Some manufacturers run their own arbitration programs. Others work through an outside group. Your owner's manual should tell you which program will be used. You'll need complete records, including work orders, letters, receipts, and notices. You must prove the vehicle has a problem, that both dealer and manufacturer have failed in several attempts to fix it, and that you've exhausted all other avenues.
Arbitration is similar to a court hearing, though less formal.
The panel's decision is binding only on the company. Less than one-third of consumers have a dispute settled wholly their way. In most mediation and arbitration cases, however, the decision at least partially satisfies both sides. Verizon New Media Services Inc. All rights reserved.