Purchasing or servicing motor vehicles was among the highest reported consumer issues in a survey by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Consumer Protection division.

The survey of over 1200 people aimed to gain a better understanding of what the common consumer pitfalls were, and what consumers knew about their rights in those situations.

“We found around one in five people reported they either experienced motor vehicle-related purchase issues from both private sellers and dealers, or issues with vehicle repair and maintenance providers," says Consumer Protection manager Mark Hollingsworth.

"Those who experienced issues were predominantly between 18 to 36 years of age, families with young children, or of Māori or Pacific ethnicity."

Mr Hollingsworth says half of those who reported an issue with their vehicle purchase didn't take any action to resolve it.

Survey findings have been used to inform a motor vehicle information campaign run by Consumer Protection, with tips and advice for both buyers and sellers.