California Auto Fraud Attorney | Engine and Turbo Defect Case Win
Consumer Action Law Group recovered $50,000 for client E. Espinoza after she purchased a used Infiniti that was misrepresented as being in good condition, only to have the engine and turbocharger fail shortly after the sale.
What happened to Espinoza?
Our client purchased a used 2018 Infiniti and was assured by the seller that the vehicle was in good condition with no known problems. Almost immediately after driving the car off the lot, serious mechanical issues emerged — the engine began producing a knocking noise and the turbocharger started malfunctioning before failing entirely.
When our client returned to the dealership seeking repairs, she was told she would have to pay for the work out of pocket. A vehicle sold as problem-free should not require costly repairs within days of purchase, and the refusal to make things right left our client in an impossible situation. Facing a defective car and an uncooperative seller, she revoked her acceptance of the vehicle and contacted Consumer Action Law Group for help.
How did Consumer Action Law Group resolve this case?
After reviewing the facts of the case, our team determined that the dealership’s conduct gave rise to claims under California’s consumer protection laws, including the Consumer Legal Remedies Act and laws prohibiting unfair business practices. The vehicle had been misrepresented at the point of sale, and the refusal to honor any repair obligation compounded the harm to our client.
Consumer Action Law Group pursued the case aggressively on our client’s behalf, ultimately securing a full recovery of $50,000. The settlement covered the return of all payments made toward the vehicle, reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses, payoff of the outstanding loan balance, and attorney fees — with a mileage deduction applied as required under California law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are my rights if a car dealer sells me a vehicle with hidden defects in California?
California law prohibits dealers from misrepresenting the condition of a vehicle at the time of sale. If a dealer tells you a car is in good working order and it turns out to have pre-existing defects, you may have claims under the Consumer Legal Remedies Act, the Unfair Competition Law, and other consumer protection statutes. These laws allow buyers to seek a full unwinding of the sale and recovery of their financial losses, including payments made, out-of-pocket repair costs, and attorney fees. An attorney who handles auto fraud cases can assess whether the specific facts of your purchase give rise to a claim.
Can I get my money back if the dealer refused to repair my car after I bought it?
A dealer’s refusal to repair a vehicle that was sold with undisclosed defects is itself evidence of wrongdoing — it suggests the dealer either knew about the problem before the sale or is unwilling to stand behind representations made during the transaction. In California, buyers who can show that a vehicle was misrepresented may be entitled to revoke their acceptance of the vehicle and recover all payments made, including the down payment, monthly installments, loan payoff, and related expenses. Whether your specific situation qualifies depends on the facts and the documentation available in your case.
My car had engine and turbo problems right after purchase — do 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 cases that sound similar 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.
What is revocation of acceptance, and when can a car buyer use it in California?
Revocation of acceptance is a legal remedy that allows a buyer to undo a vehicle purchase when the car has a defect that substantially impairs its value and the defect was either hidden at the time of purchase or the buyer accepted the vehicle expecting the problem would be fixed. Under California’s commercial code and consumer protection laws, a successful revocation entitles the buyer to recover the full purchase price, including all payments made and financing costs. This remedy is particularly powerful when paired with claims under California’s auto fraud statutes, which can also provide for attorney fees.
What types of auto fraud cases does Consumer Action Law Group handle in California?
Consumer Action Law Group handles a wide range of auto fraud and consumer protection cases throughout California, including cases involving undisclosed mechanical defects, misrepresentation of vehicle condition, dealer fraud, warranty violations, and lemon law claims. The firm has recovered millions of dollars for clients who were misled during the car-buying process. If you believe a dealer deceived you — whether through outright false statements or by concealing known problems — a free consultation can help you understand whether you have a viable claim.
Did a car dealer defraud you? We can help.
Consumer Action Law Group has spent over a decade fighting for California consumers who were deceived by auto dealers, recovering millions of dollars for clients across the state. If you purchased a vehicle that turned out to have problems the seller knew about — or if a dealer refused to stand behind what they sold you — you may have legal options worth exploring.
Contact us today for a free consultation. There is no cost to find out where you stand.
