Handing over your car to a dealership is meant to bring peace of mind. You expect trained technicians, genuine parts, and professional service. But when days turn into weeks and you realise the dealership has had my car for a month, that confidence quickly turns into frustration.
This situation is more common than many drivers realise. Cars are often kept far longer than promised, with little communication and no clear end date.
Before reacting, it helps to understand why a dealership might keep your car for such a long time. While it doesn’t excuse poor communication, knowing the reasons can help you deal with the situation calmly and confidently.
One of the biggest causes of delay is parts availability. Some components are not kept in stock and must be ordered from suppliers or manufacturers. If the part is rare, discontinued, or affected by supply shortages, delays can stretch into weeks.
Modern cars are complex machines. Electrical systems, sensors, and onboard computers can make faults hard to trace. Mechanics may need extra time to test, rule out issues, and confirm the exact cause before completing repairs.
If your car is under warranty, the dealership may need approval from the manufacturer before carrying out repairs. This can involve inspections, reports, and authorisation, all of which slow the process down.
Dealerships often handle a high volume of vehicles. Staff shortages, peak seasons, or unexpected repair backlogs can result in your car being pushed further down the queue.
A few days late is understandable. A couple of weeks may still be reasonable depending on the issue. But when the dealership has had my car for a month, it’s time to take action.
Long delays without updates, unclear explanations, or repeated broken promises are signs that you should no longer wait quietly.
Your first move should always be direct communication. Contact the service advisor responsible for your vehicle and ask clear questions.
Ask things like:
Avoid vague conversations. Ask for specific answers and make it clear you expect regular updates. Staying polite but firm often gets better results than showing anger.
Verbal promises are easy to forget or deny. Ask for updates by email or text so there is a written record of what you’ve been told.
Written communication helps you:
This is especially important once delays stretch beyond a few weeks.
Your repair order or service agreement is more important than many drivers realise. It often contains details about estimated completion times, warranty cover, and dealership responsibilities.
Look closely for:
Understanding this paperwork gives you confidence and strengthens your position when asking for answers.
If your vehicle has been off the road for weeks, it’s reasonable to ask for alternative transport.
Many dealerships provide:
Even if it’s not offered automatically, always ask. If the delay is on their side, they may agree to help to keep you satisfied.
If your service advisor is unhelpful or keeps giving vague answers, ask to speak to the service manager.
Explain:
Managers often have more authority and may be able to speed things up or offer compensation.
When dealership-level discussions fail, contacting the manufacturer directly can be very effective.
Manufacturers care about customer satisfaction and brand reputation. They can:
Clearly explain that the dealership has had my car for a month and provide a summary of what has happened so far.
Once delays become excessive, documentation becomes essential.
Keep records of:
Good records protect you if you need to take the matter further.
Most countries have consumer protection laws that apply to vehicle repairs. These laws usually require repairers to:
If a repair takes too long, you may be entitled to:
Knowing your rights gives you confidence and control.
Not every delay is unreasonable, but certain situations should raise concern:
At this stage, waiting patiently may only make things worse.
If discussions with the dealership and manufacturer fail, consider external help.
Consumer protection organisations can:
This step often encourages dealerships to resolve the issue quickly to avoid formal complaints.
In extreme cases, legal advice may be appropriate. This is especially true if:
A legal professional can advise whether you qualify for stronger remedies such as refunds, replacements, or compensation.
It’s easy to overlook the emotional stress caused by long repair delays. Being without your car can affect:
Feeling ignored or misled only adds to the frustration. Remember that your concerns are valid, and it’s reasonable to expect timely service.
While not all delays can be avoided, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk.
Before handing over the keys, ask:
Always ask for written estimates and timelines. This sets clear expectations from the start.
If the promised completion date passes, follow up immediately. Early action can prevent longer delays later.
Discovering the dealership has had my car for a month can feel overwhelming, but you are not powerless. With clear communication, proper documentation, and knowledge of your rights, you can regain control.
Don’t accept silence or endless excuses. Ask questions, escalate when needed, and seek support if the situation doesn’t improve. A professional dealership should respect your time, your money, and your trust.
