DealerRater - Car Dealer Reviews, Car Dealer Directory, Vehicles For Sale, Vehicle Recalls (2024)

FAQs

Are dealerships supposed to tell you about recalls? ›

At the very least your dealership should ensure that recalls are fully disclosed and make a strong attempt to ensure the consumer knows this before leaving your lot.

yes. It functions similar to a warranty repair. The manufacturer provides the parts, and pays the dealer a predetermined rate for labor. This rate is generally substantially lower than “customer pay” work, which can lead to delays in doing this work, particularly among less scrupulous dealers.

When writing your review, be honest about the dealership's strengths and weaknesses. If there were aspects of your experience that you didn't like, it's okay to mention them. However, it's also important to highlight the dealership's strengths.

Their Reputation. Word of mouth goes a long way. If you've heard bad things about a dealer, especially from more than one person, then that dealer probably isn't so great. If the dealer has great reviews on their site and a good reputation with the community, then odds are you can trust them.

If the problem is fixable, the dealership will have an automotive service technician perform the repairs on-site and at the cost of the manufacturer. In some cases, the dealership will issue the car owner a temporary vehicle until the repairs are complete.

Safety, Compliance, and Emissions Recalls do not expire. Affected vehicles remain eligible until the repair is completed. Other types of vehicle programs, called Customer Satisfaction Programs, typically have expiration dates and/or mileage limitations.

If you're buying a car with a recall from a private seller or dealership, you should research the recall and find out if the seller has addressed it. If the seller has not repaired the recall issue, it's a good idea to resolve it as soon as possible after the transaction is complete.

NHTSA is the federal agency responsible for car safety and recalls. If you encounter problems with a recall and your dealership or manufacturer cannot help, you can always file a complaint with NHTSA.

According to the NHTSA, by law the manufacturer must choose one of three options for correcting the issue: Repair: The vehicle or part will be repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to you. Replacement: If the problem cannot be fixed, the manufacturer can provide you with another identical vehicle or a similar model.

How to give a car dealer a bad review? ›

Begin your review with a clear and concise summary of your experience. This summary should include the most significant issues you encountered and highlight the overall negative experience. By providing a summary upfront, you can immediately set the tone for the review.

You can contact the Better Business Bureau, your state's Consumer Protection Office, or even the Attorney General's office.

When a manufacturer issues a recall, dealers are supposed to either repair or replace your vehicle, free of charge. Under certain circumstances, however, dealers can refuse to fix your defective car, even if there's a recall that covers your vehicle.

The dealer doesn't have a choice. They are required by law to do the recalls on every vehicle presented to them, IF they have the parts and the time.

Report the issue to relevant consumer protection agencies such as the California Attorney General's office or the Department of Consumer Affairs. They may be able to mediate the situation or take further action against the dealership under California's consumer protection laws.