In a series of legal actions aimed at protecting consumers, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has filed lawsuits against multiple used car dealerships in central Ohio.
These dealerships are accused of engaging in deceptive practices, including odometer tampering and failing to provide vehicle titles to buyers.
S Automotive and Kalango Links
In February 2023, Attorney General Yost filed lawsuits against two Columbus-area dealerships: S Automotive, operating in Whitehall, and Kalango Links. The legal actions were prompted by 57 consumer complaints. S Automotive faced 39 complaints, with 33 alleging failure to deliver titles, three concerning misrepresentations, and three related to odometer discrepancies. Kalango Links was the subject of 18 complaints, primarily focusing on odometer tampering. Investigations revealed that both dealerships sold vehicles with rebuilt titles without disclosing this critical information to consumers, a violation of Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act.
Ohio Mega Group
In September 2023, the Attorney General’s Office filed a lawsuit against Ohio Mega Group, a used car dealership formerly located on East Main Street in Columbus, and its owner, Dominic Wiley. The lawsuit alleges violations of the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act and the Odometer Rollback and Disclosure Act. Specific accusations include failing to promptly file title applications within the required 30 to 40 days, concealing the rebuilt salvage status of vehicles, falsifying odometer disclosure statements, and engaging in odometer tampering. This case marked the fourth odometer-tampering lawsuit filed by Yost’s office in that year.
SJ Motorworks
In February 2024, a lawsuit was filed against SJ Motorworks, a used car dealership in Akron, and its owner, Shane Beers. The action was based on 114 consumer complaints, 90 of which involved the dealership’s failure to deliver vehicle titles. The lawsuit alleges violations of Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act and the Certificate of Motor Vehicle Title Act. The Attorney General’s Office has reimbursed 26 affected consumers a total of $71,687.58 from the state’s Title Defect Recision Fund, which assists used-car buyers in resolving title issues.
Superior Auto Mart
In November 2024, Attorney General Yost filed a lawsuit against Superior Auto Mart, a used car dealership in Clermont County, alleging that the business failed to provide customers with vehicle titles. The lawsuit was initiated after 23 consumer complaints were lodged against the dealership. The owner, Tareq Daoud, attributed the issue to a misunderstanding with his bank holding the titles. However, under Ohio law, buyers are entitled to receive the vehicle title within 30 days of purchase.
Consumer Advice
Attorney General Yost advises consumers to exercise caution when purchasing used vehicles. He recommends researching the seller, ensuring all agreements are in writing, taking the vehicle for an extended test drive, inquiring about the car’s history, and having a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle. Consumers who do not receive a valid title within 30 days of purchase are encouraged to contact the Attorney General’s Office for assistance.
These legal actions underscore the importance of transparency and honesty in the used car market. The Ohio Attorney General’s Office remains vigilant in protecting consumers from fraudulent practices and ensuring that dealerships adhere to state laws designed to maintain fairness and trust in vehicle transactions.
