Philly Leader

In what is being described as an “industry-changing settlement,” Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced that a $1 million settlement has been reached with CarMax Auto Superstores, in which they will have to disclose open recalls to potential buyers of a used car.

The settlement is a multi-state action that stems from an investigation by 35 other attorneys general, a Dec. 1 news release from the attorney general’s office said.

“In Pennsylvania, demand for used cars remains high,” Shapiro said in the release. “Consumers deserve to have all the relevant information about a car so they can make an informed choice whether or not to buy, especially if there are open and unrepaired recalls. This settlement will ensure dealerships like CarMax shift gears to ensure Pennsylvanians’ safety comes before profits.”

CarMax will continue to use the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration’s vehicle identification number (VIN) for safety information, the release said. CarMax will also include hyperlinks for vehicles that are advertised online and QR codes for vehicles on the lot, both of which will link directly to any open recalls the vehicle may have. The company will provide copies of open recalls and take a consumer’s signature on a standalone disclosure document before any sales paperwork is presented. Additionally, CarMax may not describe the vehicles as “safe.”

Anyone who thinks they have bought a car that is not “roadworthy” can file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. This can be done by going to the attorney general’s website, emailing scams@attorneygeneral.gov or calling 1-800-441-2555.