How to Report a Used Car Dealer: Lemon Law and Fraud Complaints
Quick answer: Report a problem used-car dealer to your state attorney general’s consumer protection office and your state DMV or motor vehicle dealer board, which licenses dealers. Report deceptive sales practices to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Check your state’s used-car lemon law and the BBB Auto Line for resolution.
Odometer rollbacks, hidden accident history, “as-is” disputes, and bait-and-switch financing are common used-car complaints. You have real recourse through state regulators, the FTC’s Used Car Rule, and possibly your state’s lemon law. This guide explains where to file and how.
Common Used-Car Dealer Problems
Reportable problems include odometer fraud, hiding a salvage title or prior accidents, selling a car with undisclosed defects, failing to post the FTC-required Buyers Guide, spot-delivery or “yo-yo” financing scams, forging documents, and refusing to honor a written warranty. Federal law (the FTC Used Car Rule) requires dealers to display a Buyers Guide stating whether the car is sold with a warranty or “as-is.”
Whether you have a claim often depends on what was disclosed in writing. Gather your sales contract, the Buyers Guide, financing documents, and any advertisements before you file.
Where to Report and Lemon Laws
Your state attorney general handles deceptive sales practices, and your state DMV or motor vehicle dealer board licenses dealers and can discipline them. The FTC enforces federal used-car rules. Some states extend lemon-law protection to used cars or require certain warranties; check your state’s specific law. The BBB Auto Line offers free dispute resolution for many manufacturers.
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Get Your Free Checklist →Where to Report a Used Car Dealer
| Situation | Agency | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Deceptive sales / fraud | State attorney general | Search “[your state] attorney general auto complaint” |
| Dealer licensing violations | State DMV / dealer board | State motor vehicle agency |
| Federal used-car rule (Buyers Guide) | FTC | reportfraud.ftc.gov |
| Odometer fraud | NHTSA / state AG | nhtsa.gov |
| Warranty / lemon dispute | BBB Auto Line | bbb.org/auto-line |
| Money owed / damages | Small claims court | County court self-help center |
Statute of Limitations
Lemon Law: Varies by state, typically 2-4 years for new cars, 1-2 years for used cars.
Fraud Claims: Generally 3-6 years depending on state law.
Odometer Fraud: Federal law requires reporting within 1 year of discovery.
Federal Penalties
Odometer Fraud: Up to $10,000 fine per violation, up to 3 years imprisonment.
FTC Violations: Civil penalties up to $43,792 per violation.
State Penalties: Dealer license suspension, fines up to $25,000, criminal charges for fraud.
State Consumer Protection Quick Links
California
Attorney General: oag.ca.gov/consumer-education/consumer-complaints
DMV: dmv.ca.gov
Lemon Law: oag.ca.gov/lemon-law
Texas
Attorney General: texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection
DMV: dps.texas.gov
Lemon Law: lemon-law
Find Your State: Search for “[your state] attorney general consumer protection complaint” to find your local office.
Frequently Asked Questions
For related guides see: How to Complain About a Car Repair Shop, How to Report a Defective Product, How to Report False Advertising.
Independent resource — not affiliated with any U.S. government agency. Last reviewed: June 2026.
Rules and complaint offices vary by state. Use our state lookup to find the correct reporting agency, phone number, and complaint portal.
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