NCCC would like to receive a written copy of any complaints and correspondence you send to government agencies.
Auto Complaints
To make a complaint about an automobile, please visit the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's website and complete a Vehicle Owners' Questionnaire (VOQ). You may also call 1-888-327-4236 to register the complaint. NHTSA cannot always reply directly to your complaint but will add your information to their database. If they see a trend in consumer complaints, they will initiate a defect investigation that may lead to a recall. If you believe a safety defect is present in your vehicle, as well as other vehicles, please contact us to enquire about the possibility of petitioning for a recall.
Some auto manufacturers request you go through alternative dispute resolution with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). NCCC does not recommend nor endorse any activities of the BBB since it is inherently designed to benefit businesses and not the consumer. Some manufacturers and states require alternative dispute resolution prior to filing suit for a repurchase or replacement of a vehicle, also referred to as the Lemon Law. At the time this article was written, North Carolina did not require alternative dispute resolution unless the manufacturer clearly requires it and say so in an inconspicuous manner in the warranty or owners handbook. If you are seeking a vehicle repurchase or replacement, contact a private lemon law attorney immediately to secure your rights. Remember to keep detailed records or any transaction with your dealer.
Another avenue is to contact the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office at 919-716-6000 or 1-877-566-7226 if you have a concern that is not defect related, such as being sold a salvage car without disclosure or complaints about a dealer. They also assist with general questions regarding vehicles, as well as any other consumer issue, and can direct you to a more appropriate resource if one is available.
Utilities Complaints
The North Carolina Utilities Commission-Public Staff has a Consumer Services Division which is responsible for assisting the public with complaints against regulated public utilities. This division can be reached at 919-733-9277 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Banking Complaints
Please call 919-733-3016 or visit the North Carolina Banking Commission.
Insurance Complaints
Please call 1-800-546-5664 or file a complaint online with the North Carolina Department of Insurance.
Discrimination
All citizens have a right to equal opportunity for employment, equal access to places of public accommodations, and equal opportunity in the sale, purchase, lease, rental, and financing of housing accommodations or real property. It is unlawful for anyone to discriminate in employment and places of public accommodations because of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability. In housing, discrimination based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, familial status, or disability is against the law.
If you believe you are the victim of discrimination, contact your local office of the Human Relations Commission. You can usually make a complaint by writing or going in personally. A specialist will take the necessary information and construct a formal complaint. There is a statute of limitations within which you must file your complaint. Contact your local office for these limitations.
The Commission contacts the person alleged to have committed the discrimination and requests information. If the Commission finds the facts tend to support the charge of discrimination, a review is conducted and findings are released. You may appeal if you are unsuccessful.
If you are successful, depending on circumstances the guilty party may be required to:
1) Make available the job, house, or service which was denied;
2) Compensate the Complainant and/or others for losses brought about because of discrimination; and
3) Correct by affirmative action practices of discrimination which have had an adverse effect on the Complainant and other persons protected by the Employment and Public Accommodations Ordinance and Fair Housing Ordinance.
If you are the victim of discrimination, do not wait. Begin protecting your legal rights. Contact you local Human Relations Commission.
Other Complaints
To obtain assistance with other categories of complaints not described in this website, please contact the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General’s Office at 919-716-6000 or 1-877-566-7226.
