California BAR enforcement data shows complaints increasing against registrants and licensees

California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) data recently released shows a slight uptick in complaints filed against registrants or licensees in the state. 

There were 1,838 complaints filed in the state in June, according to enforcement up from 1,520 filed in June 2024. During May, BAR received 1,788 complaints, compared to 1,780 in May 2024. There were 1,894 complaints made in April and 1,790 made in April 2024. 

It took BAR 40-43 days to close cases that resulted in no formal discipline in April, May, and June. 

Complaints that resulted in formal discipline took 441-634 days, according to the data. 

Engine repair and engine performance were the causes of the majority of complaints, at 33% or 1,426. General repair and maintenance were 15% of complaints at 640, and auto body made up 666 or 16% of complaints. 

The top concerns for those who filed complaints were engine repair and engine performance, general repair and maintenance, and auto body negligence. 

There have been 69 inspections requested by BAR’s Auto Body Inspection Program this fiscal year. The program examines vehicles that consumers may have concerns about to verify that all repairs listed on an invoice were performed correctly.

If any issues are identified during the inspections, the representative advises the consumers and asks if they would like to file a complaint to be investigated further by BAR. 

Of the 69 requests, 16 inspections have been completed and seven complaints have been filed.

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