Igor B. NSW 14 posts

6mo Verified

I took my car.to Mark Stewart Smash Repairs for a front bumper repair via Budget Direct. The car was perfect before the job, but when I picked it up on 19/09, the head unit/radio was faulty, volume stuck on maximum. I reported it immediately, and they noted it. Returned on 29/09, [Name Removed] said the head unit was damaged and referred it to insurance.

An independent diagnostic later showed an “AUDIO CAN timeout” (a communication fault often linked to battery disconnection during repairs). Yet, no one has accepted responsibility. My sound system has been unusable since September. Very disappointed with the lack of accountability.

Mark Stewart Autobody 1mo

Hi Igor, We have reviewed your concerns and the circumstances surrounding your repair, and we need to be clear that the issue with the head unit is not related to the work carried out by our workshop.

The repair completed on your vehicle was limited to the front bumper bar. This type of repair does not involve the vehicle’s audio system, wiring, or electronics, and in most cases does not require the battery to be disconnected at all.

The independent diagnostic has confirmed that the head unit itself has failed. A failure of this nature is not caused by standard panel repair work or normal workshop procedures. While an “AUDIO CAN timeout” was noted, this is a general communication fault and cannot be attributed to the repairs performed.

We also raised this matter with your insurer and requested authority for further action; however, this was not approved. As such, this aspect is outside of our control.

Based on the scope of work and the diagnostic findings, there is no evidence to support that the damage to the head unit was caused by our repair.

For this reason, we are unable to accept responsibility for the issue.

Kind regards, Mark Stewart Smash Repairs

Ask the reviewer

Mark Stewart Autobody

Compare best Mechanics

Extra Information

Compare best Mechanics