How to Spot Poor Collision Repair on Your Car

Poor collision repair can leave your vehicle unsafe, unreliable, and prone to long-term damage. After a crash, you expect a body shop to restore both the structural integrity and cosmetic appearance of your car. However, not all repair facilities meet the professional standards needed to ensure your safety.

In fact, California’s Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) receives thousands of complaints every year related to substandard or incomplete repairs—many of which involve critical safety oversights. Whether it’s misaligned panels, faulty airbags, or uncalibrated safety systems, shoddy workmanship can put you and your passengers at risk.

Fortunately, you don’t need to be a trained technician to spot when something isn’t right. By knowing what to check for, you can identify common red flags, hold the repair shop accountable, and take the appropriate next steps.

In this guide, you’ll discover:

• How to recognize signs of poor repair work

• What to inspect before accepting your vehicle

• What to do if problems appear after the repair

• Your legal rights as a California vehicle owner

Being informed now can help you avoid bigger problems later. Let’s walk through the most common warning signs—and what to do if your vehicle wasn’t repaired correctly.

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Top Signs of Poor Collision Repair

Unfortunately, not every repair shop follows OEM procedures or takes the time to properly align and fit each component. That’s why it’s important to inspect panel alignment and part fitment closely—because catching these red flags early can prevent bigger problems down the road.

In the sections that follow, we’ll outline the most common indicators of misaligned panels, explain why they matter, and guide you on the next steps if you suspect something isn’t right.

Here are the most common indicators that your vehicle wasn’t repaired to professional standards. If you notice any of the issues below, take action immediately.

1. Mismatched Paint or Texture

A proper paint job should be undetectable to the eye—color, texture, and gloss should all match perfectly.

• Obvious color differences between repaired and original panels

• Paint looks duller, glossier, or different under certain light

• Rough or grainy texture, also called “orange peel”

• Visible overspray on nearby trim or windows

• Uneven clear coat application or sanding marks left behind

Even small differences can affect your car’s resale value and indicate larger quality control issues.

Sources: Consumer Reports

2. Unusual Noises or Vibrations

Your car should sound the same as before the accident—no rattles, hums, or new noises.

• Clunking or knocking sounds during acceleration or braking

• Rattling panels or loose parts in the cabin or undercarriage

• Whistling or wind noise at highway speeds (often caused by misaligned panels or broken seals)

• Buzzing vibrations in the steering wheel or floorboard

In many cases, these noises point to loose components, improper installation, or incomplete structural work.

3. Electrical or ADAS Malfunctions

Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced safety tech. After repairs, all systems must be fully recalibrated.

• Airbag, check engine, or ABS lights that stay on

• Malfunctioning cruise control, lane assist, or blind spot warnings

• Backup cameras or parking sensors that no longer activate

• Headlights, turn signals, or dashboard buttons that stop working

• Bluetooth or infotainment issues that weren’t there before

According to the IIHS, nearly 50% of drivers report ADAS issues after poor collision repairs (source).

4. Visible Welding Flaws or Structural Problems

Poor structural repairs are not just cosmetic—they’re a major safety concern.

• Inconsistent weld lines, missing welds, or overly thick beads

• Rusty or exposed welds without protective coating

• Poor fitment of structural components, like the radiator support or inner fender

• Panels or frame rails that look twisted or uneven

• Missing fasteners or clips in the undercarriage or trunk

Poor welding can severely compromise crash safety. That’s why structural repairs must always follow manufacturer guidelines.

5. Misaligned Panels and Poor Fitment

A repaired vehicle should have tight, even panel gaps and fully functional components. However, if you notice any of the following issues, it’s likely something wasn’t done correctly:

• Uneven spacing between fenders, doors, hood, or trunk

• Panels that stick out or sit too deep

• Doors, hoods, or trunks that don’t close or latch properly

• Loose trim, lights, or bumpers

• Replacement parts that look warped or don’t match the body lines

In many cases, shops may use cheap aftermarket parts that don’t fit correctly—or worse, they skip alignment steps to save time.

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Lack of Quality Control or Incomplete Work

The final inspection is often what separates great repairs from sloppy ones. So, before driving off, be on the lookout for:

• Loose fasteners, bolts, or plastic clips

• Unpainted surfaces inside door jambs or the engine bay

• Dirty or greasy fingerprints on interior trim

• Missing wheel well liners, splash shields, or protective seals

• Repairs that only address visible damage, leaving hidden issues untouched

Altogether, these signs suggest the repair shop rushed the job or skipped quality checks entirely.

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What to Do If You Spot Poor Collision Repair

If your vehicle shows signs of poor repair, take action immediately. The longer you wait, the harder it may be to get it fixed properly.

 1. Document Everything

• Take clear, dated photos and videos of every issue

• Capture both close-ups and wide shots

• Keep a copy of the original estimate and final invoice

• Note any warning lights, noises, or performance changes

2. Contact the Original Shop

• Ask if they offer a repair warranty

• Share your concerns politely but clearly

• Request a reinspection and written action plan

• If they deny the problem, escalate—don’t ignore your instincts

3. Get a Second Opinion

• Visit a certified collision center or independent mechanic

• Request a post-repair inspection report

• Ask if the issues affect safety, performance, or structural integrity

4. Use California’s Free Inspection Program

The California BAR Auto Body Inspection Program offers:

• Free inspections by state-licensed evaluators

• Reviews to confirm whether repairs meet industry and legal standards

• A written summary of findings you can use when filing a complaint

5. File a Complaint If Necessary

If the shop refuses to fix the issues:

• File a complaint with the California BAR

• If your insurance paid for the work, also file with the California Department of Insurance

6. Know Your Legal Rights

You have rights when you take your vehicle to an auto shop for repairs. In all automotive repair transactions you are entitled to:

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Why Choose Premier Coach for Quality Repairs

If you’re dealing with lingering issues—or just want the job done right—Premier Coach Auto Collision is here to help.

Factory-Certified Expertise

• Certified for Tesla, BMW, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and more

• Trained technicians follow OEM repair procedures

• Repairs completed using factory-approved equipment and tools

️ OEM-Quality Repairs

• We use only original manufacturer parts

• Every repair is performed to factory standards, not shortcuts

• No guesswork—just guaranteed accuracy and safety

Real Inspections, Not Just Quick Visuals

• We provide post-repair evaluations and second opinions

• Our techs run diagnostic scans and recalibrations for ADAS

• We document our process thoroughly, including before-and-after photos

We offer a full range of certified collision repair services, including:

• AUTO BODY REPAIR
• AUTO GLASS REPLACEMENT
• CAR ACCIDENT REPAIR
• COLLISION REPAIR
• DENT REMOVAL & SCRATCH REPAIR
• TOW SERVICE