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Buying a car is a huge investment, and you trust that the dealer will provide a safe, reliable vehicle. Unfortunately, some dealers fail to disclose mechanical damage or defects, leaving buyers unaware of serious problems. This can include hidden issues like engine or transmission damage, structural problems, or even flood damage.
In many cases, dishonest dealers take the additional step of labeling damaged or defective vehicles as Certified Pre-Owned, delivering a false sense of security. If you purchased a “certified” vehicle that you suspect was not fully inspected as advertised, you may be eligible for compensation under California’s auto fraud laws.
The Problem With Mechanical Damage & Defects
Mechanical damage or defects occur when a vehicle has serious problems that affect its safety, performance, or value. Dealers are legally required to disclose known issues, but some hide them to sell the car. Others even tell you about some amazing inspection process they do on their cars, or label it Certified Pre-Owned to give you a false sense of security.
Common types of undisclosed mechanical damage include:
- Engine or transmission problems
- Suspension, brake, or steering issues
- Structural damage from previous accidents
- Flood or water damage, which can corrode parts, cause electrical issues, and create long-term reliability problems
- Replacement parts that do not meet the promised standards.
Buying a car with hidden mechanical damage can lead to serious consequences:
- High repair costs: Hidden issues can require expensive repairs that buyers were not expecting.
- Safety risks: Undisclosed defects can create dangerous driving conditions.
- Reduced vehicle value: Cars with serious problems are worth less, especially if you plan to resell them.
- Insurance and warranty complications: Flood damage or other hidden defects can affect coverage or void warranties.
California law allows buyers to take legal action when dealers fail to disclose known mechanical defects or damage. Just because your car has flood damage doesn’t mean you’re stuck underwater (pun intended).
The Solution: Suing for Car Dealer Fraud
If you purchased a car with hidden mechanical problems or flood damage, you may have grounds to sue the dealer for auto fraud. California law gives buyers several remedies, including:
- Returning the vehicle and getting a refund: In some cases, you can return the car and recover your purchase price.
- Compensatory damages: You may be able to recover the difference between the car’s actual value and what you paid, as well as repair costs.
- Punitive damages: If the dealer intentionally hid the damage, courts may award extra damages to punish them and prevent future misconduct.
- Attorney’s fees and legal costs: California law may allow you to recover legal fees from the dealer. Refer to the FAQ section below for more information on legal fees.
Proving undisclosed mechanical defects often requires expert inspections, maintenance records, and vehicle history reports. Experienced attorneys are essential to successfully handling these cases.
Four Reasons to Partner with Us
Why choose Auto Fraud Legal Center? We specialize in auto fraud cases involving hidden mechanical defects, including those caused by flood damage. In fact, car dealer fraud is all we do. Here’s why clients trust us:
- Extensive experience: Our attorneys have successfully handled thousands of auto fraud cases in California.
- High success rate: Since 2020, we have maintained a 96% win rate, showing our dedication and skill.
- Client-first approach: Our clients praise our clear communication, personal attention, and responsiveness.
- Full-service representation: From investigation and documentation to negotiation or trial, we handle every step of the process. Our team will handle communication with the car dealer who cheated you, so you don’t have to personally deal with them again.
With our help, you can hold dishonest dealers accountable and recover the compensation you deserve.
How We Investigate Mechanical Damage and Defects
To build a strong case, we follow a thorough, detailed process:
- Vehicle inspections: Automotive experts check for hidden defects, flood damage, and previous repairs that may indicate serious problems.
- Maintenance and repair records: Service history can reveal recurring issues or undisclosed damage.
- Dealer documentation: We review sales agreements, disclosures, and repair invoices to identify omissions or misrepresentations.
- Vehicle history reports: Carfax, AutoCheck, and other reports help confirm previous accidents, flood claims, or mechanical repairs.
This investigation allows us to provide strong evidence for your case and pursue maximum compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Signs include unusual noises, fluid leaks, warning lights, or poor performance. We also examine records, conduct inspections, and review vehicle history reports to identify any hidden defects.
California law can hold dealers accountable if the damage should have been known or was concealed. The intentional hiding of defects constitutes fraud.
Yes. Buyers generally have three years from the date of purchase to file a claim. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence.
No. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. In most situations, our costs and legal fees are paid by the dealership. Our contingency rate on the refunded money is significantly lower than typical rates for injury cases.
Compensation may include a refund, repair costs, difference in vehicle value, punitive damages for intentional fraud, and attorney’s fees. Each case is unique, and we work to maximize recovery.
Yes. Flood damage can void warranties, complicate claims, or affect coverage. Legal action can help address these issues and protect your rights.
Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation
If you bought a car with hidden mechanical defects, flood damage, or other undisclosed issues, you don’t have to face it alone. Auto Fraud Legal Center can investigate, gather evidence, and help you recover compensation for your losses. With thousands of cases handled and a 96% win rate, our team has the experience and dedication to fight for your rights.
Contact Auto Fraud Legal Center today for a free consultation and take the first step toward holding the dealer accountable for hidden mechanical defects.
