California Auto Fraud Attorney | Defective Vehicle Case Win
Consumer Action Law Group recovered $31,000 for client M. Equite after a dealership sold a vehicle with known mechanical defects it failed to disclose at the time of sale.
What happened to Equite?
Our client purchased a used 2015 Ford Transit 250 Van and began experiencing mechanical problems almost immediately after the sale. Our client returned the vehicle to the dealership, which made repairs and assured our client that the issues had been fixed. The same problems soon returned, and an independent inspection revealed that the repairs needed to make the vehicle roadworthy would cost well in excess of $15,000. Facing a vehicle that was unsafe and effectively worthless for its intended purpose, our client revoked acceptance of the sale and sought legal help.
How did Consumer Action Law Group resolve this case?
Our attorneys sent a formal demand letter to the dealership asserting violations of the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act, California’s unfair business practices law, and the implied warranty of merchantability — a legal guarantee that any vehicle sold must be fit for ordinary use. When the dealership failed to make things right, our team filed a lawsuit in court. The case was resolved through a settlement that included a full waiver of our client’s remaining loan balance, waiver of repossession fees, and direct cash payments — totaling $31,000 in overall benefit to our client.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are my rights if a car dealer sells me a defective vehicle in California?
California law provides strong protections for consumers who purchase vehicles with defects the seller knew about or should have known about. Under the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act and California’s implied warranty of merchantability, a vehicle must be fit for safe, ordinary use — and a dealer who sells a vehicle that falls short of that standard may be liable for the buyer’s damages. Depending on the facts, you may be entitled to a refund, a loan payoff, and additional compensation. An auto fraud attorney can evaluate your situation and help you understand what remedies may be available.
Can I get my money back if I bought a car that keeps breaking down after the dealer said it was fixed?
Potentially, yes. If a dealer sold you a vehicle with a defect it knew about — or assured you a problem was fixed when it was not — that conduct may give rise to claims under California consumer protection law. The key is whether the dealer misrepresented the condition of the vehicle or failed to disclose a known defect. If those facts are present, California law may entitle you to rescission of the purchase contract, meaning you return the vehicle and the dealer must unwind the sale. Consulting with an experienced auto fraud attorney is the best way to assess whether your situation qualifies.
What does “implied warranty of merchantability” mean when buying a used car in California?
The implied warranty of merchantability is a legal protection that applies to many used vehicle purchases in California. It means that even without a written warranty, a vehicle sold by a licensed dealer must be fit for its ordinary purpose — which for a car or van means being able to operate safely and reliably. If a vehicle fails to meet that basic standard at the time of sale, the buyer may have grounds for a legal claim. California’s warranty protections can be complex, and whether they apply to your purchase depends on the specific facts of your transaction.
How much can I recover in a defective vehicle lawsuit in California?
The amount you can recover depends on the facts of your case, including the extent of the defect, what the dealer knew, and which legal claims apply. In auto fraud and implied warranty cases, recoveries can include a full unwind of the purchase contract, cancellation of any outstanding loan balance, repossession of the vehicle by the lender, and out-of-pocket damages. In some cases, attorney’s fees may also be recoverable. The $31,000 recovered for our client in this case reflects the specific facts and legal theories that applied — every case is different.
Does this case mean I have the same legal rights as this client?
Not necessarily. Every case depends on its own specific facts — the outcome described here reflects the particular circumstances of that client’s situation, and similar-sounding cases don’t always lead to the same result. What matters is whether the events happened as you remember them, whether you have documentation to support your claim (such as repair orders, dealer communications, or purchase contracts), and whether the circumstances of your vehicle purchase qualify under the laws Consumer Action Law Group pursues. The only way to know if you have a case is to speak with our team directly — consultations are free.
Did a car dealer defraud you? We can help.
Consumer Action Law Group has helped hundreds of California consumers recover money after being sold defective or misrepresented vehicles. If a dealer sold you a car or truck that didn’t hold up, failed to disclose known problems, or made promises about repairs that turned out to be false, you may have legal options — and you don’t have to figure them out alone. Contact us today for a free consultation.
