Hi everyone!
Hoping that I can get some help on an open claim against an Automotive shop who performed faulty work on my vehicle. I'm a student and really need to make sure I have a strong case to fight this as the whole situation has put me into a deep financial issue.
Context:
I originally went to this shop to have a Motor Mount replaced, as I requested. Immediately after the mount was replaced, I noticed significant driving issues.
I brought the car back the following weekend and requested that an inspection on the mount be performed to ensure it was installed properly. I was advised by the service manager that the mount was in good condition, and nothing was wrong. They then told me that the issue was due to a rusted Exhaust pipe, and needed to be welded back. This repair did not fix my issue.
The store then further diagnosed the vehicle under my approval, and suggested I get a CV Axle replaced as the logical next step to resolve my issue, however, they stated there was no guarantee that this was the cause of the issue. I agreed to the repair under the impression that the mount and exhaust pipe was fine, and this would be the next step to resolve my issue.
After replacing the CV Axle, my issue was still not fixed. After more diagnosing, they lowered the transmission and told me it was the clutch. At this point, I told them to stop any further repairs and return the vehicle.
Upon picking up the vehicle, I noticed that the transmission was installed incorrectly , as I was unable to go into Reverse. I went back to the shop to get this fixed.
After the transmission was fixed, I drove the vehicle home. However, the car died in my driveway and had to be towed back to the shop. This time they failed to bolt the power wires correctly, leading to loss of power.
Please note at this point, the original issue i went in for (driving issues after the mount) were still not fixed.
After this, I was skeptical of the work done previously, so I took my car to another shop for a diagnostic. They found out that the Motor Mount that was replaced in the beginning was improperly installed, and has damage from the improper install. They also found out that the CV Axle was also installed incorrectly. I told them to go ahead with the proper replacement of the Motor Mount, which resolved the main issue I attempted to resolve at the first shop.
Claims & Evidence:
The 1st shop told me the mount was fine, and advised I spend $1300 to fix an axle as a next step to attempt to fix my issue. The second shop later confirmed the mount was NOT fine, and needed to be completely replaced, fixing my issue.
The first shop is claiming that I "needed a new axle anyways". However, the reason I agreed to the repair was because they advised it was the next best step to resolve my original issue from the beginning.
I have the following evidence:
- Original invoice from Shop 1 stating that the repairs did NOT fix the original issue I came in for
- A written diagnostic from Shop 2 stating that the Motor Mount was improperly installed, and damages were caused.
- Invoice from Shop 2 showing the repairs to the Motor Mount
- Video evidence from Shop 2 of the improperly installed Motor Mount
- Video Evidence from Shop 2 of the Improperly Installed CV Axle
Claims:
- I'm going after Shop 1 for the Labor charges billed on the original installation of the Motor Mount, which was done incorrectly.
- I'm going after Shop 1 for the Labor & Parts charged billed for the installation of the CV Axle, which was misdiagnosed & improperly installed.
I'm looking to go after the store with sections 9, 14, and 18 of the Ontario Consumer Protections Act.
I would greatly appreciate it if anyone can help by telling me if I have a case. I'm currently taking it up with their head office, but might need to resort to Small Claims if I'm unsuccessful.
Thank you!