KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Recalls Are for Safety: When a manufacturer issues a vehicle recall, it’s to fix safety issues at no cost to the vehicle owner. Manufacturers notify all known owners of the affected vehicles to arrange for the necessary repairs.
2. Check for Recalls When Buying Used: If you buy a used car, ensure that it doesn’t have any open recalls. Dealerships should fix any recalls before reselling vehicles. Selling a car with an unfixed recall can be considered auto fraud.
3. What to Do If You Find a Recall: If you discover an open recall on a vehicle you recently purchased, the first step is to contact the dealership. In many cases, they may not be aware of the recall and should offer to fix the issue for free.
4. Take Action If Needed: If you suspect the dealership knowingly sold you a car with an open recall, this may be part of broader deceptive practices. In such cases, it’s advisable to consult with an auto fraud attorney who can review all related documents and help address the situation.

Have you recently bought a used car, only to discover it has an unfixed safety recall? This situation is more common than you might think, and it’s a serious issue that falls under auto fraud in California. At Consumer Action Law Group, we often hear from frustrated car buyers who’ve found themselves in this exact situation.

Safety recalls are crucial. They’re issued by manufacturers to protect you from potential harm. When a recall is announced, the manufacturer is supposed to notify all known vehicle owners and provide free repairs. But what happens when a used car dealership sells you a vehicle with an open recall? That’s where things get complicated, and potentially illegal.

If you’ve discovered that a used car dealer sold you a car with a recall that hasn’t been fixed, you have rights. This practice isn’t just unethical – it’s against the law. Dealerships are required to address recall issues before reselling a vehicle. When they don’t, they’re putting your safety at risk and potentially committing auto fraud.

In this article, we’ll dive into what you need to know if you’ve found yourself in this situation. We’ll cover your rights, the steps you can take, and how our experienced auto fraud attorneys can help you navigate this challenging situation. Let’s get started on understanding your options and how to protect yourself from unscrupulous dealerships.

Legal Duties of Used Car Dealerships

When it comes to safety recalls, used car dealerships have specific legal obligations they must follow. Unfortunately, not all dealers play by the rules, which is where problems often arise.

First and foremost, California law requires used car dealers to ensure that all outstanding safety recalls are addressed before selling a vehicle. This means they should:

1. Check for open recalls: Dealers are expected to run a vehicle’s VIN through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recall database before putting it up for sale.
2. Disclose known issues: If a recall can’t be immediately fixed (for example, if parts aren’t available), the dealer must inform the buyer about the open recall before the sale.
3. Make repairs: Ideally, the dealership should complete all recall-related repairs before selling the car. These repairs are typically free, as manufacturers cover the costs.
4. Provide documentation: Dealers should give buyers paperwork showing that recall issues have been addressed or disclosed.

It’s important to note that selling a used car with an open recall isn’t just a minor oversight – it’s a serious violation that can put lives at risk. Dealerships that knowingly sell vehicles with unfixed recalls may face severe penalties, including fines and potential lawsuits.

If you’ve bought a used car and later discovered an open recall, the dealership may have failed in its legal duty to you. This is where having an experienced auto fraud attorney can make a big difference. At Consumer Action Law Group, we’re well-versed in these laws and can help hold negligent dealers accountable.

Remember, reputable dealers take recall notices seriously and handle them properly. If you’ve encountered one that hasn’t, you have rights, and we’re here to help you enforce them.

Getting You Back on Safe Roads

When you’re dealing with an open recall on your recently purchased used car, time is of the essence. Your safety is our top priority, and we understand the urgency of resolving this issue quickly. So, what’s the fastest way to address this problem?

In our experience, the quickest path to a resolution often involves reaching out to legal experts who specialize in auto fraud cases. Here’s why:

1. We know what to look for: Our team at Consumer Action Law Group has handled numerous cases like yours. We’re familiar with the tactics some dealerships use and the legal violations they often commit.
2. Swift action: We can quickly assess your situation and take immediate steps to protect your rights. This might involve contacting the dealership on your behalf or preparing for legal action if necessary.
3. Comprehensive review: While the recall issue is crucial, we often uncover other potential violations when we review your case. This thorough approach can strengthen your position and potentially lead to a more favorable outcome.
4. Industry knowledge: We understand the laws and regulations that dealerships must follow. This expertise allows us to navigate the legal landscape efficiently and effectively.
5. Proven strategies: Our experience has taught us which approaches work best in these situations. We can apply tried-and-tested strategies to your case, potentially speeding up the resolution process.

Remember, recall repairs are serious safety matters, and California law takes them seriously too. If you suspect a used car dealer sold you a car with an open recall, don’t wait. Reach out to us for a free consultation. We’re here to answer your questions, explain your rights, and help you get back on the road safely as quickly as possible.