ALBANY, N.Y. — The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has introduced a new online form that allows consumers to file complaints against auto repair shops, car dealerships, and inspection stations.
The new tool is designed to make the complaint process easier. It also allows users to upload supporting documents. After submitting a complaint, users will receive a confirmation email from the DMV.
In 2024, DMV investigations led to over $1.48 million in refunds or covered repair costs for more than 470 consumers. Common issues included poor repair work, failure to disclose major defects in vehicles, charging for repairs that were never done, and billing customers for unnecessary services.
The DMV offers the following tips for consumers who may want to file a complaint:
Report problems to the shop or dealership management as soon as possible.
Keep detailed records of all communication with the business.
Save all work orders and invoices as proof of efforts to fix the issue.
If the problem involves a repair, file a formal complaint with the DMV within 90 days or before driving 3,000 miles after the repair—whichever comes first.
