what happens when you file a complaint with the attorney general on a car dealership

One thing dealers fear most are customers who file complaints with the State Attorney General. If a dealer gets too many complaints, they could be fined or even have their franchise license revoked, so they take these very seriously.

Full Answer

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.

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 .

How to file a complaint against a car rental company?

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. More items...

Who regulates car dealerships in MD?

Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle AdministrationMaryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration.

How do I file a complaint against a car dealership in Ohio?

Contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at www.bmv.ohio.gov or call 844-644-6268 (OHIOBMV).

What happens if the car dealer makes a mistake?

Ask for the change or addendum to the contract in writing. Have the dealer send a new contract that highlights the mistaken areas and gives a full explanation as to the reason for the changes. Ask for them to highlight the part of the contract that allows them to make changes to the original contract.

How do I file a complaint against a car dealership in NY?

Report a problem with new car dealership....New Car Dealer 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 happens when you file a complaint with the Attorney General Ohio?

Typically, after receiving your complaint, a specialist will attempt to resolve the dispute by working with you and the business. The specialist will send an initial letter to the business asking the business to respond. From there, the specialist will try to help you and the business reach an agreed-upon resolution.

How do I sue a car dealership in Ohio?

Consumers who believe they have been treated unfairly should file a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General's Office at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or 800-282-0515.

Can you return a financed car back to the dealer?

You can return it, but you'll probably have to pay back any remaining money you owe on the contract, so if you still have a year left, then the lender will expect a year's worth of fees up front.

Can you back out of a car deal after signing?

The short answer is: You can still refuse the deal. To unwind the transaction, you must bring the car back to the dealer, who should then return your trade-in and down payment. Each state has its own laws about how this should happen.

Can you cancel a car loan after signing?

Can You Back Out of a Car Loan After Signing? If you're unhappy with the sale price of your new car, or think you got too little for your trade-in, chances are you won't be able to alter those terms after the deal has been signed. If you signed the sales contract, you own the car.

How do I file a complaint with the NYS Attorney General?

We help members of the public identify other government organizations better able to address their concerns. If you cannot complete the form online or need additional assistance with where to direct your complaint, please call our OAG Help Line at (800) 771-7755.

Who regulates car dealers in NY?

Complaint filed against you or your business The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) regulates all repair shops, inspection stations, dealers, vehicle dismantlers and other related businesses in NY State. To legally operate as such a business, you must register with the DMV.

What is NY lemon law?

Under this law: Your dealer must give you a written lemon-law warranty. Under the lemon-law warranty, the dealer must repair any defect in the covered parts, free or charge. If the dealer is unable to fix your car after three or more tries, you may be eligible to receive a full refund.

How do I write a complaint letter to a car dealership?

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I am writing to notify you of the problems I am experiencing with my (INSERT YEAR, MAKE, MODEL, & VIN NUMBER OF YOUR VEHICLE) and to request that you correct this problem within thirty (30) days of your receipt of this letter.

Does Ohio have a consumer protection agency?

Consumer Protection works to protect Ohio consumers by conducting local and state investigations and by joining multi-state and federal investigations.

How do I file a consumer complaint in Ohio?

Call (800)282-0515 to file your complaint.

Can a mechanic keep your car for non payment in Ohio?

Yes, a mechanic can keep your car if you don't pay. This is a form of security interest known as a mechanic's lien. The mechanic's lien exists to protect a mechanic from having a customer leave with their vehicle and then refuse to pay for the repairs.

How to file a complaint against a company?

To file a complaint, visit your state's Attorney General's website, locate the online complaint form, fill it out and attach the necessary documents, and then mail it to the Attorney General's office address. Each state designates an agency to handle consumer complaints of fraud, deception, or unfair business practices. Typically, the state’s attorney general investigates those complaints. If you have been the victim of fraud or deception, you should file a complaint with the attorney general. A complaint is a formal written document filed by a party seeking legal relief by outlining the allegations, details, remedies, and parties involved. The process for filing includes gathering paperwork, contacting various involved parties, and taking legal action.

What to do if you have been victim of fraud?

If you have been the victim of fraud or deception, you should file a complaint with the attorney general . A complaint is a formal written document filed by a party seeking legal relief by outlining the allegations, details, remedies, and parties involved. The process for filing includes gathering paperwork, contacting various involved parties, ...

How long does it take to get a complaint from a company?

Generally, a representative will contact you within two weeks via correspondence or phone to confirm your complaint. If you haven’t heard from the company after two weeks , then contact the attorney general.

What documents do the Attorney General want to see?

Attach necessary documentation. The Attorney General will want to see any and all contracts, correspondence, receipts, cancelled checks, and advertisements. Do not send originals.

How to contact a company about a product?

Send the business necessary information. 1 Your name, physical and email address, and phone number. 2 The product or service, including the brand name, model and serial number. 3 The problem with the product or service, in as much detail as possible.

What to list when contacting a company?

List any action you have taken. Typically, you will be asked whether or not you have contacted the individual or company.

How to find consumer protection link?

If you are taken to the attorney general’s main page, look for a link for “consumer protection.” Click on it.

How to get bad reviews off of a car dealer?

Let them know that you will be filing a complaint with the State Attorney General and also the Better Business Bureau. That will certainly get their attention. You can take it even further by threatening to leave bad ratings on several dealer review web sites. Most dealers feel it's very important to have a good online reputation, so they will want to prevent bad reviews online.

What is the quickest way to find the lowest car price?

TrueCar No-Haggle, CarsDirect, and NADAGuides are the quickest way to see the lowest car prices in your area. These sites show you no-haggle prices from dealers closest to you - and the deals are usually really good. This should be the first step you take when negotiating your car price. Follow this up with my checklist to make sure you squeeze out every last bit of savings.

Why do car manufacturers send CSS surveys?

The CSS is a survey that is sent by the manufacturer to each new car buyer in order to get feedback on the dealership. They usually arrive via mail after a few weeks. Unlike many other product surveys, this is actually very important to dealers. Manufacturers use these surveys to determine how many cars to allocate to dealers, and to determine bonus amounts that will be paid.

What happens if a dealer gets too many complaints?

If a dealer gets too many complaints, they could be fined or even have their franchise license revoked, so they take these very seriously.

What to do if you encounter a problem with a dealer?

If you encounter a problem, your first line of defense is to use the Customer Satisfaction Survey as a negoti ation tool.

Do car dealers have a reputation?

Car dealers have a bad reputation for ripping off consumers. While this may have been the norm in years past, many dealers try to treat customers better these days.

What does the DMV do for consumers?

You must follow all consumer protection laws and regulations. The DMV advises all consumers who have a complaint against a dealer, inspection station, repair shop, ...

What to do if you have a complaint against a dealer?

The 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 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.

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 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 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 NY 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 the DMV.

What happens if you fail to pay a fine?

However, if you pay your fine and/or penalty or serve out your period of suspension, you will be back in business after complete compliance . If you are revoked, you must surrender all supplies and cease to operate.