My older Mercedes ($5000) stopped working. Took it to dealership. They told me an initial attempt of changing fob should fix it, it didn’t. 1k debt. Told me replacing ignition should now fix it, it didn’t. 3.6k debt total. Now they are telling me replacing steering wheel lock should fix it. I haven’t authorized yet but this would put me at total $4.8k bill (none of which I have paid yet).

What grounds do I have to not pay them and cut off contact? It feels like they are purposely juicing customers. I realize they will keep my car and I am ok with that.

Apart from keeping my car, what else can they do? Can I get criminally charged for doing this?

Thanks