What Should I Include in My Complaint Email to the Mechanic?

Question from Calee, What Should I Include in My Complaint Email to the Mechanic?

Answer from AI:

If you believe that a mechanic has misdiagnosed your car’s issue and charged you for unnecessary repairs, you may have grounds for a complaint. Here are some key points to include in your email complaint to the mechanic:

1. Introduction and Background

• Introduce yourself and provide your contact information.
• State the date you first brought your car to the mechanic and the initial problem you reported.

2. Description of the Issue

• Detail the mechanic’s diagnosis and the recommendation to replace the engine.
• Include the cost of the engine replacement ($4000) and any other related expenses.
• Explain that you requested your old engine back and the mechanic’s response that the company took it back, which was later confirmed to be false.

3. Subsequent Problems and Communication Issues

• Describe the new issues that arose after the engine replacement, such as your car losing power.
• Note the mechanic’s delayed response and lack of communication regarding the new problems.
• Mention the mechanic’s attempt to charge an overpriced amount for the actual needed repair, which you had initially suggested.

4. Supporting Evidence

• Attach any receipts, invoices, or written communications with the mechanic.
• Include any correspondence with the company that confirmed they did not take back the old engine.

5. Request for Resolution

• Clearly state what you are seeking as a resolution, such as a refund for the unnecessary engine replacement, compensation for additional repairs, or the return of your old engine.
• Set a reasonable deadline for the mechanic to respond to your complaint.

6. Legal Considerations

• Inform the mechanic that you are aware of your rights under consumer protection laws, such as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and state-specific laws regarding auto repairs.
• Mention that you are prepared to escalate the matter to small claims court or file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or your state’s consumer protection agency if the issue is not resolved.

Sample Email Template

Here is a sample email template to help you structure your complaint:

Subject: Complaint Regarding Misdiagnosis and Unnecessary Repairs

Dear [Mechanic's Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the recent service I received at your shop. On [Date], I brought my car to you with the issue of [initial problem]. You diagnosed the problem as requiring a new engine and charged me $4000 for the replacement.

After the replacement, I requested my old engine back, but you informed me that the company took it back. However, the company has confirmed that they did not take the engine. Additionally, my car started losing power a week after the replacement, and it took you another week to respond to my inquiries.

I am seeking a resolution to this matter, including a refund for the unnecessary engine replacement and compensation for the additional repairs needed. Please respond to this email by [reasonable deadline] to discuss how we can resolve this issue.

If I do not receive a satisfactory response, I will consider escalating the matter to small claims court and filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and my state's consumer protection agency.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]

Consult with a Legal Professional

While this guide provides a general outline for your complaint, it is important to consult with a legal professional for personalized advice. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and the best course of action based on your specific circumstances.

For more information on consumer protection laws and filing complaints, you can visit the Federal Trade Commission’s Auto Repair Basics page or your state’s consumer protection agency website.