What people keep running into with vehicle damage
Complaints tagged vehicle damage, each raised by more than one person. One-off posts are not included.
9 recurring problems · 74 people · 13 forums we read
Raised more than once
Most people first.
- 35Is this mechanic repair quote too high?Shops routinely bundle minor, unneeded services and high labor rates into major engine and body repair quotes. This leaves vehicle owners unable to tell if they are paying fair market value or absorbing inflated charges for parts they may not actually require.
- 16How to get a contractor to fix damage they causedContractors often refuse accountability for installation errors and collateral property damage, blaming existing conditions or ignoring calls. This forces homeowners to absorb repair costs or spend months chasing negligent workers for fixes.
- 5How to fix a loose or hanging car splash guardPlastic undercarriage splash guards sag and scrape the ground when accumulated ice, debris, or broken fasteners cause them to detach. Driving with a loose shield prevents you from safely ignoring the noise, often leaving you unsure whether it requires an immediate mechanic visit or a quick temporary fix with zip ties.
- 5How to temporarily fix a leaking car radiatorRadiator leaks caused by a puncture, loose component, or speed bump impact cause coolant to spray or drain rapidly, leaving the vehicle at risk of overheating. Liquid stop-leak additives can temporarily seal minor holes, but they are only a short-term patch before the radiator must be repaired or replaced.
- 4Knocking noise under car after bottoming out on drivewayImpact to the underside of a vehicle can bend or loosen protective shields, exhaust hangers, or suspension components like the CV axle and control arms. This creates persistent rattling over bumps and when braking, even if the car otherwise drives normally.
- 3Why are animals chewing holes in my car plastic and gas tank?Rodents and wildlife chew on vehicle parts like plastic wheel covers and gas tanks because modern engine components use soy-based wiring and materials that attract pests. This leaves vehicle owners dealing with expensive physical damage and rendered equipment that cannot be safely used until repaired.
- 2Is my car totaled?Insurance companies declare a car totaled when the cost to repair the vehicle exceeds a specific percentage of its pre-accident value, usually determined by state laws and the insurer's threshold. This uncertainty leaves vehicle owners anxious about whether they will lose an almost-paid-off car they desperately want saved.
- 2Flat tire again right after getting it replacedShop repairs or replacements sometimes fail immediately due to new punctures, debris in the work area, or improper installation. Dealing with a second flat so quickly drains limited funds and forces people to pay unexpected diagnostic or repair fees all over again.
- 2Can a dented car door be fixed or does it need to be replaced?Whether a damaged car door can be fixed with dent removal or requires a full replacement depends on the severity of the impact and body damage. Choosing the wrong path can lead to unnecessary repair costs or a door that no longer aligns or functions properly.
Comes up alongside
Topics that keep appearing on the same problems — not topics with similar names.