Joe Finnerty

While motoring complaints are on the rise, many issues go ignored by angry drivers

WE handle scores of complaints about poor customer service, unacceptable car reliability and overpriced repairs, as well as a whole host of other motoring gripes.

But what we see is just the tip of the iceberg in both the automotive industry and the consumer marketplace as a whole. The fourth annual Consumer Action Monitor report by the Ombudsman Services revealed UK consumers made 55 million complaints in 2016, with three per cent of these relating to parking (1. 2 million) and vehicle repairs and dealers (748,430).

These are huge figures, but represent just a portion of those who were actually mistreated by brands. An estimated 75 million issues were ignored because many perceived the complaints process to be too much hassle and don’t trust businesses to look after their interests.

In fact, poor service has been commonplace for so long, many consumers have become resigned to it. In motoring, eight per cent said they were disillusioned with service, rising to 14 per cent for parking.

So what can you do if you’ve had bad service and want to complain? For motorists, there are plenty of bodies listed opposite where you can take your grievance, including the official dispute resolution provider for the auto industry, The Motor Ombudsman. That’s in addition to getting in touch with our Watchdog team, of course.

And, as with anything, if you aren’t satisfied, go elsewhere. The report shows Brits are happy to do just that, with nearly half of us reducing spending with a firm or cutting ties completely if we are poorly treated.

“Around 75m issues were ignored as many thought the complaints process to be too much hassle“