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Many car repairs are worth making when they go smoothly. But what if you drive your car away from the mechanic and find the repair hasn’t been done correctly—or hasn’t been done all? Thankfully, most mechanics are thorough and professional, and unpleasant instances are the exception rather than the norm. But it’s important to know what steps to take if you find yourself in a bad situation. So, what to do if your auto repair goes wrong?
There are a number of steps that you can take prior and post the incident. Let’s first briefly talk about what preventative measure you can take.
- You can research on the internet about the problem and possible fixes. study what others paid for the similar task, for the similar model.
- You can get competitive quotes from other mechanics/garages/shops
- You can get an extended auto warranty, so that repair costs are covered
Late addition: If you want to feel about some of the mental stress a car problem can induce, read the comments below. When you have a family to take care, a job to attend to, you can’t do without a working car. Dealers and mechanics often take advantage of our situation.
Most of us don’t know the mechanical details of our cars. We never know if the replacement part is of good quality and not brought online from some shop in China. No wonder that most mechanical problems in an old car start within a few days of servicing or repair.
I feel helpless every time I am handed a fat bill for a simple repair. Hope this article can answer some of your plights. And let me repeat again, the comments have added great value to this article and very helpful to tell you what you should do when you feel helpless. Do read the comments.
Now let’s see what are options post the wrong repair incident
What to do when auto repair goes wrong
First thing first, do not refuse payment. As per mechanics lien, if you refuse to make a payment, the mechanic may not return your car. Pay the agreed upon price and then try to work with your options. If you need help covering the cost, look into financial services like car registration loans for financing.
Often it’s difficult to prove a mechanic’s fault. But try all your options. after all, it’s your money and your car, with your family’s safety attached to it. Take details about the repair work in writing, that’s the first step. State law requires repair shops to disclose all the details about the work done on your car.
Talk to your mechanic
Sometimes a simple oversight or honest mistake can lead to a faulty repair. If you’re unsatisfied with the work your mechanic has done, it’s important not to rush to conclusions. Return to the car repair shop, asks to speak to the mechanic and explain the situation.
Tell him what the initial issue was, what you expected from the transaction and why you’re not satisfied. Most issues can be resolved by reasoning with the mechanic and be working toward a solution. Ideally, an understanding will be reached and the automobile repair will be done properly and at no extra charge.
If, after discussing the situation with your mechanic, there is still a disagreement, then it’s time to explore other options.
(Related – Save money on car rental)
Determine your next move
What you should do next depends on where the repair was done. Your options will vary slightly for each type of automotive service center: a small, private garage; a chain shop; or a car dealership.
- Small, private garages: Unfortunately, you have the fewest options for this type of car repair shop if your repair wasn’t completed to your satisfaction. You may be able to speak with the owner or manager of the shop, but in a small garage, it’s likely the owner repaired your car. If you can’t reach an agreement, determine whether you want to eat the loss or take legal action.
- Chain garages: You have a few more options if your vehicle was serviced at a chain shop. Automobile repairs at a chain garage will generally be more expensive than at a mom and pop car repair shop, but that extra expense means the company can afford to employ customer service representatives. If you have an issue with a repair, speak to the manager of the garage. If an agreement still can’t be reached, escalate the issue to the corporate office. The outcome depends heavily on your situation, but many corporations are willing to concede the cost of a repair in the interest of preserving good customer relations.
- Dealerships: Your options at a dealership are similar to chain car repair shops. Since dealerships are often affiliated with a larger corporate entity, you’ll have additional customer service options. Follow the chain of command from the mechanic to the manager to the owner to corporate headquarters, if necessary, to resolve your issue.
Negotiation tip: Due to the rise in the popularity of social media, ‘Twitter’ has become an effective customer service tool. There are several documented instances of dissatisfied customers reaching out to a company’s Twitter account and getting resolution.
The potential reach and impact of one negative tweet have created a huge incentive for companies to rectify customer dissatisfaction quickly and publicly. If the company or garage doesn’t have a Twitter account (or even if they do), you can leverage the same idea by informing your mechanic that you’ll report the unsatisfactory work to sites like the Better Business Bureau or angieslist.com.
Consider taking legal action
This option should be considered only as a last resort. Suing for damages in small claims court can be an expensive and lengthy process. Laws surrounding vehicle repairs vary by state, so visit your state’s website or call the attorney general’s office to discuss your options regarding “lemon laws” and other applicable legislation.
If you decide that seeking damages in court is the best option, contact small claims lawyers to compare legal fee estimates. Try to find an attorney that accepts payment only if you win your case or better still, will add legal fees and court costs to the settlement amount.
If you have automobile insurance coverage and the initial damage to your car is covered, you may be able to avoid dealing with the mechanic directly. Contact your insurance agent and let him or her know the repair was not done correctly, and the insurance company may work to resolve the problem on its end.
We should never give up. We should fight for our rights and get the best service/product we deserve. You can also approach the parent company (AAA for example) to which the local garage is affiliated.
At last, You can always approach small claims court in case the financial damage far exceed your tolerance limit.
Determine if your car is a lemon
Rarely we think of this option. But despite their best efforts, a mechanic might not be able to fix the problem with your car. Often this is due to a manufacturing defect.
You might have a lemon. Read about lemon law in your state. And take appropriate action. It’s still bearable to lose $200 but if you spent a bigger amount of money without a help, you should check this option as well.
Protect your money with Auto warranty
Often, not always, an auto warranty protect us from bad repairs and related cost increases. We use Extended Auto Warranty. In my previous Hyundai Elantra, a lot of repairs were paid mostly by them.
I haven’t used them for our new cars yet. When we do need them I know some of the money can be saved and we will not be entirely upon mechanic’s mercy. Direct Auto Warranty is another provider with a good reputation.
Readers, did you ever face a scenario when your car servicing was not up to the mark and you were required to take action? Share your experience with us.
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2. Readers, I do most of the repair on our cars. We drive a BMW 528i and a Toyota Camry. I do DIY fixes for my cars. I love it! I buy parts online, it’s cheapest as well. I always get discounts at the Advanced auto parts store. Upon request, they have given me a special discount coupon for my blog readers. Here’s the link to redeem this coupon. Save $30 off Purchases of $75 or more at AdvanceAutoParts.com with code BIG30!.
Check the prices over there, even without the discount, prices are cheaper than local garage prices. And about the stock, they are a big warehouse so anything is available there.
Just for an example, last month I changed batteries on my BMW, I paid less than $200 including shipping. I was quoted $532 at nearest BMW dealer and a local garage quoted $450 flat rate. DIY is the way to go, for you vehicle’s health. And, real men enjoy DIY stuff, isn’t it?
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It seems like every time I go to an auto mechanic to get something fixed, something else always goes wrong shortly after. I still haven’t figured out if it’s just a weird coincidence or if they actually sabatoge something to get more business.
I get that feeling too whenever somebody works on my car even if it’s just for oil change…maybe I’m a little paranoid but I’ve learn never to go to dealer or PepBoys. A trusty family or local mechanic is good enough
now…..but mostly I want say i am so happy. Dr Mack was a great helper when i my Husband broke apart from me but he later came back after i used the service of Dr_Mack@ yahoo. com.)
(Thank you so much for saving my marriage.)
Dealership service center offered half of lump sum charged me for a rear seal repair 3100.21 days later car oil light came on.reinspected elsewhere found bad pcv hose and valve to late motor ruined.dealer offered half money back or just to install knew motor if I brought motor.blamed problem on mileage and the fact I just purchased it eight months ago.dealership inspected motor before diagnosing rear seal repair and documented good motor.they need to buy knew motor.filed in small claims for knew motor and damages for loss of vehicle.
Unfortunately my last repair went wrong and the mechanic was…. me! I did a whole podcast episode and some follow up videos about it. What a pain. Still fixing it. I knew what I was doing for the most part but encountered some complications and now I’m regretting not having a mechanic do it.
Don’t worry we all do mistakes and mistakes makes us wiser.
that;s why I leaned how to do most of my repairs I also recommend getting the factory manual for your vehicle. then if you make a goof up you;ll lean how to do it the right way.tools pay for them selvies I have plenty
I didn’t know you can resolve problems via twitter. I have not heard this until now. I may try it out later if I am ever in that situation.
Actually Dale is talking about using social media to lodge your complaints, if that’s at all possible for you. Big dealerships do offer customer servicing through social media.
Before you even walk into the garage, have an idea of what is actually wrong. Try searching for the problem on Google. I can honestly say that I saved almost $400 this month by doing that.
The wife’s car has having issues with the instrument panel, we took it into the dealership and they replaced the part. Two months later, same problem, but now we’re out of warranty. Dealership wanted $400 to repair it this time. A google search showed the problem was faulty soldering. My brother repaired it for $10 worth of stuff at Radio Shack.
Incredible story. I see my neighbors fix their own cars. Often you can watch the videos on Youtube and do certain things to save money from draining.
I had my car repaired after a wreck (hit a deer) the repairs were poorly done and I had to take the car back, the second repairs were also done poorly, what are my options, I talked with my insurance company. I feel part of the problem is the origial estimate was too low. Nothing is going right and if I go back to the same garage I feel the same situation is going to happen.
Does anyone know what my insurance company is obligated to do. Am I just out of luck?
As the article mentioned, small private garages would give you fewer options. You can’t anything apart from applying for additional insurance money for repair. If you’re refused you can file a good faith law suit.
I had to send my 1995 Nissan Pathfinder off to the junkyard after trusting Sears Auto Center to replace a couple tires from the full set I purchased a year or so prior. They failed me in every possible way they could have. They first accepted responsibility, well the district manager did in a recorded phone call and later denied he ever accepted responsibility for the installation of incompatible tires.
I let their 3rd party claims admin take me on a wild goose chase for 6 + months only to deny the claim solely because their 3rd party expert determined that the MFG’d printed statement warning that replacement of less than 4 tires at any time will cause transmission damage & other 4wd component damage! I had 2 transmission repair shops (Cottmans and a small business) provide estimates and they both in writing stated the mixed tire types, brands and tread depth differences cause the damage to my transmission.
I have so much evidence that shows additional negligence and liability for an accident that has ridden me with a numb leg, then the unnecessary replacement of swaybar links on another vehicle (still have removed “dangerously worn out” links), then the faulty tire replacement….. it makes me furious that these corporate clowns could have such a lack of concern for fellow humans. I am also sad to see that this Fortune 500 company will soon lose its place in that category due to their sudden loss for customer service which is what they built their reputation and success off from to begin with.
SO, I DECIDED TO MAKE A WEBSITE THAT WILL ALLOW ME TO SHARE MY STORY AND THE PICTURES, ORIGINAL INVOICES SHOWING THE VEHICLE AND THE INSTALLATION OF LESS THAN 4 TIRES BESIDE A COPY OF THE WARNING FROM NISSAN AND THE STORES OWN POLICY…. I WILL UPLOAD ALL THE PERTINENT RECORDED PHONE CALLS AND THEN I WILL WAIT A COUPLE MONTHS AND IF I DONT RECEIVE COMPENSATION…. WELL, THEN I WILL FILE THREE SEPARATE LAWSUITS IN FEDERAL COURT, THREE IN NC AND MAYBE ADDITIONAL NEGLIGENCE SUITS AND I WILL SEEK PUNITIVE DAMAGES AS THE CONDUCT OF THIS CORPORATION IS TRULY SHAMEFUL.
IF I WIN, I WILL DONATE EVERY DOLLAR THAT EXCEEDS MY ACTUAL LOSS; TO A LAW FIRM THAT WILL REPRESENT EVERY CLIENT WITH A SHOT AT WINNING THEIR CASE AGAINST A MECHANIC WHO BREACHED THEIR DUTY TO THE CUSTOMER FOR A SET FEE, OF $1,000 OR SOMETHING…. (THAT’S ALL I CAN AFFORD BEFORE TAKING OUT A LOAN) AS MY PURPOSE IS TO RECOVER WHAT SEARS HAD WRONGFULLY CAUSED ME TO LOSE. I PREFER TO WORK WITH MY HANDS FOR A LIVING (NOT TYPING LIKE I HAVE FEEL I DO FOR A LIVING LATELY… LOL)
ITS REALLY JUST A MATTER OF LOOKING AT THE NISSAN LITERATURE THAT WARNS ABOUT THE DAMAGE MIXED TIRES WILL CAUSE ON MY MODEL 4WD NISSAN AND ALL THEIR OTHER 4WD VEHICLES AND THEN SEEING THAT SEARS CHARGED ME TO INSTALL 2 INCOMPATIBLE TIRES WHICH IGNORES NISSANS WARNING, THE SEARS AUTO CENTER POLICY ON 4WD TIRE INSTALL IN SETS OF 4 TIRES ONLY AND REGARDLESS OF SITUATION (EXCEPT WHEN THEY WILL SAVE FROM HAVING TO EAT THE COST OF 2 OR 3 ADDITIONAL TIRES WHEN A 4X4 COVERED BY THE EXTRA ROAD HAZARD WARRANTY HAS A NON-REPAIRABLE DAMAGED TIRE).
MY 8 YR OLD SON EVEN SAID “WELL DAD, DUH, JUST SUE THEM; THEY CAN’T DO THAT TO PEOPLE THAT DON’T KNOW ABOUT TIRES AND CAR STUFF!” AND HE IS ABSOLUTELY CORRECT, THEY CAN’T DO IT AND GET AWAY WITH IT; I JUST DON’T HAVE THE ENERGY TO SUE THEM AT THE MOMENT AS I AM A FULL-TIME PARENT OF 2 BOYS AND A FULL-TIME COLLEGE STUDENT……
FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME AT [email protected]
THANKS ALOT,
MARK G
WILMINGTON NC
I had to send my 1995 Nissan Pathfinder off to the junkyard after trusting Sears Auto Center to replace a couple tires from the full set I purchased a year or so prior. They failed me in every possible way they could have. They first accepted responsibility, well the district manager did in a recorded phone call and later denied he ever accepted responsibility for the installation of incompatible tires.
I let their 3rd party claims admin take me on a wild goose chase for 6 + months only to deny the claim solely because their 3rd party expert determined that the MFG’d printed statement warning that replacement of less than 4 tires at any time will cause transmission damage & other 4wd component damage! I had 2 transmission repair shops (Cottmans and a small business) provide estimates and they both in writing stated the mixed tire types, brands and tread depth differences cause the damage to my transmission.
I have so much evidence that shows additional negligence and liability for an accident that has ridden me with a numb leg, then the unnecessary replacement of swaybar links on another vehicle (still have removed “dangerously worn out” links), then the faulty tire replacement….. it makes me furious that these corporate clowns could have such a lack of concern for fellow humans. I am also sad to see that this Fortune 500 company will soon lose its place in that category due to their sudden loss for customer service which is what they built their reputation and success off from to begin with.
SO, I DECIDED TO MAKE A WEBSITE THAT WILL ALLOW ME TO SHARE MY STORY AND THE PICTURES, ORIGINAL INVOICES SHOWING THE VEHICLE AND THE INSTALLATION OF LESS THAN 4 TIRES BESIDE A COPY OF THE WARNING FROM NISSAN AND THE STORES OWN POLICY…. I WILL UPLOAD ALL THE PERTINENT RECORDED PHONE CALLS AND THEN I WILL WAIT A COUPLE MONTHS AND IF I DONT RECEIVE COMPENSATION…. WELL, THEN I WILL FILE THREE SEPARATE LAWSUITS IN FEDERAL COURT, THREE IN NC AND MAYBE ADDITIONAL NEGLIGENCE SUITS AND I WILL SEEK PUNITIVE DAMAGES AS THE CONDUCT OF THIS CORPORATION IS TRULY SHAMEFUL.
IF I WIN, I WILL DONATE EVERY DOLLAR THAT EXCEEDS MY ACTUAL LOSS; TO A LAW FIRM THAT WILL REPRESENT EVERY CLIENT WITH A SHOT AT WINNING THEIR CASE AGAINST A MECHANIC WHO BREACHED THEIR DUTY TO THE CUSTOMER FOR A SET FEE, OF $1,000 OR SOMETHING…. (THAT’S ALL I CAN AFFORD BEFORE TAKING OUT A LOAN) AS MY PURPOSE IS TO RECOVER WHAT SEARS HAD WRONGFULLY CAUSED ME TO LOSE. I PREFER TO WORK WITH MY HANDS FOR A LIVING (NOT TYPING LIKE I HAVE FEEL I DO FOR A LIVING LATELY… LOL)
ITS REALLY JUST A MATTER OF LOOKING AT THE NISSAN LITERATURE THAT WARNS ABOUT THE DAMAGE MIXED TIRES WILL CAUSE ON MY MODEL 4WD NISSAN AND ALL THEIR OTHER 4WD VEHICLES AND THEN SEEING THAT SEARS CHARGED ME TO INSTALL 2 INCOMPATIBLE TIRES WHICH IGNORES NISSANS WARNING, THE SEARS AUTO CENTER POLICY ON 4WD TIRE INSTALL IN SETS OF 4 TIRES ONLY AND REGARDLESS OF SITUATION (EXCEPT WHEN THEY WILL SAVE FROM HAVING TO EAT THE COST OF 2 OR 3 ADDITIONAL TIRES WHEN A 4X4 COVERED BY THE EXTRA ROAD HAZARD WARRANTY HAS A NON-REPAIRABLE DAMAGED TIRE).
MY 8 YR OLD SON EVEN SAID “WELL DAD, DUH, JUST SUE THEM; THEY CAN’T DO THAT TO PEOPLE THAT DON’T KNOW ABOUT TIRES AND CAR STUFF!” AND HE IS ABSOLUTELY CORRECT, THEY CAN’T DO IT AND GET AWAY WITH IT; I JUST DON’T HAVE THE ENERGY TO SUE THEM AT THE MOMENT AS I AM A FULL-TIME PARENT OF 2 BOYS AND A FULL-TIME COLLEGE STUDENT……
FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME AT [email protected]
THANKS A LOT,
MARK G
WILMINGTON NC
the same thing happened to me at a sears auto and they admitted the damage to transmission on my 4wd was caused by their failure to replace all four tires when they no longer could order the matching replacements.
Did you get your money back or compensated otherwise, would appreciate if you share your experience with us. How did they admit? Were too much pressure applied to them? Or it’s their customer service only.
Hi,
My Nissan Pathfinder started losing power and then stopped running. I had a tow truck bring the car to a local shop. I asked them to do a diagnostic on it to see what was wrong. I was never shown a printout of codes or an estimate. He said it was the sensor that would cost 75.00 plus 110.oo in labor. So after 2 days he calls and says that the auto store sent the wrong part. So we waiting over the weekend till Monday for him to get the correct one. After he supposingly installs it he tells us that the sensor wasn’t the problem. Now we wait a few more days, now he is up to 400.00. he says its the timing belt . so he supposingly works on that. Now he tells us its the distributor, another 110.00 labor and parts, about 200.00 more. I do not know what to do. I don’t have the money for this. He is not sure of anything. I have not paid for anything yet, is there something I can do? I want to only pay for what he does if the car runs.
What was the final outcome
I bought a car form a private party who was older and had a real nice home. He told me that he hadn’t done any work on the car for the last 4 years. The car was working fine he said. I took it on a test drive and it was fine. I gave him $3000 cash and he gave me the title. The car broke down on the way home. The engine was bad. The mechanic that I hired said the previous owner had replace several items in the engine recently to cover up the problems. The mechanic that was referred to me by a pastor said the cheapest route was to replace the engine. I went to advance auto and paid another $1200 for a rebuilt engine. The mechanic gave advance auto the wrong casting number and we were given the wrong engine. The mechanic had to put in another engine and wants me to pay for the mistake. I told him it was his mistake that I shouldn’t have to pay for it. I paid the mechanic and he left the car outside of his place to be picked up. The car turns off while driving and misses bad. After several attemps in calling him he won’t fix anything else for the price that he quoted me. He promised that he would give me the car in perfect condition. Is there anything I can do? Help
Hi there,
If a car was returned to you with a missing part, in my case : plastic panel underneath the steering wheel, and the shop argues that it came without this piece who is responsible for this missing piece? I keep telling them that I brought the vehicle in with this piece in tact but they tell me otherwise.
I just took my BMW to have some recall work done to it. Well i get the car back and my sunroof doesnt work anymore. I had no problems with it before i brought it into the shop and now its not working.
What did you do after that? Did you take it back and asked them to fix?
Car aliment are above not commodity that we do ourselves. We save it for the professionals! However, I ahead it’s alarming aback bodies can do their own work. If you acquire the skills, why not?
I went to one of the tire chain places in my town and had tires put on my vehicle. That same day a few hours later I was driving home with my child in the car and one of the tires flew off my car and I wrecked. A police officer was behind me somewhere and instantly called for a tow truck and documented the accident (police report). I went back to the tire place the next morning because that is where the tow truck took my car and spoke with the manager. He seemed like he could really care less after my child’s life was put in danger due to their mistake he stated that they would fix the problem but I would have to pay for it. I did not let them touch my car after that. I took it to another mechanic that I know and trust to have him look at the car. I already paid to have them put tires on my vehicle and they had the nerve to try to charge me again. What kind of legal leg do I have to stand on…
Hi, very sorry to hear your experience. I think since police report has the details already, consult an attorney. You may have a very strong case to file this suit.
I have an extended warranty for my Traverse I bought a year ago. I took it in a month ago to have the A.C. fixed. I paid my deductible and the dealership “fixed” it. Within 2 weeks it was out again. I took it back in, paid another deductible because it was allegedly a different part in the A.C.. I left the dealership and got 2 miles down the road and my car started overheating. I pulled over on the interstate, had to wait in 90*weather with my 1 year old in the car until the dealership sent someone to get us. The mechanic forgot to put coolant back in. The dealership was very apologetic. The paperwork i received states the tech made an error, there was no coolant in the system. Now I’m worried my motor is damaged. Is there anything I can do?
Question: My husband took his Corvette to the local mechanic for an oil change and to put new tires on. The mechanic calls and says that after the oil change something fell out of the bottom of the Corvette about the size of a silver dollar, oil spilled out on the pavement, and the Corvette popped and smoke came out of the engine. It would not start after that. My husband called the Chevrolet dealer where he bought the Corvette (4 years old, still under the 100,000 mile warranty). They had a wrecker pick it up the next day and take it to another Chevrolet dealer to check it out.
Now they call today a week later and say it was the mechanic’s fault, he put too much oil in.
The mechanic says it is not his fault. So, we are screwed?!? We are out the cost of a new engine? Will comprehensive insurance do anything on this? Will we have to sue the mechanic? Shouldn’t he have insurance? We are in a small town and hate to go the lawsuit route.
Any advice?
Thanks
Ask the dealer to give it in writing and show it to the mechanic. If the dealer can’t give in writing then the warranty should fix the issue. if he gives in writing and mechanic refuses you can go to court or at least tell the mechanic that you’ll. If your month’s salary is $7k and Corvette is of $20k (just examples) then you need to get off from work to get the car issue fixed. Small claims court won’t make you spend a fortune on lawyers. Go for it as you really are screwed now
Thank you for your reply and for your advice about getting ‘in writing’ from the dealer that the problem was the mechanic’s fault. This is a good idea.
Thanks and did it work?
I have Chevrolet Captiva sport 2014 I took my car to wheelworks to change 4 tires plus brakes plus disc brakes 4 after mechanic hi call me to pickup my car I was driving in freeway 65 miles h I her something lost I call my mechanic hi check problem hi find missing 2 bowl in calipers now how I trust WEEL WORKS big company plus the charge me $1200 I wont to back for fix problem the give me discount just $100 I from san Francisco I need for help
Very sorry to hear that, Do not trust these type of chain repair stores. If you notice, their mechanics seem to be expert in every car. kind of “Jack of all trades” type. Unfortunately, you can’t really do anything more than requesting again and again for more refund, you are at their mercy. You can either go to the dealership or can find a local garage which specializes in the vehicle you are driving. Those small garage mechanics are very experienced in that type of vehicles. We have a Toyota and a Honda. We always go to the same mechanic and over the years we built up a rapport and I trust him with his estimates.
I have a Subaru Forester that I took to the Subaru dealership because occasionally it didn’t seem to want to go into gear I looked it up online it turn it sounded like the valve in the transmission the dealership said yes it was the valve in the transmission and quoted me $3,500 they had said that I needed shocks and a tune-up and a catalytic converter and timing chain just had the tune Year prior I asked him to only fix the transmission valve that I needed to get my car on the road they kept the car for 3 weeks my husband called on the second week to check on it and the person answering the phone had said they were replacing the head on the car but that we were not to worry that it was on them and they would take care of it. I did call the dealership because I couldn’t understand why they would be messing with the engine and he said the mechanic is on vacation that they would call us back a week later called got to speak to another mechanic and he stated that they we were told wrong that that was a different car they were referring to my husband pick the car up today and it literally barely drives that has no torque and he says the engine really does sound like something is wrong he was livid and took it back to the dealership stated it was doing the exact same thing and now are we out $1,400 at this point I’m not even sure i want them to touch the car. It drove absolutely wonderful before this
I took my car to a retired mechanic, he has done a few repairs on my car. Then my car stated to leak gas from the tank, so Oct 5 2017 he replaced the gas tank. I paid him $400. He showed me the old tank and told me he had a heck of a time getting the sending unit out. That’s why he had to get a new vent/casket for it. Sunday Oct. 8, 2017 I was driving and the car dies with no warning, (only 43 miles with new tank) all electronics worked, but it won’t start, I was figuring a fuel pump, so I had the car towed back to his shop, left him a voice message stating what had occurred. Followed up Monday Oct. 9 he stated he hasn’t got to it yet, he would call, I called Thursday Oct 12 still hasn’t got to it. Called Monday Oct 16, he stated it was the computer, I asked how much, he said he didn’t know, because it hasn’t came in yet and he’s got my number and he would call me. I haven’t heard from since and today is Nov 2 2017. Friday Oct 27, I called a tow truck to tow it to Ford dealership, and when we got there, tow driver said he can’t tow it without written authorization from the mechanic stating I don’t owe him money, I explain the situation to the driver that the mechanics went AWOL, at that time the mechanic, neighbor came out and told me, that he went on vacation.
So for almost a month i have been without a car and don’t know what is wrong with it, or how much its going to cost me. I don’t know what to do!
It will create a bad impression on the auto repair shop if your car is suddenly getting damaged after servicing from the respective repair shop. To avoid this kind of situation on the road you will do a search for a trusty car mechanic who can resolve the issues arises in the vehicle and providing you the superior experience of driving.
I am not sure if a repair shop would own up to the defect arising just after the repair unless there’s a huge proof. As I said before in other comments, build a trusting relationship with your mechanic. Hang out with them, talk about sports and movies. Make friends and then you’d see excellent service from your subsequent visits.
I leased a brand new 2017 Nissan Maxima the last week of June. In July I was in a street flood on the way home at night with my children. Water got inside the car and everything. I went though my insurance and had it “fixed” at the Nissan dealer where I leased it. They flushed my engine and dried out the carpets etc..
In November my car stalled at a red light. I waited a few minutes and was able to drive to work. Before I had it towed to the dealer I realized there was redish/brownish liquid on the floor. I turned my car back on to move it forward to get a good glimpse and picture of the liquid.
The dealer called me later that day saying that there is water in the engine. I asked how is that possible? They told me that it’s “fresh” water and that I need to do a new claim. I told them
Absolutely not and that the job wasn’t done right the first time. I was not in another flood nor has it rained.
I believe that are lying about the water. My car has been at the dealer collecting dust since November 28th.
My ve commodore 2004 went to a mobile mechanic which his wife picked up & drove to their house to get my plugs changed. No noises. No problems with my car it ran great. I’m now told it’s coming home on a trailer because the timing chain is stuffed. Wouldn’t it have made noises. From the lifters or something. He wants to drop it off & wipe his hands off it. I’ve now got no car . help what do i do
I got a new fuel pump installed by a local mechanic on my 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac in Dec 2016. It had a 12,000 mi or 1-Year warranty. In Oct 2017, I started having intermittent problems starting. I had battery, starter and alternator checked at Advance Auto Parts…all good. It progressively got worse so I took it to a different local mechanic, who diagnosed it and said fuel pump was bad…not getting enough gas for immediate starts. They agreed to replace it, plus put in new plugs (mine) and adjust headlights for $798. At 4:30 pm the day I left it with them, owner called and said truck was missing horribly, jumping around and gas was shooting out exhaust pipe when they went to move it into shop for the night. He asked if it ever did that. I said “no” and asked if I want him to diagnose it since it can’t be driven. I said, of course. Next morning he calls and says 4 (not 1 or maybe 2 out of 6 injectors we’re stuck open and it would be another $600+ to replace all 6. Now bill is up to $1,300+ and I can’t take truck somewhere else because I can’t drive it and he would have to charge me for diagnostics and labor if I took it out of there. Apparently when they were diagnosing, they did something wrong (maybe applied too much pressure on something) and caused the injectors to lock up. I told him to just fix it. The truck was running perfect when I brought it to him…just the intermittent starting problem. His mechanic drove me home and took truck back to shop. He knows it was running fine and should tell the truth. I don’t think I should have to pay for the injectors because it happened at their garage. I don’t want to start a fight with the 2nd garage until I have my truck back. It is my only transportation. Oh, the first garage where I got the original faulty pump said he’d p/u the old pump and return it to his supplier and give me $200 back. Big deal. I should get it all back but this all happened 2 weeks after 1-year warranty ran out, and I had only driven 3,000 miles. What should I do? Help!!!
I dropped my car at dealership for a airbag recall, the next day they called me and said that my car doesn’t start after they replaced the airbag. They said I have to pay for diagnosing!! I said do the diagnostic but I’m not going to pay anything because I dropped a running car in there and it’s not my problem. Next day they called me and said the ECU is gone and they need to repair or replace it and still insisting that I have to pay for everything!!!
Does anyone know my options??
Please let me know
Thank you in advance
I am going through the same thing right now. I took car in because it wasn’t starting on 1st/2nd try. Diagnosed as bad fuel pump and estimated $800. (I had fuel pump replaced 3,000 miles ago somewhere else for $800…another battle to fight as warranty is 12 mos./12,000 miles). He gave me $200 as a “peace offering” when I told him about new fuel pump problem. I told him, I wanted all of it back for installing a cheap, piece of junk China pump). Anyway, this new mechanic called after fuel pump diagnosis and said car is now missing horribly, clunking and jumping around with gas pouring out exhaust pipe and it can’t be driven, then asked if I want diagnosis. I said yes, of course, to see what damage YOU did to my car. Now it’s 4 fuel injectors stuck wide open and $600+ more to replace all 6 injectors. Car was running perfect when I brought it in, as guy who drove me home in my car when I dropped it off can verify. They said THEY didn’t cause injector problem…told them I wasn’t buying that! I had to pay $1,416 or they wouldn’t release my car. I was so upset, I could have screamed. I filed a complaint with FL Attorney General/Consumer Protection. I will know more in a day or two and will update this response. By the way, I am 72 yrs old…that mechanic burned the wrong person, because complaint now includes “taking advantage an elderly person.” I would recommend you contact your Atty General/Consumer Affairs right away. I wish you the best of luck. These unscrupulous mechanics need to know we’re not going to be ripped off and do nothing about it!!!!
Soroush,
Sorry , thought my reply to you would be private. I wouldn’t have needed to write the whole thing again. My original post is above yours. I will update as soon as I have more info.
Thanks for posting, having issue right now with dealership here in Austin over repairs. Paid, drove vehicle 5 minutes ,exact issues not repaired. Now 2 weeks later, vehicle still at Dodge dealership.
I have a 2003 Nissan Altima. I took my car to a Mechanic that does work at his house. He was supposed to do a tune up and replace the radiator.I came to pick the car up and saw that I had a flat in which I been knew it had a slow leak. So I left there to go and put some air in the tire. While going home I call and told the mechanic it was still smoking and running bad I also told him that I need the receipts that saids he purchase what we agreed on. It has been 3 days and when I finally get the receipts it’s just A quote saying how much it was not that he paid for anything. So I don’t know what type of plugs I have in my car or if he gotten a radiator.He keeps putting me off on when I can get my receipts. Can I sue him?
My 2006 Mercedes E350 has been stalling out and giving an ESP error message. I took it into be repaired. The mechanic had my car for three weeks and replaced the Auxillary Battery, the Rear ABS sensor, Battery Control Module, Direct Ignition Coil and Spark plugs ($3,000). The day after I picked up the car I woke up to a flat tire and it did the same thing and stopped on me again. They towed the car back to the shop. He then calls me to tell me it is because I had the spare on the car and needed a new tire and did I want him to replace the tire and then check the car. I told him I was not paying him to replace the tire when the issue existed before the tire was an issue. He keeps telling me that he is not experiencing the problem and the car is fine. He had my car for another 3 weeks. I called the check status after not hearing back from him and he said, “oh yeah it has been ready”. He never told me that any additional work was done to fix the problem. I continued having issue sporadically for about a week. I decided to find another mechanic to fix the issue. I took it to another mechanic and he tells me it is a sensor. He FaceTimed with me to show me exactly what the computer said when he scanned it. I spent $3000 and the issue was not fixed. I spent loads of additional money for transportation while he had my car and now I have to pay someone else to actually repair the car. I also believe based on the way he kept replacing parts they were just guessing. It’s a Mercedes it should have been diagnosed base on the codes that you get from scanning it with a computer. I don’t think he did that. I didn’t even feel comfortable driving it and would only take surface roads afraid to get on Highway. I was an accident waiting to happen. I would like to recoup some of my money back. Any assistance/advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
Yeah I’m with the poeple commenting here, I go to a trusted, family friend mechanic who will not BS when it comes to my car and help me keep it running the most time.
I brought my Chevy Equinox (only 47k miles) in to a private garage that I could walk home from (my 1st time there) with check engine light on. It was running a little rough. I always get oil changes on time but this time I was about 1200 past due. They did the oil change & replaced both camshaft sensors for $300. The owner said hopefully that will fix it but I shouldn’t let my oil change go so long, it may have caused a timing chain issue. Engine light came back on again the same day. I brought it back immediately & he hooked up the computer & said it is the same code P0014, cleared the code & quoted me $1700 for a timing chain & said he needs the car for 3 days to fix it! I didn’t feel right about this & everyone I asked about it said no way a car with such low miles needs a chain. I did a lot of research online, spoke with 2 mechanics & Autozone who said it could be that they used cheap parts. So I went back & spoke with owner to find he didn’t use the best parts but he has been doing this for 23 years, etc.. still insisted it must be the chain. I was about to bring it to dealer who wants $150 just to diagnose (didn’t want to because I hear they over charge) but they said they couldn’t look at it for days. Found another shop with trustworthy references to look it over & he said the oil looks good, car runs fine & light is not coming back on after he cleared it so he is replacing one of the solenoids that he is getting direct from Chevy today. If this solves the problem I will asking for the faulty part & will go back to the original shop to request a refund (will be taking my husband with me because I hear some mechanics take advantage of women, imagine that!) But I am not hopeful. Not only did I get charged & the problem not resolved but he wanted another $1700 for unnecessary work! Really stinks that we are at their mercy. Who has time to deal with this & be without a car during the whole process?!!
Thank you for a very informative blog. We offer car repair in our company.
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Great article. Driving with me is a great thing and car cares too. I always want my car to be healthy and strong in every trip, but failure with a car is unavoidable in the use. Today I have more useful knowledge of car care from your blog. Thank you for sharing this interesting information.
I have a 2002 Chevy Cavalier. My mechanic replaced the power steering pump with an aftermarket pump. But the car continued to lose power steering fluid. So they replaced the pump again 2 times. No charge to us but it still didn’t fix the leak.
Now they are telling us only a dealer part will work because of the seals fitting. Additional cost $500+. Total cost would be close to $1000. Way too much compared to the value of the car. We never would have approved the repairs if we knew it would cost that much.
Now we have 2 options. Pay the additional $500+ or live with it leaking power steering fluid on the driveway. Pretty sure the leak is worse than when we took it in. It’s a chain tire store. There is a warranty on the website. They aren’t willing to give a refund. I’m not sure that only a dealer part would work.
Any syggestions or advice?
I brought my car to my local garage as the brakes were making noise. After checking it he called and said it needed brakes and rotors. We agreed and he replaced front and rear . I do not drive often . About 6 weeks later while driving the brakes start making a loud grinding noise( i thought something came loose ) . I drop the car back at same garage , he explains that new rotors come with rust on them which can make noise and he also had to bleed the lines and raise the pedal as he claimed he felt soft. To me It felt fine not soft but ok… I pick the car up and drive the couple blocks home and the brakes seem off not stopping well. I do not drive the car for the couple of days and while going a short distance very slow , I have to pump the brakes non stop to get them to stop everytime I have to stop . I decide to take it to another garage nearby driving very very slowly just to see what is going on . He tells me my new rotors are covered in rust and pitted , the brake pads are wearing uneven as they were Not making contact on most of the pad and lastly it appears to him someone sprayed the rotors and pads with wd40 ( or something like it) so I had almost no contact at all . I tried talking to old shop for a refund as the ONLY part they left were the brake hoses and the rest had to be redone. The bad( first) garage wants to charge me off the bill 200.00 for his labor on the hoses even though he almost killed me with the bad brake job , never mind my time etc. I agreed to pay him for the hose part only since the hose were part of the total labor , I didnt go in to have just hoses replaced. What do you think? looks like we will be in court soon.
Thanks for the sharing nice one post… really helful…
I take my 2003 crown vic in for repairs because the previous mechanic broke the plastic manifold while checking my spark plugs to tell me which ones needed to be replaced. With this piece being broke, when I crank the car water is gushing out of this spot rather than cycling normally. Simple fix right? We decide to have that fixed (so it can run without any running hot etc) and while we’re at it we decide on a tune up, to replace struts, ball joints, spark plugs, sway bar (all of these updates as the mechanic diagnosed the car and told us what all really was just worn out and with being replaced the car would run almost brand new). We had it towed there, explained to mechanic and showed him our main concern which was the manifold. He acknowledged the problem as it was clearly visible. We told him we knew it needed shocks and ball joints etc. just because the current ones were worn, and requested he look at it and call us with a quote on what it will cost to do all of these repairs or updates. Monday we go by and we get this sheet with an amount on it and a description of parts and labor that comes to 2963.00 we agreed to pay this over time by making bi weekly payments. Time went on and he still hadn’t gotten to our car. Finally 6 months later when he did we go by and my fiance drives it. The car keeps turning off. It will not stay Crunk. The mechanic says it’s the battery. (not to mention the battery inside the car was brand new). We go get an 85.00 battery and return and put it in the car. The car cranks, when it’s put into drive it cuts off. My fiance was able to go a little ways down the road by constantly putting it in neutral and cranking again when it would turn off. He makes it back and the mechanics wife is there not him. We ask why it won’t stay Crunk because we only asked for 1 part to be fixed the rest was updates, replacing old parts. Of course she doesn’t know says she’ll have her husband look at it Monday and give us a call. We planned on paying our balance due in full and taking our car home as it was supposed to be running like a champ. Instead we paid 500.00 Weeks pass no call, we finally go by there and the mechanic says…….. You’ve got a cracked head!!!!! We check the oil and it’s milky mixed with water and who knows what else and now our car won’t even start. He says if you can get a tow, ypu can just take it you don’t owe anything else.!!!! Says we need a new engine then has the nerve to say a buddy of mine has one for $700 but with labor for me to put it in its gonna run about &$1000. Has he lost his mind? My paper shows all the work he DIAGNOSED HE’D UPDATE as well as the one major issue we made sure he was aware of that needed to be done. If my car had a cracked head….. As a mechanic wouldn’t be have seen this during his diagnosis??? Why would I pay all thisoney to have my car running like new knowing there’s a cracked head and it will still need a NEW MOTOR AFYER I PAY NEARLY 3 GRAND??? He cracked the head I don’t know how but the car ran fine when we dropped it off, except for running hot. Now I can’t even turn my car on. Should I sue?? He made the damage way way worse when he was mainly just updating parts not repairing problems??? Any advise will suffice!!!
I must say this is an eye-catching blog, All the points are very well added and only the necessary information is put on in this blog.
Many times we tend to ignore the mechanic’s fault, I liked the point of taking legal actions. After all, we are paying the person to get the things done.
Thanks for sharing this information.
Totally agree with you about taking legal actions against the mechanic.
I have a 3500 transmission repair that is not right and I plan on going this route after three attempts to get the job done right
Filing a complaint with your state auto repair division dept (In CA the Bur of auto repair) gets results and is free.
Small claims court is easy, quick and no lawyers are allowed. Depending on the state you can sue for up top 10K.
There is nothing worse than picking up your car and having something new wrong with it instantly. Just paid $1300 for some repairs and then got in the car and as having electrical issues. Had to leave the car another night after it already being in there for 30 hours, and now I”m wondering if I’ll have to pay more. It sucks.
Great article!! Unfortunately, my last repair went wrong (as I was doing some experiments after watching some videos). Thank God my local auto repair contractor in Perrysburg helped me fix the issue. I will never prefer to do any mechanical work on my own in the future.
Unnecessary fights are never good option. Try to look for the solution and be a bit optimistic. Because the damage has already been done and all we can do is fix it.
I’m glad I came across this post. I’m in a “unique situation” as my insurance agent states it. Long story short, I had my first ever accident with a deer eight hours away from home. Over the last month and a half now, it’s been a nightmare. I’ve lost trust in both my insurance company and the shop where my repairs are being handled. After extensive repairs that the insurance has had to pay in full, now the shop is telling me that my coil pack is faulty, causing a misfire that my husband and I experienced when we picked up the car the second time that we thought that the car was repaired. They also state that the repairs will not be paid by insurance because the bad coils are not due to the accident. A couple problems: 1) we didn’t experience the misfire problems until the accident and 2) we replaced the coil pack and spark plugs two months prior when we did have misfire problems. I’ve called the attorney general’s office and I’m expecting paperwork and a mediator counsel.
After working at a handful of shops with practices that would make you shake your head, and dealing both with less than reputable shop owners, and the irate people who needed service who had just been taken for a ride by the shop, I decided it was time to move on and start my own business.
It’s funny how now after taking matters into my own hands, doing the job right, not cutting corners, and owning up to and fixing any issues that may have arisen, I have some of the happiest customers out there, and business is doing great.
Hey folks,
I have a real quandary. A few weeks back my car started acting up. I run the computer and it tells me my map censor was out. Not a bad fix. So I take it to an unfamiliar place, but had come recommended by some friends. I’m told the job would be simple. 3 days later I’m told I needed a new battery, and there is a leak in my radiator. They refuse to patch it and say I have to get a new one. I get a quote and my brother who is an auto technician going on 12 years now let’s me know it’s a decent price and I should go for it. So I do, but about 3 days later I notice a leak and my coolant light comes on. I fill it, and After driving bff r about 10 miles I park at work. There is coolant everywhere. I call my brother again and he believes it’s my water pump. So I take it back to the same guy. After already having given him my keys he informed me that he made a mathematical mistake on my invoice, and he wants to charge me the difference. While I want to do proper business, I really don’t believe his mistake is my problem. I’ve forgotten to charge my customers for drinks, and I always eat the cost because it was my mistake. I’ve never once told a customer they next time they come into my bar, “you know what- I messed up and I’m going to need to get that money for the three beers I forgot to ring in”
Any thoughts? Thank you in advance- I’ve been feeling torn up about it all night.
When dealing with an auto mechanic you never know what you are going to get yourself into after the work is done. We always make sure we take care of our customers because we do not have the legal firepower to fight lawsuits as these larger massive companies have. smaller mechanics are more trustworthy because they want/ need your business to feed their family not their investors.
I replaced a stabilizer in my Hyundai Elantra in 2019. Today my car was making a rattling noise. I took it into the same shop, chain garage. Was told it was the sway bar. Had it replaced. Went home and realized they are the part. Went back to the shop, showed him my receipt from 2019. He refunded the part not labor. He said I have a year warranty on the labor. I feel the labor should be warranty anyway, because it was not my fault the 2019 part was faulty. So I paid twice for labor. Do I have cause to pursue for labor to be refunded?
car repair.I have a 1994 Olds Cutlass Supreme S 3.1 & back in March had an issue with car cutting off @ low speeds & low rpm.After 3 tries from a shop, took it to Mekinie and asked to put on a CRANKSHAFT SENSOR, which they did, but it was still doing the same thing.Called talked to the manager and said that to tow it in with NO CHARGE once there, he told me that the part could be bad,& if they have to replace ANY PARTS to get it to work,it’ll be NO CHARGE. Well 3 months later it’s still there, but NOW one of the techs said that I needed a A/T CONTROL SOLENOID, but they don’t do that, but they installed a transmission in my car in 2015, he said;NOT THE MANAGER, I would have to pay for the alternator, which was 16 years old and I have to pay to tow it back to my house. I had to tell him that pro manager said that I didn’t have to pay for any parts. What did I need to do? Going to talk to the manager and see hat’s going on.It’s ALL going under CUSTMER SERVICE says the manager