To file a complaint against a dealer or repair shop:
- Complete the Consumer Complaint Form (K-35 form) online and print.
- Print two copies of form -- be sure to sign both.
- Send one copy to the DMV Consumer Complaint Center (to address below) and the other copy to the dealer or repairer that the complaint is concerning.
How do I file a complaint against an auto company?
Auto repair shops — File a complaint with your state consumer protection agency. Car rentals — File a complaint with your state consumer protection agency and the Federal Trade Commission. Auto loans or payments — File a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
How do I file a complaint against a repair or body shop?
If you are looking to file a complaint against a repair or body shop, please report a problem with a DMV regulated automotive business. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) regulates all repair shops, inspection stations, dealers, vehicle dismantlers and other related businesses in New York State.
What to do if you have a complaint about a dealership?
If you don't get results, you can contact a state or federal government agency. If your complaint is about: Deceptive car ads or dealers — File a complaint with your state consumer protection agency and the Federal Trade Commission . Auto repair shops — File a complaint with your state consumer protection agency.
How do I file a lawsuit against a car dealer?
Deceptive car ads or dealers -- File a complaint with your state consumer protection agency and the Federal Trade Commission. Terms of your auto loan agreement or payments -- File a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Car warranty -- Contact your state's attorney general.
What does Bureau of Automotive Repair do?
The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) licenses and regulates automotive repair dealers, Smog Check stations and technicians, and brake and lamp stations and adjusters. BAR also administers the Smog Check Program.
What do you do if your mechanic is scamming you?
Contact a local automotive regulations department / consumer agency in your province or state. Make a complaint about the business that refuses to fix the faulty repair for your vehicle.
Can I ask for my money back from a mechanic?
You'll have the burden of proof if you do have to go to court and sue to get your money back or for other relief. You'll have to establish to a judge's satisfaction that the car mechanic didn't fix the problem due to issues of fraud or negligence.
How do I file a complaint against a dealer in California?
The following agencies may assist with your complaints:New Motor Vehicle Board (nmvb.ca.gov) ... Department of Consumer Affairs (dca.ca.gov) ... California Courts (Small Claims Court) (courts.ca.gov) ... Better Business Bureau (bbb.org)
How do I know if a mechanic is scamming me?
10 Signs that Your Mechanic is Cheating YouThe Neverending Repair. ... The Scare Attempt. ... Fishy Terms. ... Cheap Spares. ... Unnecessary Repairs. ... Refusal to Show the Old Car Parts. ... Straying From the Manual. ... Bad Explanations.More items...
How do I know if a mechanic is ripping me off?
8 Ways Your Mechanic Is Ripping You OffTelling you your brake rotors need to be replaced, when they don't. ... Changing the spark plugs on a 50,000 mile car. ... Emotionally blackmailing you into a repair. ... Recommending miracle cure additives. ... Sucking you in the door with free tire rotation or winter inspection.More items...•
How long can a mechanic legally keep your car to fix?
How long can a mechanic keep my car? There is no legal limit to how long a mechanic can keep your car. If you are unsatisfied with your service, you can always take your business elsewhere and try to find another mechanic.
Can a mechanic charge you if they don't fix the problem?
Even if your mechanic doesn't fix the problem, you may still be charged a diagnostic fee.
Should a customer pay for a auto repair that was misdiagnosed?
PSA: If a shop misdiagnoses your car and makes a repair that fails to fix the problem, they're obligated to correct their mistake. Disclaimer: You HAVE to request and pay for diagnosis for this to be valid.
Is it worth filing a complaint with the BBB?
One good option is to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB helps consumers settle disputes related to sales, contracts, customer service, warranties, billings, and refunds every year. It accepts complaints even if the company that's harmed you doesn't belong to the Better Business Bureau.
Does filing a complaint with the FTC do anything?
The FTC cannot resolve individual complaints, but it can provide information about what steps to take. The FTC says that complaints can help it and its law enforcement partners detect patterns of fraud and abuse, which may lead to investigations and stopping unfair business practices.
Who regulates auto dealers in California?
The California Department of Consumer AffairsThe California Department of Consumer Affairs regulates car dealerships through an Arbitration Certification Program that outlines the California Lemon Law, which covers new and used vehicles sold or leased in the state that comes with the manufacturer's vehicle warranty.
What happens if you don't maintain your car?
If you don’t maintain your vehicle properly, it’s more likely to break down. Worse, you could void out your warranty. You don’t have to take your auto to the dealership for maintenance or repairs, but be sure to keep your receipts and use only reputable, knowledgeable mechanics. And check your vehicle’s manual for recommended maintenance intervals—for instance, if an oil change is recommended at 5,000 miles, ask the repair shop why they think you should get one at 3,000 miles. More frequent oil changes may be justified under certain circumstances.
Do you have to get a written estimate for a car repair?
You have the right to receive a written estimate; it may even be required by law. (Check your state’s regulations and licensing authority, if any.) The estimate should specify that the shop must contact you if the repair will exceed the estimate by a certain amount. It should include your car's odometer reading.
How to file a complaint against a car dealer?
If you have a complaint about your car, file it with the dealer, lender, or manufacturer. If you don't get results, you can contact a state or federal government agency. If your complaint is about: 1 Deceptive car ads or dealers — File a complaint with your state consumer protection agency and the Federal Trade Commission . 2 Auto repair shops — File a complaint with your state consumer protection agency. 3 Car rentals — File a complaint with your state consumer protection agency and the Federal Trade Commission. 4 Auto loans or payments — File a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 5 Car warranty — Contact your state's attorney general. But, if you bought a used car from a private owner, the warranty may not be valid. 6 Safety of your car, child car seats, or tires — File a complaint with the Department of Transportation.
What to do if you bought a used car from a private owner?
Auto loans or payments — File a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Car warranty — Contact your state's attorney general. But, if you bought a used car from a private owner, the warranty may not be valid. Safety of your car, child car seats, or tires — File a complaint with the Department of Transportation.
What is a lemon car?
A car is a "lemon" when it's determined that the vehicle is defective beyond repair. Most states have some form of a lemon law to protect car buyers. These laws tend to only apply to new cars. Check with your state's consumer protection office to see if they also cover used cars.
What are the factors that make a car a lemon?
Each state has its own requirements, but common factors to qualify as a lemon include: Number of miles driven — The defects had to happen within a certain number of months or miles driven. Major defects — Defects have to involve the actual operation of the car. Examples include the ignition, brakes, engine, or transmission.
What are some examples of mechanics?
Examples include the ignition, brakes, engine, or transmission. Repair attempts — You have to give mechanics multiple chances to repair the problems. Number of days in the shop — Your car has to have been in the mechanic's shop for a significant number of days within a year.
What does the DMV do for consumers?
You must follow all consumer protection laws and regulations. DMV advises all consumers who have a complaint against a dealer, inspection station, repair shop, ...
What happens if a complaint is not resolved with the DMV?
If the complaint is not resolved with the CSR, the case will be sent to an Automotive Facilities Inspector (AFI) for a formal investigation.
What happens if you accept a waiver for vehicle safety?
If the waiver is accepted, no hearing is required. If the offer is rejected, a hearing must be held.
What is the DMV in New York?
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) regulates all repair shops, inspection stations, dealers, vehicle dismantlers and other related businesses in New York State. To legally operate as such a business, you must register with the DMV. Once your application is approved you will receive a certificate from DMV.
Is a hearing required for a waiver in New York?
If the waiver is accepted, no hearing is required. If the offer is rejected, a hearing must be held. The result of the hearing may be no action, a civil penalty, and/or a suspension or revocation of your ability to operate as a vehicle related business in New York State.
Can an ALJ sustain charges?
As a result of the hearing, the ALJ may sustain some, all, or none of the charges.
Know Auto Repair Laws
You’ve probably heard about the Lemon Law and the Right to Repair Act but how do these terms relate to you? Depending on which state you are in, some legislation protects your rights as a customer of car repair shops. The table below is not exhaustive but here are some of the most common laws:
Five Reasons You Can Sue a Mechanic
Taking your car to the repair shop is a cumbersome process in itself. Aside from the car, there are other things you need to worry about: the cost of the repair, the delays it will cause, and whether the mechanic can salvage the car. There are mechanics out there who are professional and honest in their work.
Tips for Suing a Car Repair Shop in Small Claims Court
If you find that you have a lawsuit in your hands and you have grounds to sue a car repair shop, you may do so in small claims court. Suing in small claims court comes with fewer costs because of inexpensive filing fees, no need for lawyers, and faster processes. Here are some of our tips for suing a mechanic in small claims court:
Steps to Suing a Car Repair Shop
So you’ve decided to sue a mechanic shop but you’re not sure where to start. The small claims hearing is scheduled 30-70 days after the lawsuit is filed. Below are the steps you have to go through when suing a car repair shop in small claims court:
How to Sue a Mechanic with DoNotPay
Suing anyone isn’t always a straightforward process. DoNotPay simplifies the process for you. All you have to do is access the app via any web browser. After that, follow these steps to sue a mechanic:
DoNotPay Helps You Sue Any Company
Interested in learning more? Here are some big-name companies DoNotPay users have sued with the Sue Now product:
