Liberty father fights back after costly car repair gone wrong
After spending $2,500 and waiting five months for repairs, a Liberty man says his Dodge Charger came back in worse condition.
LIBERTY, N.C. — There’s nothing quite like the sound of a muscle car. For Jerry Shelton, a bright orange 2014 Dodge Charger was a special gift for his son — but that gift turned into a months-long repair nightmare.
“He knew he was getting a car, just not what kind,” Shelton said.
Soon after the surprise, the car’s check engine light came on. Shelton took it to a garage for diagnostics and repairs. But what started as a routine fix spiraled into a $2,500 bill and a five-month wait.
“They kept telling me the mechanical work was done, but they were having trouble with the computer,” Shelton recalled. “It doesn’t take five months to do a job priced out for six hours.”
When Shelton asked for the car back, the shop agreed — but only if he signed a waiver promising not to sue. That’s when he contacted 2 Wants to Know and picked up the car.
“Oh, way worse — way worse,” he said after seeing the condition of the Charger.
A second mechanic inspected the vehicle and quickly found evidence that many of the repairs Shelton paid for either weren’t done or were done poorly.
“The pictures showed the original gaskets were still on the car. The heads never came off,” the new mechanic said. “We noticed wiring issues that weren’t properly repaired — the harness was melted together, hard as a brick.”
When 2 Wants to Know reached out to the original shop, the business agreed to issue Shelton a partial refund.
“If not for you guys, we wouldn’t have gotten it,” Shelton said. “They turned their back on us.”
Consumer Tips: How to Protect Yourself at the Auto Shop
Before you hand over your keys and credit card, here are a few ways to protect yourself and your car:
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Get Estimates in Writing: Always ask for a written estimate that includes parts, labor, and diagnostic fees.
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Check Certifications: Look for ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification or manufacturer training.
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Ask to See Old Parts: Reputable shops will return replaced parts or show proof of new installations.
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Read Reviews and Complaints: Search online and with the Better Business Bureau before choosing a mechanic.
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Don’t Pay in Full Until Repairs Are Done: Avoid paying the total cost up front. Legitimate shops typically charge after work is completed.
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Inspect Before You Leave: Take photos and check under the hood before driving away.
Shelton’s experience serves as a reminder that when it comes to car repairs, trust and transparency matter just as much as technical skill.
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