what office of the attorney general can help a consumer with vehicle recalls

by Alexandria Stroman DDS 4 min read

You can also contact the Consumer Assistance Program of the Attorney General’s Office (“ CAP “) to request the complaint history for the seller of the vehicle. Be wary of buying a vehicle from a seller who won’t let you get it inspected. Ask the dealer questions about the condition of each of the vehicle’s major systems or components.

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What is the Attorney General’s office doing to help me?

Whether you're buying a new car or a used car, a little research up front can help ensure that you get the best value for your money. Make sure to take your time and shop around. Buying a car is a major purchase; it is also usually a complex transaction involving a contract, financing, and a warranty. You will want to think carefully about each of these aspects of your decision.

Why did Attorney General Raoul issue consumer alerts?

You can also contact the Consumer Assistance Program of the Attorney General’s Office (“CAP“) to request the complaint history for the seller of the vehicle. Be wary of buying a vehicle from a seller who won’t let you get it inspected. Ask the dealer questions about the condition of each of the vehicle’s major systems or components. You should also ask question about the history of …

Who is the Illinois Attorney General for Consumer Protection?

The goal of the Advocacy and Intervention Division is to inform consumers and car dealers of their rights and responsibilities in every transaction, as well as attempt to facilitate any disputes that may arise from these transactions. Below are some resources useful resources intended to help educate consumers when they are purchasing a vehicle.

Why does the Attorney General take law enforcement actions?

The Attorney General’s Office can help you find information you need as a consumer and help you resolve disputes with businesses. Our Consumer Advocacy & Response Division (CARD) can answer your questions, refer you to a wide network of consumer assistance services, or, in some cases, directly assist you in resolving your problem.

How do I deal with a car recall?

The dealer will fix the recalled part or portion of your car for free. If a dealer refuses to repair your vehicle in accordance with the recall letter, you should notify the manufacturer immediately. You can also file a complaint with NHTSA at www.

Who is responsible for recall?

National Highway & Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – The NHTSA is responsible for writing and enforcing safety standards in motor vehicles. Automobile recalls are directed from the NHTSA. Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC) – The CPSC regulates the sale of more than 15,000 consumer products.

Which of the following agencies can mandate manufacturers to implement recalls?

The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act gives NHTSA the authority to issue vehicle safety standards and to require manufacturers to recall vehicles that have safety-related defects or do not meet Federal safety standards .

Can a recall be denied?

If your car has a recall for a safety issue, dealers are supposed to fix it for free of charge – but not always! It turns out there are some reasons they may refuse. If your car has a recall for a safety issue, dealers are supposed to fix it free of charge. It's a federal law.Nov 3, 2020

What is a recall coordinator?

The recall coordinator ensures the safety of our customers when notified of a product problem that requires customers to stop use, distribution centers to halt shipments, and requires isolation and containment of the invalid product.Mar 5, 2021

What are the three types of recall?

There are three main types of recall: free recall, cued recall and serial recall. Psychologists test these forms of recall as a way to study the memory processes of humans and animals. Two main theories of the process of recall are the two-stage theory and the theory of encoding specificity.

Can you sue a company after a recall?

You can't sue a manufacturer simply because you bought a product that was later recalled. In a product injury lawsuit, you must prove that the specific product you are suing over caused your injuries. You must also show that you suffered damages because of your injuries.Sep 14, 2021

Which agency is most likely to issue product recalls and why?

Up to 400 products are recalled yearly by Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), a government agency that oversees products consumers use every day.Sep 9, 2017

Who can initiate a product recall?

Initiating Product Recalls Manufacturers can implement recalls voluntarily if they discover a defect in one of their products. In that case, they contact the government agency with jurisdiction over the product type they offer and jointly issue a press release about the defect.

Are all recalls voluntary?

In some cases, a firm or company may initiate a recall voluntarily—meaning without a mandate from the CPSC. Such recalls are often the product of a negotiation between the product manufacturer/retailer with the federal agency that oversees their product category's safety. Almost all announced recalls are voluntary.

Can you return a car for recalls?

Although the manufacturer may repair your vehicle for free, replace it, or give you a refund for your vehicle if it is named in a recall, that does not compensate you for any injuries you may have suffered as a result of that vehicle defect.Sep 30, 2016

Do recalls on vehicles expire?

While car recalls don't have an expiration date, they are only enforced for "reasonable periods," the agency says. Basically, a recall is over if a vehicle's manufacturer goes out of business, or if the parts needed to make the necessary repair are no longer being made.Jun 5, 2013

What does a car dealer offer?

The car dealer may offer you many assorted products, such as extended warranties, nitrogen filled tires, window tinting, interior or exterior protection packages and other products. These products will affect the price of the vehicle and you may decide that you don’t want or need the product or service.

How long do you have to cancel a car purchase in Texas?

After the Sale. Under Texas Law, you do not have 3 days to cancel the purchase like you may with some transactions the dealer is required to register and title the vehicle in your name within 30 days, regardless of if you owe money on the vehicle to the dealer or another financier.

How to buy a car from a dealer?

Whether you buy directly from the owner or from a dealer, consider: 1 taking it for a test drive; 2 taking it to a mechanic of your choosing or having a mechanic visit the lot for a pre-sale inspection; and 3 inspecting the title.

How to get all promises about service and guarantees in writing?

Get all promises about service and guarantees in writing in the contract and in the final copy of the buyer's guide. If you were promised something but it is not in writing, do not sign. If the seller offers a warranty, it must be in writing for it to be valid.

What is a buyer's guide?

The buyer's guide becomes part of the contract at the time of the sale, and any guarantees listed on it override any restrictions in the contract. If the sale is in Spanish, the buyer's guide must be in Spanish. If you don't see the buyer's guide in the car window, ask to see it before you agree to buy a car.

Do new cars depreciate?

A new car may cost more but will come with a longer warranty and no history of abuse or neglect. However, new cars depreciate (lose value) almost immediately when they leave the new car lot, which means that if you can find a well-cared-for used car, it might be a good bargain. Consider the price of the car.

What happens if you owe money on a car?

If you owe money on the vehicle, the original title will be sent to your financier. If you pay in full for the car when you purchase it, you will be mailed the original title. Keep all payment receipts and other documents in a safe place. Do not keep them in the glove compartment.

What are the consumer protection rules for motor vehicles?

Here are some of the Consumer Protection Rules that may apply to your motor vehicle transaction: CP 103 (Bait Advertising)#N#CP 108 (Odometers)#N#CP 109 (Contests and Prizes)#N#CP 110 (Deceptive Pricing)#N#CP 118 (Automobile Advertising)

Why do people buy used cars?

As the prices of new cars continue to rise, many consumers buy used cars because they appear to be a less expensive alternative.

Do you own a car when a lease expires?

In most cases, when you lease a car or a truck, you will not own it when the lease expires. The terms of the lease might provide that you can choose to buy the vehicle at the end of the lease, but you will have to pay additional money to do so.

Do cars need to be serviced?

At some point, every car will need to be serviced. Whether it is for regular maintenance or a major repair, there are ways to be sure you get the most value for your money.

Do dealers have to post a buyer's guide?

Dealers are required to post a Buyer’s Guide in every used car they sell. The Buyer’s Guide will tell you: whether the car is being sold “as is” or with a warranty, what percentage of the repair costs the dealer will pay under the warranty, to get all promises in writing and other important information.

How does an attorney evaluate a case?

At your first meeting, your attorney will evaluate your situation with you by gathering facts and information from you, identifying your options, and explaining what you can expect. Your particular case determines the kind of information the attorney might gather from you.

What to do if you believe your car is defective?

If you believe that your motor vehicle or any of its parts may be defective, you might consider contacting an experienced motor vehicle defects attorney. The laws that regulate automobiles are complex. While some systems, such as the car recall systems, or the lemon laws, are designed to be easy for consumers, others are very complex ...

Is lemon law complex?

While some systems, such as the car recall systems, or the lemon laws, are designed to be easy for consumers, others are very complex and require the advice of a local products liability attorney.

What to do if you don't have all the information?

Don't worry if you don't have all the information; just bring what you have . Your attorney will let you know what additional items are required. It's important not to delay your initial consultation. Many states have time limits for bringing lawsuits, and you don't want to let one slip by unintentionally.

Can a car defect cause a car accident?

Automobile accidents can be traumatic -- and sometimes deadly -- occurrences. While most accidents are the result of driver error, im paired driving, or bad road conditions, a car defect can also cause serious accidents and injuries. If you believe an automobile defect is to blame for your serious injury, contact a local products liability lawyer today to discuss your potential claim.

What is the number to call for fraud alert?

Equifax 1-800-525-6285. TransUnion 1-800-680-7289. What it means to put a fraud alert on your credit file. A fraud alert helps protect you against the possibility of an identity thief opening new credit accounts in your name.

How long does a fraud alert last?

This alerts the merchant to take steps to verify the identity of the applicant. A fraud alert lasts 90 days and can be renewed.

What to do if your social security number is hacked?

What to do depends on the type of personal information involved in the breach. Note that credit monitoring, which is often offered by breached companies, alerts you after someone has applied for or opened new credit in your name. Credit monitoring can be helpful in the case of a Social Security number breach.

What is a breach notice?

Credit or Debit Card Number. The breach notice should tell you when and where the breach occurred. If you used your credit or debit card at the location during the given time, you can take steps to protect yourself.

How much is a credit card fraud liability?

Your liability for fraudulent transactions is limited to $50 when you report them, and most banks have a zero-liability policy. 1. If you do cancel your credit card, remember to contact any companies to which you make automatic payments on the card.

What to do if you don't understand your credit report?

If you find items you don’t understand on your report, call the credit bureau at the number on the report. Credit bureau staff will review your report with you. If the information can’t be explained, then you will need to contact the creditors involved and report the crime to your local police or sheriff’s office.

What is a password manager?

A password manager or password “safe” can help you create and manage many strong passwords. These software programs can run on your computer, your phone and other portable devices. You only have to remember one password (or passphrase) to open the safe.

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