Michigan Auto Repair Consumer Rights

Michigan protects vehicle owners through the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Act (MVSRA), codified at MCL 257.1301 through 257.1340. This law requires repair shops to provide written estimates, obtain authorization before performing work, and meet specific disclosure requirements. Combined with the Michigan Consumer Protection Act (MCPA), these laws give you powerful tools to fight back against dishonest or incompetent auto repair shops. This comprehensive guide explains your rights and how to take action when a repair shop wrongs you. For official consumer protection resources, visit the Michigan Attorney General's Consumer Protection page.

The Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Act (MVSRA)

The MVSRA is Michigan's primary auto repair consumer protection law. It applies to all motor vehicle repair facilities in the state, including dealership service departments, independent mechanics, chain repair shops, and specialty shops. The law establishes minimum standards for customer communication, estimates, authorizations, and billing.

Who Must Comply

The MVSRA applies to any person or business that:

• Engages in the business of motor vehicle repair
• Advertises or holds themselves out as providing repair services
• Performs repairs for compensation

The law covers repairs to cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other motor vehicles. It does not apply to recreational vehicles or farm equipment repairs.

Written Estimate Requirements

Under MCL 257.1307, repair shops must provide written estimates before beginning work:

When Written Estimates Are Required

• For any repair expected to cost more than $50
• Before any work begins (not after diagnosis is complete)
• Unless you specifically waive the estimate in writing

What the Estimate Must Include

The written estimate must contain:

• The repair facility's name, address, and telephone number
• Your name and vehicle identification
• The date and odometer reading
• A description of the problem as you described it
• Itemized list of parts needed with prices
• Estimated labor charges with hourly rate and hours
• Total estimated cost
• Estimated completion date

Estimate Requirement	Michigan Rule
Threshold for written estimate	$50 or more
Maximum you can be charged over estimate	10% without authorization
Diagnostic fee disclosure	Required before diagnosis
Right to written estimate waiver	You can waive, but must be in writing

Authorization Requirements

Michigan law strictly limits what repairs a shop can perform without your explicit authorization:

The 10% Rule

Under MCL 257.1311, a repair facility cannot charge you more than 10% over the written estimate without obtaining your prior authorization. This means:

• If the estimate was $500, maximum charge without re-authorization is $550
• If additional problems are found, the shop must contact you
• You must authorize any work that would exceed the 10% threshold
• Authorization can be oral or written, but written is easier to prove

What Constitutes Valid Authorization

For repairs to be properly authorized:

• You must understand what work is being proposed
• You must be told the additional cost before authorizing
• The shop should document the authorization (time, date, how given)
• You can authorize by phone, text, email, or in writing

Your Right to Old Parts

Under MCL 257.1315, you have the right to receive your replaced parts back. The shop must:

• Inform you of your right to have parts returned before work begins
• Return parts upon request (except core parts that must be returned for rebuilding credit)
• Make parts available for inspection if requested

This right is valuable for several reasons:

• You can verify that parts were actually replaced
• You can have a second mechanic inspect the old parts
• It protects against shops charging for work not performed
• It helps prove your case in a dispute

Invoice and Documentation Requirements

When the work is complete, Michigan law requires the shop to provide a detailed invoice that includes:

• Repair facility name, address, and phone number
• Your name and vehicle information
• Date, odometer reading at completion
• Itemized list of all parts with prices
• Indication of whether parts are new, used, rebuilt, or reconditioned
• Labor charges broken down by task
• Total charges
• Any warranty terms

Parts Disclosure

Shops must clearly indicate the nature of parts used:

Part Type	Disclosure Required
New parts	No special marking required (assumed new if not marked)
Used parts	Must be marked "used"
Rebuilt parts	Must be marked "rebuilt" or "reconditioned"
Aftermarket parts	Must disclose if not OEM

Michigan Consumer Protection Act (MCPA)

In addition to the MVSRA, auto repair fraud may violate the Michigan Consumer Protection Act (MCL 445.901 et seq.). The MCPA prohibits unfair, unconscionable, or deceptive trade practices, including:

• Misrepresenting that repairs are needed when they aren't
• Misrepresenting the condition of the vehicle
• Charging for repairs not performed
• Using bait-and-switch tactics
• Making false claims about parts quality or origin
• Failing to honor warranties

MCPA Remedies

If you prove an MCPA violation, you may recover:

• Actual damages (what you lost)
• Statutory damages of $250 or actual damages, whichever is greater
• Attorney's fees in some circumstances
• Injunctive relief to stop ongoing violations

Michigan Lemon Law

Michigan's lemon law (MCL 257.1401-1410) protects new car buyers when vehicles have defects that can't be repaired:

Coverage Requirements

• Applies to new vehicles purchased or leased in Michigan
• Must be used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes
• Defect must substantially impair use, value, or safety
• Defect must occur within the warranty period or 4 years, whichever is earlier

Lemon Law Presumption

A vehicle is presumed to be a lemon if:

• The same defect has been subject to repair 4 or more times, OR
• The vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more days during the warranty period

Remedies

If your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, you're entitled to:

• Full refund (minus reasonable use allowance), OR
• Replacement vehicle of comparable value

Small Claims Court in Michigan

For auto repair disputes under $6,500, Michigan small claims court provides an accessible forum.

Small Claims Basics

Factor	Michigan Rule
Maximum claim amount	$6,500
Filing fee	$30-$70 (varies by claim amount)
Attorney allowed	No (in small claims division)
Where to file	District Court where shop is located or where work was performed

What to Bring to Court

• Original estimate and final invoice
• Photos of the vehicle (before and after if possible)
• Old parts (if you requested and received them)
• Any text messages, emails, or written communications
• Second opinion from another mechanic (if obtained)
• Proof of payment
• Your demand letter and any response

Step-by-Step: What to Do When You Have a Dispute

Document Everything

Before you pick up your vehicle, review the invoice carefully. Take photos of the work area, odometer, and any visible issues. Request your old parts. Keep all paperwork.

Get a Second Opinion

If you believe work was unnecessary, poorly done, or not completed, have another mechanic inspect the vehicle. Get their findings in writing. This creates evidence for your case.

Attempt Direct Resolution

Contact the shop manager or owner. Explain the problem calmly and specifically. Give them a chance to make it right. Document this conversation (follow up with email or text summarizing what was discussed).

Send a Formal Demand Letter

If direct contact doesn't work, send a formal demand letter via certified mail. Cite the MVSRA (MCL 257.1301), explain the specific violations, state your damages, and demand specific relief within 10-14 days.

File Complaints

File complaints with:

• Michigan Attorney General (for MCPA violations)
• Better Business Bureau
• Online review platforms (factually, avoid defamation)

Sue in Small Claims Court

If the shop doesn't respond appropriately, file in small claims court. You don't need an attorney. Bring all your documentation and be prepared to explain clearly what the shop did wrong and how much you're owed.

Common Auto Repair Scams and Violations

The "We Found More Problems" Scam

You bring your car in for one issue and the shop calls with a long list of additional "urgent" problems. While sometimes legitimate, this tactic is often used to inflate bills. Always get a second opinion before authorizing major additional work.

Charging for Work Not Done

Some shops charge for repairs they didn't perform. Protect yourself by requesting old parts and having a second mechanic verify the work.

Unnecessary Repairs

Shops may recommend repairs that aren't needed. Before authorizing expensive work, especially preventive maintenance, consult your owner's manual or get a second opinion.

Bait-and-Switch Estimates

A shop gives a low estimate to get your business, then claims they "found more problems" once the car is disassembled. This may violate both the MVSRA and MCPA.

Parts Quality Misrepresentation

Charging for new OEM parts but installing used or aftermarket parts. Michigan law requires disclosure of parts quality.

Calculating Your Damages

When pursuing a claim, calculate your damages carefully:

• Overcharges: Amount charged above the authorized estimate (beyond 10%)
• Unnecessary repairs: Cost of work that wasn't needed
• Incomplete/poor repairs: Cost to have work redone correctly
• Resulting damage: Cost to repair damage caused by poor work
• Rental car: If your car was unusable due to shop's fault
• Lost wages: If you missed work due to the dispute
• MCPA statutory damages: $250 minimum for qualifying violations

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a shop hold my car if I refuse to pay?

Michigan law allows mechanics' liens, meaning the shop can hold your car until you pay for authorized repairs. However, they cannot hold your car for unauthorized work or charges that exceed your authorization by more than 10%.

What if the shop says I verbally authorized extra work?

Without documentation, verbal authorization is hard to prove either way. This is why you should always insist on written or text/email authorization. If you didn't authorize the work, dispute it and let them prove you did.

Can I dispute charges on my credit card?

Yes. If you paid by credit card and believe the charges were fraudulent or unauthorized, you can file a dispute with your card company. Provide documentation of the MVSRA violations.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

The statute of limitations for contract claims in Michigan is 6 years. For MCPA claims, you have 6 years from the violation or 1 year from when you discovered (or should have discovered) the violation, whichever is later. Don't wait—file promptly while evidence is fresh.

Does the shop have to guarantee their work?

There's no statutory minimum warranty in Michigan, but many shops do offer guarantees. Any warranty terms must be disclosed on the invoice. Failure to honor a stated warranty may violate the MCPA.

Can I recover attorney's fees?

In small claims court, attorneys aren't allowed, so this isn't an issue. In regular court, attorney's fees are not automatically recoverable for MVSRA violations but may be available in MCPA cases involving willful violations.

What if the shop damaged my car during repairs?

You can sue for the cost of repairing the damage they caused. Document everything with photos and a second mechanic's assessment. This is a straightforward negligence claim in addition to any MVSRA violations.

Michigan Consumer Resources

• Michigan Attorney General Consumer Protection Division: (877) 765-8388
• Michigan Secretary of State: For licensing complaints about repair facilities
• Better Business Bureau - Eastern Michigan: (248) 644-9100
• Michigan Legal Aid: Free legal assistance for qualifying individuals
• State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral Service: (800) 968-0738