Thinking about filing a complaint about a car dealership? It isn’t about the poor service or that the coffee wasn’t hot enough — it’s because the dealer sold you a bad car and cannot resolve the issues! If your vehicle is constantly in the shop, you’ve tried getting answers and you’re getting the runaround, it may be time to consider filing a complaint against a car dealership.
What to do after you’ve talked to the dealership
Stuck driving a loaner or a new vehicle that doesn’t work? Taking action and filing a complaint protects your rights and holds unethical dealerships accountable. But before you do, there are several important steps to take.
First, start by gathering your documents: contracts, warranties, receipts. Record all your conversations and keep a timeline of events. The more organized and detailed your complaint, the better your chances of a resolution.
Next, contact your dealership. In some cases, the dealer may be unaware of the issue, or there may have been a simple miscommunication. If they’re cooperative, you might not need to go further. But if they’re not helpful, and your car is under warranty, you have legal rights for escalating your complaint.
One option is to file a complaint with agencies like the FTC and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. These agencies are responsible for enforcing consumer protection laws and regulations. However, if you suspect fraud, misconduct, or other issues, contact your State Attorney General.
A second option is to file a claim against the dealership’s surety bond. The bond company (listed with the DMV) might reimburse you for your financial loss if the dealer violated their licensing obligations. If all else fails, and you’ve talked to the dealership, it might be time to consider calling a lemon law attorney.
The dealer isn’t going to tell you that your car is a lemon
Is your car a lemon? If multiple repairs for the same problems have been made, and it’s still covered under warranty, it may qualify under California’s Lemon Law. California’s Lemon Law, part of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, protects consumers who have purchased or leased new vehicles that have defects that cannot be repaired after a “reasonable” number of attempts.
At Brennan Law, lemon law attorney in Los Angeles, we’ve helped countless California drivers hold dealerships accountable. We work directly with consumers to document their cases and push back when manufacturers fail to make things right. When you have a case, the manufacturer is required to repurchase or replace your vehicle, and cover costs, damages, and attorney’s fees.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Together, we can determine if your car qualifies as a lemon — and take the next step toward getting you back on the road.