File a Complaint

The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) mediates and investigates complaints related to automotive repair transactions between auto shops and consumers. If you have concerns about a shop’s work or service and cannot resolve those issues with the shop's management, we encourage you to file a complaint.

BAR has jurisdiction to mediate and investigate complaints involving:

  • Auto repairs and services
  • Smog Check inspections
  • Tire repairs or installation
  • Repairs performed by a tow company or storage lot
  • Extended warranty or service contract disputes involving automotive repairs performed by a new or used car dealership
  • Unlicensed and fraudulent activity

Person Filing Complaint


Details of Complaint


Who are you filing the complaint against?
Please briefly describe your complaint (include the Who, What, When, Where, How).

Notice on Collection of Personal Information


Collection and Use of Personal Information. The Consumer Relations Unit/Complaint Resolution Program/Consumer Information Center of the Department of Consumer Affairs collects the information requested on this form as authorized by Business and Professions Code Sections 325 and 326. The Department uses this information to follow up on your complaint.

Providing Personal Information Is Voluntary. You do not have to provide the personal information requested. If you do not wish to provide personal information, such as your name, home address, or home telephone number, you may remain anonymous. In that case, however, we may not be able to contact you or help you resolve your complaint.

Access to Your Information. You may review the records maintained by the Department that contain your personal information, as permitted by the Information Practices Act. See below for contact information.

Possible Disclosure of Personal Information. We make every effort to protect the personal information you provide us. In order to follow up on your complaint, however, we may need to share the information you give us with the business you complained about or with other government agencies. This may include sharing any personal information you gave us.

The information you provide may also be disclosed in the following circumstances:

  • In response to a Public Records Act request, as allowed by the Information Practices Act;
  • To another government agency, as required by state or federal law; or
  • In response to a court or administrative order, a subpoena, or a search warrant.

Contact Information. For questions about this notice or the Department's Privacy Policy, you may contact the Information Security Office of the Department of Consumer Affairs, 1625 N. Market Blvd., S202, Sacramento, CA 95834, or email dca@dca.ca.gov.

If you have questions about the status of your complaint, please contact the Bureau of Automotive Repair, Complaint Intake Unit, by mail at 10949 North Mather Boulevard, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670, by phone at (855) 837-7985, or by fax at (916) 464-3405.