How to Report a Used Car Dealer: Lemon Law and Fraud Complaints

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Last verified: June 2026 All contact numbers, websites, and procedures confirmed current.

When Should You Report a Used Car Dealer?

Report a used car dealer if they sold you a vehicle with hidden damage, rolled back the odometer, misrepresented the title (salvage vs. clean), refused required disclosures, or used high-pressure deceptive tactics. You have rights under federal and state consumer protection laws.

Where to Report a Used Car Dealer

1. State Attorney General — Consumer Protection

Your state AG handles deceptive trade practices by car dealers. Find your AG at NAAG.org. Most states accept online complaints with document uploads.

2. State DMV / Motor Vehicle Division

State DMVs license dealers and investigate odometer fraud, title washing, and licensing violations. Search “[your state] dealer complaint” to find the correct form.

3. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Website: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Phone: 1-877-FTC-HELP

The FTC enforces the Used Car Rule, which requires dealers to display a Buyer’s Guide on every used vehicle showing warranty status and major mechanical problems.

4. NHTSA (Safety Defects)

If the dealer sold a vehicle with an unrepaired safety recall, report to NHTSA at NHTSA.gov and check recalls at NHTSA Recalls.

5. Better Business Bureau

File at BBB.org — effective for getting dealer response on refund and repair disputes.

Step-by-Step: How to Report a Used Car Dealer

Gather your documents — purchase contract, Buyer’s Guide sticker, title, inspection reports, repair estimates, and all communications with the dealer.
Get an independent inspection — a mechanic’s report documenting hidden damage strengthens your complaint significantly.
Run a vehicle history report — compare Carfax/AutoCheck results with what the dealer told you.
File with your state AG and DMV — most states have dedicated auto fraud complaint forms.
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov if the dealer violated the Used Car Rule or made false claims.
Check your state’s lemon law — some states extend lemon law protections to used cars under certain conditions.

Common Used Car Dealer Violations

Odometer rollback or tampering
Title washing (hiding salvage or flood history)
Failure to disclose known mechanical defects
Missing or falsified Buyer’s Guide (FTC Used Car Rule violation)
Yo-yo financing (financing falls through after you drive off)
Charging fees not disclosed in the contract

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return a used car if the dealer lied?

Most used car sales are “as-is” unless the Buyer’s Guide says otherwise. However, if the dealer made false statements or hid known defects, you may have legal grounds for rescission or damages — report to your state AG and consult a consumer attorney.

What is the FTC Used Car Rule?

Federal law requires dealers to post a Buyer’s Guide on every used car showing whether it is sold as-is or with a warranty, and listing major system defects. Violations can be reported to the FTC.

How do I report odometer fraud?

Report odometer tampering to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at 1-888-327-4236 and your state DMV. It is a federal crime under the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act.

Does lemon law cover used cars?

Standard lemon laws apply to new cars in most states. Some states (California, New York, New Mexico, and others) offer limited used car lemon law or implied warranty protections. Check your state AG website.

Should I also dispute with my bank?

If you paid by credit card and the dealer refuses to resolve the issue, you may file a chargeback with your card issuer. Provide your complaint filings and inspection reports as evidence.

Related Guides

Independent resource — not a government site. Last reviewed: June 2026.