Used Car Defects and Dealer Misrepresentation
Consumers sometimes discover serious problems only after purchasing a used vehicle. In some cases, dealerships fail to disclose important information about the vehicle’s condition, history, or title status. Undisclosed defects, misrepresented warranties, title issues, or inaccurate mileage statements can leave buyers facing costly repairs or vehicles that are unsafe or unreliable. Wells Law represents consumers in Illinois and Ohio in disputes involving used vehicle defects and dealership misrepresentations about a vehicle's quality and condition.​
Common Used Car Dealer Misrepresentation Issues
• Undisclosed mechanical defects discovered shortly after purchase
• Failure to disclose prior accident, flood, or salvage damage
• Misrepresentation of vehicle condition or repair history
• Title defects or undisclosed salvage, rebuilt, or branded titles
• Mileage misstatements or odometer fraud
• False statements about manufacturer or extended warranties
Used Car Defects and Dealer Misrepresentation
Dealership misrepresentations involving vehicle condition, title status, or warranties may violate consumer protection laws designed to prevent deceptive sales practices.
Depending on the circumstances, these cases may involve claims related to:
• dealer misrepresentation or fraud
• breach of warranty
• violations of state consumer protection statutes
In some cases, disputes involving vehicle defects may also involve federal warranty protections under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
Experience with Automobile Defect Cases
Wells Law has handled automobile warranty and defect matters for more than two decades, including hundreds of cases through arbitration, litigation, and pre-suit advocacy with manufacturers and dealerships.The firm represents consumers in individual automobile defect and dealership misrepresentation cases in Illinois and Ohio.
Free Case Review
If you believe a dealership misrepresented a used vehicle or failed to disclose important defects, you may have legal options.
Wells Law offers free case reviews to determine whether a matter may be appropriate for representation by our firm. If so, we may discuss potential next steps and the terms under which representation could be offered.
Also, read our article about What to do if a Dealer Sold You a Defective Car