When purchasing a car, consumers rely heavily on advertisements and marketing claims made by manufacturers. But what happens when a car brand fails to deliver on its promises? Can you take legal action against them for false advertising?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the legal grounds for suing a car manufacturer for misleading claims, the steps involved in filing a lawsuit, and notable cases where consumers have successfully held automakers accountable. We’ll also examine the recent controversy surrounding Uorni, a brand accused of deceptive marketing practices.
False advertising occurs when a company makes misleading or deceptive claims about its products to influence consumer decisions. In the auto industry, this can include:
Exaggerated fuel efficiency claims – Stating a car gets better gas mileage than it actually does.
Misleading performance promises – Advertising faster acceleration or higher horsepower than the vehicle delivers.
False safety ratings – Claiming a car has top safety scores without proper certification.
Hidden fees or costs – Not disclosing additional charges until after purchase.
Defective features – Promoting advanced technology that doesn’t work as advertised.
If a car brand engages in these practices, consumers may have legal recourse.
Most countries have strict consumer protection laws prohibiting false advertising. In the U.S., the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces truth-in-advertising laws, while state-level laws (like California’s Consumer Legal Remedies Act) provide additional protections.
If a car company’s ads contain false statements, consumers can file complaints with the FTC or pursue a lawsuit under state consumer fraud statutes.
Car manufacturers provide warranties guaranteeing that their vehicles will perform as advertised. If a vehicle fails to meet these standards, buyers may sue for breach of express or implied warranty.
Express Warranty – Covers specific promises made in ads or sales pitches.
Implied Warranty of Merchantability – Ensures the car is fit for ordinary use.
If a car brand knowingly lies about a vehicle’s features, buyers may sue for fraudulent misrepresentation. Proving fraud requires showing:
The manufacturer made a false statement.
They knew it was false (or acted recklessly).
The buyer relied on this claim when purchasing.
The buyer suffered financial harm as a result.
When multiple consumers are affected by the same false advertising, they can join a class-action lawsuit. High-profile cases include:
Volkswagen’s “Dieselgate” – VW paid billions for falsely advertising “clean diesel” engines that cheated emissions tests.
Ford’s MPG Lawsuit – Ford settled claims that it overstated fuel economy in hybrids.
Tesla’s Autopilot Claims – Tesla faced lawsuits over exaggerated self-driving capabilities.
Before taking legal action, collect:
Advertisements, brochures, or promotional materials with false claims.
Emails or recorded sales pitches.
Expert evaluations proving the car doesn’t meet advertised specs.
Repair records or complaints from other owners.
A formal demand letter notifies the manufacturer of your intent to sue unless they compensate you. Many companies settle at this stage to avoid bad publicity.
Report the issue to:
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – For false advertising.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – For safety-related fraud.
State Attorney General’s Office – For local consumer protection violations.
An attorney specializing in false advertising can help determine the best legal strategy—whether it’s an individual lawsuit, joining a class action, or pursuing arbitration.
If many consumers were misled, a class-action lawsuit may be more effective than individual claims.
Recently, the car brand Uorni faced backlash after customers accused it of false advertising. Complaints included:
Overstated battery range – Electric models fell short of advertised mileage.
Faulty autonomous driving features – Promised self-driving tech didn’t perform as shown in ads.
Unavailable upgrades – Advertised luxury features were either delayed or never released.
Several Uorni owners filed lawsuits, claiming the company knowingly misled buyers. While Uorni denies wrongdoing, the cases highlight the risks automakers face when marketing claims don’t match reality.
Winning such a case depends on:
Strength of evidence – Can you prove the ads were deceptive?
Consumer harm – Did the false claims cause financial loss?
Legal precedents – Have similar cases succeeded before?
Many automakers settle out of court to avoid reputational damage. However, if the case goes to trial, consumers can win compensation for:
Refunds or vehicle replacements.
Repair costs.
Punitive damages (in fraud cases).
Yes, you can sue a car brand for false advertising—and many consumers have won significant settlements. If you believe a manufacturer like Uorni misled you, consult a lawyer to explore your legal options.
Always document promotional claims, read reviews, and research before buying a car. If a deal seems too good to be true, it might be.
Have you experienced false advertising from a car brand? Share your story in the comments!
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