Oklahoma Man Sues Patriot Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Dealership Over Wrecked Vehicle Sold as Safe: A Case of Deception in the Used Car Industry

Intro:

Imagine buying a car that looks good on the outside, only to find out later it was once totaled in a serious crash — and never properly repaired. That’s exactly what happened to Scott Cleveland, an Oklahoma resident who is now suing two used car dealers and a surety company for fraud and deceptive practices.

Background:

In the lawsuit filed in Tulsa County District Court, Cleveland alleges that Patriot Auto Group and Trusted Motor Group knowingly sold a structurally damaged 2016 Nissan Altima, claiming it was in good condition. The car, originally bought at auction with known structural damage, made its way through a chain of dealers before being sold to Cleveland — who says he was never told the truth.  Patriot was told the vehicle had structural damage before it purchased the vehicle. 

Key Allegations:

·        The original seller, Trusted Motor Group, bought the Altima at auction with clear disclosures of collision damage.

·        Trusted applied for a clean Oklahoma title while falsely answering "No" to whether the vehicle had been damaged in a collision.

·        The Altima received only cosmetic repairs — no structural or frame repairs were made.

·        Patriot Auto Group later bought the car with knowledge that it had structural damage. 

·        Cleveland says he asked about the car's accident history and reliability but was misled by the salesperson.

·        After purchase, multiple safety issues emerged, including a hood latch failure on the highway, which could have led to a serious accident.

The Legal Claims:

Cleveland is suing under several legal theories, including:

·        Fraud and deceit

·        Breach of warranty

·        Violations of the Oklahoma Consumer Protection Act

·        He’s also seeking punitive damages, asserting that the dealers’ conduct was not just negligent but intentionally deceptive.

Why This Matters:

This case sheds light on troubling practices in the used car industry — where damaged vehicles may be patched up and sold to unsuspecting consumers. The lawsuit underscores the importance of full transparency, especially when safety is on the line.

What Consumers Should Know:

·        Always ask the selling dealer if the vehicle has ever been in an accident or damaged. 

·        Ask for a vehicle history report, but understand that these reports often contain errors and omissions.

·        Check the title history carefully — any mention of "rebuilt," "salvage," or prior damage

If you were defrauded or deceived by a car dealer, please contact our law firm Humphreys Wallace Humphreys P.C. in Tulsa, Oklahoma or Santa Fe, New Mexico.