If you've had a negative experience with a car dealership in Wisconsin, you may be able to file a complaint with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT). The DOT is responsible for investigating consumer complaints against car dealerships and taking appropriate action.

Understanding the DOT Complaint Process

Filing a DOT complaint is a relatively straightforward process. Here are the general steps involved:

1. Gather Information: Collect as much information as possible about your experience. This includes:

   • The name and address of the dealership
   • The date of your transaction
   • The names of any salespeople or managers involved
   • A detailed description of the problem you encountered

2. Contact the Dealership: Before filing a complaint, it's often a good idea to try to resolve the issue directly with the dealership. This can sometimes save time and effort.

3. File Your Complaint: If you're unable to resolve the issue with the dealership, you can file a complaint with the DOT online or by mail. You'll need to provide your contact information and a detailed description of your complaint.

4. Investigation: The DOT will investigate your complaint. This may involve contacting the dealership and requesting additional information.

5. Resolution: If the DOT finds that the dealership has violated the law, they may take a variety of actions, including:

   • Issuing a warning to the dealership
   • Requiring the dealership to make restitution to the consumer
   • Imposing a fine on the dealership

What Types of Complaints Can You File?

The DOT can investigate a variety of complaints against car dealerships, including:

• False advertising: If a dealership misrepresents the price, mileage, or condition of a vehicle.
• Deceptive sales practices: If a dealership engages in high-pressure sales tactics or other unfair practices.
• Mechanical problems: If a vehicle purchased from the dealership has significant mechanical problems.
• Title issues: If there are problems with the title of a vehicle.

Additional Resources

If you have questions about filing a DOT complaint or need more information, you can visit the DOT's website or contact them directly.

Important Note: While filing a DOT complaint can be a helpful way to address consumer issues, it may not always result in a favorable outcome. It's important to be prepared for the possibility that the DOT may not be able to resolve your complaint to your satisfaction.

Attorney Nathan DeLadurantey offers free consultations to explain your legal rights in Wisconsin. Free consultations can be scheduled online.