Quick answer
Report a dishonest used car dealer to your state DMV, Attorney General, and FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Document odometer fraud, hidden damage, and misrepresented vehicle history.
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
Can I return a used car after buying it?
Usually not — there’s generally no automatic “cooling-off” period for vehicle purchases. You may have recourse if the dealer committed fraud, breached a written warranty, or violated your state’s used-car or lemon law.
Does lemon law cover used cars?
It depends on your state. Some states’ lemon laws cover only new cars, while others extend protection to used or certified pre-owned vehicles or require dealers to provide minimum warranties. Check your state’s specific statute.
Where do I report odometer fraud?
Report to your state attorney general and DMV, and to NHTSA, which oversees federal odometer law. Odometer tampering is a serious crime that can bring significant penalties.
What is the FTC Buyers Guide?
A window sticker the FTC’s Used Car Rule requires dealers to display, stating whether the vehicle is sold “as-is” or with a warranty. A missing or inaccurate Buyers Guide is a reportable violation.
What if I bought the car ‘as-is’?
“As-is” limits warranty claims but does not protect a dealer who committed fraud — such as hiding a salvage title, rolling back the odometer, or misrepresenting the car. Those are still reportable and may be actionable.
How much time do I have to file a complaint?
Lemon law claims typically have 2-4 year time limits, fraud claims generally 3-6 years, and odometer fraud must be reported within 1 year of discovery. Check your state’s specific statute of limitations.
What penalties can dealers face?
Odometer fraud carries federal penalties up to $10,000 per violation and 3 years imprisonment. FTC violations can result in civil penalties up to $43,792 per violation. States may suspend dealer licenses and impose fines up to $25,000.
Do I need a lawyer to file a complaint?
No. You can file consumer protection complaints directly with state AG offices and federal agencies. However, for large fraud cases or if you need to pursue damages in court, consulting a consumer attorney may be beneficial.
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.
Need the right agency in your state?
Rules and complaint offices vary by state. Use our state lookup to find the correct reporting agency, phone number, and complaint portal.
Find reporting agencies by state →What happens next
- Most agencies send an acknowledgment or reference number — save it with your copies.
- Investigations vary by agency; complex cases can take weeks or months.
- If you do not hear back within the timeframe listed on the agency site, follow up in writing.
- Keep reporting to additional agencies if your issue crosses categories (for example, fraud plus billing).