Chapter 218

218.0152(2) (2) 

218.0152(2)(a) (a) The division of banking, department of transportation and division of hearings and appeals shall have the power in hearings arising under this chapter to do all of the following:

218.0152(2)(a)1. 1. Determine the place, in this state, where the hearings shall be held.

218.0152(2)(a)2. 2. Subpoena witnesses and documents.

218.0152(2)(a)3. 3. Take and permit the taking of depositions of witnesses residing in or outside of this state and to otherwise permit the discovery and preservation of evidence before hearing, in the manner provided for in civil actions in courts of record.

218.0152(2)(a)4. 4. Pay the witnesses described in subd. 2 the fees and mileage for their attendance that are provided for witnesses in civil actions in courts of record.

218.0152(2)(a)5. 5. Administer oaths.

218.0152(2)(b) (b) If the licensor has reason to believe that a violation of ss. 218.0101 to 218.0163 has occurred, the licensor may issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of persons to be examined or the production of materials regarding the violation. Subpoenas shall be issued and served in accordance with ch. 885.

218.0152(2)(c) (c) A person providing information under this subsection may request that the information be designated as a trade secret, as defined in s. 134.90 (1) (c), or as confidential business information. The division of hearings and appeals or licensor shall approve the designation if the person providing the information demonstrates that the release of the information would adversely affect the person’s competitive position. At least 15 days before any information designated as a trade secret or as confidential business information is disclosed to any other person, the division of hearings and appeals or licensor shall notify the person providing the information. The person providing the information may seek a court order limiting or prohibiting the disclosure, in which case the court shall weigh the need for confidentiality of the information against the public interest in disclosure. Confidentiality is waived if the person providing the information consents in writing to disclosure.

218.0152(3) (3) The licensor may promulgate such rules as it considers necessary or proper for the effective administration and enforcement of ss. 218.0101 to 218.0163, but no licensee shall be subject to examination or audit by the licensor except as provided in s. 218.0116 (5).

218.0152 History History: 1999 a. 31 ss. 248 to 253.

218.0152 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also chs. Trans 137, 138, 139, 140, and 144, Wis. adm. code.

218.0161 218.0161 Penalties; reporting violations.

218.0161(1) (1) Except for s. 218.0116 (1) (a), (b), (cm), (d), (f), (fm), (g), (jm), (m), (o) and (om), and except for violations for s. 218.0114 (1), 218.0119, or 218.0147, any person violating ss. 218.0101 to 218.0163 may be required to forfeit not less than $25 nor more than $500 for each violation.

218.0161(2) (2) The division of banking may report any enforcement action, any violation of this chapter or of an administrative rule or order, or other relevant information to the nationwide multistate licensing system and registry. Except as provided in s. 224.35 (4) (b) and (c), these reports to the nationwide multistate licensing system and registry shall be confidential and are not subject to public copying or inspection under s. 19.35 (1).

218.0161 History History: 1999 a. 31 s. 281; 1999 a. 138; 2001 a. 38; 2023 a. 267.

218.0162 218.0162 Commencement of action. Upon the request of the licensor, the department of justice or the district attorney may commence an action in the name of the state to recover a forfeiture under s. 218.0161. An action under s. 218.0161 (1) shall be commenced within 3 years after the occurrence of the unlawful act or practice which is the subject of the action.

218.0162 History History: 1999 a. 31 s. 282; 2023 a. 267.

218.0163 218.0163 Civil damages.

218.0163(1) (1) Without exhausting any administrative remedy available under an agreement or ss. 218.0101 to 218.0163, except as provided in ss. 218.0116 (7) and (8) and 218.0134, a licensee may recover damages in a court of competent jurisdiction for pecuniary loss, together with actual costs including reasonable attorney fees, if the pecuniary loss is caused by any of the following:

218.0163(1)(a) (a) A violation by any other licensee of s. 218.0116 (1) (bm), (f), (h), (hm), (i), (km), (L), (Lm), (mm), (pm), (q), (qm), (r), (rm), (s), (sm), (t), (u), (um), (v), (vm), (w), (wm), (x), (xm), (y), (ym), (ys), or (z).

218.0163(1)(b) (b) Any unfair practice found by a licensor or the division of hearings and appeals under s. 218.0152 (1).

218.0163(1)(c) (c) An affected grantor’s disapproval of a proposed action under s. 218.0134 (2) (b), if the division of hearings and appeals has determined that there is not good cause for not permitting the proposed action to be undertaken following a hearing under s. 218.0134 (2) (c). A dealer may recover under this paragraph even if the affected grantor complies with the order of the division of hearings and appeals under s. 218.0134 (3) (b). If a dealer recovers damages for pecuniary loss, actual costs under this paragraph also include actual costs, including reasonable attorney fees, incurred by the dealer in obtaining the division of hearings and appeals’ determination of good cause.

218.0163(1m) (1m) If a court finds that a violation or practice described in sub. (1) (a) or (b) is willful, a licensee shall recover damages in an amount equal to 3 times the pecuniary loss, together with actual costs including reasonable attorney fees.

218.0163(1q) (1q) In any action brought under this subsection, the burden of proof as to liability shall be the same as set forth in ss. 218.0114 (7) (d), 218.0116 (7) (b), and 218.0116 (8) (b) regarding complaints brought before the division of hearings and appeals, but the burden of proof as to damages shall be on the licensee seeking damages.

218.0163(1r) (1r) For purposes of subs. (1) and (1m), “licensee” means a person or entity holding a license at the time the cause of action arose regardless of whether the person or entity holds a license at the time an action under this section is commenced.

218.0163(2) (2) Any retail buyer, lessee or prospective lessee suffering pecuniary loss because of a violation by a licensee of s. 218.0116 (1) (bm), (c), (cm), (dm), (e), (em), (f), (im), (m) or (p) may recover damages for the loss in any court of competent jurisdiction together with costs, including reasonable attorney fees.

218.0163(3) (3) A complainant or petitioner who prevails against a manufacturer, importer, or distributor as a result of a complaint or petition filed with the division of hearings and appeals based on an alleged violation of ss. 218.0101 to 218.0163 or under s. 218.0116 (7) or (8) or 218.0134 shall have a cause of action against the manufacturer, importer, or distributor for reasonable expenses and attorney fees incurred by the complainant or petitioner in connection with all proceedings resulting from the complaint or petition. This subsection does not apply:

218.0163(3)(a) (a) If the division of hearings and appeals finds that the manufacturer, importer, or distributor was substantially justified or that special circumstances make an award of expenses and attorney fees unjust.

218.0163(3)(b) (b) To an action or proceeding under ss. 218.0114 (7) (d), 218.0131 (3) (c), and 218.0163 (1) and (1m).

218.0163 History History: 1999 a. 31 s. 283; 2001 a. 31; 2003 a. 77; 2005 a. 256; 2011 a. 91; 2013 a. 168 s. 21; 2019 a. 67.

218.0163 Annotation Only a licensee may recover under this section; a claim must be related to the scope of the license. Ford Motor Co. v. Lyons, 137 Wis. 2d 397, 405 N.W.2d 354 (Ct. App. 1987).

218.0163 Annotation Sub. (2) authorizes recovery of reasonable costs and reasonable attorney fees by retail purchasers who prevail on claims under s. 218.0116. Sub. (2) and s. 218.0116 manifest a legislative purpose to provide recovery of the reasonable expenses of the litigation, and such an interpretation is necessary to harmonize otherwise conflicting provisions of sub. (2) and s. 814.04. Recovery of only s. 814.04 enumerated costs would discourage litigants with legitimate claims from seeking relief and undermine the statute’s effectiveness in suppressing prohibited mischief. Kolupar v. Wilde Pontiac Cadillac, Inc., 2007 WI 98, 303 Wis. 2d 258, 735 N.W.2d 93, 05-0935.

218.0163 Annotation A dealer’s refusal to sell the manufacturer’s products after filing a complaint under s. 218.01 (2) (bd) 2. [now s. 218.0114 (7) (d)] is a violation of that provision, and consequently of s. 218.01 (3) (a) 4. [now s. 218.0116 (1) (bm)], entitling the manufacturer to treble damages under s. 218.01 (9) (am) [now this section]. American Suzuki Motor Corp. v. Bill Kummer, Inc., 65 F.3d 1381 (1995).

218.0171 218.0171 Repair, replacement and refund under new motor vehicle warranties.

218.0171(1) (1) In this section:

218.0171(1)(a) (a) “Collateral costs” means expenses incurred by a consumer in connection with the repair of a nonconformity, including the costs of obtaining alternative transportation.

218.0171(1)(b) (b) “Consumer” means any of the following:

218.0171(1)(b)1. 1. The purchaser of a new motor vehicle, if the motor vehicle was purchased from a motor vehicle dealer for purposes other than resale.

218.0171(1)(b)2. 2. A person to whom the motor vehicle is transferred for purposes other than resale, if the transfer occurs before the expiration of an express warranty applicable to the motor vehicle.

218.0171(1)(b)3. 3. A person who may enforce the warranty.

218.0171(1)(b)4. 4. A person who leases a motor vehicle from a motor vehicle lessor under a written lease.

218.0171(1)(bd) (bd) “Demonstrator” means used primarily for the purpose of demonstration to the public.

218.0171(1)(bg) (bg) “Early termination cost” means any expense or obligation a motor vehicle lessor incurs as a result of both the termination of a written lease before the termination date set forth in that lease and the return of a motor vehicle to a manufacturer under sub. (2) (b) 3. “Early termination cost” includes a penalty for prepayment under a finance arrangement.

218.0171(1)(bj) (bj) “Early termination savings” means any expense or obligation a motor vehicle lessor avoids as a result of both the termination of a written lease before the termination date set forth in that lease and the return of a motor vehicle to a manufacturer under sub. (2) (b) 3. “Early termination savings” includes an interest charge the motor vehicle lessor would have paid to finance the motor vehicle or, if the motor vehicle lessor does not finance the motor vehicle, the difference between the total amount for which the lease obligates the consumer during the period of the lease term remaining after the early termination and the present value of that amount at the date of the early termination.

218.0171(1)(bp) (bp) “Executive” means used primarily by an executive of a licensed manufacturer, distributor or dealer, and not used for demonstration to the public.

218.0171(1)(bt) (bt) “Heavy-duty vehicle” means any motor vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating or actual gross weight of more than 10,000 pounds.

218.0171(1)(c) (c) “Manufacturer” means a manufacturer as defined in s. 218.0101 (20) and agents of the manufacturer, including an importer, a distributor, factory branch, distributor branch and any warrantors of the manufacturer’s motor vehicles, but not including a motor vehicle dealer.

218.0171(1)(d) (d) “Motor vehicle” means any motor driven vehicle required to be registered under ch. 341 or exempt from registration under s. 341.05 (2), including a demonstrator or executive vehicle not titled or titled by a manufacturer or a motor vehicle dealer, which a consumer purchases or accepts transfer of in this state. “Motor vehicle” does not mean a moped, semitrailer or trailer designed for use in combination with a truck or truck tractor.

218.0171(1)(e) (e) “Motor vehicle dealer” has the meaning given under s. 218.0101 (23) (a).

218.0171(1)(em) (em) “Motor vehicle lessor” means a person who holds title to a motor vehicle leased to a lessee, or who holds the lessor’s rights, under a written lease.

218.0171(1)(f) (f) “Nonconformity” means a condition or defect which substantially impairs the use, value or safety of a motor vehicle, and is covered by an express warranty applicable to the motor vehicle or to a component of the motor vehicle, but does not include a condition or defect which is the result of abuse, neglect or unauthorized modification or alteration of the motor vehicle by a consumer.

218.0171(1)(g) (g) “Out of service,” with respect to a motor vehicle, means that the vehicle is unable to be used by the consumer for the vehicle’s intended purpose as a result of any of the following:

218.0171(1)(g)1. 1. The vehicle is in the possession of the manufacturer, motor vehicle lessor, or any of the manufacturer’s authorized motor vehicle dealers for the purpose of performing or attempting repairs to correct a nonconformity.

218.0171(1)(g)2. 2. The vehicle is in the possession of the consumer and the vehicle has a nonconformity that substantially affects the use or safety of the vehicle and that has been subject to an attempt to repair under sub. (2) (a) on at least 2 occasions.

218.0171(1)(h) (h) “Reasonable attempt to repair” means any of the following occurring within the term of an express warranty applicable to a new motor vehicle or within one year after first delivery of the motor vehicle to a consumer, whichever is sooner:

218.0171(1)(h)1. 1. The same nonconformity with the warranty is subject to repair by the manufacturer, motor vehicle lessor or any of the manufacturer’s authorized motor vehicle dealers at least 4 times and the nonconformity continues.

218.0171(1)(h)2. 2. The motor vehicle is out of service for an aggregate of at least 30 days because of warranty nonconformities. Time during which repair services are not available to the consumer because of flood or other natural disaster, war, invasion, fire, or strike may not be included in the 30-day time period under this subdivision.

218.0171(2) (2) 

218.0171(2)(a) (a) If a new motor vehicle does not conform to an applicable express warranty and the consumer reports the nonconformity to the manufacturer, the motor vehicle lessor, or any of the manufacturer’s authorized motor vehicle dealers and makes the motor vehicle available for repair before the expiration of the warranty or one year after first delivery of the motor vehicle to a consumer, whichever is sooner, the nonconformity shall be repaired.

218.0171(2)(b) (b)

218.0171(2)(b)1. 1. If after a reasonable attempt to repair the nonconformity is not repaired and if the consumer provides the manufacturer with the form specified in sub. (8) (a) 2. or 3., the manufacturer shall carry out the requirement under subd. 2. or 3., whichever is appropriate.

218.0171(2)(b)2. 2. At the direction of a consumer described under sub. (1) (b) 1., 2. or 3., do one of the following:

218.0171(2)(b)2.a. a. Accept return of the motor vehicle and, subject to par. (cg), replace the motor vehicle with a comparable new motor vehicle and refund any collateral costs.

218.0171(2)(b)2.b. b. Accept return of the motor vehicle and refund to the consumer and to any holder of a perfected security interest in the consumer’s motor vehicle, as their interest may appear, the full purchase price plus any sales tax, finance charge, amount paid by the consumer at the point of sale and collateral costs, less a reasonable allowance for use. Under this subdivision, a reasonable allowance for use may not exceed the amount obtained by multiplying the full purchase price of the motor vehicle by a fraction, the denominator of which is 100,000 or, for a motorcycle, 20,000, and the numerator of which is the number of miles the motor vehicle was driven before the consumer first reported the nonconformity to the motor vehicle dealer.

218.0171(2)(b)3. 3.

218.0171(2)(b)3.a. a. With respect to a consumer described in sub. (1) (b) 4., accept return of the motor vehicle, refund to the motor vehicle lessor and to any holder of a perfected security interest in the motor vehicle, as their interest may appear, the current value of the written lease and refund to the consumer the amount the consumer paid under the written lease plus any sales tax and collateral costs, less a reasonable allowance for use.

218.0171(2)(b)3.b. b. Under this subdivision, the current value of the written lease equals the total amount for which that lease obligates the consumer during the period of the lease remaining after its early termination, plus the motor vehicle dealer’s early termination costs and the value of the motor vehicle at the lease expiration date if the lease sets forth that value, less the motor vehicle lessor’s early termination savings.

218.0171(2)(b)3.c. c. Under this subdivision, a reasonable allowance for use may not exceed the amount obtained by multiplying the total amount for which the written lease obligates the consumer by a fraction, the denominator of which is 100,000 and the numerator of which is the number of miles the consumer drove the motor vehicle before first reporting the nonconformity to the manufacturer, motor vehicle lessor or motor vehicle dealer.

218.0171(2)(c) (c) To receive a refund due under par. (b) 1. or 2., a consumer described under sub. (1) (b) 1., 2. or 3. shall offer to the manufacturer of the motor vehicle having the nonconformity to transfer title of that motor vehicle to that manufacturer. No later than 30 days after that offer, the manufacturer shall provide the consumer with the refund. When the manufacturer provides the refund, the consumer shall return the motor vehicle having the nonconformity to the manufacturer and provide the manufacturer with the certificate of title and all endorsements necessary to transfer title to the manufacturer. If another person is in possession of the certificate of title, as shown by the records of the department of transportation, that person shall, upon request of the consumer, provide the certificate of title to the manufacturer upon satisfaction of any security interest in the motor vehicle.

218.0171(2)(cg) (cg)

218.0171(2)(cg)1. 1. If a consumer described under sub. (1) (b) 1., 2., or 3. elects a comparable new motor vehicle on the form specified in sub. (8) (a) 2., no later than 30 days after receiving this form the manufacturer shall agree in writing to provide a comparable new motor vehicle or a refund of the full purchase price plus any sales tax, finance charge, amount paid by the consumer at the point of sale, and collateral costs. Upon the consumer’s receipt of this writing, the manufacturer shall have until the 45th day after receiving from the consumer the form specified in sub. (8) (a) 2. to either provide the comparable new motor vehicle or the refund. During this period, the manufacturer shall exercise due diligence in locating and providing a comparable new motor vehicle. If the manufacturer agrees to provide a comparable new motor vehicle, the manufacturer retains the right to provide the refund if a comparable new motor vehicle does not exist or cannot be delivered within this 45-day period. This subdivision does not apply with respect to heavy-duty vehicles.

218.0171(2)(cg)2. 2. If a consumer described under sub. (1) (b) 1., 2., or 3. elects a comparable new motor vehicle on the form specified in sub. (8) (a) 2., no later than 30 days after receiving this form the manufacturer shall agree in writing to provide a comparable new motor vehicle or a refund of the full purchase price plus any sales tax, finance charge, amount paid by the consumer at the point of sale, and collateral costs. Upon the consumer’s receipt of this writing, the manufacturer shall have until the 120th day after receiving from the consumer the form specified in sub. (8) (a) 2. to either provide the comparable new motor vehicle or the refund. During this period, the manufacturer shall exercise due diligence in locating and providing a comparable new motor vehicle. If the manufacturer agrees to provide a comparable new motor vehicle, the manufacturer retains the right to provide the refund if a comparable new motor vehicle does not exist or cannot be delivered within this 120-day period. This subdivision applies only with respect to heavy-duty vehicles.

218.0171(2)(cg)3. 3. When a manufacturer provides a new motor vehicle under subd. 1. or 2., the consumer shall return the motor vehicle having the nonconformity to the manufacturer and provide the manufacturer with the certificate of title and all endorsements necessary to transfer title to the manufacturer. If another person is in possession of the certificate of title, as shown by the records of the department of transportation, that person shall, upon request of the consumer, provide the certificate of title to the manufacturer upon satisfaction of any security interest in the motor vehicle.

218.0171(2)(cm) (cm)

218.0171(2)(cm)1. 1. To receive a refund due under par. (b) 3., a consumer described under sub. (1) (b) 4. shall offer to the manufacturer of the motor vehicle having the nonconformity to return that motor vehicle to that manufacturer. No later than 30 days after that offer, the manufacturer shall provide the refund to the consumer. When the manufacturer provides the refund, the consumer shall return the motor vehicle having the nonconformity to the manufacturer.

218.0171(2)(cm)2. 2. To receive a refund due under par. (b) 3., a motor vehicle lessor shall offer to the manufacturer of the motor vehicle having the nonconformity to transfer title of that motor vehicle to that manufacturer. No later than 30 days after that offer, the manufacturer shall provide the refund to the motor vehicle lessor. When the manufacturer provides the refund, the motor vehicle lessor shall provide to the manufacturer the certificate of title and all endorsements necessary to transfer title to the manufacturer. If another person is in possession of the certificate of title, as shown by the records of the department of transportation, that person shall, upon request of the motor vehicle lessor, provide the certificate to the manufacturer or to the motor vehicle lessor.

218.0171(2)(cm)3. 3. No person may enforce the lease against the consumer after the consumer receives a refund due under par. (b) 3.

218.0171(2)(cq) (cq) Upon payment of a refund to a consumer under par. (b) 2. b. or (cg) 1. or 2., the manufacturer shall provide to the consumer a written statement that specifies the trade-in amount previously applied under s. 77.51 (12m) (b) 5. or 6. or (15b) (b) 5. or 6. toward the sales price of the motor vehicle having the nonconformity and the date on which the manufacturer provided the refund.

218.0171(2)(d) (d) No motor vehicle returned by a consumer or motor vehicle lessor in this state under par. (b) or sub. (6m), or by a consumer or motor vehicle lessor in another state under a similar law of that state, may be sold or leased again in this state unless full disclosure of the reasons for return is made to any prospective buyer or lessee.

218.0171(2)(e) (e) The department of revenue shall refund to the manufacturer any sales tax which the manufacturer refunded to the consumer under par. (b) if the manufacturer provides to the department of revenue a written request for a refund along with evidence that the sales tax was paid when the motor vehicle was purchased and that the manufacturer refunded the sales tax to the consumer. The department may not refund any sales tax under this paragraph if it has made a refund in connection with the same motor vehicle under par. (f).

218.0171(2)(f) (f) The department of revenue shall refund to a consumer described under sub. (1) (b) 1., 2. or 3. all or part of the sales tax paid by the consumer on the purchase of a new motor vehicle, based on the amount of the refund of the purchase price of the motor vehicle actually received by the consumer, if all of the following apply:

218.0171(2)(f)1. 1. The consumer returned the motor vehicle to its manufacturer and received a refund of all or part of the purchase price but not the corresponding amount of sales tax.

218.0171(2)(f)2. 2. The consumer bought the new motor vehicle after November 2, 1983.

218.0171(2)(f)3. 3. The consumer provides the department of revenue with a written request for a refund of the sales tax along with evidence that the consumer received a certain amount as a refund of the purchase price of the motor vehicle from the manufacturer, that the sales tax was paid when the motor vehicle was bought new and that the manufacturer did not refund the sales tax to the consumer.

218.0171(2)(f)4. 4. The department of revenue has not made a refund under par. (e) in connection with the motor vehicle.

218.0171(3) (3) If there is available to the consumer an informal dispute settlement procedure which is certified under sub. (4), the consumer may not bring an action under sub. (7) unless he or she first resorts to that procedure.

218.0171(4) (4) 

218.0171(4)(a) (a) The department of transportation shall adopt rules specifying the requirements with which each informal dispute settlement procedure shall comply. The rules shall require each person establishing an informal dispute settlement procedure to do all of the following: