Automobile issues regularly top consumer complaints for AG offices

(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong joined a coalition of 18 attorneys general calling on the Federal Trade Commission to adopt and strengthen guidance on automobile sales.

The comment letter supports the FTC’s proposed updates to the Motor Vehicle Dealers Trade Regulation Rule related to the sale, financing, and leasing of motor vehicles by motor vehicle dealers, while proposing several suggestions to further strengthen the rule.

The proposed Rule, published in the Federal Register on July 13, would provide a critical tool to address misrepresentations and prevent consumer harm.

“No one likes surprise fees and unexpected add-ons when purchasing a car. Last year alone, our office received more than 500 car-related complaints. The FTC’s proposed changes are an important step to ensuring transparency and combatting unfair and deceptive car sale tactics, but even more can and should be done. I look forward to working alongside the FTC to support these important efforts,” said Attorney General Tong.

Attorneys general frequently hear from consumers with complaints over vehicle sales. In 2021, the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office received 564 auto-related complaints.

The FTC’s proposed rule is a necessary step in combatting unfair and deceptive acts in the vehicle marketplace. It aligns with existing guidance from industry trade groups, as well as state laws and regulations.

The proposed rule would:

• Prohibit motor vehicle dealers from making certain misrepresentations in the course of selling, leasing, or arranging financing for motor vehicles.
• Require accurate pricing disclosures in dealers’ advertising and sales discussions.
• Require dealers to obtain consumers’ express, informed consent for certain charges.
• Require transparency about add-on products and their pricing.
• Prohibit the sale of any add-on product or service that confers no benefit to the consumer.
• Require dealers to keep records of advertisements and customer transactions.

While we believe these updates will enhance the ability to protect consumers from unfair and deceptive practices, we offer the following suggestions to further strengthen the rule:

• Require price disclosures in writing regardless of the form of the inquiry
• Require that price disclosures provide complete information on the cost to purchase or finance the sale of a vehicle
• Require written disclosures and obtain written consumer consent before the purchase of any optional add-ons
• Require auto dealers to retain records on all contracts for the duration of the contract.
• Set a time limit for dealers to pay off the lien on any traded-in vehicle to protect consumers and ensure a fair marketplace
• Regulate the use of starter-interrupt devices to encourage safety and transparency

In their letter, the attorneys general thank the FTC for addressing a lack of transparency in the current Motor Vehicle Dealers Trade Regulation Rule. The coalition hopes the final rule will enhance protections for consumers and ensure a more competitive and equitable marketplace.

This press release was made possible by: