Complaint categories
The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) mediates consumer complaints involving automotive repair transactions. During the mediation process, BAR assigns every complaint a complaint category. This category is based on the type of repair or service involved in the repair transaction.
BAR reviews complaint categories and allegation trends to monitor licensee compliance. For licensees, this information identifies common transactions that lead to consumer complaints. It also helps identify areas for enhanced education to avoid future complaints.
Complaint and enforcement statistics reports are shared at BAR Advisory Group meetings. To access these reports, see BAR Advisory Group. Find additional enforcement statistics on the Department of Consumer Affairs Open Data Portal.
January-June 2024
| Complaint category | Total received | % |
|---|---|---|
| Engine repair and performance Repair, diagnosis, cooling systems, fuel systems, etc. |
2,988 | 34% |
| Auto body Auto body repair, auto glass, etc. |
1,529 | 17% |
| General repair and maintenance Brakes, suspension, steering, air conditioning/heat, etc. |
1,452 | 16% |
| Transmission Automatic transmission, manual transmission/clutch, etc. |
607 | 7% |
| Vehicle warranty | 538 | 6% |
| Used car transactions | 510 | 6% |
| Smog Smog repair, test procedures, etc. |
481 | 5% |
| Other Motorcycle repair, etc. |
392 | 4% |
| Towing and storage Towing, storage fees, and improper lien sales |
242 | 3% |
| Unlicensed activity | 167 | 2% |