New Motor Vehicle Board (NMVB) Consumer Mediation Services Program
NMVB offers an informal, no-cost, dispute resolution program for consumers. The Program is designed to provide amicable mediation to consumers who are involved in disputes or have a complaint against a new vehicle dealership, manufacturer, or distributor licensed to do business in California.
The Program acts as a neutral mediator between the disputing parties to promote a mutually acceptable resolution. Due to the voluntary nature of this program, NMVB does not have the authority to order a dealership, manufacturer, or distributor to provide a consumer with their expected resolution.
Types of Complaints within our Jurisdiction:
- Contractual disputes (purchase or lease)
- Manufacturer warranty/repair disputes
- For recreational vehicles, consumer complaints that apply to the chassis, chassis cab and drive train are initially referred to the Department of Consumer Affairs (Veh. Code § 3078).
- Used vehicles sold by a new/used dealer's lot
- Used vehicles with remaining original warranties
Types of Complaints not within our Jurisdiction
- Private party sales or transactions
- Third-party warranties
- Used cars purchased from a solely used car dealership (with no remaining original warranty)
- Vehicles sold "AS-IS"
- Odometer fraud
- Lemon Law
For a list of agencies and/or organizations that may be able to assist you with these types of complaints, please see "Other Available Resources" on our homepage.
Benefits of Mediation:
How to Request Mediation:
Complete and submit a Mediation Request Form along with any relevant documents and/or photographs.
Email attachments to nmvbmediation@nmvb.ca.gov or mail to:
New Motor Vehicle Board/DMV
2415 First Avenue, MS L242
Sacramento, CA 95818
Please retain a copy of the Mediation Request Form for your records to produce a copy upon request.
For questions please call (916) 445-1888 or visit the FAQs. Mediators can help answer your questions in Spanish and Punjabi.
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