Where can I make a complaint?

Where can I make a complaint against auto mechanics in Ireland please?

Kamal Lamid (Limerick )

Mar 2016 Filed under: miscellaneous

---

Expert answer

Hi Kamal,

Right, first off, have you exhausted all options when it comes to getting the mechanic or garage in question to deal with the issue? Have you complained, in copied writing, to them? Have they replied?

If they've tried to fob you off, then you need to remind them that all work carried out is covered by the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act, 1980, which states that all work carried out must be of merchantable quality – in other words, that the work should have fixed whatever problem you had, and if not then a refund or another repair should have been offered.

If all that's been done and you've still got nowhere, then you have two options. If the mechanic in question is registered with the Society of the Irish Motor Indsutry (SIMI) then you can complain to that body. Its contact details and complaints procedure are here: http://www.simi.ie/Consumer+Information/Consumer+Services/Contact+Complaints+Service.html

If the mechanic is not SIMI-registered, or if you get no satisfaction from that process, then you're best off going to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, who can be contacted here: http://www.consumerhelp.ie/

Best of luck - and let us know how you get on

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor