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.
- NOTE: It is essential that you include copies of all paperwork related to your complaint (e.g., warranty, invoice, repair bill, etc.). Please do not send the originals.
- Include telephone numbers where you can be reached weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Your e-mail address would allow us to respond more quickly as well.
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.
Where can I file a complaint about a used car?
Car Complaints. 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: Deceptive car ads or dealers — File a complaint with your state consumer protection agency and the Federal Trade Commission .
What to do if you have a problem with a vehicle?
Copies of work orders and invoices are proof of your attempts to resolve the problem. 2 If a satisfactory resolution is not reached and you wish to file a complaint, you must submit a Vehicle Safety Complaint Report (PDF) (VS-35) along with any supporting documents to the DMV Consumer & Facilities Services Complaint Unit.
What does the 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.
How do I file a complaint against an auto repair shop in NY?
Auto Repair ComplaintAgency: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.Division: Vehicle Safety Licensing Complaints.Phone Number: (518) 474-8943.Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:15 AM - 4:15 PM.Staff is available through the automated phone system during business hours.
What to do if a mechanic is ripping you off?
How to Talk to Your MechanicDescribe the problem fully. Provide as much information as possible. ... Don't offer a diagnosis. Avoid saying what you think is causing the problem. ... Request a test drive. If the problem occurs only when the car is moving, ask the mechanic to accompany you on a test drive.Ask for evidence.
Who regulates auto repairs in Texas?
Auto Repair Shops: Compliance Resources - Texas Commission on Environmental Quality - www.tceq.texas.gov.
How do I know if my mechanic is lying?
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...
What can you do if you get scammed by a car dealership?
If the dealership is creating false or deceptive advertisements, you'll want to file your complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or FTC. However, for issues such as errors in your auto-loan or contract agreement, you'll want to file your complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau instead.
Do mechanics lie about brakes?
18 Mechanics Lie: The Brakes Are Bad However, a mechanic will often encourage the customer to replace everything when, in reality, simply cleaning the brake rotors can fix the issue. But because people are worried, they instantly pay for way more than they need to.
Can a garage keep my car if I refuse to pay?
If you are refusing to pay while you dispute the bill, the garage has the right to keep your vehicle until the debt is paid. If you need the vehicle back before you can settle the dispute, you should pay “under protest”.
How can I tell if my 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 do I sue a mechanic shop in Texas?
You can contact the Better Business Bureau, www.bbb.org, for help negotiating with the repair shop. Or, bring a lawsuit under the DTPA in small claims court for up to $10,000* for the repairs and other damages such as tow costs, storage fees, and car rental.
What is the lemon law in Texas?
The Texas Lemon Law is a state law administered by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles that helps consumers who buy or lease new motor vehicles and have repeated problems getting their vehicles properly repaired under the manufacturer's original warranty.
Do you need a license to work as a mechanic in Texas?
You do not need a license to work as an auto mechanic in Texas. To improve your job prospects, you may want to consider obtaining ASE certification in one or more areas.
Can I work on my car in the street NYC?
Repairs are not allowed on the street, sidewalks, parking strips, or any unpaved surface.
How do I file a complaint with the California DMV?
Complaint forms are available at dmv.ca.gov, by mail from your nearest Investigations office, or at a DMV field office. Visit DMV's website at dmv.ca.gov and click Report Fraud to report unlicensed vehicle dismantlers and disabled person parking placard abuse.
How to find a good auto repair shop?
Ideally, find a good auto repair shop BEFORE you run into problems. Ask people you trust, and whenever someone you know has their car repaired, ask if they thought the place did a good, honest job.
What to do if a repair shop holds your car?
If a repair shop is holding your car in lieu of a payment that you consider unjustified, you may be able to take out a Writ of Replevin . You can also ask us to copy your complaint to the appropriate regulators for a nominal charge.
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.
What to do before flying off the handle?
Communication is key. Before you fly off the handle, ask the repair shop’s manager to explain the situation clearly and resolve misunderstandings on either side.
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.
What to do if you have a complaint against a dealer?
DMV advises all consumers who have a complaint against a dealer, inspection station, repair shop, or dismantler to make an attempt to resolve their complaint with the business manager. If they are not successful, they are advised to contact the DMV Consumer & Facilities Services Complaint Unit.
How to avoid costly penalties, fines, and the loss of valuable customers?
avoid costly penalties, fines, and the loss of valuable customers by responding to all DMV inquiries in a timely manner
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 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.
How to protect your business?
protect your business: keep a copy of all work orders in an easy-to-access location
How long do you have to appeal a DMV decision?
You have the right to appeal any adverse decision. If you chose to appeal, you have 60 days from the date of the ALJs decision to file the Appeal From DMV Hearing Determination (PDF) (AA-33A), which must be accompanied by the appropriate filing fee.
Where to report unlicensed dealer in CT?
If you believe someone is operating an unlicensed dealer, repairer or recycler business, you should report all information in writing to the CT DMV's Dealer Enforcement Unit.
Who investigates Connecticut licensed dealers?
The Department of Motor Vehicles' Consumer Complaint Center investigates Connecticut-Licensed Dealers or Repair Shops for the following issues:
Do you send originals to a repair bill?
NOTE: It is essential that you include copies of all paperwork related to your complaint (e.g., warranty, invoice, repair bill, etc.). Please do not send the originals.
Does Connecticut license mechanics?
Misdiagnosis by the mechanic. (Connecticut does not license individual mechanics)
Is the DMV open?
DMV is open by appointment only. Return to our homepage to schedule an appointment or to view online services.
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 are being deceived by car dealers?
Deceptive car ads or dealers — File a complaint with your state consumer protection agency and the Federal Trade Commission .
What agency to file a complaint with about car rentals?
Car rentals — File a complaint with your state consumer protection agency and the Federal Trade Commission.
Why do some agencies investigate complaints?
Some agencies will investigate your complaint. Others accept complaints so that they can file a case against the company in the future.
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.
Can you get a car warranty if you bought a used car?
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. Some agencies will investigate your complaint.
Do you have a question?
Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They'll get you the answer or let you know where to find it.
How to contact the DMV about a complaint?
4 If you have questions regarding a complaint you placed or the complaint process in general, contact the DMV Complaint Unit at 1-518-474-8943. Office hours are Monday - Friday, 8:15am - 4:15pm. Go to text reference.
How to file a complaint with the DMV?
If a satisfactory resolution is not reached and you wish to file a complaint, you must submit a Vehicle Safety Complaint Report (PDF) (VS-35) along with any supporting documents to the DMV Consumer & Facilities Services Complaint Unit. To submit electronically, download the complaint report available at the link above to your personal device. Attach and then email the completed report as well as any supporting documents to [email protected]. Please note that DMV staff will communicate with you through email.
What is a DMV regulated automotive business?
The DMV regulates all repair shops, inspection stations, dealers, junk and salvage vendors, and other automotive related businesses in New York State. 1
How long does it take for a CSR to resolve a complaint?
3. Depending on the complaint, this process could take several weeks to several months to resolve. 4.
What happens if a car repair shop ineffectively installs a car part?
If the car repair shop ineffectively installs a car part, mangles a safety feature, or makes the correct repairs, you have a case. Lack of or erroneous estimates – In most states, car repair shops are required by law to provide accurate estimates before working on a car.
What happens if a mechanic fails to follow the rules?
Illegal use of mechanic’s lien – If the car shop failed to follow the rules in filing a mechanic’s lien, you may sue the car repair shop or repossess your vehicle.
How much did Ronaldo charge for her car?
Her car was in an accident and had a broken front axle: she took it to the nearest mechanic, Brighton Auto Clinic on Washington Street on the Brookline/Brighton line, where Ronaldo charged her $2,800 to fix it but did not in fact fix the broken caliper, which caused brake fluid to leak into the brake pads.
Do you need a complete story with the AG?
With the AG, you need a complete story, don’t forget the dates or times. Copy every paper.
Is the advice given to the original poster relevant?
That I and many others can read the poor advice given to the original poster is relevant.
What to do if a mechanic says your car needs a replacement?
If the mechanic says your car requires a replacement part, ask to be shown which part needs replacement and use a mark or some means to differentiate it afterward. Always tell the mechanic that you want the old part back–this way you know the product was actually replaced. If you’re still mistrustful, you could always have the part looked at by another mechanic to be certain it was defective.
What to do when a mechanic diagnoses a problem?
When a mechanic provides a diagnosis of your car’s problem, ask questions. Make sure the diagnosis agrees with the symptoms. If your engine alert light is on, ask what causes that problem. Check temperature and oil pressure warning lights immediately. If you’re unsure, read your owner’s manual and don’t continue driving until you understand the warning’s significance.
What to do if a mechanic gets a misdiagnosis?
Make the mechanic warrant the initial repair. Even if it had been an honest misdiagnosis, the store should refund the sum of the initial repair or discount another one. If the mechanic receives the diagnosis wrong again, stop replacing components and replace the store.
How to avoid a mechanic rip off?
The best way to avoid a mechanic rip off is to find a mechanic you can trust. If you’re uncomfortable with the mechanic (or the number of repairs), feel free to leave. If you’re not certain, you could always get another opinion.
How to find a mechanic you can trust?
As you try to find a mechanic which you can trust, you ought to do your research so that you seem more educated to the mechanic. Visit an estimator so that you may have some idea of what your repairs should cost. Many people also like to understand what’s broken before they approve of these repairs. If you’re uncomfortable at any time, do not be afraid to go someplace else.
What to do if you feel like the mechanic is telling you that multiple things are wrong?
If you feel like the mechanic is telling you that multiple things are wrong or you feel like the estimate is too high, don’t be afraid to go somewhere else. A second opinion may help you see that the first mechanic was a ripoff and was going to charge you too much.
What to do if you don't trust a mechanic?
If you simply don’t trust your mechanic, it could be time to look around for another mechanic. You may also opt to find someone else if you’re concerned about the number of repairs which the mechanic is advocating.
