Lemon Law for California

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.

The unfair and deceptive practices statutes usually require price estimates and repair orders. Many states give you the right to keep or examine replaced parts, and require repair shops to prepare a detailed invoice, which must state the labor and parts supplied, warranty work done, guarantees, and installation of any used or rebuilt parts. In some states, you may have the right to same-day repairs, unless you agree to a longer period or the delay is beyond the shop’s control. Shoddy repair work must be corrected at no charge, especially in states where the implied warranty of merchantability has been extended to repair work. Finally, many states require repair shops to post price lists conspicuously. If you think a repair shop has intentionally cheated you, you should notify your state attorney general’s office and call your lawyer to discuss your options.