California Lemon Law & Auto Fraud Attorney | Defective Safety System Case Win
Consumer Action Law Group recovered $38,000 for client T. Hilario after purchasing a used vehicle with an undisclosed recurring safety system defect that rendered it unsafe to drive.
What happened to Hilario?
Our client purchased a used 2022 Ram ProMaster Cargo Van, sold with a dealer-issued limited warranty covering defects discovered within the warranty period. Within weeks of taking possession of the vehicle, a recurring forward collision warning and driver-assist system malfunction emerged — a defect directly affecting the vehicle’s collision-avoidance features and raising serious concerns about safe operation. Our client brought the van in for repair on multiple occasions, but despite each visit, the dealership was unable to resolve the issue. Over the course of these repair attempts, the vehicle was out of service for well over 100 cumulative days, leaving our client without the use of a commercial vehicle they depended on.
How did Consumer Action Law Group resolve this case?
After the dealership failed to fix the defect despite a reasonable number of repair opportunities, our client retained Consumer Action Law Group. The firm sent a formal demand letter asserting violations of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act and the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act, as well as claims of fraud and concealment — on the basis that the dealership had sold the vehicle without disclosing a known, recurring safety defect. Following the demand, the parties reached a settlement that resulted in a full vehicle buyback and complete cancellation of our client’s outstanding loan balance. In total, Consumer Action Law Group secured a recovery of $38,000 for our client.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are my rights if I buy a used car with a recurring safety defect in California?
California law provides strong protections for consumers who purchase vehicles — including used vehicles sold with a dealer warranty — that turn out to have safety-related defects. Under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, if a dealer cannot repair a covered defect after a reasonable number of attempts, the consumer may be entitled to a refund or replacement of the vehicle. If the dealer also concealed the defect at the time of sale, additional claims under the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act and California’s fraud statutes may apply. Speaking with a consumer protection attorney is the best way to understand which protections apply to your specific situation.
Can I get my money back if a dealer sold me a vehicle with a hidden safety system problem?
Potentially, yes. When a dealer sells a vehicle with an undisclosed defect — particularly one affecting the vehicle’s safety systems — California law may entitle the buyer to rescind the transaction entirely, recover their out-of-pocket costs, and have their loan balance cancelled. The specific remedies available depend on whether the vehicle was sold with a warranty, whether the dealer knew or should have known about the defect, and whether the defect substantially impaired the vehicle’s use, value, or safety. A free consultation with Consumer Action Law Group can help you assess what options may be available.
My vehicle had the same collision warning malfunction — does that mean I have a case like this one?
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.
How long does a lemon law or auto fraud case take to resolve in California?
The timeline for resolving a lemon law or auto fraud claim in California varies depending on the complexity of the case, how quickly the dealer responds, and whether the matter is settled through negotiation or litigation. Some cases are resolved within a few months of the initial demand letter, while others require filing a lawsuit and proceeding through the court process before reaching a settlement. Consumer Action Law Group works to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while pursuing the best possible outcome for each client.
What types of vehicle defects does Consumer Action Law Group handle?
Consumer Action Law Group handles a wide range of defects and dealer misconduct claims, including safety system failures, engine and transmission problems, undisclosed prior damage, odometer fraud, and misrepresentation of a vehicle’s condition at the time of sale. The firm pursues claims under California’s lemon law, auto fraud statutes, and federal consumer protection law on behalf of buyers throughout California. If you purchased a vehicle that is not performing as represented or has a defect the dealer cannot fix, Consumer Action Law Group offers free consultations to evaluate your situation.
Did a car dealer defraud you? We can help.
Consumer Action Law Group has helped hundreds of California consumers recover money from dealerships that sold defective or misrepresented vehicles. Whether your situation involves a safety defect, a warranty dispute, or concealment of a vehicle’s true condition, our team is ready to evaluate your case. Contact us today — consultations are free.
