The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles said it helped consumers recover more than $11 million in stolen vehicles, stolen parts, services and lost titles, in 2024.
According to the DMV, it recovered 303 stolen vehicles — valued at $8,353,334 at the time of their theft — and $91,979 in stolen parts last year.
The DMV said it also helped consumers recoup vehicle titles, services and refunds valued at more than $3 million from dishonest auto dealers and repair shops.
Following up on consumer complaints, the DMV took actions against auto dealers and repair shops for selling vehicles without disclosing significant defects to the buyer, for charging consumers for repairs that were never completed, or charging consumers for repairs they did not need. In total, DMV said 474 customers were provided refunds or vehicle repairs valued at $1.48 million.
In addition, the DMV helped car buyers recover 67 titles for vehicles valued at more than $1.56 million when the auto dealerships they bought them from suddenly closed or withheld the title from the rightful owner. A certificate of title for a vehicle is what establishes a person or business as the legal owner. Without a title, a vehicle owner is unable to transfer ownership, remove a lien, or provide proof of ownership necessary to take out a loan on the vehicle or file an insurance claim.
DMV is urging customers to deal only with registered repair shops that display green and white “Registered State of New York Motor Vehicle Repair Shop” signs and have a valid DMV registration certificate inside.
According to the Council on Criminal Justice, nationwide there were 24% fewer motor vehicle thefts in 2024 than in 2023. Since 2019, the car theft rate has declined 12% in New York City and 47% in Rochester, while climbing 13% in Syracuse.
Regarding car thefts, DMV warned consumers last October about the dangers of car sales scams through online sites like Facebook Marketplace, and reminded car buyers to be vigilant when purchasing a vehicle online.
“We take great pride in assisting customers when they need help, whether that is getting a title from a dealer that went out of business, working with clients and automotive businesses to address issues with a repair job, or recovering stolen vehicles,” DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said in a press release.