An arbitration agreement can be voided if a party is deceived, intimidated or coerced during the execution of the agreement. Just don't sign it and let it do it automatically. If you really want to sue it won't be hard to claim any of the above.
Arbitration might be the right choice for some cases. Limited discovery rights and costs might be useful when less is at stake. Arbitration might feel less adversarial, which could be an advantage where ongoing relationships are hoped to be preserved. Arbitration lends some confidentiality.
If the dealer breached the contract or misrepresented the condition of the vehicle, then you can take legal action. If you signed a binding arbitration agreement, then you must first try to resolve this with the arbitration.
There are some benefits to arbitration if something goes wrong for you alone because it can be easier and faster to navigate than going to court. That being said, if you would prefer to have access to class action lawsuits, then opting out might be the better option for you.
If one party refuses to participate in arbitration, it can complicate the resolution process, particularly if arbitration is a contractual requirement. However, similar to mediation, the non-participating party's refusal does not prevent the other party from seeking alternative avenues for resolution.
Because of limited discovery, lack of a jury, and limited appeal rights, arbitration outcomes are riskier and more final than court litigation. It is hard to see why arbitration would be fairer than court litigation. Arbitration is litigation, just not in court.
Arbitration is a process whereby the dispute between the vehicle manufacturer and the consumer is resolved by a neutral third party, an arbitrator. In California, many manufacturers offer a California state-certified arbitration program.
As a general rule, only strong evidence of duress or fraud are sufficient to invalidate an arbitration clause.
Rather, if the party doesn't comply, the opposing party can go to court and confirm the arbitration award. This can be entered as a judgment in a state or federal court, which means the court would enforce it.