Consumer complaint received 2026-03-03 00:00:00
Product: Vehicle loan or lease — Loan
Issue: Managing the loan or lease — Billing problem
Company: FIFTH THIRD FINANCIAL CORPORATION
State: KS

Complaint narrative:
I am filing this complaint regarding XXXX distinct but related concerns involving Fifth Third Bank 's handling of my auto loan account. CONCERN XXXX IMPROPER REPOSSESSION FEES During the course of this account, Fifth Third Bank assessed multiple repossession-related fees against my account despite the fact that no repossession of the vehicle ever occurred. The vehicle was never physically taken, never auctioned, and remained in my possession at all times. These fees were assessed without legal or contractual basis and, I believe, have artificially inflated the balance now being demanded in full. When I raised this concern with Fifth Third 's recovery department I was told this was not the case. However I have reason to believe these charges were assessed and subsequently absorbed or rolled into the principal balance rather than properly reversed and disclosed. I formally requested a complete itemized account transaction history via email to verify this a request Fifth Third refused, making independent verification impossible. I note that Fifth Third Bank 's XX/XX/XXXX CFPB consent order and {$20.00} XXXX penalty specifically cited improper repossession practices and wrongful fee assessments as violations. The conduct I am describing is precisely consistent with that documented pattern. This is not Fifth Third 's first enforcement action involving improper auto loan fees a similar {$18.00} XXXX settlement occurred in XXXX for related conduct. CONCERN XXXX REFUSAL TO ENGAGE IN GOOD FAITH SETTLEMENT DISCUSSION The vehicle securing this loan was declared a total loss following an accident in XX/XX/XXXX, eliminating all remaining collateral. I proactively contacted Fifth Third 's recovery unit, provided a formal total loss determination letter from the insurer, and made multiple good-faith attempts to negotiate a lump-sum settlement on this unsecured deficiency balance. I offered an immediate cash lump-sum payment representing substantial recovery on a charged-off account with no remaining collateral and no realistic repossession option. Fifth Third 's recovery supervisor refused to consider any figure below the full charged-off balance a balance that I have reason to believe includes improperly assessed repossession fees. He declined to engage meaningfully with my offers, stated only full payment would be accepted, and directed me to simply pay the full amount or face collection. The refusal to consider any settlement on a XXXX month old charge-off with XXXX remaining collateral, combined with the presence of potentially improper fees in the demanded balance, raises serious concerns about Fifth Third 's compliance with fair debt collection standards particularly given their current CFPB compliance monitoring obligations. CONCERN XXXX REFUSAL TO PROVIDE ITEMIZED ACCOUNT DOCUMENTATION When I formally requested a complete itemized transaction history for this account be sent to me via email including all fees, charges, adjustments, and repossession-related assessments from origination to present Fifth Third 's recovery department refused. This makes it impossible for me to independently verify the legitimacy of the balance being demanded and prevents me from identifying and disputing improper charges. I am prepared to provide supporting documentation including the total loss determination letter and the payoff letter upon request.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation