California Auto Fraud Attorney | Dealer Failure to Repair Case Win
Consumer Action Law Group recovered $35,000 for client L. Lopez after a dealership refused to repair a dangerous vehicle defect despite repeated promises to do so.
What happened to Lopez?
Shortly after purchasing a vehicle, our client experienced a severe and dangerous malfunction — the car lost power entirely while driving on the freeway. Our client immediately returned to the dealership to report the problem and request repairs. Despite acknowledging the issue and making promises to fix it, the dealership took no action, leaving our client stuck with a dangerous vehicle and no resolution in sight.
How did Consumer Action Law Group resolve this case?
After the dealership continued to stall, our client contacted Consumer Action Law Group for help. Our team moved quickly, sending a formal demand letter to the dealership and filing a complaint to unwind the purchase contract. Under California law — including the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act and the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act — consumers have the right to seek full relief when a dealer fails to honor its obligations. Our team kept our client informed and supported at every step, ultimately securing a settlement that fully resolved the matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are my rights if a dealership sells me a vehicle and then refuses to repair it in California?
California law gives consumers strong protections when a dealer fails to repair a defect it was aware of and promised to fix. Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to cancel the purchase contract entirely and recover your payments, along with compensation for out-of-pocket losses and attorney fees. The California Consumer Legal Remedies Act and the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act are among the laws that can apply. An auto fraud attorney can review your situation and advise you on the best path forward.
Can I get my money back if my car lost power and the dealer refused to fix it?
Possibly, yes. A dealer’s failure to repair a known defect — especially one that creates a safety risk — can support a claim to unwind the purchase contract and recover what you paid. California law is designed to protect consumers in exactly these situations. The right approach depends on the specific facts of your case, so speaking with an auto fraud attorney is the best first step.
My car had a similar problem and the dealer ignored it — does that mean I have the same case as 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.
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 cases throughout California, including dealer failure to repair, undisclosed defects, misrepresentation at the point of sale, yo-yo financing, odometer fraud, and warranty fraud. If you believe a dealer treated you unfairly during or after the purchase of a vehicle, our team can evaluate your situation at no cost.
How long does an auto fraud or dealer fraud lawsuit take to resolve in California?
Resolution timelines vary widely depending on the complexity of the case, the strength of the evidence, and how quickly the dealer responds to legal pressure. Some cases settle after a demand letter is sent; others require filing a formal complaint. Consumer Action Law Group works to resolve matters as efficiently as possible while keeping clients informed throughout the process.
Did a car dealer defraud you? We can help.
Consumer Action Law Group has successfully represented hundreds of California consumers in auto fraud and dealer misconduct cases. If a dealer made promises they didn’t keep, sold you a dangerous vehicle, or refused to take responsibility for a serious defect, you may have legal options — and we can help you understand them. Contact us today for a free consultation.
