You can file a complaint about businesses in the City that sell used cars, including auto auction businesses and dealers selling salvage vehicles.
Used car dealerships must give customers:
- The opportunity to cancel their sales contract within 2 business days, as set forth on the NYC Used Car Contract Cancellation Option form
- The Used Car Consumer Bill of Rights
- The Financing Disclosure, if the customer finances their purchase of the car
- A copy of all contract documents in the language in which the deal was negotiated
Businesses that sell salvage vehicles or recalled cars, parts, or equipment must give customers:
- A written statement that the car they are purchasing is a salvage vehicle
- A copy of recall information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration before customers sign contracts
Used car dealerships may not:
- Park their cars on public streets and sidewalks.
- Require customers to accept financing through the dealership.
- Require customers to purchase any add-on product as a condition of purchasing a car at a given price.
The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) does not accept complaints about an individual or business operating out of a private residence, including parking cars for sale or repair on residential streets.
What Happens Next
If you don't include your address or email with your Service Request, you won't receive follow up. The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) will consider your complaint a tip.
If you include your address, DCWP will mail you a complaint form. You must complete and return it to DCWP. If you provide your email address, you'll get the form by email instead. Check your spam folder if you don't see it in your inbox.
