COMPLAINTS about mechanics to Fair Trading increased 40 per cent in the past year, according to the ACT Government.
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Overcharging, incomplete and alleged damage done by the mechanic were among the most common reasons for complaints.
Disputes about whether or not repairs could be paid for under the vehicle warranty were also toward the top of the list of reasons.
There were 45 formal complaints to the Office of Regulatory Services in the year to November, compared to 32 the previous year.
A Justice and Community Safety Directorate spokesman said, ''The increase in consumer complaints about the motor vehicle repairer industry could be linked to a greater level of consumer awareness as a result of the new Fair Trading Act 2010 which commenced in October 2010 and the education program conducted by the Office of Regulatory Services''.
A 40-year-old Canberra mechanic told the Sunday Canberra Times there were dodgy mechanics out there but complaints were often made by customers who refused to have the proper work done and who later complained when their cars broke down.
''A lot of times the standard of workmanship is below an acceptable level,'' he said.
''Many people think their mechanic has ripped them off.''
