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When “Certified Pre-Owned” Means Previously Wrecked: How Dealers Misuse CPO Labels to Deceive Buyers
Buying a safe, reliable used car can be a real challenge. That’s why many consumers turn to vehicles advertised as “Certified Pre-Owned” (CPO). Dealer’s heavily market CPO vehicles as safe and reliable, even highlighting the hundred plus point inspections. The CPO term suggests a level of trust — a promise that the car has been thoroughly inspected and is in good condition. But what happens when that trust is broken? Increasingly, some car dealerships are abusing the CPO label to sell previously wrecked vehicles without telling the buyer.
What Does "Certified Pre-Owned" Really Mean?
CPO vehicles are supposed to meet certain standards set by manufacturers or dealerships. Typically, this means the car:
Passes a multi-point inspection,
Has low mileage,
Comes with an extended warranty, and
Has no significant damage history.
But these standards are not uniform across the industry. While manufacturer-backed CPO programs (like those from Ford, Toyota, or Honda) have stricter requirements, dealer-created “certification” programs can be vague, inconsistent, or even deceptive.
The Problem: CPO Used to Hide Accident Histories
Some unscrupulous dealers exploit the CPO label to create a false sense of security. We’ve seen cases where vehicles with serious accident damage — including frame damage or previous total loss status — are labeled as “Certified Pre-Owned.” In some instances, even branded titles (like salvage or rebuilt) are cleaned up and hidden behind glowing CPO marketing.
The worst part? Many consumers have no idea. A glossy CPO sticker and a salesperson’s assurance often cause buyers to skip asking deeper questions or checking the vehicle history for red flags.
Is It Legal? Often Not.
In Oklahoma, regardless of whether you are buying a CPO or not, always ask the selling car dealer if the vehicle has ever been damaged, wrecked, flooded or otherwise unsafe. Ask the dealer if they inspected and serviced the vehicle. If the dealer doesn’t give you a straight answer, you should walk and do your business with another dealer. Why should you ask these questions? Because in Oklahoma, the dealer has to tell you the whole truth—not half-truths--- IF you ask for or the dealer volunteers material information about the vehicle’s history or condition. The dealer cannot tell you the good facts to sell the vehicle but conceal the bad information because they have a duty to disclose known damage or the fact that a vehicle was previously wrecked — especially when they advertise the vehicle as “certified.” Failing to disclose a material defect or accident history can amount to:
Fraud or deceit,
Breach of warranty, or
Violation of consumer protection laws, including the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act or state deceptive trade practices acts.
Even when the dealership claims it “didn’t know,” the law may still hold them liable if they should have known based on available records like CARFAX reports, internal inspections, or repair documentation.
How to Protect Yourself
If you’re shopping for a used vehicle — even a CPO one — here are some steps you can take:
Always ask the dealer if the vehicle has ever been damaged, wrecked, flooded or otherwise unsafe.
Ask the dealer if they inspected and serviced the vehicle.
Request a full vehicle history report (CARFAX or AutoCheck).
Ask for the inspection checklist used in the certification process.
What If You've Already Bought a Wrecked "CPO" Car?
If you bought a certified pre-owned vehicle and later discovered it had been previously wrecked or seriously damaged, you may have legal options. You could be entitled to:
Damages
A full refund,
Cancellation of the sale,
Compensation for diminished value,
Attorney’s fees, or
Punitive damages, depending on the facts.
We Can Help
At Humphreys Wallace Humphreys P.C. we represent consumers who were misled by dishonest car dealerships. If you suspect your certified pre-owned car was actually a previously wrecked, seriously damaged or lemon in disguise, contact us. We’ve helped clients hold dealerships accountable for fraud, misrepresentation, and unfair business practices — and we can help you too.
Contact us today for a consultation. Let’s find out what your car dealer didn’t tell you.