California Auto Fraud Attorney | Undisclosed Engine and Brake Defects Case Win
Consumer Action Law Group recovered $6,500 for client J. Jasso after she purchased a vehicle with an undisclosed engine defect and ongoing brake problems.
What happened to Jasso?
Our client purchased a used SUV from a dealership, expecting a reliable vehicle for her daily transportation needs. Shortly after driving it off the lot, the check engine light came on. When she took the vehicle to a mechanic, she learned the engine required substantial repair, a problem the dealership never disclosed before the sale.
Our client also began experiencing issues with the vehicle’s brakes. Between the undisclosed engine problem and the ongoing brake issues, the vehicle was neither safe nor reliable to drive, and she was left paying for a car she could not trust.
How did Consumer Action Law Group resolve this case?
Our client contacted Consumer Action Law Group for help after the dealership failed to disclose the vehicle’s mechanical problems before the sale. Our team sent a demand letter to the dealership and the vehicle’s finance company, asserting claims under the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act and the implied warranty of merchantability, and demanding rescission of the sales contract along with reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
When the dealership did not resolve the matter, Consumer Action Law Group filed a lawsuit on our client’s behalf. The case was ultimately resolved through a negotiated settlement, and our client was not required to surrender the vehicle as part of the agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are my rights if a car dealer sells me a vehicle with an undisclosed engine or brake problem in California?
California law requires dealers to disclose known mechanical problems and prohibits them from representing that a vehicle is in better condition than it actually is. If a dealer fails to disclose a known defect, such as an engine or brake problem, you may have a claim under the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act or for breach of the implied warranty of merchantability, which requires vehicles sold to be safe and reliable.
Can I get my money back if I bought a car with hidden mechanical defects?
In many cases, yes. If a vehicle has a hidden defect that was not disclosed at the time of sale, you may be entitled to rescind the sales contract and recover the money you paid, along with out-of-pocket expenses. An experienced auto fraud attorney can review your purchase paperwork and repair records to determine what remedies apply to your situation.
How long does an auto fraud lawsuit take to resolve in California?
The timeline varies significantly depending on the facts of the case, whether the dealership is willing to negotiate, and whether a lawsuit needs to be filed. Some cases resolve through a demand letter alone, while others require litigation before reaching a settlement.
What types of auto fraud cases does Consumer Action Law Group handle in California?
Consumer Action Law Group represents California consumers in cases involving undisclosed mechanical defects, odometer fraud, curbstoning, yo-yo financing, failure to disclose prior accident or salvage history, and other forms of deceptive dealership practices, including violations of the Consumer Legal Remedies Act and the implied warranty of merchantability.
My car had engine or brake problems the dealer didn’t tell me about, 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.
Did a car dealer defraud you? We can help.
Consumer Action Law Group has helped many California consumers recover money after buying vehicles with undisclosed mechanical problems. If a dealer sold you a car with a hidden defect and refused to make it right, you may have options.
Contact us today, consultations are free.
