How do I report or make a complaint about a car dealership in California?

Question

I am not happy with a used car dealer in California, and I think what they are doing to me may be illegal. I would like to know who I can contact to get something done about it.

Answer 1

Maybe you need a new car. :) I found a nice list of California car dealers. I think someone in your town can help assist you. http://www.localnewcar.com/California-Ne... Just phone one of them or drop by one day when you have some free time. Some dealers can even setup a test drive.

Answer 2

If you believe a car dealership has done an illegal act, report it to the California Attorney Generals office.

Answer 3

consult a lawyer and see if there are any legal options.

report it to the better business bureau.

Answer 4

Please give me more information so I can help you. What are they doing that you think is illegal? What are the things about the car or the dealer that you are unhappy with? That makes a huge difference in where you file your complaint.

Is it the car or the transaction that's got you upset? Do you think the car was misrepresented? Do you feel you were forced to sign a contract without all the disclosures on it revealed to you? Do you feel you were lied to? Forced to buy dealer add-ons such as paint sealer, extended warranty, etc before you were given the car?

If you'll take the time to explain your situation, I'll direct you to the right person or agency where you can file your complaint. It could be the BBB, city attorney, the DMV or attorney general, depending on what the problem is. If you start calling around without researching it, you'll get shuffled from one place to another. You need to target the right place to file your complaint so that you don't waste endless hours on hold and making one call after another.

It sounds as if you may have fallen prey to what we call a "blue suede shoes" dealer. Those dealers give us reputable dealers a black eye. We'd like to put every one of them out of business.

Answer 5

If you think they are engaged in illegal activity contact the State Attorney office.  

If you want to make a complaint against them for poor business practices (but nothing illegal) do that through the Better Business Bureau.