Purchasing a used vehicle from a dealership often comes with the expectation of reliability and transparency. You trust that the car has been thoroughly inspected and is in good working condition. However, many California consumers find themselves facing unexpected engine troubles shortly after their purchase, despite assurances from the dealership about the vehicle’s quality.
If you’ve recently bought a car only to discover significant engine issues, you may be a victim of auto fraud. This deceptive practice is more common than many realize, and it leaves buyers frustrated, inconvenienced, and potentially facing substantial repair costs.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Auto fraud is a common issue in California, where consumers may unknowingly purchase used cars with significant engine problems from dealerships.
- California law protects consumers from deceptive practices in vehicle sales, including the non-disclosure of known issues by dealerships.
- If a dealership sells a car with undisclosed engine problems, the buyer may have grounds for an auto fraud claim and could be entitled to cancel the sales contract and receive a refund.
- Consumers who suspect they’ve been sold a car with a bad engine should have it inspected by a qualified mechanic to gather evidence for potential legal action.
- Consumer Action Law Group offers free consultations to evaluate auto fraud cases and explain legal rights and options to affected consumers.
Spotting Engine Problems in Your Recently Purchased Car
After buying a used car, it’s crucial to be aware of potential engine issues that might indicate you’ve been sold a vehicle with a bad engine. Recognizing these signs early can strengthen your case if you need to sue a car dealership for auto fraud. Here are some warning signs to watch out for:
- Unusual noises: Knocking, ticking, or rattling sounds, especially when accelerating, could indicate serious engine problems.
- Excessive exhaust smoke: Blue smoke might mean oil is leaking into the combustion chamber, while black smoke could indicate the engine is burning too much fuel.
- Decreased performance: If your car lacks power, stalls frequently, or has trouble accelerating, these could be signs of a failing engine.
- Check engine light: While not always indicative of major issues, a persistent check engine light shouldn’t be ignored, especially in a recently purchased vehicle.
- Vibrations: Unusual vibrations, particularly when idling or accelerating, might signal engine mount problems or internal engine damage.
- Oil leaks: Puddles of oil under your parked car or rapidly decreasing oil levels can be signs of serious engine issues.
- Poor fuel economy: A sudden drop in gas mileage could indicate engine efficiency problems.
- Rough idling: If your car shakes or vibrates excessively when stopped, it could be a sign of engine trouble.
In extreme cases, you might experience a blown engine or an engine that “blew up.” This typically involves critical internal damage, often resulting in the engine seizing up entirely. Signs of a blown engine include:
- Loud banging noises
- Sudden loss of oil pressure
- Engine refusing to start
- Metal debris in the oil
- Excessive amounts of smoke from the exhaust
If you encounter any of these issues shortly after purchasing a used car, it could be one of the valid reasons to sue a car dealership. They may have sold you a vehicle with pre-existing engine problems without proper disclosure.
Remember, modern engines are complex systems, and some of these symptoms could have multiple causes. However, if you notice any of these signs in a recently purchased used car, it’s crucial to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic immediately. Their assessment can provide valuable evidence if you need to pursue legal action against the dealership for selling you a car with a bad engine.
Should You Sue the Dealer?
In cases where a dealership sold you a car with a bad engine and failed to disclose known issues before the sale, you may have grounds for an auto fraud claim.
California law protects consumers from deceptive practices in vehicle sales. If the dealer withheld information about the car’s condition or misrepresented its quality, you might be entitled to cancel the sales contract and receive a refund. Understandably, dealerships often resist returning money once a sale is finalized. However, their reluctance doesn’t negate your rights as a consumer.
It’s important to understand that dealerships are not allowed to sell you a vehicle with significant engine problems without proper disclosure. They can’t simply wash their hands of the situation once you’ve driven off the lot. If you find yourself in this predicament, seeking legal assistance may be your best course of action.
How We Can Help: Free Consultation with Our Auto Fraud Attorneys
If you’re frustrated with persistent engine problems in your recently purchased vehicle, it’s time to explore your legal options. At Consumer Action Law Group, we offer free consultations with our experienced auto fraud attorneys to help you understand your situation and potential remedies.
During our consultation, we will:
- Listen to your story
- Evaluate the details of your case
- Explain your legal rights as a California consumer
- Discuss potential courses of action against the dealership
- Answer questions you may have about the process
Most of our initial consultations take only 10 to 15 minutes. However, we’re prepared to spend as much time as necessary to fully understand your circumstances and provide clear next steps.
Don’t let a dealership that sold you a car with a bad engine off the hook. Contact our law firm today to schedule your free consultation to take the first step toward resolving your auto fraud issue.
