ComplaintsforColumbus Fair Auto Auction

• Initial Complaint

  05/10/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  I am a dealer and bought **** **** **** ******** from Columbus Fair Auto Auction. seller announced it has LEAKING HEAD GASKET, which is small issue. costing $100-200 to fix it, but when I received the car, several mechanic find the engine break down and the whole engine has to be replaced. I open arbitration, but it is denied as arbitrator said the seller already announced the car has a problem. it is ridiculous the company use the small problem to deny the claim of engine failure. I spent $5000 replacing the engine

• Initial Complaint

  02/25/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Unresolved

  More info

  We purchased a 2015 Toyota Tundra (VIN #: ****************** from Columbus Fair Auto Auction ("CFAA") on 2/16/22 with an announcement of "structural alteration."

  We arbitrated the vehicle with CFAA within the applicable arbitration period for undisclosed "structural damage" per National Auto Auction Association Arbitration Policy. The vehicle displays permanent damage to the front cross member of approximately 11"-12" as well as corrosion of the structural component, all of which fall within the definition of "structural damage" and require disclosure pursuant to NAAA Policy. This vehicle has also been diagnosed and found to have structural damage. See attached.

  CFAA denied the arbitration on the basis that they announced "structural alteration" at the time of the sale for the installation of an after-market lift-kit and thus, would cover the permanent damage to the frame the vehicle displays. We relayed to CFAA that "structural damage" and "structural alteration" are two completely different issues, each defined independently under NAAA Arbitration Policy and each requiring independent disclosure under the Policy. Disclosing a structural alteration does not encompass permanent frame damage.

  Section 3 of the NAAA policies titled "Seller Disclosure Requirements," provides in part: "[s]ellers must disclose permanent structural damage...prior to selling a vehicle at auction regardless of sales channel or light condition." (See NAAA Arbitration Policy (eff. 1/15/2021), p.11).

  Disclosures are required for the following:

  (1) Any/all existing permanent (non-repairable aka kinked or broken) structural damage;

  (2) Improper and/or substandard prior repairs (not meeting OEM repair guidelines);

  (3) After-market accessories installed or removed to the structure;

  (4) Multiple access holes (regardless of size) or singular access holes greater than 5/8";

  (5) Corrosion of structural components; and

  (6) Damage due to improper jacking or lifting that permanently deforms structural components.

  Business response

  03/02/2022

  We follow NAAA guidelines for our arbitration process. The proper announcement was noted on this vehicle when sold. This was communicated to the customer.

  Customer response

  03/04/2022

  [If you do not say why you are rejecting the company's response, BBB must close your complaint.] 
  
  Complaint: 16807634
  
  I am rejecting this response because: you have not provided any sufficient basis for your contention that "[t]he proper announcement was noted on this vehicle when sold." As you've seen from our complaint and discussions with your representatives, the proper announcement was not noted. NAAA guidelines are in fact clear with regard to requiring disclosure of frame damage. Please go over these policies and explain your contention that the proper announcement was noted by providing pictures of the damage and pointing to the specific language in the NAAA guidelines that you believe supports your case. 

   

  
  Regards,
  
  Columbus Automotive Llc

  Customer response

  04/06/2022

  Hello,
  
  I am writing with regard to Complaint No.: 16807634. I have decided to move forward with filing a Complaint with the Ohio Attorney General's Office since the Seller has not responded; however, they informed me that my case with Ohio BBB will need closed before i can proceed with them. Can you assist?
  
  ******** *********** *** **** **** **** ****** ************* **** ****** ************ **************************************

  Business response

  04/20/2022

  I have been instructed that no documents will be released without a subpoena per upper management.

   

   

  ***** ********

  Office Manager

  Columbus Fair Auto Auction

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