how long can a shop hold a car for repair

[OBrantley]

There is no single, fixed legal deadline for how long a shop can hold your car. The repair time is generally governed by the concept of "reasonable time," which depends on the complexity of the repair, parts availability, and the shop's workload. However, most standard repairs should be completed within a few days to a week. For complex issues, it might take longer, but the shop has an obligation to communicate delays proactively.

Your rights are primarily protected by your signed work order or repair authorization. This document is a contract. If the shop significantly exceeds the estimated completion date without a valid reason (like a back-ordered part), they may be in breach of that agreement. States often have specific consumer protection laws, and some have "lemon laws" that apply to repairs under warranty, setting stricter timeframes for shops affiliated with new car dealerships.

Factors That Directly Impact Repair Duration:

Factor	Description	Typical Impact on Timeline
Parts Availability	Common parts are stocked locally; rare or imported parts require shipping.	Local: 1-2 days; Special Order: 3-10+ business days.
Diagnosis Complexity	Simple brake job vs. intermittent electrical fault diagnosis.	Simple: Hours; Complex: 1-3 days for diagnosis alone.
Shop Workload	Number of cars ahead of yours in the queue.	Can add 1-3 days to the start of work.
Insurance Approval	Waiting for an insurance adjuster to approve repairs after an accident.	Can add 2-5 business days to the start of work.
Technician Skill/Staffing	A specialized repair may require a specific technician's availability.	Can delay start or completion by 1-4 days.

The most critical action you can take is to maintain clear communication. Before authorizing the repair, ask for a realistic estimate. Get a point of contact and don't hesitate to call for a status update after a reasonable period has passed. If delays become excessive and communication breaks down, you can escalate by contacting the shop manager, your state's attorney general's office, or the Better Business Bureau.

[SanJasmine]

It's frustrating, but there's no set number of days. It's all about what's "reasonable." A simple oil change shouldn't take two weeks. My rule of thumb: if it's been over a week with no update, I start calling. The key is the estimate they gave you. If they blow past that date without a good reason, like a part stuck on a truck somewhere, that's on them. Always get the initial estimate in writing. That's your best leverage if things go sideways.

[LaParker]

From a legal standpoint, the repair duration is bound by the agreed-upon work order, which forms an implied contract. The shop must perform the repair within a "reasonable time," a standard that varies by circumstance. If the delay is substantial and unjustified, you may have a claim for breach of contract. Document all communication. If the vehicle is held indefinitely, you might need to send a formal demand letter, citing your state's consumer protection statutes, to request the release of your property.

[Alexa]

I've been through this. The waiting is the worst part. What I do now is ask upfront: "What's your best guess for a completion date?" I write it down. Then, if I don't hear anything by that afternoon, I call. A good shop will call you with updates, especially if a part is delayed. If you get voicemail for days, that's a bad sign. After my last experience, I only use shops that have a online portal where you can see the repair status. It saves a lot of anxiety.