Odometer Tampering Legal Steps

Summary

In Tennessee, selling a car with a tampered odometer is illegal. If you suspect odometer tampering, gather all purchase documents and contact the dealership to report the issue. You can file a complaint with the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission for further action. Continue making car payments to avoid credit issues, and consider discussing the situation with a legal advisor. Mentioning your complaint to the commission can strengthen your case when seeking a resolution, such as a refund or repair.

Full Conversation

I bought a car this year in February and did not realize until a few months ago that the odometer was not working. It is a * Mini and the odometer only showed * miles. I figured it must have belonged to an older couple that just didn't drive that much, but now I think the odometer was tampered with and that it has over *,* miles on it.
Hi ****! I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Was the car purchased from a dealership or a private seller? This detail will help me provide you with the most relevant information regarding your legal options.
Dealership
Hi ****, I'm sorry to hear about your situation. In Tennessee, it's illegal for a dealership to sell a car with a tampered odometer. Here are some steps you can take:
- Gather all your purchase documents.
- Contact the dealership to report the issue.
- File a complaint with the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission.
Have you contacted the dealership yet?
No, I haven't.
Hi ****, I recommend you contact the dealership and report the odometer issue as soon as possible. Here are the steps you can follow:
- Gather all your purchase documents.
- Contact the dealership to report the issue.
- File a complaint with the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission.
Do you need information on how to file a complaint with the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission?
yes, please.
Hi ****, here is how you can file a complaint with the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission:
- Visit the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance website.
- Download and complete the complaint form.
- Attach copies of your purchase documents and any related evidence.
- Submit the form via mail or through their online submission portal.
For more details:

Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission


Phone: (*) *-*
Website: https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/mvc.html

Would you like further assistance with this process?
I will try to take it from here.
Hi ****, it sounds like you have a good plan in place. If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out. Best of luck with your complaint!
~Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission
Phone: (*) *-*
Website: https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/mvc.html
Thank you and thanks for your help.
You're welcome, ****! I'm glad I could assist you. If you need any further help in the future, feel free to reach out. Best of luck with your complaint!
I have one more question. My car note is due. Should I keep paying it?
Hi ****, I'm glad to assist you further.
Regarding your car note, it's generally advisable to keep making payments to avoid default and potential negative impacts on your credit score. However, since you reported a potential odometer tampering issue, you might want to discuss your situation with the dealership or a legal advisor. Have you notified the dealership about the odometer issue yet?
No, haven't had the chance. Just talked to you about what to do for the first time.
Hi ****, I understand your concern. It's important to keep making your car note payments to avoid any negative impact on your credit. I recommend notifying the dealership about the odometer issue as soon as possible.
Do you need any assistance with how to approach the dealership?
Yes, any advice you can offer me would be much appreciated.
Hi ****,
Here’s how you can approach the dealership:
- **Gather Documentation**: Collect all your purchase documents and any evidence of the odometer issue.
- **Contact the Dealership**: Call or visit the dealership and ask to speak with a manager.
- **Explain the Situation**: Clearly explain the issue and provide your evidence.
- **Request Resolution**: Ask for a resolution, such as repair, replacement, or refund.
Would you like a sample script for contacting the dealership?
Yes, and I want a refund because now I have engine problems and I think I am going to keep having more problems.
Hi ****, I'm sorry to hear about the additional issues with your car. Here's a sample script for contacting the dealership:
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**Sample Script:**
"Hi, my name is ****, and I purchased a * Mini from your dealership in February. I recently discovered that the odometer may have been tampered with and shows only *,* miles, but I believe it has over *,* miles. Additionally, I am now experiencing engine problems. I have all my purchase documents and evidence of the odometer issue. I would like to request a refund due to these significant issues. Can we discuss a resolution?"
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Would you like any additional information or assistance with this process?
Thank you. Should I tell them that I have contacted the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission?
Hi ****,
Yes, it can be beneficial to mention that you have contacted the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission. This can show the dealership that you are serious about resolving the issue and are taking the necessary steps to ensure compliance with the law.
Would you like any further assistance?
Not at the moment. Thank you so very much.
You're welcome, ****! I'm glad I could assist you. If you need any more help in the future, feel free to reach out. Best of luck with resolving your car issue!