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Business Profile

Used Car Dealers

California Motors Direct

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

Find BBB Accredited Businesses in Used Car Dealers.

Complaints

This profile includes complaints for California Motors Direct's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see

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California Motors Direct has 3 locations, listed below.

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    Customer Complaints Summary

    • 21 total complaints in the last 3 years.
    • 9 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

    If you've experienced an issue

    Submit a Complaint

    The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

    Sort by

    Complaint status

    Complaint type

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:06/03/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I purchased a vehicle was this dealer on 02/09/2025 with the extended warranty. I requested to cancel it at that time (3-months ago) i was assured it would be handled. as of today I have not received my service contract refund. I expect a full refund per the California *************** law for cancelling.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:04/29/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      Purchased a vehicle around January and have been driving it for around 4 months, within that short time period I've had 3 tires pop on me while on the freeway, my front breaks broke down, my engine and coolant tank started smoking, my passenger air bag became faulty, my car started smelling like rubber when I turn on the air conditioning etc. When bringing these issues up to the dealership they told me off and said it was not their issue and couldn't do anything about it

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:04/14/2025

      Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      On March 15, 2025, I purchased a used 2020 ********************** from California Motors Direct for a total price of approximately $20,136.56, including a $5,000 down payment. The dealership committed to providing me with a vehicle in safe, reliable condition, consistent with its advertised description.However, during the rushed paperwork signing process, the salesperson verbally downplayed significant prior frame/unibody damage. Although I signed paperwork acknowledging this damage, the salesman misrepresented the nature of the document, and only later did I come to realize the exact nature of the document. Upon learning of this later that same day of purchase, I took the vehicle back to the dealership and delivered them back the keys and said I will not purchase this vehicle given the misrepresented condition. They vehicle and keys have been in possession of the dealer since 3/15/2025, the same date of purchase.I am seeking assistance from the BBB because the dealership has not responded adequately to resolve this dispute. Please note my bank has issued a refund for the $5,000 down-payment on the vehicle. My desired outcome is a full refund, and cancellation of any financing agreement due to these deceptive and misleading sales practices

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:12/24/2024

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I purchased a 2022 ******* g70 on 12/14/24. Two days later I decided to look at the paperwork & final fees. Found additional $2000( optional theft deterrent system) charge added in my bill. I was trying to lower the price, not increase it. Also, all forms had me as ************ partners as buyer. I tried to correct it but they said no, leave it the way it is, cause it won't make a difference. And saw our signature on a form that looked miniaturized as if it was inserted digitally. ********** said will not change or reduce contract, it was signed, submitted, so can't do it. Can someone please help me?

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:10/14/2024

      Type:Billing Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      Bought car in June, 2024. 4 months later still haven't received my license plates from ***. They were supposed to pay off the balance on a previous loan, they didn't pay it until September, 2024. Took 3 late payment hits because of they're incompetence. Ran my credit without permission. They dropped my credit score by 100 points.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:09/16/2024

      Type:Order Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      i did not authorize theft express or express gap charges on sales contract several calls to dealership to date no refund also i paid dmv fees to dealership then *** charged me dmv fees also

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:09/06/2024

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I purchased a vehicle and got financed thru the credit union however prior to this I gave the salesman cash as collateral for the car. The car salesman and the dealership kept my money in cash and spent it and have not returned it. This was at the ******* dealership.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:09/04/2024

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I purchased a 2017 Volkswagon jetta on November 2nd 2023 for $12995 with a $9000 cash down payment. This vehicle had numerous mechanical issues and i was given 2 separate service appointments that were both cancelled upon me bringing the vehicle in. I set a third appointment which i was able to receive an answer in January 2024 which resulted in the mechanic saying that there were more issues than anticipated with the vehicle therefore they offered to take back the Jetta and get me a safer vehicle. In January 2024, 2 months after trying to get my vehicle serviced the business then gave me an option for a 2012 ****** murano with a sticker price of $8995. The $9000 cash down i put on the jetta plus a monthly car note that was made in December 2023 was not applied to my purchase of 2012 Murano. The Jetta was returned to the dealership and I currently have the ****** however I was under the impression that I would have $6400 applied to my vehicle and that did not happen I received only $400 as well as making monthly car payments since January 2024. As a resolution I wish to either get my $9000 down payment plus the combined monthly payments I have been making and return the vehicle, or keep the Murano and have it written off as paid in full.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:09/03/2024

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I never got any paper work from them I trade my *** M4 for a jeep which my car was paid of they gave me 56k but I requested 20k back and the rest as down payment I still haven't received my 20k and they keep hanging up on me and giving me excuses of why the check hasn't been issued

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:06/28/2024

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I purchased a vehicle with extreme and dangerous hidden issues including, engine failure, AC disfunction, thermostat disfunction, Axle broken, control arm broken, broken wheel hub and bearing. Extremely horrible customer service with many Sly remarks. Sly comments and expressions. And flipped lies of ways I personally communicated. I wasn't able to have my car for almost 4 weeks, and many repairs, I finally got it back but still with AC issues and many driving problems. They do not answer the phone and nake it very difficult to get things fixed. Felt very pressured to sign a contract that stated I will not pursue them I'm court. But didn't realize what it said until after the said they wouldn't give me my car back unless I signed the contract. Very frustrating, and have mow lost my job do to unreliable transportation to and from work.

    California Motors Direct is NOT a BBB Accredited Business.

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