Toronto, Ontario -- New York auto repair facilities may soon face increased government scrutiny thanks to a new policy being implemented by the state's Department of Motor Vehicles.
Under the new system, people can submit complaints about auto repair shops, car dealers and inspection stations online. Previously, complainants were required to mail or email a complaint report form. The move is expected to streamline the complaint process significantly.
According to the New York State DMV, it processes more than 6,000 complaints each year. Last year, these investigations led to more than US$ 1.48 million in refunds or reimbursements for repairs to 470 customers.
Across Canada, consumers have various options for making formal complaints about auto repair facilities or dealerships, which vary by province. In most cases they are handled by provincial governments or designated consumer protection agencies, most of which still require paper filing.
In Ontario, complaints go through Consumer Protection Ontario or OMVIC. In British Columbia, customers contact the Vehicle Sales Authority for dealership issues, and the Ministry of Attorney General’s Consumer Protection B.C. for repair-related complaints. In Quebec, the Office de la protection du consommateur handles both dealership and repair issues. In Alberta, Service Alberta handles complaints. In Manitoba, consumers can reach out to the Consumer Protection Office. In Saskatchewan, the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority deals with complaints involving car dealers and repair services.
