Car Dealer Misrepresentation in California – Your Rights Under Lemon Law

California law protects consumers who are betrayed by car dealers’ misrepresentations. Car dealers are expected to be straightforward about the condition, warranty status, VIN history, and other information provided about the vehicles they sell. When they don’t, it violates California consumer protection laws. If you feel like you’ve been a victim of car dealer misrepresentation in California, a California lemon law lawyer can be a great resource for you.

Protection in California Lemon Laws for Consumers

California Civil Code § 1750, otherwise known as CLRA or the Consumers’ Legal Remedies Act, makes the misrepresentation of goods and services by companies illegal. Failing to disclose the quality of a product, like a car or truck, is a crime. Rolling back an odometer is somewhat of an extreme example, but car dealers provide more subtle misinformation all the time. In many cases, it is completely unbeknownst to the consumer.

Some common examples of misrepresentations that car dealers may be guilty of are listed below:

• masking damage or trying to hide evidence that the vehicle has been in an accident
• listing features of a vehicle that it doesn’t actually have
• making false impressions to a consumer about a vehicle’s warranty
• saying certain services have recently been performed on a vehicle, such as a tune-up or oil change, when they in fact have not
• marking vehicles as ‘certified’ when they in fact aren’t
• hiding the previous location of a car to downplay flood damage or salt exposure

Consumers can seek compensation for a vehicle they bought due to the dealer’s misrepresentation of information. If someone is harmed because of that misinformation, they can recover damages, restitution, attorney fees, and injunctive relief.

The Unfair Competition Law

Another California law that provides consumer protection is the Unfair Competition Law (UCL), § 17200. This law is often referred to simply as the UCL. This law makes it illegal for companies to conduct unfair or fraudulent business practices. The UCL protects consumers from misleading or misinterpreted information about vehicles by dealers. This also includes withholding information about a vehicle’s condition or its title.

The Car Buyer’s Bill of Rights

Yet another law that addresses misleading information provided by car dealers is the Car Buyer’s Bill of Rights, established by the CA DMV. This law requires dealers to provide itemized pricing on retail vehicles they sell. Failure to comply can result in the customer ultimately filing a complaint with the DMV. This would likely then prompt an investigation into the business practices of the salesperson, management, and/or the dealership.

Despite these laws and the consequences of breaking them, auto sales complaints consistently rank as the top type of consumer complaint in California, according to a 2025 hearing on the Combating Auto Retail Scams (CARS) program.

The New Lemon Law

Updated statutes have streamlined the process of filing such complaints against car manufacturers and dealers. Consequently, the laws make it easier for manufacturers as well. However, participation in the state-certified arbitration program is not mandatory. Consumers may choose to file a claim the old-fashioned way, and manufacturers and their branded dealers may also opt in.

The Department of Consumer Affairs oversees the Arbitration Certification Program, also known as the ACP. This agency is located at 1625 North Market Boulevard, Suite N 112, in Sacramento.

Why Choose Us?

If you still have questions regarding car dealer misrepresentation in California, a California lemon law lawyer at Lemon Law Pro would like the opportunity to answer your questions. Every member of our top legal team understands the value of a strong attorney-client rapport. This, along with our reputation for an aggressive approach and a no-fee practice, is what Lemon Law Pro is known for throughout California.

FAQs

Can I File a Claim Against a Dealership for Misrepresentation?

Yes, you can file a legal claim against a dealership for misrepresentation. Under California law, consumers may file claims against dealerships for fraud in the sale of their vehicle. This can be evidenced by false advertising, breach of contract, or violations of state consumer protection laws. An experienced lemon law attorney can help individuals with their lemon law claim.

What Can I Do if a Car Dealership Lied to Me?

If a car dealership lied to you, you should prepare to file a complaint against them. This involves collecting the documentation necessary to prove you purchased a vehicle from them under false pretenses. Print out the online advertisements posted by the dealership or the listing descriptions they provided that include misinformation.

Compare these to the VIN report. Keep records and file claims against the business. A lemon law attorney can ensure you file comprehensive claims to all the appropriate agencies.

What Is the Misrepresentation Law in California?

The misrepresentation law in California protects consumers from dealers who make fake claims or misleading statements about the cars they sell. These laws are upheld in the Car Buyer’s Bill of Rights. Misrepresentation can be false information provided about the vehicle’s condition, history, prior damage, certification, and/or terms of financing and warranty.

How Do I File a Complaint Against a Car Dealership in California?

There are multiple ways to file a complaint against a dealership in California. The California DMV is a great place to start. If you would like assistance, hire a lemon law lawyer to handle your case. Find a law firm that offers legal representation at no cost to the client to get the most return out of your efforts.

Hire a Lemon Law Attorney With the Skills You Need to Win Your Lemon Law Case

In California, lemon laws can be overwhelming and confusing. We can help you understand the laws and provide you with the legal advice you need to succeed in your case. If you want top-quality representation for lemon law cases in California, hire a lemon law attorney from Lemon Law Pro. You can significantly increase the odds of getting a favorable outcome with our skills and resources. Contact our office and take advantage of completely free legal counsel.