Safety is one of the primary features many people look for when buying a car. Each year’s new models seem to have enhanced safety features that drivers would have expected only in science fiction movies. However, with more complex technology comes an increase in recalls. Recalls provide a consumer protection from dangerous vehicles and allow California car owners to have their vehicles repaired quickly, typically at no charge. Unfortunately, this protection does not always apply to used car purchases.
Data shows that there are over 30 percent more vehicles with unrepaired recalls on the road today than there were last year, bringing the total to nearly 63 million. Once a car owner receives a recall notice, he or she is not legally obliged to have the vehicle repaired. A used car dealer is also not legally obliged to make a recall repair before reselling a defective vehicle.
Because of the number of recent recalls and the technology needed to remedy them, it may not be possible for used car dealers to repair every car they offer for sale. However, this means that 25 percent of all vehicles on the road in some states may have a dangerous, potentially deadly defect. Some of those recalls involve air bag explosions and faulty ignition switches that could shut off a car engine without warning.
Purchasing a used car often requires an enormous amount of trust. When that trust is violated by the nondisclosure of an unrepaired recall, consumers have the right to seek legal counsel. Finding an attorney who is passionate about consumer protection means having an advocate who will fight for the rights of those in California who are victimized by deceptive business practices.
Source: myfoxzone.com, “Used Car Loophole: Selling Recalled Vehicles“, Jeff Flock, May 12, 2017