Buyer beware: the top consumer complaints of 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- An annual list of the country's top consumer complaints finds many of the usual suspects, and some new problems on the rise.

According to the Consumer Federation of America, vehicles topped the list. Lemons, faulty repairs, leasing and towing disputes are some of the reasons auto sales and repairs are in the number one spot. Home improvement was second, with complaints of shoddy work, failure to start or complete a job. Credit and debt problems round out the top three. People complained about billing disputes, mortgage modifications, predatory lending and abusive debt collection tactics.

The rest of the list is below:


     

    The fastest growing complaints were towing disputes, landlord/tenant problems and abusive debt collection practices. The best protection can be a consumers’ own research.