DealerRater - Car Dealer Reviews, Car Dealer Directory, Vehicles For Sale, Vehicle Recalls (2025)

FAQs

Do dealerships lose money on recalls? ›

No, because the mfg reimburses them for the work. In fact, dealers can make money if owners get extra things done while they are there. They are paid, the correct rate by the manufacturer, but as that denies them the opportunity to rip the customer off, they don't like it.

“ Highly Recommend! ” Jon was great to work with and really went above and beyond to secure our desired car and ensure top quality. He also kept us well informed along the way about timing and next steps. It was a pleasure working with him and I would highly recommend him.

Their Reputation

Word of mouth goes a long way. If you've heard bad things about a dealer, especially from more than one person, then that dealer probably isn't so great. If the dealer has great reviews on their site and a good reputation with the community, then odds are you can trust them.

Make sure that the Total Cash Price on the written contract matches the price that you were told. If the prices are different, you may be the victim of fraud. If the dealership refuses to honor the representations made to you by the salesperson, refuse to sign the contract and walk away from the dealership.

Ford. Ford tops the 2023 list of what car brand has the most recalls, coming in at 54 total recalls. This is the third consecutive year Ford has led the pack as the most recalled car brand in the United States. – with 68 in 2022.

File a complaint with NHTSA

Report the dealership's refusal to address the recall to the NHTSA through their website or hotline. The agency monitors compliance with recalls and can take steps to enforce corrective actions.

Generally, you'll start with a summary of your experience and end with a final evaluation. The middle parts of the review are highly customizable. A car review might have sections on safety features, style and design, engine specifications, technological innovations, or the car's ability to drive on rough surfaces.

Highlight the pros and cons. After you've described your experience, highlight the pros and cons of the dealership. This section should be balanced and objective. If there were negative aspects of your experience, try to provide constructive feedback rather than being overly critical.

What can I do if a dealership basically scammed me? ›

You can report fraud, scams, and unfair business directly to the FTC. You can also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB processes complaints within two business days and contacts the business on your behalf.

If you already have a quote from the dealership, use the Edmunds Price Checker to help determine if you're getting a good deal. And for those trading in a vehicle, use Edmunds' appraisal tool to help you determine its trade-in market value.

For decades now, car salespeople have constantly gone to “talk my manager” for permission to negotiate during the sales process. This tactic, paired with countless other dealer antics is very frustrating for customers. If you're unfamiliar with your salesperson saying “let me go check with my manager,” you're lucky!

The truth is, many car dealers are scrupulous business people who trade on their reputations and work hard to cultivate relationships with long-term customers. But buying a car can be confusing and overwhelming, and plenty of dealers earn their bad reps by leveraging that confusion to their advantage.

Most auto manufacturers administer their recalls through the service departments at their dealerships. The dealership service department is typically well-equipped to repair or replace the makes and models of the vehicles they sell.

If a recall is issued after you've already made the required repair at your own expense, you could be entitled to a reimbursement. However, you will need to act quickly. The deadline for reinstatement is typically 10 days after manufacturers have mailed out the last of their recall notice letters.

If you're buying a car with a recall from a private seller or dealership, you should research the recall and find out if the seller has addressed it. If the seller has not repaired the recall issue, it's a good idea to resolve it as soon as possible after the transaction is complete.

Safety, Compliance, and Emissions Recalls do not expire. Affected vehicles remain eligible until the repair is completed. Other types of vehicle programs, called Customer Satisfaction Programs, typically have expiration dates and/or mileage limitations.