Michigan auto help: repair estimates, registered shops and the lemon law
Source: Local Help Stations (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.
Michigan car rules come from the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Act, enforced by the Department of State, and the new motor vehicle warranty law, known as the Lemon Law.
What Michigan rules say
- Before starting work, a repair shop must give you a written estimate itemizing parts and labor as closely as possible. (source: Michigan Legislature)
- The shop may not charge more than the estimate without your knowing written or oral consent. (source: Michigan Legislature)
- Any diagnosis fee must be included in the written estimate before the diagnosis starts. (source: Michigan Legislature)
- Unless you ask for one, no written estimate is required for work under $50 in total, but you still get a written statement of the actual cost. (source: Michigan Legislature)
- Shops must display their current repair facility registration certificate where customers can see it. (source: Michigan Legislature)
- You can report an unlicensed repair facility or uncertified mechanic to the Department of State, anonymously if you wish. (source: Michigan Department of State)
- The Lemon Law covers defects first reported during the warranty or within 1 year of delivery, whichever is earlier. (source: Michigan Legislature)
- A reasonable number of attempts is presumed after 4 or more repairs of the same defect within 2 years of the first attempt, or 30 or more days out of service in the warranty period or first year. (source: Michigan Legislature)
- After the third attempt you must give the maker written notice by return receipt service, and it then has 5 business days at a repair facility it designates to fix the defect. (source: Michigan Legislature)
- The law covers passenger cars, SUVs, pickups and vans, but not motor homes, buses or other trucks. (source: Michigan Legislature)
This page covers statewide rules only. Cities and counties can add their own permits and licenses, so check with your local building office too.
More Michigan topics
Sources
- Michigan Legislature (legislature.mi.gov): MCL 257.1332, Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Act: written estimate (statute text) (checked November 2, 2026)
- Michigan Legislature (legislature.mi.gov): MCL 257.1334a, Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Act: estimate not required under $50 (statute text) (checked November 2, 2026)
- Michigan Department of State: Repair facilities (checked November 2, 2026)
- Michigan Legislature (legislature.mi.gov): MCL 257.1402, New motor vehicle warranties (Lemon Law): repair of defect (statute text) (checked November 2, 2026)
- Michigan Legislature (legislature.mi.gov): MCL 257.1403, New motor vehicle warranties (Lemon Law): replacement or refund; presumption (statute text) (checked November 2, 2026)
- Michigan Legislature (legislature.mi.gov): MCL 257.1401, New motor vehicle warranties (Lemon Law): definitions (statute text) (checked November 2, 2026)
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