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Dealer Complaints
General Information
DMV Business Regulation handles some complaints about vehicle dealers, however, many complaints must be referred to other agencies, such as the Department of Justice (DOJ). Please refer to the Complaints NOT Handled By DMV section below for more information. If your complaint can be handled by DMV, please follow the process outlined in the How to File section below.
 

How to File
To file a dealer complaint, you must:
  1. Complete the Request for Investigation Form (You can access the form by clicking on the preceeding name, by calling DMV at (503) 945-5000 or (503) 299-9999 (Portland Metro), or you can pick one up at any DMV Office);
  2. Sign and date the form;
  3. Attach legible copies of any supporting materials you have (e.g., contract, purchase order, receipts, canceled checks, etc.); and 
  4. Mail the completed form and supporting materials to:
Business Regulation Program
1905 Lana Ave NE
Salem , OR 97314
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact DMV Business Regulation.
 
Note: A DMV Investigator cannot act as an attorney or give you legal advice. You may wish to consult with a private attorney to determine your rights and remedies.
 

After Filing
After a dealer complaint is filed, you will receive a letter with contact information for the investigator to whom the complaint has been assigned. If you have additional information to provide, or have questions about the investigation, please contact the assigned investigator.
 

Complaints NOT Handled By DMV
DMV Business Regulation does not handle vehicle purchase related complaints, such as:
  • I purchased a vehicle from a dealer and it will not pass DEQ emissions testing.
  • I purchased a vehicle from a dealer and there are various mechanical problems with it.
  • I purchased a vehicle from a dealer and I found out later it has been totaled and reconstructed, but the dealer will not give me my money back.
  • I purchased a vehicle from a dealer and I think the dealer lied to me about the mileage or have reason to believe that the mileage was misstated or rolled back.
  • I purchased a vehicle from a dealership and they are refusing to honor the warranty.
  • The dealer stated that I should take the vehicle to my mechanic prior to buying the vehicle so I gave them a deposit and had the vehicle checcked. Now I do not wish to purchase the vehicle but the dealer will not refund my deposit.
  • The dealer wants me to sign a new contract because the original financing did not go through.
  • I changed my mind about the vehicle purchase. Is there a "cooling off" period?
For these types of complaints you may contact the Department of Justice (DOJ) for assistance. They may be reached by phone at (503) 378-4320 or (503) 229-5576 (Portland Metro area), or you can access the Oregon Department of Justice Financial Fraud Page. Also, you may want to seek legal counsel for advice on your rights and remedies.
 
DMV Business Regulation does not handle auto safety complaints and inquiries, such as:
  • Reporting vehicle and/or vehicle equipment safety defects.
  • Providing information on air bags and child safety seats.
  • Providing information on vehicle recalls.
  • Providing highway traffic safety information.
For these types of complaints and inquiries you may contact the Department of Transportation Auto Safety Hotline.
 

 
Page updated: September 04, 2008

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