Owner Leaves Van for Four Months; Repair Shop Tows Away Toyota Sienna

A vehicle owner brought a Toyota Sienna to a repair shop requesting tire replacement, stabilizer bar link replacement, front right CV axle replacement, and repairs for body damage caused by an accident. The owner paid a $500 deposit upfront and agreed to settle the remaining balance based on labor hours upon completion. The shop began work using parts purchased by the owner. During the process, technicians discovered that the tie rod end also needed replacement. The technician personally covered the $115 cost for this additional part and planned to include it in the final invoice. While removing the front passenger-side CV axle, technicians found it completely seized. They explained that on this Toyota model, separating the transmission is often necessary to remove the CV axle. However, lacking the required equipment and wishing to avoid damaging the transmission, they decided to halt work and contact the owner. Unfortunately, due to a recent software migration at the shop, the customer’s contact information was lost, making communication impossible. Approximately six weeks later, the owner visited the shop in person. The technician explained the situation, recommended transferring the vehicle to a dealership to address potential transmission issues, and offered to discuss a partial refund. When the owner inquired about getting his $500 deposit back, the technician said cash reimbursement could be arranged the following day. However, the owner did not return until three days later. At that time, the technician reiterated that he would need to come back the next day so cash could be prepared. After that, the owner never returned. The vehicle remained at the shop for four to five months, with its front wheels removed and suspension components disconnected, rendering it immobile. Eventually, the repair shop had the vehicle towed off the premises. A week later, the owner’s minor children came to inquire about the car but left without success. Shortly afterward, the owner’s wife arrived. The technician recounted the entire sequence of events. She revealed her husband had given two conflicting accounts: first claiming the shop couldn’t fix the car, then saying repairs would continue. The technician emphasized he was only stating facts. As she was leaving, he noticed an issue with her vehicle’s exhaust system and proactively offered a discounted repair. Under applicable regulations, licensed repair shops may legally claim a mechanic’s lien or warehouseman’s lien if a customer fails to pay or retrieve their vehicle within a specified period. Procedures and timelines vary by state. For example, Texas requires filing a mechanic’s lien within 30 days; otherwise, the vehicle may be sold at public auction. In California, a warehouseman’s lien must be filed within 30 days of billing, or the right is forfeited. Incorrectly filing such liens can result in significant liability. The technician is currently awaiting the owner’s personal return and has asked the public for advice on how best to handle the situation.