Business ProfileforSturken Auto Body, Inc.

******* Auto Body performed a non-legal modification of a catalytic converter on my vehicle. Multiple requests were made for a refund of ******* for the work done have received no response. This amount is only the relevant part of the bill, as I have spent ******** with them in total across multiple occasions. The work was done January 2019 to improve vehicle performance and resolve an engine code. ******* cut off, "washed", and re-welded the catalytic converter back on. It turns out the Bureau of Automotive Repair does not recognize "washing" as an acceptable fix. There is absolutely no acceptable repair for a catalytic converter according to the BAR, just replacement. In fact, the moment the OEM converter was removed from the vehicle, it cannot be reinstalled since California and the BAR then considers it a second-hand part. The required smog check December 2019 did not notice the issue, but the smog check December 2021 did. I've only asked for a refund for the specific work done, and multiple other mechanics and BAR representatives have agreed this is appropriate. It should have been obvious to ******* that modifying an emissions control system is absolutely not an acceptable fix. A lot of money was spent on work that should have gone directly into replacing the defective catalytic converter. I am now out that money and the money it took to fix the problem correctly. In addition to that, there is at least 100 hours of work; dozens of phone calls between myself, the smog station, General Motors parts department, consumer and dealership parts departments, *******, the BAR, and multiple mechanics; hours at the DMV and *** for a Temporary Operating Permit; and not to mention lots of stress. All due to ******* jumping on a fix too quickly without thinking.