I bought a used car and it has a leaking gas tank, why was this car not taken off the market

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BarbinOhio

I bought a used car and it has a leaking gas tank, why was this car not taken off the market

I feel that CarFax should have included this problem. After 20 plus years of loyal customer maintenance performed by Akron Toyota Dealership, why did this dealership allow this car to be released into the general public? Frame Damage so bad, the bearing plates that hold the engine up are beyond fragile, the cradle that holds the engine integrity is grossly compromised.

Due to the extreme corrosion (this was covered up and unable to be detected when I looked at this car) the gas tank is leaking. Because the car was on EMPTY, there was no odor to detect any problem with a gas leak.

After purchasing this car, I drove to a gas station, filled it up and much to my horror, gas spilled out immediately.

It is my understanding that CarFax relies on Auto Dealerships to re port true status of cars. This 2001 Rav4 should NEVER have been sold at Auction. Any help to get this matter resolved, I need some auto experts to help me word things properly going forward in my complaints.

My life is in danger, to drive this car. The used car dealer tampered with the brakes on August 4th, 2023. As I waited to test drive the vehicle, I watched the "mechanic": who worked for the owner, make the noise go away. I did not hear noise, they said they were "taking care of the noise" that was coming from the rear after it was driven. Afterwards, my Toyota mechanic confirmed that the adjustment was "way off" and done to make the brakes silent.

Bad brakes + leaking gas tank.

dangerous. the hidden rust corrosion around the brake lines, and fuel lines also contribute to the unsafe car. It's like a time bomb.

If I drove it, and died, who would have known.

thanks for ANY tips, advice, where to go from here. Since purchasing it August 5, 2023 I have been sick to my stomach with worry and stress. The Used Car salesman refused to take it back, and I also feel that he was unaware of the EXTENT of the damages. Gas Tank was a surprise to him.

~ Barb Lefever in Ohio.

I want the big million dollar dealership that took care of this car for the original owner to come clean, and review how they decide to report a car's true status to CarFax. If CarFax had the facts, no way would this car be free to drive on the roads as a used car. No, it should be called Salvage. So many things wrong with this car, and so dangerous to me and others on the road.

Imagine. no brakes, and leaking gas from gas tank. one spark and KaBoom.

Status: Open Nov 05, 2023 - 06:45 AM

Toyota

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Jay_CarParts.com

Nov 06, 2023 - 07:51 AM

Hi there,

We are sorry for the situation you are in right now. It sounds like you have been unfortunate with the purchase of this car. Here are some things you can do:

1. You mentioned that the dealership refuse to take the car back due to the serious problems it has and is not a drivable vehicle. You can file a complaint with your state Attorney's General's Office. They are responsible for protecting the consumer from unfair and deceptive business practices.

2. File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. A non-profit organization that helps resolve disputes between consumers and businesses.

3. Contact Carfax and let them know about the issue and situation. Ask them to investigate the dealership that reported the car to them. Explain the discrepancies between their report and actual condition. Provide them documentation.

4. Document everything and take a photo of the problems. A video would be a convincing proof of the problems you discovered.

5. Media exposure or reporting. Contact consumer reporters at news outlets to help bring wider public awareness to ensure the situation is not repeated.

I hope all this would help you in your endeavor right now.

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roverthj

Nov 09, 2023 - 12:54 PM

That is super unfortunate, and feel your pain. People are shady and try to get the most money out of what they are selling and say no issues when there really are issues. Next time make sure you bring someone/anyone with knowledge of car and the mechanics before purchasing any vehicle.

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LandonA3365

Nov 30, 2023 - 07:01 AM

You could probably file a lawsuit against the dealership especially if they knew of the issue prior and they can get in big trouble for knowingly selling faulty vehicles without the problem fixed or listed when you bought it

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Rikmas

Dec 26, 2023 - 03:56 AM

Some states allow car dealerships to have nondisclosure policies. Meaning they're not required to post,reveal, disclose or inform any purchaser of the condition of any vehicle being sold by the dealership. Illinois has such a arrangement. Please research, do due diligence and be careful.

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We look to ensure that every question is answered by the best people with relevant expertise and experience, the best answers include multiple perspectives. Do you have relevant expertise or experience to contribute your answer to any of these commonly asked questions?

We appreciate the input, roverthj! Anybody would probably be feeling the same.
It is unfortunate that the dealer sold such a bad product without thinking of the consequences of their actions, We agree with you LandonA3365.
That, we are not aware of. Thank you for the important feedback, Our customer still has his options though, Rikmas!

I bought a used car and it has a leaking gas tank, why was this car not taken off the market

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