Can You Sue a Dealership for Selling a Car With a Washed Title?
When Your Dream Car Becomes a Nightmare
You were excited.
The dealership handed you the keys to your “new” used car, the paperwork was signed, and for a moment, it felt like a great deal.
But just a few weeks later, something felt off. A mechanic raises an eyebrow. The frame looks repaired. The title, once marked “clean,” turns out to be anything but.
And that’s when it hits you:
You may have bought a vehicle with a washed title.
Can you sue the dealership for title fraud?
Yes—and here’s how we help clients like you file a fraudulent car title lawsuit and hold shady sellers accountable.
💡 Did You Know?
In California, dealerships are legally required to disclose known prior damage and title status under the Consumer Legal Remedies Act (CLRA) and Unfair Competition Law (UCL). Selling a vehicle with a washed or misrepresented title can lead to lawsuits for fraud, misrepresentation, and contract rescission. You may be entitled to a full refund, damages, and even punitive compensation—even if you bought the car “as-is.”
What Is a Washed Title—and Why Should You Care?
A washed title means the car’s true history has been hidden.
It may have been declared a total loss after a flood, major accident, or theft—but that designation was removed illegally or deceptively, often by transferring the title across state lines.
So instead of seeing a “salvage” or “flood damage” label, buyers like you see “clean title” and think the vehicle is safe.
It’s not.
And when a dealership knowingly sells a vehicle with a washed title, that’s fraud—plain and simple.
You may be entitled to sue the dealership for title fraud, recover damages, and potentially cancel the sale.
Why Dealerships Commit Title Fraud
Let’s be blunt: money.
Cars with clean titles sell for thousands more than ones with damage labels.
So some unscrupulous dealerships roll the dice—hoping you never find out the truth until it’s too late.
They may:
- Buy totaled vehicles at auction
- Transfer titles through states with looser reporting laws
- Rebrand the car and re-list it with a fake “clean” title
This deceptive practice is illegal—and it’s where our legal team comes in.
Real People, Real Cases – You’re Not Alone
We represented a young family who bought a used SUV, trusting the dealership’s “accident-free” claims.
A year later, during a trade-in appraisal, the new dealer informed them the car had been totaled in another state.
It had a washed title.
Not only was the car worth far less—it was unsafe to drive.
We filed a fraudulent car title lawsuit and secured a full refund, damages, and attorney’s fees for the client.
You deserve the same justice.
Can I Sue a Dealership for Selling Me a Car With a Washed Title?
Yes. Under consumer protection laws and potentially your state’s lemon law title fraud provisions, you may be eligible to sue.
You might have a strong case if:
- The dealership told you the car had a clean title
- The title paperwork says “clean,” but history reports say otherwise
- A mechanic or appraiser finds undisclosed damage or repairs
- You were misled or not told the car had prior severe damage
Even if you signed an “as-is” agreement, that does NOT protect dealers from fraudulent behavior.
What You Can Recover in a Title Fraud Lawsuit
When you sue a dealership for title fraud, you can typically recover:
- The full cost of the vehicle
- Repair and towing expenses
- Lost value from damage
- Legal fees
- Possible punitive damages for intentional fraud
In many cases, we’ve helped clients void the sale entirely and walk away with every dollar they paid.
Why Choose Our Firm?
We don’t just know auto fraud—we live and breathe it.
We’ve handled hundreds of fraudulent car title lawsuits and know every trick in the book.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Proven Track Record: We’ve helped clients recover millions in damages.
- No Upfront Fees: Many cases can be taken on a contingency basis.
- Personalized Support: You’ll never be just a case number.
- Relentless Advocacy: We go toe-to-toe with dealers, insurance companies, and auto auction giants.
Take Action Now—Before It’s Too Late
Every day that passes could make your case harder to prove.
Documents disappear. Witnesses vanish. And statutes of limitations can run out before you know it.
That’s why we offer a free case review to help you understand your rights and next steps.
Don’t wait. If you suspect you’ve been sold a vehicle with a fraudulent title, let us help you hold the dealership accountable.
Schedule Your Free Case Review
Call us now or fill out the short form on this page.
You’ll speak directly with a consumer attorney who can review your documents and assess your claim.
✔️ No pressure
✔️ No obligations
✔️ Just clear answers and a path forward
Final CTA
Think You Were Sold a Car With a Washed Title?
Let’s find out—and if the dealership broke the law, we’ll help you hold them accountable.