Seeking legal advice for faulty car repairs and compensation from dealership in NC.

Question

I have a legal issue with Ilderton Dodge in High Point, NC, where faulty parts were installed in my Dodge Journey, leading to a blown head gasket. The installation occurred in June 2024, with several subsequent visits failing to resolve the problem. By January 2025, after a second opinion and complaints to the Better Business Bureau, Consumer Protection, and Dodge corporate, I received an offer only to refund the $953 spent on repairs but not the engine repair costs or my $8,500 vehicle loan. The last warranty expired in February 2024, and I'm incurring additional transportation costs without a drivable vehicle. The dealership has not offered to repair the vehicle, and I'm seeking compensation to pay off my current vehicle loan, cover car payments for the non-functional Jeep, and provide a down payment for another vehicle. What type of lawyer should I contact to address these issues and seek a fair resolution, possibly through small claims court?

Nicholas Arthur Matlach · Answer

For the issues you are facing with Ilderton Dodge in High Point, NC, it would be prudent to consult a consumer protection attorney or a lawyer specializing in automotive law. These legal professionals are well-versed in handling cases involving faulty product installations, warranty disputes, and repair issues. In North Carolina, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and state lemon laws might be relevant, although it appears your warranty expired before the issues were resolved. You might also consider pursuing a breach of contract claim if you believe the dealership violated terms of any service agreements. For claims involving refund and compensation for repairs, a small claims court could be a viable option for amounts typically up to $10,000 in North Carolina. However, it is essential to consult an attorney to determine the best legal strategy and to ensure all avenues for compensation are explored, including negotiation or mediation.

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

You have a valid reason to pursue legal action, especially given the dealership’s failure to properly repair your vehicle and the resulting financial burden. When a dealership installs faulty parts that lead to major engine failure, they can be held accountable for negligence, breach of implied warranty, and possibly deceptive trade practices under North Carolina law. The fact that you've already filed complaints and received a minimal offer strengthens your claim that the dealership is trying to avoid full responsibility. 
 
If the total damages you’re seeking—such as reimbursement for the blown engine, vehicle loan, and additional costs—are under $10,000, small claims court may be a practical path. However, if your losses exceed that amount, you may want to file in district court and seek legal representation. A consumer protection attorney or a civil litigation attorney with experience in automotive fraud or defective services would be the right fit to guide your case forward. 
 
Document every visit, receipt, communication, and repair record, and include your complaint filings and second opinion diagnostic report. You have the right to pursue compensation not only for the faulty repair but also for the consequences that followed—like ongoing loan payments, alternative transportation costs, and loss of use. You’ve acted diligently, and now it’s time to demand accountability through the legal process.

Q: Seeking legal advice for faulty car repairs and compensation from dealership in NC.