Suing a car dealership in California might sound extreme, but sometimes it’s the only way to get justice. Dealerships are legally obligated to be honest and transparent—but not all play by the rules.
Here’s when and how you can sue a dealership and actually get compensated.
Top Legal Reasons to Sue a Dealership
- Selling a Lemon Vehicle
If a dealer knowingly sells a defective vehicle and fails to disclose it, you may have a case under lemon law or consumer fraud statutes. - Failure to Disclose Vehicle History
This includes prior accidents, flood damage, or that the car was a rental. If they hide the truth, that’s fraud. - Odometer Rollbacks
Altering mileage to inflate a car’s value is a serious offense—and grounds for a lawsuit. - False Advertising
If the dealership promised features, discounts, or warranties and didn’t deliver, you may have a valid claim. - Financing Fraud
This includes changing the loan terms without your knowledge or misrepresenting your credit terms. - Failure to Honor Warranties
If you purchased a warranty (manufacturer or third-party) and the dealership fails to honor it, that’s breach of contract.
What You Can Recover
If you successfully sue, you may be entitled to:
- Refund or replacement vehicle
- Repair costs
- Down payment reimbursement
- Legal fees
- Civil penalties
- Punitive damages in cases of fraud
How to Build a Strong Case
- Gather contracts, receipts, vehicle history reports, and repair invoices
- Document all communication with the dealership
- Take photos or videos of the issue
- Get a second opinion from a certified mechanic if needed
Do You Need a Lawyer?
Yes. While some cases can be filed in small claims court, most dealership fraud cases are best handled by an attorney who understands California law. The dealership will have legal representation—you should too.
Call Lemon Lawyers LA P.C. Today and Get Paid for Dealer Fraud
At Lemon Lawyers LA P.C., we help people who’ve been wronged by dishonest dealerships. We’re based in Glendale, CA, and serve all of Los Angeles and Southern California. Call us at (866) 486-9227 for a free consultation—we’re available 7 days a week.