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Auto Repairs Top Dade's Top 10 Complaint List

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – For the fifth year in a row, auto repairs topped Miami-Dade's list of consumer complaints.

According to the county's Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Division, in 2011 the received a total of 974 complaints dealing with auto repairs.   For-hire transportation came in second place with 482 complaints, of which 113 were related to passengers seeking to locate lost items. Towing was the third most-cited problem.

The consumer affairs department said in 2011 they saw a significant decrease in consumer complaints in most categories when compared to previous years, including for-hire transportation, towing, and cable television.

Top Ten Complaints
1. Vehicle Repair
2. For-Hire Transportation
3. Towing
4. Housing-Service
5. Mail Order
6. Utilities
7. Auto Sales
8. Credit Related
9. Furniture
10. Cable Television

For the fifth consecutive year, the department hit the million-dollar mark for recoveries. Through its free mediation services designed to settle disputes between consumers and businesses, the department was able to attain the sum of $1,247,170 in reimbursements for consumers.

"Both consumers as well as businesses should know that we are here to help, provide information and advice.  Contacting us is as simple as making a phone call or website visit," said Mario Goderich, Assistant Director of the Miami-Dade County Sustainability, Planning, and Economic Enhancement Department (SPEED).

To register a complaint or receive general information on consumer issues, log on to the Miami-Dade County Business Affairs and Consumer Protection.

Broward residents can also contact their county offices if they feel like they've been taken advantage of by an unscrupulous business.  Click Here for more information.

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