Imagine driving a brand new car off the lot only to have it break down a few weeks later. Whose responsibility is it to take care of that lemon? According to the Alaska Department of Law, Oregon Department of Justice and Washington State Attorney General, the accountability for replacements and refunds falls on manufacturers and dealers; yet, buyers must also be diligent when reporting malfunctions.
Only a small percentage of new vehicles will be declared lemons and some dealers are quick to deny responsibility.
In fact, new auto dealers consistently top Better Business Bureau’s industry complaint lists in Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington.
BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington currently maintains records on 41 new auto dealers with “F” ratings and 21 with “D” ratings; complainants allege misleading sales practices, contract violations and poor customer service. Some dealers have even refused to accept or address consumer complaints through BBB.
Pump the brakes when buying new or used cars. Start with bbb.org to check out potential dealers and file complaints. Alaskans can also report issues to the Alaska Attorney General; Oregonians can also report issues to the Oregon Department of Justice; and Washingtonians can also report issues to the Washington State Attorney General. To find out more about Lemon Laws and BBB’s auto-specific dispute resolution program, utilize BBB Auto Line.
About your BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington:
For 100 years, BBB has been advancing marketplace trust. BBB is a neutral not-for-profit organization that helps consumers find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. For more information on ethical business standards, BBB Accreditation, BBB Business Reviews, Charity Reviews, complaints, events and anti-fraud tips, contact BBB or visit www.bbb.org.
