Rairdon’s Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Kirkland has agreed to pay $74,435 stemming from allegations that it sent out promotional mailers resembling official recall notices.

The car dealer was accused of sending 7,025 mailers that looked very similar to the form used by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recall notifications, but were in fact promotional materials.The car dealer was accused of sending 7,025 mailers that looked very similar to the form used by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recall notifications, but were in fact promotional materials. The mailers mentioned possible recalls and offered to purchase their vehicles, but according to state officials, it did not clearly disclose that the offer to buy was independent from any recall notification. State officials like Ferguson alleged that this mislead a substantial number of consumers in violation of the state Consumer Protection Act.

The car dealership will pay $35,125 in civil penalties and $39,210 in costs and fees.

“I will not tolerate a business driving sales by using scare tactics to dupe consumers into thinking their car has a safety problem,” Attorney General Bob Ferguson said. “Advertising needs to be clear and honest. When ads mislead consumers, my office will take action to hold violators accountable.”

Phone calls by the Reporter to Rairdon’s seeking comment were not returned.

To ensure the validity of all recall notices received, consumers can find official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration vehicle recall notices online at www.safercar.gov. To learn more about lawful vehicle advertising, visit our website. Additional resources for auto dealers are available here.