UAE court fines garage Dh35,000 for negligence after botched engine replacement

Judge rules garage failed to meet agreed standards, leaving the vehicle damaged

Last updated: December 01, 2025 | 11:22

1 MIN READ

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The Al Ain Civil, Commercial and Administrative court has ordered a car garage to pay Dh35,000 in compensation to a vehicle owner after it failed to properly replace the car’s engine and returned the vehicle with multiple faults.

According to the case file, the owner handed over his vehicle to the garage for a full engine replacement, advertised as a “new, agency-condition engine” with a one-month warranty, at an agreed cost of Dh11,500.

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However, the garage allegedly carried out the work with substandard quality, causing additional mechanical defects. It also transported the vehicle without the owner’s permission and refused to return it in a roadworthy condition, resulting in financial losses for the claimant, Al Khaleej Arabic daily reported.

The court assigned a mechanical expert, who reported that the parties had a clear technical contractual agreement for an engine replacement matching agency specifications. The claimant had paid the full amount through official bank transfers.

The garage, however, failed to provide any evidence of a later agreement altering the specifications or execution terms. The expert confirmed that the documented faults in the engine and vehicle emerged within the warranty period stated on the invoice.

Based on the expert findings, the court held the garage liable for negligence and breach of contract, and ruled that compensation of Dh35,000 was justified.

Khitam Al Amir

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

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