FTC Resources for Reporters
The Auto Marketplace
Buying or leasing a car is the biggest financial transactions for many consumers aside from owning a home, and having access to a vehicle also is essential for many Americans to carry on their daily lives. The FTC plays several important roles in making sure consumers get a fair deal in the auto marketplace:
- The agency brings auto-related enforcement actions, including against companies falsely promising to reduce auto loan payments, car dealers and others making deceptive advertising claims, telemarketers pitching bogus auto “warranties” that are actually extended service contracts, and companies promoting illegal pyramid operations through lease offers.
- The agency also enforces the Used Car Rule, which requires the familiar windshield stickers that appear on used cars at dealers throughout the country and give consumers critical information about who will pay for repairs if something goes wrong with the car they buy.
- In addition, the Dodd - Frank Act passed by Congress in 2010 gives the FTC new and expanded authority regarding motor vehicle dealers. Since 2011, the FTC has been gathering information on possible consumer protection issues that may arise in the sale, financing or lease of motor vehicles through a series of roundtables and by seeking public comments.
News Releases:
- Settlement with FTC Bans Sellers of Alleged Fraudulent Auto Loan Modifications from Marketing Debt Relief Services – 01/30/2013
- FTC Staff Warns 11 Jonesboro, Arkansas, Used Car Dealers for Not Displaying 'Buyers Guides' – 01/25/2013
- Settlement with FTC Puts Alleged Marketer of Fraudulent Auto Loan Modifications Out of Business – 12/04/2012
- FTC Opinion Letter Affirms Consumers' Rights under the Holder Rule – 05/10/2012
- FTC Charges that Auto Loan Schemes Falsely Promised They Could Stop Consumers’ Cars from Being Repossessed – 04/04/2012
- FTC Continues to Seek Public Input on Consumer Issues in Motor Vehicle Sales, Financing and Leasing – 02/21/2012
- FTC Finds Broad Compliance Among Auto Dealers with Rule That Protects Consumers with Car Loans – 05/16/2011
- Marketing Company Settles FTC Charges; Falsely Told Consumers They Were Pre-Approved for Auto Loans – 3/30/2010
- Commission Reopens Public Comment Period On Used Car Rule; Commission Proposes Amendments to Fuel Economy Guide – 04/24/2009
- FTC Testifies on Auto Repair Options – 11/10/2005
- Sweeping New York City Borough, FTC Surveys Used Car Dealers for Required "Buyers Guides" – 02/06/2001
- Sweeping Chicago's North Shore, FTC and State Investigators Check Used Car Dealers for Required "Buyers Guides" – 06/26/2000
- Sweeping The District, FTC Staff And D.C. Investigators Check Used Car Dealers For Required "Buyers Guides" – 06/12/2000
- FTC Staff and Washington, D.C. and Oregon Officials Check Used Car Lots for "Buyers Guide" – 10/06/1998
Reports and Workshops:
- Vehicle Buyback Disclosures (1995-1996)
Interactive Workshops – Transcripts
- Auto Dealers Roundtable (Nov 2011)
Business Education:
Congressional Testimony:
Consumer Education: