follows one centralized policy rather than being set by local owners.

Take Action — Direct Links

Firestone Complete Auto Care Careers
Search and apply for technician, advisor, and management positions at Firestone.
National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Company hiring policies change frequently and may vary by location, franchise, or position. Always confirm the current policy with the hiring manager or HR representative. A background check does not automatically disqualify you — you have rights under the EEOC guidelines and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).