10 things consumers complain about the most

By Priya Anand, MarketWatch

What irks people most? New data show that consumers complain most about having to deal with cars whether false sales ads or repairs, according to the Consumer Federation of America and the North American Consumer Protection Investigators.

The groups analyzed more than 250,000 complaints to 40 agencies across 23 states last year, finding that consumers are peeved about their auto experiences but also consider home improvement a nightmare, with issues ranging from roofing rip-offs to new home defects.

Read: I complained online and got $1,200 back

Here are the top 10 consumer complaints, and some MarketWatch tips on how to avoid having to make them.

1. Auto: Misrepresentations in advertising or sales of new and used cars, lemons, faulty repairs, leasing and towing disputes

Heres the typical car repair saga: You go in for a simple oil change or tire replacement and they spring surprise repairs on you, claiming that your car is a death trap without those extra fixes and a bill to match. Some ways to avoid getting cheated by car mechanics: Take your owners manual out of the glove compartment and actually read it. It sounds obvious, but the manual is a guide as to what maintenance your car actually needs, and it helps to know what youre talking about when facing a mechanic who is peddling more repairs.

2. Home improvement/construction: Shoddy work, failure to start or complete the job

Americans shell out $275 billion a year on home improvement work - patching roofs, repairing plumbing, remodeling and more, according to a Harvard University survey. And in that process, theyre scammed out of at least $17 billion, according to some estimates. Projects like deck improvements and basement remodeling offer solid returns on the investment, if youre taking on the challenge of home improvement. Home Depot and Lowes account for 80% of the home improvement industrys $153.8 billion annual revenue, estimates show, but bigger isnt always better. Here are 10 things you should know before embarking on a project.

3. Credit/debt: Billing and fee disputes, mortgage modifications and mortgage-related fraud, credit repair, debt relief services, predatory lending, illegal or abusive debt collection tactics

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10 things consumers complain about the most