An automotive-repair chain has agreed to pay $1.4 million to settle a consumer-protection lawsuit over accusations that it sold unnecessary and faulty parts and not-needed services, authorities said Friday.

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office filed the suit against Certified Tire and Services Center and owner Jeffrey Darrow alleging unfair business practices and false and misleading advertising.

Certified Tire has 41 locations in California, primarily in Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

The lawsuit accused Certified Tire of selling unnecessary parts and services and charging customers for services that were never performed. Darrow did not return a phone call on Friday.

Prosecutors said Certified Tire admitted no fault or liability.

The District Attorney’s Office launched a joint investigation with the California Bureau of Automotive Repair after receiving complaints of unfair business practices.

Investigators conducted undercover car-repair runs in Orange and Riverside counties, driving specially prepared cars not needing repairs, prosecutors said.

“Nearly all of the undercover runs resulted in recommendations for additional unnecessary repairs or included charges for services not performed,” the District Attorney’s Office said in a statement. “Certified Tire also deceptively advertised special discounts only available for customers with a Goodyear credit card.”

Under the settlement, filed in Orange County Superior Court on Thursday, Certified Tire agreed to pay more than $1.4 million in civil penalties, in addition to restitution, prosecutors said. The settlement is pending approval by a judge.

Consumers who filed complaints with the Bureau of Automotive Repair or Certified Tire from January 2011 to Sept. 30, 2016 are eligible for restitution, prosecutors said.

Contact the writer: kpuente@ocregister.com