Consumer complaint received 2025-07-30 00:00:00
Product: Vehicle loan or lease — Loan
Issue: Getting a loan or lease — High-pressure sales tactics
Company: SANTANDER HOLDINGS USA, INC.
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
In XX/XX/XXXX, I went to XXXX XXXX XXXX intending to purchase a truck, which I clearly communicated. Instead, I was steered toward a XXXX XXXX XXXX vehicle I never asked for or preferredby a salesman who claimed it had an AMG body kit and would make me " look cooler. '' These statements were misleading and turned out to be false. 

I was verbally asked to put down an additional {$5000.00} after my loan was already approved. I declined, but the dealership still finalized the transaction. This interaction reflects high-pressure tactics and deceptive sales practices designed to upsell me into a defective vehicle I did not want. 

Within weeks of financing the vehicle, it began experiencing severe mechanical issues : engine shaking, illumination of the check engine light, and loss of power. I brought it back to the dealership, where they diagnosed a broken piston and internal engine failure. They removed and rebuilt the engine, but they labeled the repair as a " goodwill repair '' instead of a warranty repairlikely to avoid liability, warranty triggers, and formal disclosure obligations. I have partial repair orders supporting this. 

After the initial engine failure, the vehicle developed additional issues with the drivetrain and transmission. I requested the full repair file, including technician notes, diagnostics, and warranty communications. The dealership refused to provide the full documentation, only offering selective invoices, which violates several California statutes.

Additionally, I later discovered the vehicle had open, unrepaired safety recalls, including an airbag recall and an active hood malfunction. These defects were not disclosed to me at the time of sale or during servicing, and the dealership was unable to repair them. Their failure to disclose and correct these defects violates California Vehicle Code 11713.18 ( a ) ( 6 ), Civil Code 1793.2, and federal law under 49 U.S.C. 30120 ( i ).

This dealership 's conduct amounts to deceptive financing and sales fraud. The vehicle was defective at the time of sale. They misrepresented its condition, pressured me into buying it, and concealed material defects. This car shouldve never been financed. Their actions violate : California Business & Professions Code 17200, 17500 Unfair and deceptive business practices California Civil Code 1572, 1573 Fraud and misrepresentation California Civil Code 1688 et seq. Contract voidable due to fraud Civil Code 1793.2 ( Song-Beverly Act ) Failure to repair safety defects Business & Professions Code 9884.7, 9884.9, 9884.10, 9884.14 Failure to provide full documentation and misclassification of warranty repairs I also submitted a Request for Information ( RFI ), a debt validation request, and asked for a hold on the vehicle sale, all of which were ignored.

This complaint is about a fraudulent vehicle sale and financing misrepresentation. The vehicle required a full engine rebuild almost immediately after financing, and repair and recall information was deliberately withheld. The dealerships conduct, aided by the lender, constitutes auto fraud and financing abuse, causing financial and emotional harm. 

I respectfully request the CFPB to intervene to ensure the unlawful conduct outlined above is addressed appropriately.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation