What r/autorepair keeps coming back to
Complaints raised here by more than one person. One-off posts are not included.
143 recurring problems · 462 threads read · read since September 2026 · Reddit
Raised more than once here
Most people first.
- 167Vehicle cranks after fuel pump replacement but won't start“Hey y’all I’m new to everything cars but i figure I’d try to fix this ol boy up.”
- 151Is it worth fixing an old car when repairs cost more than it's worth?“Worth it in your book? The truck is probably worth $3k to $4k private party.”
- 147How to explain an intermittent car noise to a mechanic“I had parked in a parking lot outside for a few hours and came back to my car and suddenly there was a loud screeching noise as if something fell off. There was no lights or any other indication to tell what was wrong.”
- 131Is this mechanic repair quote too high?“Nearly $4100 for a VTC Actuator and Timing Chain Replacement, is this mechanic upcharging me on other stuff that I need or don't need?”
- 114Should I pay for appliance repair or fix it myself?“2023 Toyota Corolla, just noticed a nail in the tire sidewall of one of the rear tires.”
- 94Landlord built a fence around the AC and it broke“Ok so, my sister was convinced she could do an oil change on my car. But when she was under there she started unscrewing the wrong thing.. it made a hissing sound and a little green liquid came out and she immediately retightened it.”
- 94How to figure out what an unfamiliar car engine noise is“I’m thinking alternator bearing or belt tensioner but not sure. No codes or change in any temps or anything.”
- 73Why does my car make a loud rattle when starting the engine?“I noticed this about a week ago it would make that weird noise and basically it takes a extra few seconds to start and sounds like it doesn’t wanna start every time I start the car not sure what it is”
- 69Why are contractor and window replacement quotes so absurdly high?“Pretty much clueless about cars, but this seems high.”
- 57How do I know if I can DIY a repair or need a pro?“Is there anyway to fix this at home? I'll buy a tool if I need to.”
- 57How to remove a stripped recessed retaining screw“Already tried jamming a flathead screwdriver in it, no go. Tried using extractor bits. It’s recessed so I don’t think I can use a power tool to notch it for a flathead. No welding tools available.”
- 47How to handle a mechanic who messed up brake repairs“they are going to charge me for this claiming it’s wear and tear, surely this is on them with my thinking being they triggered this whilst reassembling the clutch???”
- 47How to know which replacement part code to buy“So I’m trying to replace my brake rotors and pads for a 2005 Cadillac CTS. But when looking online I see two listings for brake/rotor kits for brake code JL9 and RPO code FE1.”
- 45How to pay for unexpected expensive car repairs when broke“I was on a time crunch because of work so asked the shop to give me a call after further inspection.”
- 38How to find a hidden engine oil leak spraying on components“I was filling it up w coolant and heard DRIPPING.”
- 32Why are my brakes squeaking and shaking the floorboard?“I have a 2000 Toyota Tundra that has bit of vibration when braking. It's worse around 20 to 30 mph, and fells more in the front end.”
- 28Is used truck frame rust fixable or should I walk away?“I am inexperienced with rust as I am from the Southern United States. I went to look at it before I go meet with the dealership tomorrow. Is this too much rust where I should avoid this truck, or is it potentially okay after some rust repair?”
- 27Car battery keeps dying even after replacing battery and alternator“Hey everyone, I’m dealing with a parasitic battery drain on my 2007 Chevy Tahoe Z71 5.3L. The battery keeps dying after sitting for a day or two.”
- 26Engine misfires and RPM surging when driving uphill“as I was pulling out of the auto shop parking lot my car misfires and it has been doing this ever since. Interestingly enough, the misfiring does not trigger a code.”
- 22Why does the check engine light come back on after replacing a sensor?“I need to get my emissions done for registration but I have a check engine light on due to my o2sensor.”
What this forum worries about more than the rest
How much more often a topic shows up here than across every forum we read.
vehicle emissions41.8×cars41.8×car warranty41.8×mechanic trust41.8×