[NJ] [NJ] Can I take legal action against a dealership for selling me a truck with a cracked frame?
I bought a used truck in New Jersey 10 months ago. We just discovered a crack in the frame, and it’s unsafe to drive. The dealership isn’t responding.
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Solved
Under New Jersey’s Used Car Lemon Law, coverage is limited to issues that arise shortly after purchase; at 10 months, this likely isn’t covered. Many used cars are sold “as-is,” but dealers can’t conceal known defects. If you can show the dealer knew about the cracked frame and failed to disclose it, you could pursue claims for misrepresentation or fraud—potentially rescinding the sale or recovering repair costs (N.J. Stat. Ann. § 56:8-1 et seq.).
Next steps:
- Get a written inspection from a qualified mechanic describing the crack and whether it likely pre-dated your purchase.
- Gather your purchase documents, any ads, and all messages with the dealer.
- File a complaint with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs; they can sometimes help mediate.
- Consider small claims or consulting a consumer-protection attorney if the damages exceed small-claims limits.
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I bought a used truck in New Jersey 10 months ago. We just discovered a crack in the frame, and it’s unsafe to drive. The dealership isn’t responding.
I’m sorry to hear that. Have you contacted the dealership in writing?
Yes.
Do you have the purchase agreement or warranty info?
Yes—only a 30-day warranty.
Anything else we should know?
Yes.
Thanks for reaching out. Was the seller a dealership or a private seller? And did they disclose any frame issues?
Dealership. No disclosure.
Under New Jersey’s Used Car Lemon Law, coverage is limited to issues that arise shortly after purchase; at 10 months, this likely isn’t covered. Many used cars are sold “as-is,” but dealers can’t conceal known defects. If you can show the dealer knew about the cracked frame and failed to disclose it, you could pursue claims for misrepresentation or fraud—potentially rescinding the sale or recovering repair costs (N.J. Stat. Ann. § 56:8-1 et seq.).
Next steps:
- Get a written inspection from a qualified mechanic describing the crack and whether it likely pre-dated your purchase.
- Gather your purchase documents, any ads, and all messages with the dealer.
- File a complaint with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs; they can sometimes help mediate.
- Consider small claims or consulting a consumer-protection attorney if the damages exceed small-claims limits.
Understood. Thanks.
Jon
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