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Consumer Complaint Process


If you have a consumer complaint, please contact the business first.

Try talking to a manager. Most problems are resolved at this level.  If you are still not satisfied, try contacting the owner of the business or the business’s corporate headquarters.  If you are still not satisfied after contacting the business, then you may file a complaint with the Arkansas Motor Vehicle Commission.  Keep these four points in mind when you talk to the business owner or manager:

1.     Be courteous and calm.

2.     Explain the problem accurately.  Provide dates, estimated or billed amounts and as many other facts as you can.

3.     State what you think is a fair settlement or correction.

4.     State where you are willing to negotiate. In many disputes, neither side is 100% correct.

 What is the first step to file a complaint?


1.     The consumer must live in Arkansas or the business must be located in Arkansas.

2.   Answer all questions on the complaint form.  Briefly describe your complaint and include all-important facts.  Either type or print clearly and legibly when using the printable complaint form.

3.     Provide copies of any documents that would support your complaint. DO NOT MAIL ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.

4.     Don’t forget to date and sign the complaint form. The complaint must be notarized before mailing.

 How long will it take before I hear anything?


After we receive your complaint we will send a copy of your complaint to the business.  The business will be given 10 business days to respond to this office.  When, the business does reply, we will send you a copy of their response.  After you receive the response from the dealer, if you are not satisfied with the response the AMVC shall determine if the matter should be set down for hearing on the complaint filed with the AMVC or on the Commission’s own motion.  You will be notified thirty (30) days prior to the date of any hearing before the AMVC, Commission’s Legal Counsel or the Executive Director shall give written notice to the parties whose rights may be affected. 

May I call for an update on my complaint?


It is not necessary to call and check on the status of your complaint but you can at any time.  Our normal business hours are 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. You will also be notified by mail when we receive any information regarding your complaint.

Dealer Complaints


If you have a problem with a vehicle that you bought or leased from an Arkansas Dealer, the Arkansas Motor Vehicle Commission (AMVC) may be able to help.

We may be able to help if:


o   You are having trouble getting a title.

o   You are having trouble with warranty repairs.

o   The dealer did not tell you about the problem with your vehicle.

o   You think someone tampered with an odometer or misrepresented the reading.

o   You think someone is an unlicensed dealer.

o   If the dealer violated any part of the Arkansas Motor Vehicle Commission ACT.

o   Certain Fraudulent Misrepresentations.

We may not be able to help if:


o   Your complaint is about a problem you repaired without giving the dealership an opportunity to repair it first.

o   Your complaint is about a vehicle you sold without giving the dealership an opportunity to repair it first.

o   A long time has passed since you bought the vehicle.

     We cannot help if:


o   You bought your car from a private seller.

o   Your complaint is about a problem that did not exist at the time you bought the vehicle.

The Arkansas Motor Vehicle Commission CANNOT:


  • Give legal advice or discuss a case prior to investigating a complaint.
  • Act as a go-between to settle contract terms for buyer or dealer.
  • Investigate complaints against private parties.
  • Recover money or property for the consumer.
  • Investigate most complaints about the condition of used cars. “AS-IS” on a contract or Buyer Agreement displayed on the used car window, means you will pay all repair cost after you sign the contract. 
  • Force a dealer to take back a vehicle after a contract is signed.
  • Investigate verbal agreements or statements, made by the dealer, about the vehicle. Be sure to get all agreements in writing.