Suing a car dealership in California isn’t something most buyers ever anticipate. But when you’re sold a defective vehicle, misled by shady practices, or find yourself stuck in a nightmare of repeated repairs, legal action may be the only way forward. Fortunately, California law gives consumers strong rights against dishonest dealerships.
This guide walks you through the steps, legal grounds, and tips to successfully sue a car dealership—and get compensated.
Step 1: Determine If You Have a Valid Claim
You can sue a dealership for several reasons in California, including:
- Selling a lemon vehicle without proper disclosure
- Odometer fraud
- Non-disclosure of prior accidents or damage
- Breach of warranty
- False advertising
- Failure to honor refund or return policies
Each case is different, but generally, if you were misled or suffered financial loss due to the dealer’s actions, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.
Step 2: Gather Documentation
You’ll need to build a solid case. Collect the following:
- Purchase contract and financing agreements
- Repair invoices
- Vehicle history reports
- Emails, texts, or phone logs with the dealer
- Photos or videos of defects or damage
Thorough documentation is your strongest ally.
Step 3: Consider the Lemon Law
California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act allows consumers to seek compensation for vehicles repeatedly in the shop for warranty repairs. If your case qualifies, the manufacturer—not the dealership—may be the target of your lemon law claim. However, if the dealership misrepresented or failed to disclose issues, they can still be held liable.
Step 4: Try to Resolve It First
Sometimes, dealerships will resolve issues without court action—especially if you have proof of misconduct. Send a written demand letter outlining your grievances and desired resolution. This shows good faith and may lead to a settlement.
Step 5: File a Lawsuit or Lemon Law Claim
If the dealership refuses to cooperate, it’s time to file a formal claim. Depending on the facts, you may sue in:
- Small claims court (for damages under $10,000)
- Superior court (for more complex or larger claims)
- Through a lemon law attorney, who can file directly against the manufacturer or dealer
Step 6: Let Your Attorney Fight for You
An experienced lemon law or consumer rights attorney can maximize your chances of winning. They’ll help:
- Draft a compelling complaint
- Subpoena records or dealership staff
- Represent you in settlement talks or court
- Navigate complex legal procedures
What Can You Recover?
If successful, you could recover:
- Full or partial refund
- Cost of repairs
- Replacement vehicle
- Legal fees
- Civil penalties in some fraud cases
Final Tip: Don’t Delay
California has strict deadlines (statutes of limitation). Generally, you have 4 years from the date of discovery of the wrongdoing to file. Act quickly to protect your rights.
Call Lemon Lawyers LA P.C. in Glendale for a Free Consultation
We help consumers like you every day. If you’re dealing with a dishonest car dealership or have a lemon vehicle, don’t wait. Contact Lemon Lawyers LA P.C. in Glendale, CA at (866) 486-9227. We serve clients across Los Angeles and Southern California and are available 7 days a week from 9AM to 9PM.