Business ProfileforBrooklyn Mitsubishi

The following describes a government action that has been resolved by either a settlement or a decision by a court or administrative agency. If the matter is being appealed, it will be noted below.

On 7/15/2022, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga announced a settlement with Brooklyn Mitsubishi and Brooklyn Volkswagen that will deliver $304,900 to New Yorkers wronged by the companies' deceptive practices when selling used cars. The agreement resolves numerous violations of the city's Consumer Protection Law, as well as licensing laws prohibiting deceptive and unlawful conduct in the industry. Mayor Adams and DCWP also secured $500,000 in civil penalties from the companies and a seven-day suspension of Brooklyn Mitsubishi's two licenses, which has been completed. 

Last November, DCWP charged Brooklyn Mitsubishi and Brooklyn Volkswagen with more than 7,000 violations. As part of today's settlement, 36 consumers are getting restitution totaling $154,900, leaving $150,000 for new consumers who come forward with complaints, which can be submitted directly on DCWP's website in English or Spanish. As part of the settlement, these dealerships agree to fully comply with the law going forward.

In the suit, DCWP charged the dealerships with using deceptive advertising to lure customers to their dealerships and then illegally selling cars at prices well above the advertised prices. The dealerships persistently advertised "expired" prices with false claims stating, "the price you see is the price you pay" and "no dealer fees" that weren't honored when consumers got to the dealership. The dealerships also falsely advertised accessories, warranties, and add-on products that did not come with the vehicle.

Additionally, the dealerships had a practice of luring consumers with lower credit scores by promising "guaranteed approval" for financing and pre-approval for financing from a fake finance company. The dealerships misled consumers about warranties, executed illegal contracts, failed to maintain required records, failed to respond to DCWP's subpoenas, and submitted false license applications to DCWP.