After automobile maintenance, it has been shown that consumer damage due to poor maintenance, such as further damage to the vehicle or recurring defects, is increasing every year.

On the 18th, the Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) revealed that the number of consumer damage relief claims related to automobile maintenance received over the last 3 years and 5 months (from May 2022 to May 2025) totaled 953 cases, steadily increasing each year.

On the afternoon of the 17th, the road in front of Jangseong Elementary School in Buk-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, floods due to localized heavy rain, causing vehicles to move at a turtle's pace. /Courtesy of News1

Looking at the types of damage, 'poor maintenance' accounted for 73.3% (699 cases) of the total, making it the most common. The 'excessive maintenance improper charge,' where repair fees, diagnostic fees, or estimates are billed without prior notice, followed with 173 cases (18.2%).

However, despite the continuation of such damages, it has been found that reaching an actual compensation agreement for the damages is not easy. According to the consumer agency, cases that reached agreements on compensation, repair, restoration, or refunds related to automobile maintenance damage were only 36.9% (352 cases).

In this regard, the consumer agency analyzed, 'It is difficult for consumers to establish that vehicle breakdowns or excessive maintenance after repairs are the responsibility of businesses.'

In response, the consumer agency held a meeting in June with four automobile maintenance-related associations, including the National Association of Automobile Inspection and Maintenance, to discuss cooperation measures to enhance trust in automobile maintenance services and to prevent consumer damage.

Accordingly, each association plans to promote compliance with the disclosure and management obligations of automobile maintenance businesses to their members and associations.

The consumer agency advised that when requesting automobile maintenance, consumers should receive an inspection and maintenance estimate and check the details and costs in advance, and after the maintenance is completed, they should thoroughly inspect the maintenance results and vehicle damage on-site.

It also emphasized that consumers should obtain an inspection and maintenance specification document to compare the work details with prior notices and to request warranty repairs if any issues are confirmed with the vehicle before the warranty period expires.

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