ABA Family Legal Guide

Automobiles

Car Inspections and Repairs

Repairs

What can I do if the automobile mechanic makes unauthorized repairs?

First, you may wish to complain to your state attorney general's office, or the local branch of the Better Business Bureau, or even to the Chamber of Commerce. For many mechanics, their business depends on a good reputation, and they will take care to maintain that reputation. If you do not get satisfaction, you may wish to sue--if, for example, the shop made unnecessary repairs or reinstalled the original part rather than a replacement. If the shop tried its best to correct a fault by fixing something that was broken, even though it was not the problem's ultimate cause, you should pay the shop. After all, the repair shop did fix one of your car's problems.