Yes, the lienholder can most likely take the car. A bankruptcy affects the debt, not the lien. That means that the lienholder may not be able to sue you for the amout of money you owe (which is often greater than the current-value of the car), BUT if the note, financing, etc. is not paid, they have the right to take the property (the car) back--that is, to repossess. The bankruptcy *will* delay that for a time--during the period that the "automatic stay" is in place, they cannot repossess; though they can file a motion with the court to have the stay lifted, or removed, as to them so they can repossess (and in any event, the stay is not forever). However, ultimately, if there was a lien or security interest in property, the only way to keep the property is to pay the debt or negotate with the lienholder, to get them to, for example, accept a lesser amount or smaller payments. If you do not pay and do not work something out with them, they should be able to take the car.