Filed a complaint with California's Bureau of Automotive Repair? Rate your field representative. Did they investigate? Return your calls? Side with the shop without looking at the evidence? California consumers deserve to know.
Search launches when reviews are submitted. Be the first to rate your rep.
Take time to organize your evidence. The strength of your BAR complaint depends almost entirely on what you can prove — not what you can describe.
File at bar.ca.gov/complaint. You can file online, by phone, or by mail. Online is fastest and creates a record you can reference. Be factual and specific — avoid emotional language. State exactly what was done wrong, what you paid, and what resolution you want.
Within weeks (sometimes months), a BAR field representative will contact you. This is the most critical point in the process. The rep will form their initial impression of your case during this first interaction.
A proper investigation means the rep contacts the shop, reviews your documentation, and may physically inspect the vehicle. In practice, many complaints are resolved by phone mediation alone — or simply closed.
BAR will notify you of the outcome. If you received a refund or rework, the system worked. If your case was closed without action — which happens frequently — you still have options.
A closed BAR case doesn't mean you've lost. BAR mediation is informal — it doesn't prevent you from pursuing legal remedies. You may have stronger claims under California consumer protection law than BAR can address.
Enter the name of the BAR field representative assigned to your case. Check your complaint correspondence if you don't remember.
Score your rep across six categories: responsiveness, thoroughness, fairness, communication, professionalism, and outcome.
Write a first-person review. What happened? Did the rep actually inspect the vehicle? Did they contact the shop? Were you heard?
Your review becomes a permanent public record. Other consumers can see it before their complaint is assigned to the same rep.
"Filed a BAR complaint? You were assigned a field representative. How did they handle your case? Submit the first review and help other consumers know what to expect."
"BAR field reps have enormous discretion over whether your complaint gets a real investigation or a form letter. There's no Yelp, no Google Reviews, no public accountability — until now."
Civil Code §1750 et seq. The CLRA prohibits unfair and deceptive business practices in consumer transactions. If a repair shop lied about what was wrong with your car, charged for work not performed, or used bait-and-switch tactics, the CLRA may apply.
Bus. & Prof. Code §§9880–9889.68. The foundational law governing auto repair shops in California. It requires shops to provide written estimates, obtain authorization before performing work, and return replaced parts on request.
Bus. & Prof. Code §17200 et seq. California's broadest consumer protection statute. The UCL prohibits any unlawful, unfair, or fraudulent business act or practice. It can be used alongside the CLRA to broaden your claims.
CCP §116.110 et seq. For claims up to $12,500, you can sue the repair shop in small claims court without an attorney. The process is designed to be accessible, and you don't need to wait for BAR to finish.
The Bureau has specific obligations under the Automotive Repair Act. If your field representative didn't meet these standards, document it — both here and in any legal action you pursue.
BAR's investigation findings can be useful evidence in civil court, but a BAR dismissal does not mean you don't have a legal case. BAR applies regulatory standards; courts apply civil liability standards. They're different thresholds.
BAR is required to investigate complaints involving repair quality, overcharging, and unauthorized work.
In many cases, a BAR rep should physically inspect the vehicle. If they didn't, that's worth noting.
BAR mediates disputes and can secure refunds, rework, or bill adjustments on the consumer's behalf.
BAR can discipline shops that violate the Automotive Repair Act, including suspension or revocation.
You have the right to know the outcome of your complaint in writing. If you didn't receive one, document that here.
BAR's investigation files are subject to the California Public Records Act. You can request your case file to see what the rep actually did.
BAR's role is regulatory — they can mediate, fine, or discipline a shop, but they can't award you damages. If you've suffered significant financial loss, been defrauded, or been stonewalled by a shop that BAR can't or won't hold accountable, a consumer attorney can pursue a civil case on your behalf.
Under the CLRA and other California consumer protection statutes, prevailing plaintiffs can recover attorney's fees. This means many attorneys will take strong automotive fraud cases on contingency — they get paid only if you win.
Below are the types of attorneys who handle these cases and what to look for when choosing one.
CLRA experience. The Consumer Legal Remedies Act is your strongest tool. Make sure they've filed CLRA cases before.
Contingency fee structure. For automotive fraud cases, many attorneys work on contingency. If they want a retainer upfront, keep looking.
Automotive repair knowledge. They should understand the Automotive Repair Act, BAR's framework, and shop licensing requirements.
Trial willingness. Shops settle faster when they know the attorney will actually go to court. Ask about their trial history.
Free consultation. Most consumer attorneys offer a free initial evaluation. If they charge to tell you whether you have a case, move on.
Specializes in CLRA, UCL, and other consumer fraud statutes. Best for cases involving deceptive practices, unauthorized repairs, bait-and-switch, or pattern fraud. Can pursue actual and punitive damages plus attorney's fees.
Handles cases under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. If your vehicle was sold with undisclosed defects or a repair shop repeatedly failed to fix a covered issue, lemon law may apply — even to used cars in some circumstances.
For claims under $12,500, small claims court may be the fastest and cheapest path. Many counties offer free small claims advisors who can help you prepare your case, file paperwork, and understand court procedures.
Attorney directory coming soon. In the meantime, the California State Bar's Lawyer Referral Service can connect you with a consumer attorney in your area.
CA State Bar Lawyer Referral