Wheels For Wishes is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit car donation program established to benefit charities such as the local chapters of Make-A-Wish®. Since our founding in 2009, Wheels For Wishes has donated over 50 million dollars to the chapters of Make-A-Wish helping them grant thousands of wishes for children across the country who have been diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions.
Is Wheels For Wishes legit?
Wheels For Wishes (wheelsforwishes.org) has a 4.6 out of 5 rating on OK.one, based on 201 user reviews collected here. It is listed under Public & Local Services and its reputation is excellent. Praise is nearly unanimous, with 91% rating it 4 stars or higher; The business has replied to 73% of negative reviews; 60 of them were added in the last 12 months. Last updated 2026-08-27.
What reviewers say
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Reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers frequently praise the fast, smooth, and exceptionally efficient vehicle donation process running seamlessly from the very beginning to final pickup. People consistently note that communication remains clear and reliable throughout, while staff members are widely described as friendly and helpful.
A few other people also felt that scheduling appointments and coordinating the handover logistics is exceptionally straightforward and completely hassle-free. Consumers deeply appreciate knowing their valuable vehicle contributions seamlessly support wonderful local organizations and community causes without any stress. Reviewers also highlighted that tow truck drivers arrive promptly on schedule and handle every towing detail respectfully.
Auto-generated from all reviews of this business. For reference only.
I donated my car to Wheels for Wishes and filed the CA Notice of Release of Liability (NRL).
Wheels for Wishes did NOT follow the law and DID NOT register my donation.
Someone IS NOW DRIVING the car is racking up ENDLESS tolls, violations and tickets and they are all AFTER ME to pay because Wheels for Wishes engaged in Title Skipping to save a buck.
Went to the DMV - they acknowledge receiving my NRL But, they said there is nothing they can do UNLESS the new owner DECIDES to register the car (why would they). Until then, I must fill out countless protest forms, affidavits and letters to prove I no longer own the car. This takes HOURS of time.
I AM IN HELL.
NEVER donate your car to Wheels for Wishes. They are honest.
Reply from Wheels For Wishes2026-06-16
We are very sorry for the frustration and stress this situation has caused. We understand how upsetting it must be to continue receiving toll notices and violations after donating your vehicle, and we do not take that lightly.
While this is an extremely rare occurrence and not representative of the experience of the vast majority of our donors, we recognize that does not make your situation any less difficult. Our title department has been actively working with you and remains in direct communication with you regarding each notice received.
We want to reassure both you and future donors that you are not responsible for tolls, tickets, or other fees incurred after your donation. Our team has been disputing each notice as it arises and will continue to assist until this matter is fully resolved.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention and for your continued communication with our team as we work through this together.
I had a car which was no longer needed.
I wanted to find a good charity to donate that car.
I was familiar with the Make a Wish foundation - and it seemed like a good charity at the time.
"Wheels for Wishes" is the charity connected with the Make a Wish foundation.
I donated my car and filed the "Notice of Release of Liability" with the California DMV.
Wheels for Wishes was required to transfer the title to them in 5 days.
But Wheels for Wishes DID NOT transfer the title as required by CA law.
My donated car was resold to a random person, who (you guessed it) did not register the car.
Now I'm getting a constant stream of parking tickets, traffic violations, and speeding tickets by mail from the person driving the car now.
To save a buck Wheels for Wishes did not register the car as required by law and engaged in the practice of "Title Skipping."
Now I am responsible for fees, tickets, and violations and have to constantly monitor my mailbox - respond to violations - constantly file appeals and grievance letters with everyone issuing me a ticket.
The DMV said there is nothing they could do now. My only recourse is to contest each and every violation - for the life of the vehicle (or simply pay all the other person's violations).
BEWARE: The CA Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) WILL NOT keep you from getting tickets, violations, toll violations.
Wheels for Wishes failed to do their part and failed to comply with the law.
Do NOT donate your car to Wheels for Wishes.
Quickly Turning My Used Car into a Real Wish for a Child
I recently donated my vehicle to Wheels For Wishes to benefit Make-A-Wish Colorado, and I could not be happier with the experience. The process was very easy to start. They coordinated with their pickup partner, Peddle, LLC, who arrived within 24 hours.
The communication from Wheels For Wishes was excellent. I received updates through email, text, and calls, which made the whole process feel professional and trustworthy. It feels great to know that my car is helping to grant wishes for local kids in Colorado. I highly recommend donating to them if you have an unwanted vehicle!
The man came from Dothan and did an excellent job to tow and was given everything that came with the car including the signed back by me to do with the car however they want too. Thanking you for allowing me to donate. Karen Shaw Beer (morales)
Service on my end was good. It may have been outside of your control but the car was in decent shape and I think could have been sold at auction at a higher price, for the benefit of the charity.
Thank you.
It was an easy process. Just had to show up at the dealer with the pink slip and gave it to the Tow Truck Driver. Emptied a few personal items from the car and I was done.
I called; they came and took away 2 cars. Fast, expedient. Good communication, they did exactly what they said they would. Donation and tax information followed as promised. All above board. I would recommend them and use them again.
The whole process from beginning to end was very fast, smooth and efficient. I made an initial inquiry, received a response right away, and set up a date to have my vehicle picked up. They showed up on time and hauled the car away. I had paperwork mailed to me and then once they sold the vehicle they provided me with the documentation of the sale, including the sale price. I appreciate being able to help a local organization service our community.
The overall value of car seemed low. Previous donated much older vehicle for higher tax write off oh well it’s over and done
Reply from Wheels For Wishes2025-10-23
Thank you so much for your donation, and I’m sorry to hear you were disappointed with the final value. I completely understand how that would feel.
Looking at the notes, it appears your vehicle was listed as “AC needs attention, starts intermittently, hasn’t been driven in over a year, very clean but needs some TLC.” Because of that, the auction value ended up a bit lower than expected. The vehicles are sold through auction, and the final amount is determined by fair market value at the time of sale.
We truly appreciate your generosity in supporting Make-A-Wish Illinois, your donation helps bring joy to children in your local community, and that impact is what matters most.
Thank you again for contributing to such an important cause.
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