The Short Answer

In Pennsylvania, a repair shop may try to keep a vehicle until charges are paid, but “holding your car hostage” after unauthorized repairs can raise serious legal issues—especially if there was no clear agreement on the work or price. The safest way to protect yourself is to treat this as a dispute that can escalate quickly (including claims of abandonment or fraud) and get a Pennsylvania attorney involved early to demand release and preserve your rights.

What Pennsylvania Law Says

Disputes with repair shops often turn on what was authorized, what was agreed to (in writing or otherwise), and whether the shop is trying to use possession of the vehicle as leverage. Pennsylvania’s Vehicle Code also addresses situations where vehicles are left at repair facilities and when a shop must report a vehicle as “abandoned,” which can become a pressure point in these disputes.

The Statute

The primary law that often comes into play when a shop claims you “left” the vehicle is 75 Pa.C.S. § 7311.

This statute requires a garage or repair shop to report a vehicle to PennDOT if it has been left for 15 consecutive days (including 15 days after completion of repairs or a storage agreement) without being removed by the owner or an authorized person.

Why You Should Speak with an Attorney

Even when you believe repairs were unauthorized, the shop may claim there was approval, an implied agreement, or that storage charges are accruing. Legal outcomes often depend on:

• Strict Deadlines: If the shop starts treating the vehicle as “abandoned,” timelines under 75 Pa.C.S. § 7311 can become a real risk factor.
• Burden of Proof: These cases often come down to documentation—estimates, invoices, texts, recorded calls, photos, and what you can prove was (or was not) authorized.
• Exceptions and Counterclaims: The shop may accuse you of trying to take the vehicle without paying, and Pennsylvania law criminalizes certain fraudulent removals from a garage. See 75 Pa.C.S. § 7116. An attorney can help you assert your position without accidentally creating criminal exposure.

Because possession of the car gives the shop leverage, trying to “work it out” informally can backfire—especially if storage fees pile up or the shop starts an abandoned-vehicle process. A lawyer can communicate with the shop in a way that protects you, challenges improper charges, and positions you for the fastest resolution.

If your issue overlaps with title/lien complications (for example, the vehicle is part of an estate), you may also find this helpful: What happens to a vehicle loan or lien during probate in Pennsylvania?

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Disclaimer: This article provides general information under Pennsylvania law and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change frequently. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed attorney.