Jeep buyer sues dealer over odometer fraud and forged signature
Luis Huertas agreed to pay $49,000 for a new 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L that supposedly had only 13 miles (21 km) on the odometer. He also traded in his old Grand Cherokee at a price higher than market value at a dealership in the Bronx, New York. The man believed he had struck a good deal. However, according to a recently filed lawsuit, he claims the SUV he received actually had over 6,000 miles (9,656 km), and additional charges were added to the contract without his consent.
Details of the deal and first issues
In the complaint, seen by Auto News, Huertas alleges that the dealership Riverdale Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram offered 20% more than market value for his trade-in vehicle and agreed to pay off the remaining $25,116 balance on his loan. This was contingent on purchasing the new Grand Cherokee L for $49,000. Huertas says he signed the documents in person and took the Jeep home that same day, but was not provided with copies of the signed paperwork at that time.
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Revelation: 6,200 miles on the odometer and hidden costs
Shortly thereafter, GM Financial Services contacted Huertas and informed him that the dealership had allegedly “falsely certified” the Grand Cherokee L’s mileage as 13 miles, when in fact the odometer showed over 6,200 miles.
Additionally, he claims the purchase agreement he received later did not match what he had agreed to at the time of signing. The document listed a cash price of $51,400, which was $2,400 more than expected. A service contract for $3,882 and a “tires and wheels” package for $1,000 were also added to the contract, which he says he never authorized.
Dispute over the signature
The lawsuit further alleges that the electronic signature on the final purchase agreement was digitally forged. Huertas insists that the only document he signed electronically was the credit application, reports Auto News.
Systematic violations
The complaint goes on to say this is not an isolated incident. The lawsuit claims the dealership “regularly forges customer signatures using digital platforms to conceal the true cost of credit” and also “regularly conceals from customers the true cost of borrowing by failing to disclose increased vehicle sale prices and inclusion of unwanted and undisclosed products.”
GM Financial Services is named as a co-defendant as the assignee of the purchase agreement.
Plaintiff’s demands
The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages based on allegations of fraud, as well as claimed violations of the Truth in Lending Act, the Odometer Act, and New York state laws regarding consumer protection and motor vehicles.
This case highlights serious issues in the practices of some auto dealers, where unscrupulous sellers may manipulate odometer data, forge documents, and push unnecessary services. If the allegations are proven, it could lead to significant fines for the dealer and increased scrutiny from regulators. For buyers, it serves as a reminder of the importance of carefully reviewing all documents before signing, as well as the need to keep copies of all agreements. The case also demonstrates that even major financial institutions like GM Financial can be held liable if they fail to properly verify the documents they receive from dealerships.